Official inspection reports and grades
Inspected 3 March 2026
School workforce census, 2025/26.
Ofsted’s survey of parents at this school
83%
of parents would recommend this school to another parent
76%
of parents have a positive overall view of the school
30 responses up to 6 April 2026 · 21% response rate
My child is happy at this school.
93% agreeMy child feels safe at this school.
87% agreeThe school makes sure its pupils are well behaved.
80% agreeMy child has been bullied, and the school dealt with it quickly and effectively.
50% agreeMy child has SEND, and the school gives them the support they need to succeed.
80% agreeOfsted inspected St Mary's VA CofE Lower School on 3 March 2026 using a report card, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade. The school met Ofsted's safeguarding standards. It was graded Strong standard for inclusion, for leadership and governance, for personal development and wellbeing, for attendance and behaviour and for early years; Expected standard for achievement and for curriculum and teaching.
Apply through the council where you live by 15 January for a Reception place starting that September. Children start Reception in the September after their fourth birthday. You can usually list between 3 and 6 schools in order of preference, and offers are sent on 16 April, or the next working day. A place in its nursery class does not carry on into Reception, so you still need to apply. As a Church of England school it may also ask for a supplementary form, and its admissions policy says whether it does.
No. Distance only counts when St Mary's VA CofE Lower School has more applicants than places. Then its admission criteria, set by its governing body, decide who is offered a place first. Children in care or adopted from care come first by law. Most schools put brothers and sisters of current pupils next, then distance or a catchment area. As a Church of England school, it can give priority to children on grounds of faith. How far away the last place went changes every year, depending on who applies.
St Mary's VA CofE Lower School had 143 pupils aged 2 to 9 at the latest school census. Its official capacity is 150. It is a mixed school.