Charmouth Primary School, Bridport

Ofsted's report card from its 30 June 2026 inspection grades Charmouth Primary School on 7 areas: 3 expected standard and 4 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Early years - Expected standard. "Children's knowledge, skills and understanding of early reading, writing and mathematics are building securely."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "The school identifies barriers for pupils with social, emotional and health needs in a detailed, timely and accurate manner."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "The personal development curriculum supports pupils effectively."

Achievement - Needs attention. "Pupils' progress is inconsistent across different ages and subjects."

Attendance and behaviour - Needs attention. "Despite leaders' best efforts, pupils' attendance remains below the expected levels."

Curriculum and teaching - Needs attention. "The curriculum is inconsistently taught because teachers' subject knowledge is mixed."

Leadership and governance - Needs attention. "Overall, Charmouth is an improving school."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "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 across key stage 2, especially when writing, so they can produce high-quality work across the curriculum"; "Leaders should make sure that staff use checks on learning to adapt the curriculum and teach it well so pupils can build on prior learning successfully"; "Leaders should ensure that the school's attendance strategy consistently improves pupils' attendance and reduces rates of absence"; "Leaders, particularly those responsible for governance from the trust, should challenge the impact of actions taken to improve teaching and monitor their impact more effectively"; "Leaders should continue to work in partnership with the parental community, so all pupils benefit fully from the school's whole education offer".

From the headteacher's welcome: "I am delighted to welcome you to Charmouth Primary School. We are incredibly fortunate to be located on the Jurassic Coast, with extensive grounds and direct access to the beach, allowing learning to extend far beyond the classroom walls. From outdoor exploration to creative curriculum experiences, our setting enriches daily school life."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include drama, choir and coding.

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 93% of Year 6 pupils at Charmouth Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 80% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 71% in Dorset and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (79% in reading, 93% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 6 families put Charmouth Primary School as their first choice and 11 named it as one of their preferences, for 6 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Charmouth Primary School are St Michael's CofE Primary School, Lyme Regis (1.5 miles, 65% reading, 59% maths); Mrs Ethelston's CofE Primary Academy (2.5 miles, Good, 81% reading, 77% maths); Marshwood CofE Primary Academy (4.1 miles, Requires improvement, 88% reading, 63% maths); and Hawkchurch Church of England School (4.3 miles, Good, 100% reading, 67% maths).

Charmouth Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

Charmouth Primary School is one of 29 schools run by The First Federation Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 57% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

35.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 4.2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 22 pupils (31%) received SEN support and 8 (11.3%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

Charmouth Primary School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 14 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Charmouth Primary School.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Andrews Church (w-bound), 360 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 8 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Dorset (25).

In 2024/25, Charmouth Primary School issued 10 suspensions, 12.3 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.