St Mary's CofE Primary School
Bucknell, SY7 0AA · Shropshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
13th of 97 primary schools in Shropshire we can score, 127 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.2/10 against 2,194 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 38% | 3.35 |
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 CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A further 17.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 55 pupils against a stated capacity of 56. 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 curriculum support pupils who are working towards the higher standard? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help in maths?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's CofE Primary School
Overview
Pupils enjoy life at this small community school, where staff forge strong relationships and maintain high behavioural expectations. The report describes a "calm and purposeful" environment where children feel safe and behave well. Leaders have planned an ambitious curriculum that balances different subject components effectively, ensuring pupils make good progress across all areas.
Strengths
- Reading is a "very high priority," with a structured phonics programme ensuring pupils become "fluent and willing readers."
- Teachers possess "secure subject knowledge" and effectively check learning to address misconceptions early.
- The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "promptly and effectively," supporting secure progress.
- Pupils develop strong social skills and respect for others through learning about diverse cultures and traditions.
- Leaders are "thoughtful" and evaluate the school well, fostering a collaborative team culture where staff feel supported.
Areas to improve
- Teaching is "sometimes inconsistent in subjects other than English and mathematics," meaning pupils’ learning is not always as effective as it could be.
- Some early years resources, particularly in outdoor areas, are not well adapted to reinforce understanding of early English and mathematics, limiting independent learning opportunities.
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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