Best State Primary Schools in Dorset County

Linwood School is an outstanding all-through school in Bournemouth, offering education for students aged 2 to 19 years. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1 and a strong focus on supporting pupils' independence, the school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment. The dedicated leadership team and quality teaching ensure that students make exceptional progress in their learning. Safeguarding is prioritized, providing peace of mind for parents. With a range of special educational needs catered for, including autism spectrum disorder, moderate to severe learning difficulties, and profound multiple learning difficulties, Linwood School is committed to meeting the individual needs of every student.

Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School is a Roman Catholic school located in Boscombe, Bournemouth. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 and a strong culture of safeguarding, our school provides a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 4-11. Our dedicated leadership team ensures that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. With good overall effectiveness and outstanding behaviour and safety of pupils, parents can be confident in the quality of education we offer.

Tregonwell Academy is an outstanding all-through school in Bournemouth, offering a high-quality education for students aged 5-16. Led by a passionate headteacher and dedicated staff, the school maintains excellent standards of teaching and leadership, ensuring the achievement and well-being of all students. With effective safeguarding measures in place, Tregonwell Academy provides a safe and engaging learning environment. While there are areas for improvement such as the need for more supported apprenticeships, the school consistently demonstrates its commitment to providing an outstanding education for its students.

Bethany Church of England Junior School is a nurturing and inclusive primary school located in Boscombe, Bournemouth. With a strong Christian foundation, we provide a joyful and supportive learning environment for children aged 7-11. Our dedicated staff inspire students to achieve academic and personal excellence, while fostering values of confidence, compassion, creativity, and curiosity. We have high expectations for all our students and offer a wide range of opportunities for them to develop their unique strengths and talents. With a good Ofsted rating and impressive exam results, Bethany CE Junior School prepares students for success in secondary school and beyond.

Jewell Academy Bournemouth is an outstanding primary school that provides exceptional education and care for children aged 4-11. With a dedicated and highly qualified staff, outstanding teaching, and a focus on individualized learning, our school ensures that every child feels special, safe, and supported. We have a strong curriculum that meets the needs of all students, excellent early years provision, and a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and pride in our school community. Our high standards of safety, achievement, and behaviour make us a top choice for parents seeking a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their children.

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.

St. Walburga's Catholic Primary School is a vibrant and inclusive school located in Bournemouth. With a strong Roman Catholic ethos, we provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children aged 4-11. Our dedicated teachers and staff strive to ensure academic excellence, while promoting personal development and global awareness. Our outstanding Ofsted rating and impressive exam results demonstrate our commitment to delivering a high-quality education. Join our welcoming community and watch your child thrive at St. Walburga's.

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.

St Michael's Church of England Primary School is a vibrant and inclusive school in Bournemouth. With a strong leadership and exemplary behaviour from pupils, the school maintains a high standard of education for its diverse community. Special support for students with different needs and abilities and a notable strength in EAL pupils' development ensure a well-supported learning environment.

Elm Academy is an outstanding primary school located in Bournemouth. With a dedicated and highly skilled staff, the school ensures that students make rapid progress academically and have access to a wide range of learning opportunities. The school's exceptional leadership and management, as well as its outstanding behaviour and safety measures, provide a nurturing environment for all students. Elm Academy values every student, promotes high expectations, and fosters a love for learning, ensuring that each child achieves their full potential.

King's Park Academy is a primary school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a focus on providing a well-rounded education, the school offers a curriculum that includes core skills in English and mathematics, as well as opportunities to explore science, humanities, and the arts. Led by Mrs Lauren Dean, the academy prides itself on its outstanding leadership and management, ensuring success for all pupils. With a student teacher ratio of 23:1 and a strong culture of safeguarding, King's Park Academy provides a safe and supportive learning environment for children aged 4-11. The school's dedication to personal development, behaviour, and welfare has been recognized as outstanding. While there are areas for improvement, such as tracking progress in certain subjects, King's Park Academy has an overall grade of A and offers a good standard of education for its students.

Ocean Academy Poole is an established and oversubscribed primary school in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, our dedicated staff provides a varied and exciting curriculum that supports the emotional and physical well-being of our students. We pride ourselves on exemplary pupil behavior and outstanding personal development. While some areas may require improvement, such as consistency in teaching and structure in foundation subjects, we strive for good overall effectiveness and positive feedback from parents.

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.

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.

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.

Winchelsea School is an all-through co-ed school located in Parkstone, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 4-19. Offering a comprehensive range of SEN support, Winchelsea School prioritizes personalized education and outstanding behavior and attitudes. With an overall grade of B-, the school excels in resources and safety, ensuring a high-quality education for all students.

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.