Sherborne Primary School
Sherborne, DT9 4AJ · Dorset · primary school
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67th 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 3,750 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8/10 among them, against 2.6/10 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 | 47.0 · 15 | 40% | 0.60 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sherborne Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. An inspection in January 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8 out of 10 among them, against 2.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Forest School, Film Club, Music & Movement, Creative Writing, Lego, Parkour, and Wildgoose Art Clubs. Sports include Netball, Athletics, Gymnastics, Tennis, and YTFC Football. Year 5 pupils attend a residential trip to Leeson House, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 304 pupils against a stated capacity of 330. 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 to bridge the gap between the 47.0% expected standard and the 64% national median? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Sherborne Primary School
Overview
Sherborne Primary School is described as a "caring community" where pupils feel they "belong" and are "safe." While leaders have established high expectations for attendance and behaviour, the report identifies that teaching quality is inconsistent and pupils are not retaining knowledge as well as they should, particularly in writing and mathematics.
Strengths
- Leaders have created a "positive culture of behaviour" where bullying is "never tolerated," resulting in a "calm" school environment.
- The school works effectively in "partnership with families" to identify barriers to attendance and provide support.
- Pupils are "well prepared for adult life," developing leadership skills through roles such as the student council and eco-committee.
- Staff provide effective support for inclusion, including "highly effective work" to welcome families in the armed forces.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure "highly effective teaching is embedded" so pupils securely know and remember intended learning.
- Teachers should use formative assessment to "swiftly identify and address gaps" in foundational knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Leaders need to ensure their strategy to improve "transcription and punctuation" is having the intended impact on written work quality.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 47% |
| 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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