Motcombe CofE Primary School
77%
Capacity
162
Pupils
3.8x
Demand
About Motcombe CofE Primary School
Motcombe CofE Primary School is a state-funded Church of England primary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 162 pupils on roll, operating at 77% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Motcombe CofE Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Matthew Barge, it falls under Dorset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 32% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 13168th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 65th out of 68 in Dorset.
Motcombe CofE Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 46 applications for 12 places, making it 3.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 11 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Motcombe CofE Primary School include Dining Hall, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Outdoor Playground, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Netball, Rounders, Athletics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Art Club, Book Club, Chess.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.7%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Dorset, Motcombe CofE Primary School is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Church of England |
| Address | Church Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9NT |
| Headteacher | Matthew Barge |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 162 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 11.7% |
| School Capacity | 162 / 210 (77% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 14 Sept 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (32%)
13168th of 13,686
Nationally
1399th of 1,469
In South West
65th of 68
In Dorset
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
32%
Expected Standard
3%
Higher Standard
'22/23
50%
'23/24
32%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
5Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed12
46
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
11 families put this school as their 1st choice (24% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motcombe CofE Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Church Road, Shaftesbury
Dorset, SP7 9NT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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