Best State Schools in Dorset County

The Thomas Hardye School is an outstanding secondary school located in Dorchester, South West. With exceptional teaching and leadership, the school achieves high standards of achievement in its students. It provides exceptional support for students with disabilities or special needs and offers a safe and secure learning environment. The school has a strong commitment to equality and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students.

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.

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.

Twynham School is an outstanding secondary school in Christchurch, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school prioritizes individualized attention and fosters excellent academic achievement. The school's leadership and management are highly regarded, ensuring outstanding teaching and learning. Students benefit from exceptional behavior and safety measures, while their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is strongly supported. Twynham School also offers an outstanding sixth form, providing a well-rounded education. With a focus on exceptional progress, this school is an ideal choice for parents seeking an outstanding education for their children.

Gillingham School is a secondary school located in Gillingham, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and an inclusive ethos, the school values each individual pupil. The curriculum is a strength, and the designated safeguarding lead ensures the protection of vulnerable students. While some areas for improvement exist, such as high absence rates for certain groups and the need for enhanced governor understanding, overall, Gillingham School provides a good quality of education and outstanding behavior and safety.

Queen Elizabeth's School is a co-ed secondary school located in Pamphill, South West. With a strong sense of community and Christian ethos, the school provides effective safeguarding procedures and ensures the well-being of its vulnerable students. However, there have been concerns regarding lower progress and attendance for disadvantaged pupils, as well as a decline in sixth form standards. The school aims to provide a quality education, but parents should be aware of these areas for improvement.

The Gryphon School is a Church of England co-ed secondary school located in Sherborne. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a supportive environment for students aged 11-18. The leadership team has been praised for maintaining the school's good quality of education, while the sixth form offers a wide range of courses and subject options. The school aims to empower students by teaching vital life skills and promoting independence. Exam results show encouraging progress, with 43% achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs and 14.70% achieving AAB or higher at A-level.

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.

Budmouth Academy Weymouth is a secondary school in Chickerell, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and a diverse student body of 1521 students, the school provides a supportive environment for students with special educational needs, including visual and hearing impairments, autism, and more. The school values strong parent-teacher communication and offers assistance to ASC students through a dedicated Base staff.

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.

Parkstone Grammar School is an outstanding secondary school for girls located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, the school emphasizes academic excellence and personal development. The school boasts exceptional exam results, with 91% of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. With strong leadership and knowledgeable teachers, Parkstone Grammar School provides a nurturing environment where girls can flourish and reach their full potential.

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.

Bournemouth School for Girls is an outstanding secondary school dedicated to upholding the highest academic standards while fostering students' well-being and personal development. With exceptional achievement across all years and a high-achieving sixth form, our school provides an enriching curriculum and promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Students benefit from an outstanding learning environment and a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, ensuring individual attention and support. We pride ourselves on our outstanding leadership, teaching quality, behavior, and safety, making Bournemouth School for Girls the perfect choice for parents seeking excellence for their daughters.

Bournemouth School is an outstanding secondary school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and a focus on academic excellence, the school consistently achieves impressive exam results, with 97% of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. The school's sixth form offers a customised programme, allowing students to develop their full potential and gain an edge in the job market. With a nurturing and caring environment, Bournemouth School provides a top-quality education for boys aged 11-18.

The Bishop of Winchester Academy is a Church of England secondary school in Bournemouth, known for its strong moral and ethical foundation. With outstanding leadership and management, parents can trust in the excellent education and safe environment provided. The school prioritizes individual progress, with dedicated teachers supporting students to improve their work. Although results for the first cohort in sixth form were below national average, the academy has a track record of student achievement and progress, making it a top choice for families.

The Blandford School is a secondary school located in Blandford Forum, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school offers a co-ed education for students aged 11-18. The school prioritizes high expectations, supporting student aspirations, and fostering respect between faculty and students. Although the school requires improvement in some areas according to the Ofsted report, it provides a good quality education, including a successful sixth-form provision. The school's recent building initiative has significantly improved facilities, enhancing extracurricular, curricular, and social activities. With a focus on academic achievement, The Blandford School offers support for university applications, with students securing places at prestigious institutions. Exam results demonstrate achievements in English and maths GCSEs, as well as A-level attainment. Overall, The Blandford School strives to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment, preparing students for successful futures.

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.

Hampstead Activity Nursery is a co-ed secondary school in Wareham Town. With a strong focus on effective teaching and staff-parent partnerships, the school provides exceptional care and education for children aged 11-18. Supported by experienced staff, children at the nursery enjoy a happy and relaxed learning environment.

The Woodroffe School is an outstanding secondary school in Lyme Regis, South West. With an impressive student-teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides excellent academic support. The school has a strong focus on student safety and resources, although improvement is needed in teacher quality. With an outstanding Ofsted rating and impressive exam results, including 65% achieving Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs, The Woodroffe School is an ideal choice for parents seeking a high-quality education for their children.

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.