St Paul's Church of England VC Junior School
Shepton Mallet, BA4 5LA · Somerset · primary school
Check the area around this school
77th of 156 primary schools in Somerset we can score, 219 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 4.0/10 against 2,673 of them, against 3.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Paul's Church of England VC Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Forest Schools and Hawthorn Forest School, swimming, and the Make the Sunshine arts group. Trips include visits to Blenheim Palace and residential stays. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 324 pupils against a stated capacity of 297. 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 below the expected standard in literacy? What specific support is available during the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about St Paul's Church of England VC Junior School
Overview
St Paul’s Church of England VC Junior School is described as a “welcoming and caring school” where pupils feel safe and behave well. The report states that the school has “acted decisively to address previous lower outcomes” and now offers a curriculum that interests and motivates pupils, resulting in an overall effectiveness judgement of Good.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully designed, with pupils able to “talk about and recall their learning across the curriculum with confidence.”
- Teachers have “secure subject knowledge” and share instructions clearly, particularly in mathematics where concepts are introduced “step by step.”
- Reading is a priority, with a “well-considered reading programme” that helps pupils become “eager and confident readers.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “effective and caring support” and access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Personal development is a strength, with pupils engaging in a wide range of activities and demonstrating a good understanding of “fundamental British values.”
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not “check well enough pupils’ understanding before moving learning on,” leading to gaps in knowledge.
- The school needs to ensure teachers use assessment “precisely enough” across all subjects to identify gaps and help pupils securely build their understanding.
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 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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