SchoolScoresBuckland St Mary CofE Primary School
Academy · Primary, ages 2 to 11 · Mixed · Church of England · Nursery class
Part of THE ACADEMIES FOR CHARACTER AND EXCELLENCE
Fairend Lane, Buckland St Mary, Chard, TA20 3SJ
01460 234251 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Requires improvement at the inspection that started on 12 October 2021. This inspection was of the school before it changed to its current form (for example, before becoming an academy).
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Requires improvement |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Requires improvement |
| Early years | Requires improvement |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
Results
Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25
7 pupils in this year group.
Only 7 pupils took these tests, so results can change a lot from year to year. Compare with care.
71% — 14 points above the Somerset average, and 9 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Somerset | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths | 71% | 57% | 62% |
| Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths | 0% | 7% | 8% |
| Met the expected standard in reading | 71% | 72% | 75% |
| Met the expected standard in writing | 71% | 70% | 72% |
| Met the expected standard in maths | 71% | 70% | 74% |
| Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 106 | 105 | 106 |
| Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 103 | 103 | 105 |
Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Somerset. The national closing date for primary applications is 15 January, and offers are sent on 16 April.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 3 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 3 |
| Of those, offered a place | 3 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 9 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.0 · 2025: 0.8 · 2026: 1.0
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Church of England school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Somerset | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 5th highest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Higher than 36% of 16,656 state primary schools in England. | 16.0% | 20.9%* | 26.3% |
| With an education, health and care plan 5th highest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Higher than 20% of 16,656 state primary schools in England. | 1.6% | 3.2%* | 3.5% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 3rd highest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Higher than 40% of 16,656 state primary schools in England. | 12.9% | 12.8%* | 15.0% |
| English as an additional language 6th highest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Higher than 13% of 16,656 state primary schools in England. | 1.6% | 12.3%* | 23.4% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 2nd lowest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Lower than 83% of 16,640 state primary schools in England. | 3.9% | 5.4%* | 5.2% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 2nd lowest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Lower than 89% of 16,640 state primary schools in England. | 5.1% | 12.7%* | 13.0% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 1st lowest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Lower than 69% of 16,651 state primary schools in England. | 0.0 | 3.6 | 2.5 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 1st lowest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Lower than 69% of 16,651 state primary schools in England. | 0.0% | 1.5% | 1.1% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
| Pupils per teacher 6th highest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Higher than 10% of 16,642 state primary schools in England. | 15.6 | 21.3 | 20.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 6th highest of 6 state primary schools in Chard. Higher than 12% of 16,653 state primary schools in England. | 8.2 | 10.0 | 10.6 |
Comparisons are with primary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26.
Nearby primary schools
- Combe St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School 2.4 miles · Ofsted: Good (2012), confirmed 2022 · 67% met expected standard (KS2)
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Buckland St Mary CofE Primary School's Ofsted rating?
Buckland St Mary CofE Primary School was rated Requires improvement by Ofsted at its inspection in 12 October 2021.
How did Buckland St Mary CofE Primary School do in its SATs?
In 2024/25, 71% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, 9 points above the England average of 62%.
Is Buckland St Mary CofE Primary School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 3 families put Buckland St Mary CofE Primary School as their first choice for 3 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 3 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 150638.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, Key stage 2 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.