Sherborne Abbey Church of England Primary School
Sherborne, DT9 6AQ · Dorset · primary school
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60th 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 2,705 of them, against 3.2/10 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 | 13 | 35% | 0.45 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sherborne Abbey Church of England Primary School 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%. For the higher standard, the figure was 8.0% 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 (3.2 out of 10 either way). Ofsted inspected the school in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 336 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
Since the 2024/25 results sit below the national median, what specific support is in place for pupils who are not meeting expected standards in maths? With 84 places currently available, how does the school manage class sizes to ensure individual attention? How does the new Ofsted report-card framework influence the school’s current priorities for improving teaching quality?
What Ofsted said about Sherborne Abbey Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils "thrive from a culture of high expectations and inclusivity for all." New leadership has driven significant improvements in attendance and behaviour, creating a "focused learning environment" where pupils feel safe and valued. While safeguarding and inclusion are rated at a "Strong standard," most other aspects of the school’s provision are judged to be at an "Expected standard."
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."
- Inclusion is a "Strong standard," with "precise" support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.
- Personal development is a "strength," preparing pupils well for life through a wide range of trips, clubs, and leadership roles.
- Behaviour is excellent, with pupils described as "polite and kind," and incidents of bullying are "rare."
- Staff morale is high, with staff reporting that their "workload and wellbeing are considered carefully."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue to improve pupils’ achievement so all pupils "consistently reach the standards they are capable of by the end of Year 6."
- In the early years, leaders must ensure activities and resources help children "deepen their learning," as some planned activities are not always precisely linked to pupils’ current abilities.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," confirming that leaders have established an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 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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