St Catherine's Roman Catholic School
Bridport, DT6 3TR · Dorset · primary school
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79th 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 — 0.2/10 against 3,352 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 30.0 · 3 | 40% | 0.11 |
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| 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.
St Catherine's Roman Catholic School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 30.0% 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%, 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 (0.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in gymnastics, dance, athletics, badminton, hockey, lacross, tri-golf, and tag rugby.
Getting in
The published school roll is 100 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to help children progress towards the higher standard? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about St Catherine's Roman Catholic School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils benefit from a "warm, caring environment" and make a "positive start" in the early years. However, significant challenges remain regarding academic achievement, attendance, and the consistency of teaching for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Early years provision is effective, with a curriculum that builds knowledge logically and prioritises communication and phonics.
- Pupils develop strong personal wellbeing, understanding relationships, online safety, and British values through community involvement.
- Behaviour is of a "high standard," with a "calm and orderly atmosphere" built on respect, trust, and kindness.
- Staff are described as "approachable, caring" and well-supported by leaders, fostering positive staff morale.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff consistently adapt learning to support disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, as current provision is not consistently effective.
- The teaching of writing requires improvement to develop foundational spelling knowledge and handwriting quality across the curriculum.
- Leaders need to sharpen strategic oversight and continue efforts to raise attendance, as persistent absence remains too high and impacts learning.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 30% |
| 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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