Marhamchurch CofE Academy
Bude, EX23 0HY · Cornwall · primary school
Check the area around this school
204th of 218 primary schools in Cornwall we can score, 236 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,133 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7/10 among them, against 2.0/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Marhamchurch CofE Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7 out of 10 among them, against 2.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 128 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school plan to raise attainment to the national median following the 2024 inspection? What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Marhamchurch CofE Academy
Overview
Marhamchurch CofE Academy is described as a "happy, calm and safe environment" where pupils demonstrate positive attitudes and courtesy. The school is currently "recovering from a period of steep decline" following its transfer to a new trust, with "green shoots emerging" in pupil knowledge retention. While significant improvements have been made to the curriculum and staff support, the report notes that "there is still a lot more to do" to ensure consistent high-quality teaching across all subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "positive attitudes to learning," with older pupils showing "care and compassion towards their younger peers."
- The trust has introduced a "well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum," helping pupils build knowledge logically, particularly in science.
- Staff workload is balanced, and the headteacher is viewed as a "calm, composed and well-respected figure" who has helped "settle things down."
- Reading is prioritised with "clear systems for identifying pupils who are struggling," leading to improved fluency for many.
- Pupils are "well prepared for life in modern Britain," demonstrating "great maturity and tolerance" when discussing discrimination.
Areas to improve
- The trust must ensure all subjects "precisely identify the important knowledge that pupils need to learn and remember" so pupils build knowledge consistently over time.
- Teachers must provide activities that "closely match the curriculum intention" and are ambitious enough to ensure pupils learn new knowledge securely.
- Staff require further training and support to teach phonics in line with the school’s agreed approaches, as some currently lack the necessary subject knowledge.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 11% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of EX23 0HY, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT