Western Downland Church of England Aided Primary School
Fordingbridge, SP6 3NA · Hampshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
132nd of 300 primary schools in Hampshire we can score, 420 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 2,757 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6/10 among them, against 5.7/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Western Downland Church of England Aided Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6 out of 10 among them, against 5.7 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 160 pupils against a stated capacity of 200. 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 core subjects? What specific activities are available during the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about Western Downland Church of England Aided Primary School
Overview
Western Downland Church of England Aided Primary School continues to be a good school. Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and treat each other with kindness, guided by core values of love, righteousness and fellowship. The school provides a highly inclusive environment where all pupils are supported to access the curriculum and wider school life.
Strengths
- The curriculum is refined so that "the most important knowledge pupils must know is clearly identified," with particular pride in the forest school provision.
- Reading is given the "highest priority," with a sharp focus on phonics resulting in high outcomes and every pupil supported to keep up with peers.
- A "highly inclusive environment permeates throughout the school," with robust systems ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive necessary help.
- Behaviour is excellent, creating a "calm and productive environment" as pupils understand and follow shared routines and rules.
- Pupils enjoy a "broad range of experiences," including residential trips and clubs, which help prepare them for future life.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, staff do not always design tasks which allow pupils to learn the most important information, requiring better support for acquiring intended knowledge.
- Assessment systems need refinement in a small number of subjects to ensure there is an accurate picture of what pupils have remembered over time.
Safeguarding
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 | 80% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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