St Andrew's Church of England Primary School
Sherborne, DT9 6LS · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
71st 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 3,905 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1/10 among them, against 1.9/10 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 | 31.0 · 3 | 40% | 0.13 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.03 |
| 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.
St Andrew's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 31.0% 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 March 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 1.1 out of 10 among them, against 1.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess, Recorder, Gardening, and Lego clubs, attend Forest School trips, and use the breakfast and after-school clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 99 pupils against a stated capacity of 200. 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 are below the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to improve results in the areas graded under the new Ofsted framework?
What Ofsted said about St Andrew's Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school that has experienced "instability" due to frequent leadership changes, resulting in attainment "significantly below national averages." However, new leaders have initiated improvements in safeguarding, attendance, and personal development, with "emerging signs of improvement" in teaching quality.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Personal development is strong, featuring a "detailed programme" and "meaningful trips" that help pupils discuss sensitive issues and engage with the wider world.
- Pupils feel "safe and happy," trusting adults and benefiting from pastoral support such as "‘What I wish my teacher knew’ boxes."
- Attendance is "improving for all groups," with whole-school rates now "close to national figures."
- Recent initiatives in reading, including a "new approach to teaching phonics," are having a "positive impact."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff quickly identify and address "gaps in pupils' foundational knowledge" to raise achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- The school needs to clarify and consistently implement behaviour expectations, as current rules are "not implemented consistently" and disrupt learning.
- Leaders should reduce barriers for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities by ensuring tasks "closely match what these pupils know and can do."
Safeguarding
The report confirms that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an open culture where 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 | 26% |
| 2023/24 | 44% |
| 2024/25 | 31% |
| 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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