St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Bradford Abbas
Sherborne, DT9 6RH · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
75th 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 4,112 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3/10 among them, against 1.1/10 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 | 44.0 · 12 | 40% | 0.47 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| 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 Church of England Primary School, Bradford Abbas overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.0% 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%. An Ofsted inspection took place in May 2026 under the new 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 0.3 out of 10 among them, against 1.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, netball, and cross country.
Getting in
The published school roll is 90 pupils against a stated capacity of 119. 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 progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Bradford Abbas
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "safe and happy" and behave well, with attendance rates "above the national figures." While safeguarding standards are met and personal development is strong, the implementation of the curriculum is "not yet consistent," resulting in some pupils lacking "secure knowledge" in core subjects.
Strengths
- Attendance is high, with rates "above the national figures" for all pupil groups.
- Pupils behave well, understanding the simplified expectation to be "ready, safe and respectful."
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively managed.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "increasingly effective."
- Pupils enjoy a "wide range of enrichment activities" in art, music, and sport.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must clarify the "foundational knowledge" pupils need to acquire to be ready for the next stage of their education.
- Teaching must more consistently ensure all pupils gain secure knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Leaders should ensure strategies "quickly identify and address gaps" in pupils’ core subject knowledge.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and that "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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 44% |
| 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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