Symondsbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Bridport, DT6 6HD · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
5th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.7/10 against 4,265 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 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.
Symondsbury Church of England Voluntary Aided 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%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access yoga, archery, choir, whole class instrument lessons, Forest school, orienteering, and Bikeability training. Daily activities include the Daily Mile, Daily Dance, and Active Breaktimes. The school also hosts productions, shows, assemblies, Fabulous Finishes, sports day, and residential visits. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 107 pupils against a stated capacity of 112. 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 structure the transition from Forest school to the main classroom? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help with reading?
What Ofsted said about Symondsbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Overview
Pupils are “eager to come to school” and “enthuse about their learning” in this small primary school. The report highlights an “ambitious and broad curriculum” that fosters strong community spirit, with pupils showing “exceptional” behaviour and personal development. While leadership is strategic and safeguarding is effective, the school is working to refine its recently introduced writing curriculum.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “Outstanding” behaviour and attitudes, acting as a caring community where older children support younger ones.
- Personal development is “Outstanding”, with pupils engaging in “exceptional experiences beyond the curriculum” such as working with professional musicians and human rights lawyers.
- The curriculum is “well-sequenced”, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge, particularly in mathematics and early years.
- Staff effectively identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) through “bespoke and appropriate support”.
- Attendance is high, and pupils “value reading highly”, enjoying activities like meeting authors and participating in poetry clubs.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure expectations for writing are “extended across the breadth of the curriculum”, as opportunities to practise writing skills are currently “less developed” in some subjects.
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 38% |
| 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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