Loders CofE Primary Academy, Bridport

From the headteacher's welcome: "'A caring Christian family with a love for learning at its heart.' Founded in October 1869 and located in the picturesque village of Loders, Loders CE Primary School is built upon Christian foundations, embeds the Christian faith and is committed to providing every child with an excellent education. We are proud to be part of the First Federation Trust."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include drama and forest school.

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care, from £2.00 per morning.

In 2025, 58% of Year 6 pupils at Loders CofE Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 50% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 71% in Dorset and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 67% in reading and 56% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put Loders CofE Primary Academy as their first choice and 15 named it as one of their preferences, for 8 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 Loders CofE Primary Academy are Bridport Primary School (1.5 miles, Good, 64% reading, 66% maths); St Catherine's Roman Catholic School (1.6 miles, Requires improvement, 55% reading, 40% maths); Powerstock Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School (1.8 miles, Requires improvement, 75% reading, 50% maths); and Bridport, St Mary's Church of England Primary School (2.4 miles, Good, 72% reading, 68% maths).

Loders CofE Primary Academy's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

Loders CofE Primary Academy 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.

24 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Loders CofE Primary Academy (as of September 2025): 100% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 67% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that they are kept well informed about progress (100%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (67%).

16.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 5.6% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 13 pupils (18.1%) received SEN support and 5 (6.9%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

Loders CofE Primary Academy had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 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 Loders CofE Primary Academy.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Primary School (w-bound), 100 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 10 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and burglary. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Dorset (25).

Loders CofE Primary Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.