Schools in Dorset
176 schools in the Dorset council area: 125 primary, 31 secondary, 6 all-through, 1 sixth form / college, plus 13 special. 21 are independent. 27 had more first-choice applications than places last year.
Primary schools (125)
- All Saints Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 100%
- Archbishop Wake Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 0–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 64%
- Beaminster St Mary's AcademyState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 75%
- Beechcroft St Paul's CofE Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2024KS2 expected standard: 61%
- Bere Regis Primary and PreschoolState · Ages 2–11Ofsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025KS2 expected standard: 45%
- Bincombe Valley Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11Report card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 53% Oversubscribed
- Blandford St Mary Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Standards maintained· 2025KS2 expected standard: 67% Oversubscribed
- Bovington AcademyState · Ages 4–11Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 71%
- Bridport Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 50%
- Bridport, St Mary's Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2024KS2 expected standard: 52%
- Broadmayne First School and NurseryState · Ages 2–9Ofsted:Good· 2023
- Broadwindsor Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2023KS2 expected standard: 60%
- Buckland Newton Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandReport card: expected standard· 2026KS2 expected standard: 71%
- Burton Bradstock Church of England Voluntary Controlled SchoolState · Ages 3–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Standards maintained· 2024KS2 expected standard: 64%
- Castle Court SchoolIndependent · Ages 2–13 · ChristianIndependent inspection
- Cerne Abbas CofE VC First SchoolState · Ages 3–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- Charmouth Primary SchoolState · Ages 3–11Ofsted:Requires improvement· 2022KS2 expected standard: 67%
- Cheselbourne Village SchoolState · Ages 3–9Ofsted:Good· 2023
- Chickerell Primary AcademyState · Ages 2–11Ofsted:Standards maintained· 2024KS2 expected standard: 52%
- Colehill First SchoolState · Ages 5–9Ofsted:Good· 2023 Oversubscribed
- Conifers Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Ofsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 69% Oversubscribed
- Corfe Castle Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 57%
- Cranborne Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- Damers First SchoolState · Ages 4–9Ofsted:Standards maintained· 2025
- Downlands Community SchoolState · Ages 3–11Report card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 42%
- Dumpton SchoolIndependent · Ages 2–13Independent inspection
- Dunbury Church of England AcademyState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 45%
- Durweston Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandReport card: strong areas· 2026KS2 expected standard: 80%
- Ferndown First SchoolState · Ages 4–9Ofsted:Good· 2023
- Frome Valley CofE First SchoolState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Some areas below Good· 2025
- Gillingham Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Report card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 50%
- Hampreston Church of England Voluntary Aided First SchoolState · Ages 5–9 · Church of EnglandNot yet inspected
- Hanford SchoolIndependent · Ages 7–13 · GirlsIndependent inspection
- Hayeswood First SchoolState · Ages 5–9Ofsted:Good· 2023 Oversubscribed
- Hazelbury Bryan Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 61% Oversubscribed
- Henbury View First SchoolState · Ages 5–9Ofsted:Good· 2023 Oversubscribed
- Hillside Community First SchoolState · Ages 4–9Ofsted:Good· 2023
- Holy Trinity Church of England VC Primary School & Community NurseryState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2024KS2 expected standard: 72%
- Loders CofE Primary AcademyState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Standards maintained· 2024KS2 expected standard: 50%
- Lulworth and Winfrith CofE Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025KS2 expected standard: 38%
- Lytchett Matravers Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 68% Oversubscribed
- Maiden Newton, Greenford Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2024KS2 expected standard: 63%
- Manor Park Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandReport card: expected standard· 2026
- Marshwood CofE Primary AcademyState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2024KS2 expected standard: 38%
- Milborne St Andrew First SchoolState · Ages 4–9Ofsted:Good· 2023
- Milldown CofE AcademyState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 48%
- Milton-on-Stour Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 39%
- Motcombe CofE Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 68%
- Oakhurst Community First SchoolState · Ages 5–9Report card: expected standard· 2026 Oversubscribed
- Pamphill Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 5–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- Parley First SchoolState · Ages 4–9Ofsted:Good· 2023 Oversubscribed
- Parrett and Axe Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 71%
- Piddle Valley Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- Pimperne Church of England VC Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandNot yet inspectedKS2 expected standard: 63%
- Port Regis Preparatory SchoolIndependent · Ages 2–13 · Church of EnglandIndependent inspection
- Portesham Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025KS2 expected standard: 38%
- Powerstock Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2024KS2 expected standard: 50%
- Puddletown Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 4–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025
- Radipole Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 60% Oversubscribed
- Rushcombe First SchoolState · Ages 4–9Ofsted:Outstanding· 2022 Oversubscribed
- Salway Ash Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary SchoolState · Ages 5–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 60% Oversubscribed
- Sandford St Martin's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 54%
