Powerstock Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Bridport, DT6 3TB · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
73rd 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,236 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.6/10 among them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| 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.
Powerstock Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% 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% of pupils, 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 0.6 out of 10 among them, against 1.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 33 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 to the national median following the 2024 inspection? What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard? How does the current class size affect individual attention for each child?
What Ofsted said about Powerstock Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Overview
The report states that the new headteacher and governors are "ambitious" and have prioritised curriculum development, but it is "still early days" and the current curriculum "does not yet match their ambition." Consequently, "too many pupils progress through the school without securing the essential knowledge they need to know." Despite these educational gaps, pupils are described as "happy" and feel "safe in school," with positive relationships with staff.
Strengths
- Pupils develop "positive relationships with staff" and have a "trusted adult to speak to if they have any concerns."
- Children benefit from opportunities to develop skills beyond the academic, such as learning instruments or rock climbing, which help them "build self-confidence."
- Pupils demonstrate a "strong understanding of fundamental British values" and learn about democracy, beliefs, and spirituality through regular assemblies.
- Older pupils "enjoy learning outdoors," developing resilience and teamwork through activities like building dens and foraging.
- Governors are "committed to the school and the community," supporting staff well-being and the school’s vision for improvement.
Areas to improve
- The school must implement a "well-planned and sequenced phonics curriculum" because books are not consistently matched to pupils’ knowledge, leading to gaps.
- The curriculum in some subjects is not "clearly sequenced or strategically planned," meaning pupils, including those with SEND, do not build secure knowledge over time.
- Assessment is "inconsistent across the curriculum," so teaching does not always adapt to help pupils remember as much as they could.
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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