Best State Schools in Dorset County

Poole High School is a co-educational secondary school in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and a strong focus on academics, the school provides a safe and inclusive environment for students aged 11-18. It has been rated as Good by Ofsted, with effective leadership and management, quality teaching, and good outcomes for pupils. Offering a wide range of study programs, Poole High School is dedicated to supporting the personal development and welfare of its students.

Glenmoor Academy is an outstanding secondary school in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With high standards and expectations, excellent leadership, and consistently high quality teaching, Glenmoor Academy ensures that students make exceptional progress. The school's positive relationships between teachers and pupils create a nurturing environment for personal development, behavior, and welfare. With an overall grade of A+ from Ofsted and impressive exam results, Glenmoor Academy provides a top-quality education for girls aged 11-16.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Poole is a co-educational Roman Catholic school catering to students aged 4-11. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its 388 students. The school has a good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with a focus on quality education, positive behaviour, and personal development. The school also prioritizes student safety and offers a diverse learning experience.

St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School is a co-educational Roman Catholic school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a strong emphasis on academic and personal development, the school offers an excellent education for students aged 4-18. The school has been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, with outstanding early years provision and personal development. Pupils attain highly in various subjects, and there are opportunities for staff to develop their skills. However, there are some gaps in progress for disadvantaged and special needs students, and lower-attaining pupils may not consistently be challenged.

Avonbourne Girls Academy is a secondary school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a strong focus on academic excellence, the school provides a good standard of education for girls aged 11-19. The school values the emotional well-being of its pupils and offers a wide range of activities to support their development. It has a dedicated sixth form and strives to improve progress for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.

Lytchett Minster School is a successful and well-liked secondary school with a flourishing sixth form. With excellent standards of education, strong leadership, and effective safeguarding, the school strives to provide every student with the tools they need for a successful and meaningful life. The school offers a varied curriculum, impressive exam results, and a focus on extracurricular activities, making it an ideal choice for parents seeking a high-quality education for their children.

St. Aldhelm's Academy is a secondary school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides a supportive and focused learning environment. The academy has received a Good rating from OFSTED, with excellent leadership and management. Students benefit from a wide range of academic and vocational credentials and are encouraged to develop resilience, creativity, and kindness. The school prides itself on its modern facilities and dedicated teaching staff, providing high-quality education for all students.

Carter Community School is a secondary school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, our dedicated staff provides a nurturing environment for our 518 students. We focus on personal development, behavior, and welfare, ensuring a good overall effectiveness. Our exam results show that 53% of students achieved GCSE grades 4 or higher, demonstrating our commitment to academic success.

Beaminster School is a secondary school located in Newtown, Beaminster. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school emphasizes on personalized attention and individual growth. With a strong commitment to inclusion and effective provision for students with complex learning needs, the school provides a safe and caring environment. The overall effectiveness of the school, leadership and management, achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, and behavior and safety of pupils are all rated 'Good' by Ofsted. However, the school aims to improve overall attendance and challenge students to deepen their understanding in certain subjects.

St Edward's Roman Catholic/Church of England School in Poole is a co-educational secondary school with a strong focus on academic achievement and a nurturing environment. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school ensures individualized attention for each student. The school has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted, highlighting its effectiveness in leadership, teaching, and the safety of pupils. Additionally, the school boasts impressive exam results, with 53% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, and 12.50% achieving AAB or higher in A-levels. St Edward's provides a well-rounded education that combines academic excellence with spiritual values.

Ferndown Upper School is a co-ed secondary school in Ferndown Town, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, our dedicated staff provide exceptional support to help every student reach their full potential. We offer a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities to foster personal development and high aspirations. Our good Ofsted rating and exam results demonstrate our commitment to quality education. Join our school community, where kindness, excellence, and achievement are valued.

Christchurch Learning Centre is a secondary school located in Christchurch, South West. With a strong leadership and governance, the school has made significant improvements in teaching and student progress. Pupils feel safe and enjoy their time at the school, with good behaviour observed during lessons and social times. The school provides a well-adapted curriculum and has thorough safeguarding arrangements in place. However, further developments are required to ensure all pupils can make maximum progress.

The Sir John Colfox Academy is a secondary school in South West, UK. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a strong focus on academic achievement, the school provides a secure and inclusive learning environment. The dedicated staff and effective leadership ensure good teaching standards and positive outcomes for students. The school offers a range of choices and support for students with special educational needs. With a Good rating from Ofsted, robust safeguarding processes, and a vibrant house system promoting competition and community spirit, The Sir John Colfox Academy is an excellent choice for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their children.

Dorset Studio School is a secondary school located in Stinsford, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides a supportive and personalized learning environment for students aged 11-16. With a focus on land-based studies, the school excels in motivating and supporting disadvantaged and SEND pupils. The school's unique character and strong partnership with sponsors create opportunities for students to excel in their studies. However, there is a need for improvement in teaching quality and challenging all students. Overall, Dorset Studio School offers a good learning experience with a focus on personal development and welfare.

Highcliffe School is a co-educational secondary school located in Highcliffe and Walkford, South West. With a strong focus on student well-being and support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, the school provides an inclusive and nurturing environment. The curriculum promotes both academic excellence and personal development, and the school offers an impressive range of extra-curricular activities. With a Good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, Highcliffe School is committed to providing a high-quality education for its students.

Malmesbury Park Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Bournemouth. With a student-teacher ratio of 22:1, the school offers a nurturing environment for children aged 3-11. The school prides itself on its inclusive approach, offering support for students with ASD and a SEN rate of 9.3%. The school's diverse community fosters a positive learning experience, with an overall grade of B- and an emphasis on academic attainment. With strong exam results and a focus on individual development, Malmesbury Park Primary School strives to provide a well-rounded education.

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.

The Swanage School is a secondary school located in Swanage, South West. Founded in 2013, it offers a strong reputation in the local community and provides continued good quality education. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school ensures individual attention for students. It excels in care and support for vulnerable pupils, achieving good behavior and responsible students. The school also prioritizes safeguarding and has shown improvement in core subjects. While there have been variations in performance between subjects and below average attendance, the school is committed to providing a positive learning environment for its students.

Poole Grammar School is a boys' secondary school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school focuses on high academic achievement with an emphasis on mathematics and science. The school has a strong sixth form program and provides effective support for students. Although there are areas for improvement, the school has been rated Good by Ofsted and has consistently shown good outcomes for pupils. With a high percentage of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, Poole Grammar School offers a well-rounded education for boys aged 11-18.

Mountjoy School is an all-through school located in Beaminster, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a strong focus on inclusive education, the school provides a nurturing environment for students aged 3-19. Offering nursery classes and a sixth form, Mountjoy School prioritizes the personal development and well-being of its students. With excellent resources, a Good Ofsted rating, and a commitment to individualized learning, Mountjoy School equips students for success in their future endeavours.