Blandford Forum, Dorset – 25th April 2025 – Blandford St Mary Church of England Primary School has once again proved it’s a school where children thrive, as confirmed by a glowing Ofsted inspection published this month.
Inspectors visited the school on 25th and 26th March and found that the high standards recognised in the previous inspection have not only been maintained but strengthened. The school was commended for its warm, inclusive atmosphere and its unwavering focus on what matters most: the needs and interests of its pupils.
Children at Blandford St Mary are happy, feel safe, and are proud of their school. They attend regularly and approach learning with enthusiasm – something that stood out clearly to inspectors.
Headteacher Rosaleen Beaver said: “We are delighted with the inspection outcome. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, pupils, and the entire school community. Our focus on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment ensures that every child feels valued and supported.”
The report praised the school’s ambitious curriculum, which has recently been refined to better identify essential knowledge and vocabulary across all subjects. Pupils are building strong foundations, developing a broad and secure understanding as they move through the school. A particular strength remains the school’s early focus on reading, writing and maths – giving every child the core knowledge they need from day one.
Parents were equally enthusiastic. Many praised the school’s nurturing ethos, with one saying: “The school goes above and beyond in supporting and protecting our children. We couldn’t be happier with the education and care our children receive.”
Mark Lacey, CEO of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT), added his praise: “Blandford St Mary Church of England Primary School exemplifies the values and standards we strive for across all our schools. The dedication of the Headteacher and her team is truly commendable, and we are proud to support their ongoing efforts to provide an excellent education for all pupils.”
Inspectors also noted the school’s continued efforts to embed its newly updated curriculum across all subjects, ensuring every child benefits from a consistent and well-planned learning experience. The school’s proactive approach to personal development was another highlight – from rich classroom experiences to a wide range of extracurricular activities, children are offered plenty of opportunities to grow in confidence and character.
Blandford St Mary remains a school where ambition, care, and community come together – and the latest Ofsted report shows it’s a place where children are not only educated but truly nurtured.
