St Mark's Church of England Primary School
Bournemouth, BH10 4JA · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · primary school
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32nd of 50 primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we can score, 66 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 4,049 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3/10 among them, against 4.8/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mark's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3 out of 10 among them, against 4.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess, Darts, and Mini Book Clubs, or participate in Musical Theatre. Sports options include AFCB Football, Karate, Tag Rugby, Tennis, and non-contact boxing. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 418 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
How does the school support pupils to reach the higher standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes for the cohort?
What Ofsted said about St Mark's Church of England Primary School
Overview
This inspection judged the school to be ‘Good’ across all categories, describing it as a ‘friendly and caring school’ where ‘pupils are at the heart’. Leaders have established a ‘clear direction’ with a ‘coherently designed curriculum’ that supports both academic and personal development. The report highlights a positive culture where pupils show ‘positive attitudes to their learning’ and feel safe.
Strengths
- Reading is ‘prioritised’ with a ‘well-designed and implemented phonics programme’ that helps younger pupils build fluency.
- Staff expertise is ‘developed well through helpful training’, and those new to the profession feel ‘particularly well supported’.
- The school promotes ‘personal development well’, with pupils taking on responsibilities and understanding how to ‘keep safe’ and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Behaviour is managed effectively under a new policy, resulting in reduced incidents and ‘high’ attendance rates.
- Governance provides an ‘appropriate balance of challenge and support’, with trustees knowledgeable about curriculum improvements.
Areas to improve
- Assessment in some wider curriculum subjects is not used ‘precisely enough’, leading to unaddressed gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
- Targets for some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘too broad’, meaning their individual learning needs are not met well.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 81% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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