St Mary's Church of England Primary School & Nursery, Purton
Swindon, SN5 4AR · Wiltshire · primary school
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72nd of 181 primary schools in Wiltshire we can score, 201 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 4,205 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9/10 among them, against 5.0/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
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 & Nursery, Purton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 9.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9 out of 10 among them, against 5.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council and Peer Mentors, alongside sports including football, netball, swimming, and gymnastics. Music lessons are available, and both breakfast and after-school clubs operate to support families.
Getting in
The published school roll is 318 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 fall below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities do the Peer Mentors undertake during the school day?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Church of England Primary School & Nursery, Purton
Overview
St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Purton continues to be a good school. Pupils are described as proud, respectful, and keen learners who feel safe and valued within a welcoming community. The school maintains high expectations, fostering a culture where pupils ‘shine brightly’ and engage enthusiastically with both academic and personal development opportunities.
Strengths
- Pupils follow a ‘purposeful and ambitious curriculum’ with strong subject knowledge among staff, particularly in mathematics where regular revisiting of concepts aids long-term retention.
- Reading is highly valued, with successful initiatives like the ‘breakfast reading café’ and effective early phonics teaching ensuring children become ‘confident, fluent readers’.
- Pupils demonstrate a ‘mature understanding of equality and diversity’, engaging confidently with complex topics and showing respect for different cultures and beliefs.
- Staff and governors work collaboratively, with leaders providing ‘well-considered support and challenge’ and staff appreciating professional development opportunities.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers’ use of assessment is not as well developed as in others, meaning they do not always identify where pupils have developed misconceptions.
- Leaders need to ensure that assessment accurately highlights gaps in pupils’ understanding so that these can be remedied promptly.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a ‘robust culture of safeguarding in place’ where staff are well-trained and work closely with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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