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.

Dorset has 119 primary schools, of which 9 (8%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 91 rated Good — 84% of primary schools in Dorset are rated Good or Outstanding overall. Rushcombe First School currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Application deadlines in Dorset follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

119
Total schools
9
Outstanding
8%
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
🥈 Hampreston Church of England Voluntary Aided First School
Primary
 Outstanding 95 View school
🥉 St Ives Primary & Nursery School
Primary
 Outstanding 93 View school
4. Trent Young's CofE Primary School
Primary
 Good 88 View school
5. Broadmayne First School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
6. Cheselbourne Village School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
7. Wyke Regis Infant School and Nursery
Primary
 Good 80 View school
8. Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
9. St Mary's Catholic First School, Dorchester
Primary
 Good 80 View school
10. Colehill First School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
11. Hayeswood First School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
12. Milborne St Andrew First School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
13. Piddle Valley Church of England First School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
14. St John's Church of England First School, Wimborne
Primary
 Good 80 View school
15. Witchampton Church of England First School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
16. Oakhurst Community First School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
17. Sixpenny Handley First School and Nursery
Primary
 Good 80 View school
18. St James' Church of England First School and Nursery, Alderholt
Primary
 Good 80 View school
19. Three Legged Cross First and Nursery School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
20. Upton Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school

Related lists for Dorset

All schools in DorsetPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in DorsetYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in Dorset9 schools rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in Dorset

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Dorset?
There are 119 primary schools in Dorset, of which 9 (8%) 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?
8% of primary schools in Dorset are rated Outstanding and 76% 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.