Wareham St Mary Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to Wareham St Mary and the many varied and interesting opportunities staff plan for them. Staff hold a deep understanding of the challenges affecting pupils’ wellbeing and mental health needs. They help pupils build secure relationships and learn how to manage their emotions. Nurture or therapy-based support in 'the hive' or 'the rainbow room' provides effective support for any pupil who needs it. This helps all to feel safe, secure and more able to focus more on their learning. Pupils take part in a wide range of outdoor and extra learning activities. They make a difference to their community when creating an annual float for The Wareham Carnival. They contribute artwork for Purbeck Art Weeks Festival. Pupils participate in weekly sporting events organised by the local secondary school, Purbeck School. Pupils display friendship and kindness to each other. Playtimes and lunchtimes are well-managed where pupils can be active or talk quietly and share books with their friends. Bullying is rare, but dealt with quickly, if it ever happens. Children in the early years get off to a solid start in their learning. Staff identify any barriers to future success quickly. In particular, the school’s work to overcome emotional and mental health needs is thorough and effective. Pupils build trusting relationships with adults and are confident they will provide the right support for their learning and personal development. Pupils learn a broad curriculum. However, it is taught inconsistently. That means some pupils are not building the academic knowledge and understanding they need over time. Pupils' spelling and handwriting are insufficiently developed. Actions to improve teaching have resulted in many staff changes and some parental anxiety. However, current leaders are focusing on the right priorities and acting for the benefit of pupils to improve their achievement and attendance.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should raise pupils' achievement further, so that their knowledge and skills are equally secure across all subjects and age groups.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils progress consistently well in spelling, handwriting and letter formation so they can write at speed and with accuracy.
• Leaders should make sure that staff plan activities that build on pupils’ prior knowledge and skills and check that content has been secured before moving learning on.
• Leaders should ensure that the school's attendance strategy consistently improves pupils’ attendance and reduces rates of absence.
• Leaders should work in partnership with parents and carers to improve communication and understanding of the school’s work so all can support pupils’ learning together.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)