Best Secondary Schools in Dorset 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 18 schools across Dorset. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

11%

Outstanding rate

57%

Avg KS2 SATs

35.5

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	The Woodroffe School Secondary	Outstanding	61	View school
🥈	The Thomas Hardye School Secondary	Outstanding	60	View school
🥉	The Gryphon School Secondary	Good	60	View school
4.	The Purbeck School Secondary	Good	58	View school
5.	Lytchett Minster School Secondary	Good	57	View school
6.	Ferndown Upper School Secondary	Good	51	View school
7.	Gillingham School Secondary	Good	50	View school
8.	The Blandford School Secondary	Requires Improvement	49	View school
9.	The Sir John Colfox Academy Secondary	Good	49	View school
10.	Beaminster School Secondary	Good	48	View school
11.	Sturminster Newton High School Secondary	Good	47	View school
12.	Shaftesbury School Secondary	Good	46	View school
13.	Queen Elizabeth's School Secondary	Good	46	View school
14.	The Swanage School Secondary	Good	45	View school
15.	Dorset Studio School Secondary	Good	36	View school
16.	Budmouth Academy Weymouth Secondary	Inadequate	30	View school
17.	Wey Valley Academy Secondary	Inadequate	30	View school
18.	All Saints' Church of England Academy Secondary	Inadequate	29	View school

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 secondary schools are there in Dorset?

There are 18 secondary schools in Dorset, of which 2 (11%) 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 The Woodroffe 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?

11% of secondary schools in Dorset are rated Outstanding and 67% 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.