Best Secondary Schools in Dorset

Harbour School Dorset is a secondary school located in Bovington, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 3:1, our dedicated staff provide personalized attention and support. Our small class sizes ensure a nurturing environment where boys aged 10-19 thrive academically and socially. We offer a safe and inclusive learning space for students with special educational needs, fostering their growth and development. Join us at Harbour School Dorset for an enriching education experience.

The Compass is an all-through school located in Westham, Dorset. With an inspirational leadership team and dedicated staff, the school focuses on meeting the needs of its students. Safeguarding is a priority, ensuring a safe and secure environment. The school offers a range of therapeutic provisions and has made significant improvements in mathematics. However, overall attendance remains below the national average, and the curriculum design needs constant review.

Dorchester Learning Centre is an all-through school located in Winterborne Monkton, South West. With a good Ofsted rating, this co-ed school provides quality education for students aged 5-18. It offers a supportive environment for students with SEN and promotes personal development and great behaviour. Limited number of students ensures individual attention.

Sheiling School is an all-through co-educational boarding school located in Ashley, South West. With a history dating back to 1958, the school provides an excellent education for students aged 5 to 19 with severe learning difficulties. The school has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted, demonstrating its commitment to high-quality education and outstanding personal development. With a small student body and dedicated staff, Sheiling School offers a supportive and inclusive environment for every child.

The Forum Centre is a good all-through school located in Blandford Forum. With a focus on integrating pupils with SEMH needs, the school provides high-quality education and challenges poor attendance. Although limited opportunities for working with employers, it offers a safe and inclusive environment for students to thrive.

The Beeches School is a co-educational secondary school located in Aurora Boveridge College, Cranborne. With a small and nurturing environment, the school provides a high-quality education for students aged 11 to 16. Led by Mrs Adele Henson, the school has been praised for its good overall effectiveness, excellent behaviour and attitudes, and strong leadership and management. Operating since 2019, The Beeches School offers a personalized learning experience for its 24 students, with a focus on personal development and achieving academic success.

Arbour House School is a co-ed middle deemed secondary school in Weymouth, Dorset. With a small school size of only 60 students, it provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 6-18 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Led by Ms Julie Perks, the school has been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, showcasing its commitment to delivering a quality education. The school excels in supporting personal development and fostering positive behaviour and attitudes, ensuring a well-rounded education for all students.

The Forum School is a co-ed boarding school located in Shillingstone, South West. Established in 1992, it caters to students aged 7-19 with special educational needs including speech, language and communication difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties, and other disabilities. With a total of 21 students, the school aims to provide a nurturing environment where students can develop good behavior, attitudes, and personal growth. While the school requires improvement in overall effectiveness and education quality, it meets the independent school standards. The sixth-form provision also requires improvement. Parents can expect a supportive and inclusive learning environment at The Forum School.

Harbour Vale School is a small, co-educational all-through school located in Sherborne. With only 12 students, our dedicated staff provide personalized attention and support to ensure each child thrives academically and socially. Led by Mrs Kelly Knight, our inclusive environment fosters a love of learning and encourages independent thinking. With a diverse student body and a low percentage of students eligible for free school meals, Harbour Vale School offers a nurturing and inclusive educational experience.

Sturminster Newton High School is a co-educational secondary school located in Sturminster Newton, South West. With a dedicated and experienced headteacher, Mr Jason Davis, the school offers a comprehensive education for students aged 11-18. The school boasts a large campus and a supportive learning environment, ensuring every student reaches their full potential.