Best Primary & Secondary Schools in Dorset 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 182 schools across Dorset. Updated with 2025–26 data.

182

Total schools

Outstanding

Outstanding rate

57%

Avg KS2 SATs

35.5

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Rushcombe First School Primary	Outstanding	95	View school
🥈	Dumpton School Not applicable	—	95	View school
🥉	Westfield Arts College Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
4.	Yewstock School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
5.	Hampreston Church of England Voluntary Aided First School Primary	Outstanding	95	View school
6.	St Ives Primary & Nursery School Primary	Outstanding	93	View school
7.	Trent Young's CofE Primary School Primary	Good	88	View school
8.	Broadmayne First School Primary	Good	80	View school
9.	Cheselbourne Village School Primary	Good	80	View school
10.	Wyke Regis Infant School and Nursery Primary	Good	80	View school
11.	Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School Primary	Good	80	View school
12.	Hanford School Not applicable	—	80	View school
13.	Beaucroft Foundation School Not applicable	Good	80	View school
14.	Mountjoy School Not applicable	Good	80	View school
15.	Dorchester Learning Centre Not applicable	Good	80	View school
16.	The Forum Centre Not applicable	Good	80	View school
17.	The Compass Not applicable	Good	80	View school
18.	Wyvern Academy Not applicable	Good	80	View school
19.	St Mary's Catholic First School, Dorchester Primary	Good	80	View school
20.	Colehill First School Primary	Good	80	View school

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary & secondary schools are there in Dorset?

There are 182 primary & secondary schools in Dorset, of which 13 (7%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Dorset?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Dorset is Rushcombe First School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Dorset?

Primary and secondary school applications in Dorset are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Dorset council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Dorset?

7% of primary & secondary schools in Dorset are rated Outstanding and 71% are rated Good. 70.3% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.