- Shaftesbury Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandReport card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 44%
- Sherborne Abbey Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandReport card: strong areas· 2026KS2 expected standard: 48%
- Sherborne Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Report card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 47% Oversubscribed
- Shillingstone Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 67%
- Sixpenny Handley First School and NurseryState · Ages 2–9Ofsted:Good· 2023
- Southill Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Ofsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 42%
- Spetisbury CofE Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 77%
- St Andrew's Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandReport card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 31%
- St Andrew's Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2025KS2 expected standard: 56%
- St Andrew's Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2024KS2 expected standard: 80%
- St Augustine's Catholic Primary School, WeymouthState · Ages 4–11 · Roman CatholicOfsted:Good· 2024KS2 expected standard: 45%
- St Catherine's Roman Catholic SchoolState · Ages 5–11 · Roman CatholicReport card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 30%
- St George's Church of England Primary School, Langton MatraversState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 67%
- St George's Church of England School, BourtonState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025KS2 expected standard: 53%
- St George's Foundation Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Report card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 46%
- St Gregory's Church of England Primary School, MarnhullState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2022KS2 expected standard: 50%
- St Ives Primary & Nursery SchoolState · Ages 2–11Ofsted:Outstanding· 2023KS2 expected standard: 90% Oversubscribed
- St James Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025
- St James' Church of England First School and Nursery, AlderholtState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- St John's Church of England First School, WimborneState · Ages 5–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- St John's Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2024KS2 expected standard: 43%
- St Mary & St Joseph's Catholic Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Roman CatholicOfsted:Requires improvement· 2024KS2 expected standard: 46%
- St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 59%
- St Mary's Catholic First School, DorchesterState · Ages 2–9 · Roman CatholicOfsted:Good· 2023 Oversubscribed
- St Mary's Catholic Primary School, MarnhullState · Ages 2–11 · Roman CatholicOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 67%
- St Mary's Catholic Primary School, SwanageState · Ages 4–11 · Roman CatholicOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 65%
- St Mary's Church of England First School, CharminsterState · Ages 4–9 · Church of EnglandNot yet inspected Oversubscribed
- St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Bradford AbbasState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandReport card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 44%
- St Mary's CofE First School & NurseryState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025 Oversubscribed
- St Michael's CofE Primary School, Lyme RegisState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2022KS2 expected standard: 53%
- St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Child OkefordState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandReport card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 43%
- St Nicholas and St Laurence Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025KS2 expected standard: 67% Oversubscribed
- Stalbridge Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 65%
- Sticklands Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary SchoolState · Ages 5–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2024KS2 expected standard: 53%
- Stoborough Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 56%
- Stower Provost Community SchoolState · Ages 4–11Ofsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025KS2 expected standard: 40%
- Sturminster Marshall First SchoolState · Ages 4–9Ofsted:Some areas below Good· 2025
- Sunninghill Preparatory SchoolIndependent · Ages 0–13Independent inspection
- Swanage Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11Ofsted:Good· 2019KS2 expected standard: 47%
- Swanage St Mark's Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2024KS2 expected standard: 43%
- Symondsbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025KS2 expected standard: 67%
- The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, ShaftesburyState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 62%
- The Prince of Wales SchoolState · Ages 2–9Ofsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025 Oversubscribed
- Thorncombe, St Mary's Church of England Primary AcademyState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2023KS2 expected standard: 67%
- Thorner's Church of England School, Litton CheneyState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2024KS2 expected standard: 73%
- Thornford CofE Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2024KS2 expected standard: 53% Oversubscribed
- Three Legged Cross First and Nursery SchoolState · Ages 2–9Ofsted:Good· 2023
- Trent Young's CofE Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Standards maintained· 2024KS2 expected standard: 95% Oversubscribed
- Trinity Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 4–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025 Oversubscribed
- Upton Infant SchoolState · Ages 4–7Ofsted:Good· 2023
- Upton Junior SchoolState · Ages 7–11Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 47%
- Verwood Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- Wareham St Mary Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 50%
- William Barnes Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 55%
- Wimborne First School and NurseryState · Ages 2–9Ofsted:Good· 2024 Oversubscribed
