Best State Primary Schools in Dorset

Beaucroft Foundation School is an outstanding all-through school located in Colehill, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, the school provides a high-quality and supportive environment for students aged 4-19. The dedicated leadership and exceptional teaching staff ensure that each student's individual needs are met, resulting in outstanding achievement and excellent exam results. The school focuses on raising students' self-esteem, promoting lifelong learning, and preparing them for post-secondary options. Safety measures, effective safeguarding, and a wide range of therapies and activities contribute to the overall outstanding experience at Beaucroft Foundation School.

Yewstock School is an outstanding all-through school in Sturminster Newton, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a focus on speech, language, and communication skills, Yewstock provides exceptional education for students aged 2-19. The school's leadership team and teachers have been praised for their effective teaching, outstanding achievement of pupils, and strong safeguarding measures. While there may be some inconsistencies in the support for communication skills development, Yewstock School excels in overall effectiveness and offers a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blandford St Mary Church of England Primary School is a well-established and inclusive school, providing a nurturing and inviting environment for children aged 4 to 11. With a strong focus on teaching quality, the school offers a rich and varied curriculum, ensuring improved outcomes for pupils. The school's leadership and governance are highly effective, leading to a Good overall rating by Ofsted. Although some areas, such as phonics teaching and support for pupils with special educational needs, require improvement, the school excels in mathematics and personal development. With a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, Blandford St Mary is dedicated to providing a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

William Barnes Primary School is a co-educational primary school located in Sturminster Newton, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 18:1 and a student population of 167, the school offers a nurturing environment for students aged 4-11 years. The school has received a Good rating from Ofsted, with outstanding behavior and safety of pupils. With a focus on improving writing and effective training for teachers, the school ensures quality education. However, further development is needed for higher-ability students to achieve at a higher level in certain subjects.

Holy Trinity Church of England VC Primary School & Community Nursery is a co-educational school located in Dorset, South West. With a strong emphasis on academic achievement, the school provides a positive and nurturing environment for students aged 2-11 years. The dedicated staff quickly identify pupils needing extra support and subject leaders provide knowledgeable and supportive guidance. The school effectively uses additional funding to close attainment gaps and promote personal development. With high expectations, a strong sense of values, and a focus on pupil welfare, Holy Trinity encourages pride in student work and fosters a positive climate for learning.

Symondsbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is a reputable primary school located in Symondsbury, South West. With a strong emphasis on personal development, the school provides an outstanding learning environment for children aged 4-11 years. Led by Mrs Emma Roberts, the dedicated team of teachers ensures a high student-teacher ratio of 18:1, fostering individual attention and support. The school's good quality education, exceptional leadership, and safe environment make it an ideal choice for parents looking for a well-rounded education for their children.

All Saints Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is a caring and inclusive school located in Bishops Caundle, South West. With a student teacher ratio of 18:1, the school offers a high-quality education for children aged 4-11 years. It has been praised by Ofsted for its good overall effectiveness, achievement of pupils, and outstanding behaviour and safety. With a positive and supportive culture, effective safeguarding arrangements, and dedicated staff, All Saints is committed to providing an excellent learning environment for all students.

Bincombe Valley Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Littlemoor, Dorset. With an average student-teacher ratio of 21:1, the school focuses on providing a quality education for students aged 2-11. The school has a strong emphasis on personal development and welfare, with a Good rating from Ofsted. With a diverse student body, the school offers a safe and supportive learning environment. Additionally, the school has a dedicated team to support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. With a balanced academic program and positive outcomes for pupils, Bincombe Valley Primary School is an excellent choice for parents seeking a nurturing educational environment for their children.

Westfield Arts College is an outstanding all-through school located in Preston, Dorset. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, our tailored teaching programs and interventions provide excellent support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Moderate Learning Difficulty. We have effective safeguarding policies, good staff support and training, and a positive Ofsted report. Our focus on individual progress ensures each student receives the education they deserve.

St George's Community Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school located in Portland, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 22:1, we provide a supportive and nurturing environment for students aged 4 to 11. Our Good Ofsted rating reflects our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, ensuring positive outcomes for our pupils. Our focus on personal development, behaviour, and welfare ensures a safe and inclusive learning environment. We are proud of our students' achievements, with strong exam results in maths and reading. Come and join our vibrant school community!

Corfe Castle Church of England Primary School is a nurturing and inclusive school that provides top-notch education to students aged 4-11. With a student-teacher ratio of 24:1, our dedicated staff ensures personalized attention. Our Christian values-based curriculum fosters spiritual, moral, and social development. While exam results show progress, our overall Ofsted rating requires improvement, but we are focused on constant growth. We prioritize individuality and equip students with life skills for the future through the Christian religion.

St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Swanage is a welcoming and nurturing environment that prioritizes the holistic development of every child. With an excellent student-teacher ratio and a focus on academic achievement, the school offers a strong curriculum that expands children's horizons. The school's good Ofsted rating reflects its commitment to providing quality education and fostering positive behavior and personal development. With a focus on preparing students to become well-rounded global citizens, St Mary's Catholic Primary School is an ideal choice for parents seeking a caring and respectful educational community.

Conifers Primary School is a co-educational school located in Dorset, South West. With a dedicated and experienced staff, the school provides a safe and inclusive environment for children aged 4 to 11. The school offers a balanced curriculum and focuses on the overall development of students. With a good Ofsted rating and impressive exam results, Conifers Primary School ensures that every child receives a quality education.

Pimperne Church of England VC Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Pimperne, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 21:1 and a total student count of 190, the school offers a nurturing environment for children aged 4-11. The school's strong leadership and effective safeguarding ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. Pupils excel in mathematics and make good progress overall. The school's commitment to individual student growth and achievement is reflected in their good Ofsted report. With a focus on quality teaching and positive behaviour, Pimperne Primary School provides a well-rounded education for its students.

Beaminster St Mary's Academy is a Church of England primary school located in Beaminster, South West. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1, our dedicated staff ensures personalized attention for every child. We prioritize academic achievement while instilling Christian values and fostering positive attitudes to learning. Our strong community connections and collaboration with other schools provide a well-rounded education. Although currently requiring improvement in some areas, our focused efforts in reading and mathematics have shown improvement. We aim to nurture each student's full potential in a safe and supportive environment.

Maiden Newton, Greenford Church of England Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Maiden Newton, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a focus on providing a top-notch education within the framework of Christian principles, the school maintains a good overall grade, as well as achieving good results in academics, teaching, behavior and safety. The school offers effective support for social, emotional and mental health needs and has improved phonics teaching. While there is a need for increased pupil progress, the school's mission of growing together and preparing students for life ensures a solid academic foundation for each individual student.