Pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chippenham are celebrating strong SATs results, with the school recording particularly high scores in writing and reading.
Some 96% of pupils achieved the expected standard or above in writing, compared with a national average of 73%, while 88% reached the expected standard or above in reading, against 75% nationally.
In maths, 76% achieved the expected standard or above, compared with 75% nationally. Overall, 68% of pupils reached the expected standard or above in reading, writing and maths combined, five percentage points above the national average of 63%.
St Mary’s, which is part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, also recorded a strong result in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, with 95% of pupils reaching the expected standard, compared with the 2025 national figure of 80%.
The results come as the school makes the most of the National Year of Reading, placing a strong focus on developing a love of books and reading for pleasure. Pupils take part in daily ‘Read for Pleasure’ sessions and explore a wide range of books, while the school’s reading breakfasts give families the chance to come into school and share books with their children.
The school has also opened its library to families, allowing parents and children to choose books and spend time reading together, helping to make reading a central part of school life both in and out of the classroom.
Lucy Buckland, Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, said, “We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the hard work they have put into their learning. It is particularly pleasing to see such strong results in reading and writing, which have been a real focus for us this year.
“Taking part in the National Year of Reading has given us even more opportunities to celebrate books and reading with our pupils and families, and our reading breakfasts have been a wonderful way to bring that into the wider school community.
“We hope the results reflect not only what our children have achieved, but also the enjoyment and confidence they are developing as readers.”
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, added, “These are excellent results for St Mary’s and a real credit to the pupils and staff. The school’s focus on reading, supported by the involvement of families, is helping to build strong foundations for children as they progress through their education. We are delighted to see that reflected in these results.”
