St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Poole
Poole, BH15 3QQ · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · primary school
Check the area around this school
29th 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 4,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Poole overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 11.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6 out of 10 among them, against 4.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Ukulele Club, play football, and take instrumental music lessons.
Getting in
The published school roll is 379 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 who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in writing?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Poole
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Mary’s Catholic Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The school remains a “happy and friendly” environment where pupils enjoy a strong sense of safety and belonging. Leaders have successfully constructed an “ambitious curriculum” that allows pupils to connect learning across subjects and achieve well from their starting points.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from “trusting relationships” with dedicated staff and high aspirations, resulting in strong outcomes in national tests.
- The curriculum is well-sequenced, enabling pupils to “connect learning across the curriculum,” such as using mathematics in scientific investigations.
- Reading is central to provision, with most pupils leaving as “confident readers” who can explain meanings from challenging texts.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), adapting the curriculum so they can “learn alongside their peers.”
- Wider development is a strength, with pupils participating in musical productions, cultural celebrations, and community fundraising.
Areas to improve
- A minority of pupils, including some with SEND, do not master accurate letter formation and pencil grip, hindering writing fluency.
- A few staff lack the subject expertise to teach the early reading programme with “enough precision,” slowing phonics development for some pupils.
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 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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