Marshwood CofE Primary Academy
Bridport, DT6 5QA · Dorset · primary school
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62nd of 79 primary schools in Dorset we can score, 119 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.2/10 against 2,959 of them, against 3.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 40% | 0.27 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Marshwood CofE Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 13.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in June 2024. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join an active club, play climbing, footgolf and archery, and attend both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 43 pupils against a stated capacity of 70. 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 in reading, writing and maths to meet national expectations? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating? How does the curriculum support pupils who are currently below the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Marshwood CofE Primary Academy
Overview
The inspection found that while pupils are "confident and happy" with "Good" behaviour and personal development, the overall quality of education and leadership "Requires improvement". The school has introduced a new curriculum to raise standards, but implementation is inconsistent, meaning pupils do not yet "know more and remember more" in several subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils are "polite and considerate", treating others with respect and listening carefully during lessons.
- The phonics and reading curriculum has improved significantly, with staff nurturing a "love of reading" through high-quality books.
- Personal development is well supported, with pupils understanding "fundamental British values" and appreciating diversity.
- Attendance is regular, as the school works effectively with parents to "identify and remove the barriers" to attendance.
- A wide range of clubs and trips nurtures pupils’ "talents and interests", including caring for animals and cooking.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum in some subjects is not "sufficiently detailed and carefully sequenced", preventing pupils from learning essential concepts.
- Learning activities do not always allow pupils to "secure and deepen" their knowledge, hindering their ability to make connections between concepts.
- Individual targets for some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are not precise enough, leading to insufficient support.
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 | 17% |
| 2023/24 | 31% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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
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