Motcombe CofE Primary School
Shaftesbury, SP7 9NT · Dorset · primary school
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8th 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 — 7.1/10 against 4,023 of them, against 6.8/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Motcombe CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 14.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in cricket, a Year 6 residential, a Ducklings trip to Wolfridge Farm, and a Year 5 sailing and camping trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 146 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Year 5 sailing trip? How does the current roll of 146 affect the availability of places for new entrants?
What Ofsted said about Motcombe CofE Primary School
Overview
Motcombe CofE Primary School is described as a ‘happy place to be’ where pupils feel ‘well looked after and safe’. The inspection found that leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in positive attitudes towards learning and strong behaviour across the school.
Strengths
- The school’s vision of ‘faith and friendship, learning and laughter’ is central to its work, fostering an inclusive culture where pupils are motivated by reward systems.
- Leaders have implemented a consistent approach to teaching reading, ensuring children begin learning phonics early and receive swift support if they struggle.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are accurately identified and receive confident, adapted support, allowing them to learn the curriculum well.
- The personal development curriculum is well-planned, helping pupils understand consent, right from wrong, and different cultures and religions.
- Staff benefit from effective training and support from trust leaders and governors, who provide ‘effective challenge and support’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure that all actions taken in relation to safeguarding are ‘clearly recorded and sufficiently detailed’ to avoid missing important information.
- In some wider curriculum subjects, leaders should identify the key knowledge pupils should learn and the order in which it is taught to prevent gaps in understanding.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a ‘strong culture of vigilance’, although leaders must improve the detail of their record-keeping for actions taken.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 32% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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