Sandford St Martin's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Sandford, Wareham, BH20 7BNOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Sandford St Martin's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is a primary school in Wareham for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 179 schools in Dorset. It ranks 48th of 88 primary schools in Dorset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 1 November 2022, report published 13 December 2022
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 1 November 2022
Pupils are proud to attend this inclusive school. The school's Christian values underpin daily life for everyone and pupils know that these are valuable, lifelong principles. Pupils have a strong sense of moral purpose. They know that everyone should be respected and treated equally regardless of race, culture, beliefs or needs. They are adamant that this is what happens at Sandford St Martin's. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes to their learning are exceptional. They have a thirst for learning, right from their start in Reception and throughout the school. Pupils are keen to ask questions and are confident participating in discussions. They listen very respectfully to one another, making thoughtful responses to other people's contributions. Lessons are not affected by any low-level disruption. Pupils meet the high expectations of teachers at all times. They show high levels of self-control and engagement. Leaders have put effective strategies in place for those pupils who find this more difficult. Pupils have a compassionate understanding about this support for more vulnerable pupils. There is a wide range of enrichment opportunities and extra-curricular clubs for pupils. Pupils and parents appreciate the variety of these clubs because there is something for everyone's interests.
What the school should improve
- In a few subjects, the knowledge leaders want pupils to learn is not clear enough. As a result, leaders cannot be sure that pupils learn knowledge that helps them to build on what they already know. Leaders should ensure that key knowledge is identified in all subject curriculums so that pupils know more, remember more and can do more.
- Leaders have begun work to identify a school-wide approach to teaching. This needs further refinement because teachers implement some subject curriculums with variability. Leaders must ensure that teachers have the support and guidance they need to implement all subject curriculums consistently.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
61 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
342 pupils on roll, with places for 432
Schools near Sandford St Martin's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wareham St Mary Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 50% met the expected standard |
| Stoborough Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 56% met the expected standard |
| Lytchett Matravers Primary School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 68% met the expected standard |
| Upton Junior School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 47% met the expected standard |
| Bayside Academy | 3 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | 60% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Emma Roberts
- Phone
- 01929552949
- Address
- Sandford, Wareham, BH20 7BN
- Local authority
- Dorset
- URN
- 113818
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.