St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Swanage
Swanage, BH19 1QE · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
36th 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 3,865 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.9/10 among them, against 3.6/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.08 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| 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 Mary's Catholic Primary School, Swanage overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.9 out of 10 among them, against 3.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Ukulele Club, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 175 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 have not yet reached the higher standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection? How are class sizes managed given the current roll of 175?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Swanage
Overview
This inspection found the school to be ‘Good’ across all categories, marking an improvement from its previous ‘Requires improvement’ rating. The report describes a ‘welcoming and inclusive’ environment where pupils enjoy attending and benefit from strong pastoral support. Leaders demonstrate ambition for all pupils, fostering a community with high expectations and a clear focus on reading and personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘polite and courteous’, with bullying described as ‘rare’ and adults dealing with any issues ‘sensitively’.
- There is a ‘sharp focus on reading’, with books matched to phonics learning and quick support for those who struggle.
- The mathematics curriculum is ‘well-structured’, helping pupils develop mathematical vocabulary and understanding.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ‘thrive in a supportive environment’ and access the same learning as their peers.
- Leaders promote personal development well, encouraging healthy lifestyles and providing opportunities for pupils to become ‘good citizens’.
Areas to improve
- In some wider curriculum subjects, leaders have not mapped out ‘precise sequences of knowledge’, inhibiting pupils from building on their learning over time.
- Assessment is not used consistently well to check pupils’ knowledge, meaning teachers are not always clear what pupils know and understand.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with staff trained to be vigilant and leaders making swift decisions to support families in need.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BH19 1QE, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT