Question 1

Is Portesham Church of England Primary School a good school?

Accepted Answer

The most recent Ofsted graded inspection took place on 7 to 8 May 2025 (published 23 May 2025) and judged quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all as Good. The report also notes the school joined the First Federation Trust in June 2022 and that the predecessor school was judged Inadequate in 2021, giving important context on improvement.

Question 2

What are the fees at Portesham Church of England Primary School?

Accepted Answer

This is a state-funded primary school, so there are no tuition fees. Families should budget for the usual extras such as uniform and optional trips. The school also publishes paid wraparound sessions for Breakfast Club and after-school Playclub.

Question 3

When is the application deadline for Reception entry?

Accepted Answer

Reception intake is handled through the local authority coordinated process. Check Dorset's latest primary admissions timetable and the school's current admissions policy for the application window, closing date and offer-day timing for the entry year you need.

Question 4

Is Portesham Church of England Primary School oversubscribed?

Accepted Answer

Because the school is small, competitiveness can vary significantly year to year. Families should check the latest local authority admissions information and the school's current published admission number rather than relying on older pressure snapshots.

Question 5

Does the school offer breakfast or after-school care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The school publishes Breakfast Club from 8.00am and an after-school Playclub currently running on Monday and Wednesday with two paid sessions, 3.00pm to 4.00pm and 4.00pm to 5.00pm.

Question 6

How does the Church of England character affect admissions priority?

Accepted Answer

The school's admissions policy may include faith priority and supplementary information forms. Families considering applying under faith criteria should read the current policy carefully and prepare any required evidence and forms by the normal round deadline.

Question 7

What are the school hours at Portesham Church of England Primary School?

Accepted Answer

The school publishes morning registration at 8.45am and an end of day time of 3.15pm, totalling 32.5 hours per week during term time.

Primary School Performance

Combined (R, W & M)

Reading

Writing

Mathematics

GPSGrammar, Punctuation & Spelling

Science