Beaminster St Mary's Academy
Clay Lane, Beaminster, DT8 3BYOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Beaminster St Mary's Academy is a primary school in Beaminster for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 179 schools in Dorset. It ranks 47th of 88 primary schools in Dorset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 May 2023, report published 17 July 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 23 May 2023
Beaminster St Mary's Academy is a highly positive, vibrant school community. Pupils enjoy coming to school and are motivated to learn. Strong relationships between staff and pupils mean they feel safe and happy. Pupils behave well. Staff have high expectations of pupils. The school's values underpin these expectations. Pupils know that it is important to treat everyone with respect and kindness. They are clear about the rewards and sanctions and say teachers use these fairly. Any pupils who struggle to manage their behaviour are well supported by adults. Pupils are adamant that bullying does not happen at the school. They know what bullying is and can distinguish this from fallouts with friends. They are confident that adults will help to resolve any issues they have. Leaders' vision for the school to be an important part of the local community means that pupils take part in important events within Beaminster. They enjoyed the Remembrance Parade and Coronation events. Enrichment opportunities also happen within the curriculum, such as the live lecture from the British Museum. Pupils and parents value these experiences that broaden pupils' interests and talents.
What the school should improve
- In some subjects, the essential knowledge that leaders want pupils to learn is not broken down into small enough steps. This means that teachers and pupils are not clear enough about what knowledge is to be learned. Leaders must identify the precise knowledge they want pupils to learn in the curriculum so that pupils are able to know more, remember more and do more.
- Teaching does not always match the needs of some pupils with SEND. As a result, some pupils with SEND do not learn as well as they could. Leaders need to ensure that teachers are skilled in matching learning precisely with pupils' needs so that all pupils learn well.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
12 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
140 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near Beaminster St Mary's Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parrett and Axe Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Broadwindsor Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | 60% met the expected standard |
| Salway Ash Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 60% met the expected standard |
| Powerstock Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | 50% met the expected standard |
| Loders CofE Primary Academy | 5 miles | Ofsted: Good | 50% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- DIOCESE OF SALISBURY ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Darren Marklew
- Phone
- 01308862201
- Address
- Clay Lane, Beaminster, DT8 3BY
- Local authority
- Dorset
- URN
- 140560
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.