Best Primary Schools in Dorset 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 119 schools across Dorset. Updated with 2025–26 data.

119

Total schools

Outstanding

18%

Outstanding rate

57%

Avg KS2 SATs

35.5

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	St Ives Primary & Nursery School Primary	Outstanding	77	View school
🥈	Trent Young's CofE Primary School Primary	Good	77	View school
🥉	St George's Church of England School, Bourton Primary	Outstanding	72	View school
4.	St Nicholas and St Laurence Church of England Primary School Primary	Outstanding	69	View school
5.	St George's Church of England Primary School, Langton Matravers Primary	Good	69	View school
6.	Symondsbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Primary	Good	69	View school
7.	Spetisbury CofE Primary School Primary	Good	69	View school
8.	Thornford CofE Primary School Primary	Outstanding	68	View school
9.	St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Bradford Abbas Primary	Outstanding	67	View school
10.	Thorner's Church of England School, Litton Cheney Primary	Good	67	View school
11.	Salway Ash Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Primary	Good	67	View school
12.	Shillingstone Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	67	View school
13.	Holy Trinity Church of England VC Primary School & Community Nursery Primary	Good	67	View school
14.	Durweston Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	67	View school
15.	St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Marnhull Primary	Good	66	View school
16.	Buckland Newton Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	65	View school
17.	Stalbridge Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	64	View school
18.	Burton Bradstock Church of England Voluntary Controlled School Primary	Good	64	View school
19.	Parrett and Axe Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Primary	Good	63	View school
20.	Bridport, St Mary's Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	63	View school

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Dorset?

There are 119 primary schools in Dorset, of which 21 (18%) 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 St Ives Primary & Nursery 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?

18% of primary schools in Dorset are rated Outstanding and 59% 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.