William Barnes Primary School
Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BZ · Dorset · primary school
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29th 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 — 4.6/10 against 2,721 of them, against 4.2/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| 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.
William Barnes Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess, Reading, Sewing, Dance, Fencing, Archery, and Homework clubs. Sports include Football, Netball, Cricket, Rugby, Tennis, Cross country running, Athletics, and Basketball. The School Choir performs, and trips visit Buddens Educational Centre, Leeson House Field Studies Centre, and PGL at Osmington Mills. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 162 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about William Barnes Primary School
Overview
William Barnes Primary School continues to be a good school, fostering a "happy and inclusive culture" where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders have designed a "rich curriculum" that prepares pupils to be "global-ready" citizens, with strong emphasis on reading, subject-specific vocabulary, and supporting those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils are "treated as individuals" in a supportive environment where they "enjoy attending school" and build relationships based on "mutual respect."
- The curriculum is "rich" and "reflects the school’s locality," helping pupils become "exceptionally well informed about diversity and difference."
- Teachers are "highly effective at checking pupils’ understanding," particularly in mathematics where they expect pupils to "justify and explain their reasoning."
- There is "strong, school-wide provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities," with staff skilled at adapting the curriculum.
- Staff feel "well supported" and have "strong subject knowledge," benefiting from clear professional development opportunities.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure safeguarding record-keeping is "well maintained and up to date" to provide clear oversight of safeguarding actions.
- Leaders should ensure all staff are consistently trained in delivering the phonics programme to support pupils in reading fluently, as support is currently inconsistent.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving appropriate training, though record-keeping is not always well maintained, limiting oversight.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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