Milldown CofE Academy
Blandford Forum, DT11 7SN · Dorset · primary school
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51st 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 — 1.7/10 against 3,014 of them, against 2.1/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Milldown CofE Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. 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 (1.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Parent Gardening Club or attend the Dorset Rural Music School.
Getting in
The published school roll is 200 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment to the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Milldown CofE Academy
Overview
Milldown CofE Academy is described as having a “caring ethos” where pupils are “polite, courteous and well mannered.” The report highlights a “calm and orderly atmosphere” and notes that pupils “enjoy school, feel safe and attend regularly.” Leaders are praised for their ambition in providing a “broad and exciting curriculum” with a strong focus on reading and personal development.
Strengths
- Reading is a clear priority, with staff ensuring every pupil becomes a “fluent reader by the end of Year 2” through high-quality books and daily sessions.
- Behaviour is typically “calm” due to securely established routines, such as ‘eye tracking’, and rare incidents of bullying.
- Pupils benefit from a “wide variety of lunchtime and extra-curricular activities,” including sports, art, music, and forest school.
- Staff provide “high-quality pastoral care,” with pupils valuing opportunities to discuss worries via resources like the ‘worry box’.
- Leaders and trust staff work closely to ensure staff have the “necessary knowledge and expertise” to support learning.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the curriculum is “not implemented as effectively as in the more developed subjects,” meaning teachers do not sufficiently build on what pupils already know. Leaders must ensure plans to strengthen these subjects are implemented effectively.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with a “strong culture of safeguarding” where staff are well trained to report concerns and leaders respond swiftly to support pupils and families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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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