- Wimborne St Giles Church of England First School and NurseryState · Ages 2–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- Winterbourne Valley Church of England Aided First SchoolState · Ages 3–9 · Church of EnglandReport card: areas need attention· 2026
- Witchampton Church of England First SchoolState · Ages 5–9 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023
- Wool Church of England Primary SchoolState · Ages 2–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 46% Oversubscribed
- Wyke Primary SchoolState · Ages 4–11Ofsted:Requires improvement· 2022KS2 expected standard: 71%
- Wyke Regis Church of England Junior SchoolState · Ages 7–11 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 65%
- Wyke Regis Infant School and NurseryState · Ages 3–7Ofsted:Standards maintained· 2025
- Yarrells Preparatory SchoolIndependent · Ages 0–11Independent inspection
Secondary schools (31)
- All Saints' Church of England AcademyState · Ages 11–16 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2023Attainment 8: 35.6
- Allenbourn Middle SchoolState · Ages 9–13Ofsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025KS2 expected standard: 68%
- Beaminster SchoolState · Ages 11–18 · ChristianOfsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 47.0
- Budmouth Academy WeymouthState · Ages 11–18Ofsted:Requires improvement· 2024Attainment 8: 42.0
- Cranborne Middle SchoolState · Ages 9–13Ofsted:Some aspects not as strong· 2025KS2 expected standard: 65%
- Dorchester Middle SchoolState · Ages 9–13Report card: areas need attention· 2026KS2 expected standard: 49%
- Dorset Studio SchoolState · Ages 11–16Ofsted:Good· 2024Attainment 8: 34.1
- Emmanuel Church of England Middle SchoolState · Ages 9–13 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 65%
- Ferndown Middle SchoolState · Ages 9–13Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 45%
- Ferndown Upper SchoolState · Ages 13–19Report card: strong areas· 2026Attainment 8: 45.7
- Gillingham SchoolState · Ages 11–18Not yet inspectedAttainment 8: 42.7 Oversubscribed
- Lockyer's Middle SchoolState · Ages 9–13Ofsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 76%
- Lytchett Minster SchoolState · Ages 11–19Ofsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 46.8
- Milton Abbey SchoolIndependent · Ages 13–19 · ChristianIndependent inspectionAttainment 8: 21.9
- Queen Elizabeth's SchoolState · Ages 13–18 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Requires improvement· 2023Attainment 8: 43.3
- Shaftesbury SchoolState · Ages 11–18 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 39.1
- Sherborne SchoolIndependent · Ages 13–19 · Boys · ChristianIndependent inspectionAttainment 8: 28.5
- Sherborne School for GirlsIndependent · Ages 11–19 · Girls · Church of EnglandIndependent inspectionAttainment 8: 34.3
- St Mary's Church of England Middle School, PuddletownState · Ages 9–13 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2025KS2 expected standard: 61%
- St Michael's Church of England Middle School, ColehillState · Ages 9–13 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2024KS2 expected standard: 65%
- St Osmund's Church of England Middle SchoolState · Ages 9–13 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 58%
- Sturminster Newton High SchoolState · Ages 11–18Report card: expected standard· 2026Attainment 8: 46.1
- The Blandford SchoolState · Ages 11–18Ofsted:Good· 2024Attainment 8: 47.0
- The Gryphon SchoolState · Ages 11–18 · Church of EnglandOfsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 46.7 Oversubscribed
- The Purbeck SchoolState · Ages 11–18Ofsted:Improved significantly· 2025Attainment 8: 41.9
- The Sir John Colfox AcademyState · Ages 11–18Ofsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 43.0
- The Swanage SchoolState · Ages 11–16Ofsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 36.9
- The Thomas Hardye SchoolState · Ages 13–18Ofsted:Good or better in all areas· 2025Attainment 8: 49.8
- The Woodroffe SchoolState · Ages 11–18Ofsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 51.4
- West Moors Middle SchoolState · Ages 9–13Report card: strong areas· 2026KS2 expected standard: 49%
- Wey Valley AcademyState · Ages 11–16Ofsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 41.0
All-through schools (6)
- Atlantic Academy PortlandState · Ages 4–16Report card: areas need attention· 2026Attainment 8: 34.0
- Bryanston SchoolIndependent · Ages 3–18 · Church of EnglandIndependent inspectionAttainment 8: 9.3
- Clayesmore SchoolIndependent · Ages 2–19Independent inspectionAttainment 8: 28.5
- Leweston SchoolIndependent · Ages 2–19 · CatholicIndependent inspectionAttainment 8: 40.8
- Ringwood Waldorf SchoolIndependent · Ages 2–19Independent inspectionAttainment 8: 6.6
- Sherborne Preparatory SchoolIndependent · Ages 3–14Independent inspection
Sixth form / college schools (1)
- Weymouth and Kingston Maurward CollegeState · Ages 16–99College: FE inspectionA-level average: D+
Special schools (13)
- Arbour House SchoolIndependent special · Ages 6–18Independent inspection
- Aurora Beeches SchoolIndependent special · Ages 11–16Independent inspectionAttainment 8: 5.4
- Beaucroft Foundation SchoolState special · Ages 4–19Ofsted:Good· 2023KS2 expected standard: 0%
- Graduately Developing FuturesIndependent special · Ages 6–14Independent inspection
- Harbour School DorsetState special · Ages 10–19Ofsted:Good· 2023Attainment 8: 3.9
- Kingfisher SchoolIndependent special · Ages 6–16Independent inspection
- Mountjoy SchoolState special · Ages 4–19Ofsted:Good· 2022KS2 expected standard: 0%
- Sheiling SchoolIndependent special · Ages 5–19Independent inspection
- The Forum SchoolIndependent special · Ages 7–19Independent inspection
- The Luccombe HubIndependent special · Ages 8–18Independent inspection
- Westfield Arts CollegeState special · Ages 4–19Ofsted:Outstanding· 2023KS2 expected standard: 0%
- Wyvern AcademyState special · Ages 2–19Ofsted:Standards maintained· 2024KS2 expected standard: 0%
- Yewstock SchoolState special · Ages 2–19Ofsted:Outstanding· 2023KS2 expected standard: 0%
Nearby council areas
Based on each school's postal address in the DfE register, so a few schools near the edge of Dorset may be listed under a neighbouring town. Alternative provision is not listed. Inspection outcomes are shown under the framework each school was inspected with. About the data