St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School
Gillingham, SP8 4GG · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
21st 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 4,255 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.2/10 among them, against 5.4/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
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 the Virgin Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 14.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.2 out of 10 among them, against 5.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Orbit Club, play Quidditch, cricket, football, or athletics, and visit Longleat.
Getting in
The published school roll is 242 pupils against a stated capacity of 244. 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 reach the higher standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child in Orbit Club? How does the school manage the transition for new starters given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School
Overview
St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy an exciting learning environment and respond well to high expectations. The school fosters a strong sense of citizenship and community, with pupils demonstrating respect for others and a commitment to positive behaviour.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed an "ambitious curriculum" that gives pupils the knowledge they need to be successful in life and prepares them for "life in modern Britain."
- Reading is "at the heart of the curriculum," with pupils quickly acquiring the skills to become fluent readers through well-structured phonics and progressively complex texts.
- Teaching is effective, with learning adapted to account for prior knowledge; staff have successfully addressed pandemic-related gaps in mathematical knowledge.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have barriers "accurately identified," and learning is adapted to meet their needs well.
- Staff are "ambitious for pupils and themselves," benefiting from positive support from senior leaders and trust-wide systems that improve well-being and workload.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the curriculum is "not as well sequenced," and leaders are working to identify the necessary small steps of knowledge.
- The implementation of the curriculum is "too variable" in some places, meaning pupils do not learn as well; leaders must ensure it is implemented "securely and consistently" across the school.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with well-trained staff who record and report concerns appropriately, enabling leaders to act swiftly and secure support for pupils and families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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