Wareham St Mary Church of England Primary School
Wareham, BH20 4PG · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
56th 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 — 1.5/10 against 2,115 of them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.77 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| 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.
Wareham St Mary Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 165 pupils against a stated capacity of 216. 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 who are working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How has the teaching approach changed since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Wareham St Mary Church of England Primary School
Overview
Wareham St Mary Church of England Primary School is described as a place where pupils ‘flourish’ and ‘thrive’, underpinned by a strong Christian vision and high expectations for behaviour. The report highlights an ‘ambitious curriculum’ that is well sequenced, particularly in early reading and mathematics, enabling pupils to build knowledge and independence effectively. Leaders and governors provide effective support, fostering a positive culture where staff morale is high and pupils feel safe and respected.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘well sequenced’, with clear plans in early reading ensuring pupils can ‘segment and blend unknown words’.
- Mathematics teaching helps pupils ‘build understanding over time’, enabling them to reason and solve problems using specific vocabulary.
- There is a ‘positive and caring culture’ with ‘rarely any low-level disruption’ and no reported bullying.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities have their needs ‘well met’ through adapted curriculum support.
- Leaders provide ‘a wealth of opportunities’ for personal growth, including forest school and clubs, enriching the curriculum.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teaching strategies are ‘consistent across subjects and year groups’, as variety in delivery sometimes reduces learning.
- Senior leaders need to develop subject leaders’ ability to ‘accurately monitor and evaluate their subjects’ to confirm intended progress is being made.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with leaders maintaining a strong culture of safety, rigorous staff training, and close collaboration with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 39% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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