Merley First School

Performance Score

Overall school rating

Score not available

Needs all indicators

Performance score unavailable: missing published data for KS2 pupils meeting expected standard, KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard

Indicators used for Primary schools

KS2 pupils meeting expected standard

Not published

Raw: No data published

KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard

Not published

Raw: No data published

Ofsted inspection outcome

75.0

/ 100 normalized

Weight: Not used

Raw: Good

How we weight each phase

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Primary schools

KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 40.0%
KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 30.0%
Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Secondary schools

Progress 8 score 40.0%
English & Maths grade 4+ % 30.0%
Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

All-through schools

Progress 8 score 25.0%
English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 20.0%
KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 15.0%
Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Secondary with Sixth Form schools

Progress 8 score 20.0%
English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
Continue in education or training 20.0%
Sustained employment 20.0%
Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Sixth Form Only schools

Continue in education or training 40.0%
Sustained employment 30.0%
Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Special schools

Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Alternative Provision schools

Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Independent schools

Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Ofsted Inspection

Official inspection outcomes

Good

Overall effectiveness: Good
Last inspected: 29 November 2023
Previous grade: Outstanding
Quality of education: Good
Behaviour & attitudes: Good
Personal development: Outstanding
Leadership & management: Good
Safeguarding: Effective

Source: Ofsted inspection outcomes. Grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate.

Contact Information

How to reach this school

Source: GIAS

Address: Oakley Straight

Merley

Wimborne, BH211SD
Phone: 1202888455
Website: merleyfirstschool.com/

Location

Find the school on the map

Source: Geocoding

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School Information

Basic details and characteristics

Source: GIAS

URN: 141794
Type: Academy converter
Phase: Primary
Address: Oakley Straight, Merley, Wimborne, BH21 1SD
Website: www.merleyfirstschool.com/
Age range: 5-9
Gender: Mixed
Religious character: Does not apply
School status: Open
Trust/MAT: INITIO LEARNING TRUST
Capacity: 300 pupils
Setting: Larger rural: Nearer to a major town or city
Sixth Form: No
Nursery: No

School Performance Data

Official government statistics

Source: DfE

School Demographics

Total Pupils: 285
Free School Meals: 9.8% (28 pupils)

Daily Attendance

Attendance Rate: 96.1%; Excellent
Persistent Absence: 5.5%; Missing 10%+ of school days

Key Performance Indicators

Low Persistent Absence:: 5.5 (12.0 below average)
Low Absence Rate:: 3.9 (2.7 below average)

Calculated Fields

Derived insights and analysis

Source: Calculated

Class Size Information

Average Class Size: 28 pupils; Good
Pupils per Year Group: 57; Average across all year groups
Total School Size: 285 pupils; 5-9

From the School Website

Information extracted from the school's own website

Source: School Website

Ethos & Values

"Growing together to build our future"

Respectful Engaged Ready

Head Teacher's Message

Headteacher Rebecca Baldwin warmly welcomes you to Merley First School. She describes the school as a happy, safe, caring environment built on mutual respect and caring relationships, where learners are encouraged to be curious, resilient and passionate, and invites visits to learn more.

Facilities

Ten classrooms, each named after a wild creature Interactive whiteboards in every classroom Access to Chromebooks and other learning resources in classrooms Central hall used for assemblies, physical education and performances Wooded nature area with pond, trails, a treehouse and circle of log seats Four playgrounds, including quiet garden areas Large fields bounded by trees for open play Shared computer suites

Curriculum Highlights

Initio Learning Trust's Curriculum Vision Forest School - Outdoor Adventurers Classes and Curriculum Maps Maths Phonics Reading Wider Learning Writing Music Development Plan

SEND Provision

Merley First School provides SEND support via an Inclusion Team. Inclusion Lead/SENCO and Senior Mental Health Lead: Miss Sophie Leftwich; Designated Safeguarding Lead and Pupil Premium Lead: Mrs Carolyn Waldron; Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead: Mrs Chloe Butler. The school publishes a SEND Policy, a SEND Information Report and an Accessibility Plan, links to the BCP SEND Local Offer, and offers contact via [email protected] for SEND matters.

Admissions Criteria

We welcome applications for our school. For Reception entry, follow the local authority admissions information. Applications for Reception, junior or middle places can be made from 1 November 2025, with a closing date of 15 January 2026. Admissions are coordinated with the local authority (BCP/Dorset). Appeals, waiting lists, and related timelines are described in the admissions information provided by the Local Authority and by Initio Learning Trust.