St Mary & St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Wareham, BH20 6DS · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
77th 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 4,254 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.5/10 among them, against 1.2/10 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 | 46.0 · 14 | 40% | 0.55 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| 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 & St Joseph's Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 0.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in April 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.5 out of 10 among them, against 1.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 81 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 to improve their attainment in maths? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating? How do the wraparound clubs integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about St Mary & St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report states that pupils have "positive attitudes to their learning" and that the school is "welcoming and highly inclusive." However, it notes that the curriculum is "undergoing changes," resulting in pupils learning better in some subjects than others, with recent leadership changes now being "more settled."
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well in phonics, English, and mathematics, with a phonics programme that ensures they "learn to read quickly."
- Behaviour is generally respectful, and recent work to reduce bullying has had a "positive impact on pupil behaviour."
- The school fosters a "strong culture of tolerance," with pupils respecting difference and understanding how to keep themselves safe.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "accurately identified" and supported to work alongside peers.
- Older pupils are "proud of the quality of their written work," which is "nearly always of a high standard."
Areas to improve
- The implementation of the curriculum is "not consistent," particularly in the early years, where there is no shared understanding of what pupils should know.
- Assessment is "not being used effectively" to check pupil knowledge in some subjects due to a lack of clarity on subject-specific skills.
- Leadership has not ensured the planned curriculum is "delivered as intended or its impact checked," leaving pupils less well prepared in some areas.
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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 29% |
| 2024/25 | 46% |
| 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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