Spetisbury CofE Primary School
Blandford Forum, DT11 9DF · Dorset · primary school
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3rd 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 — 8.4/10 against 4,259 of them, against 8.3/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Spetisbury CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 15.0%, 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 (8.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 187 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
With 23 places currently spare, how does the school manage class sizes if demand rises next year? Since the last inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Spetisbury CofE Primary School
Overview
Spetisbury C of E Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by an atmosphere of "calmness and warmth" where leaders are respected role models. Pupils are described as happy, safe, and well-behaved, with a strong sense of comradery and clear understanding of behavioural expectations. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel valued and supported in their learning and personal development.
Strengths
- An effective reading curriculum ensures all children progress at the right speed, with targeted support for those mastering phonics.
- Mathematics is a strength, with a "relentless focus" on pupils articulating their mathematical thinking and understanding methods.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from extra support and appropriate adaptations in lessons.
- Leaders provide targeted support at the start of the day to prepare pupils well for subsequent lessons.
- Pupils develop empathy and global awareness through partnerships with schools in China, Burundi, and Ukraine.
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to ensure teachers implement the intended curriculum effectively in foundation subjects, where learning sequences have only recently been established.
- Assessment in foundation subjects is not yet well developed; leaders must routinely check how well pupils are acquiring essential subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge, and skills.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where staff receive regular training, make detailed records, and ensure prompt referrals to wider services when needed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 96% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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