Best State Secondary 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Montacute School is an all-through school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Founded in 2011, the school provides education for students aged 2 to 18 years. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, Montacute School offers personalized attention and a curriculum designed to meet the special educational needs of all pupils. The school has a strong monitoring system for teaching quality and progress, ensuring that all groups of pupils make good progress. Pupils feel safe and enjoy school, with effective safeguarding procedures in place. Montacute School also offers a well-managed early years program and a good range of studies for post-16 students.

West Moors Middle School is a co-ed middle deemed secondary school located in West Moors, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school offers a supportive learning environment for students aged 9-13. The school provides education to 215 students, with a focus on speech, language, and communication needs. With a good overall grade from Ofsted and strong exam results, West Moors Middle School ensures that students develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

Broadstone Middle School is a co-ed school located in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school focuses on providing a high-quality education for children aged 9-14. The school prides itself on its good overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Broadstone Middle School aims to prepare students for the challenges of the twenty-first century, fostering a culture of high expectations and providing a safe and exciting environment for academic, social, physical, cultural, and spiritual development. With a dedicated staff and strong parental involvement, the school ensures that students have the best chances to reach their full potential and become successful members of society.

Cranborne Middle School is a welcoming and nurturing institution that prioritizes the holistic development of students. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a safe and supportive learning environment. The school has a good Ofsted rating and offers a broad curriculum, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the future. The school's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its effective leadership and focus on quality teaching. With a strong emphasis on personal development and high academic standards, Cranborne Middle School aims to empower students to reach their full potential.

St Mary's Church of England Middle School in Puddletown is a welcoming and inclusive school that values academic excellence and personal growth. With a strong focus on Christian values, the school provides a supportive learning environment where students can thrive. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, individual attention is given to each student. The school's good overall rating from Ofsted reflects its commitment to providing a quality education. In addition, the school's exam results show high achievement in maths and reading, with 66% of students achieving GCSE 4 or higher. St Mary's Church of England Middle School is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential and preparing them for future success.

St Michael's Church of England Middle School, Colehill, is a co-ed school located in Colehill, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 21:1 and a strong focus on progress in English, the school provides a nurturing environment for students aged 9-13. The school has a Good overall rating from Ofsted, with effective leadership and management. Pupils are well-behaved and challenged to think deeply, while disadvantaged students are making better progress. However, there are some pockets of weaker teaching that still need improvement.

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.

Victoria Education Centre is a co-educational all-through school located in Bournemouth. With a dedicated leadership team, the school provides excellent provision for children with special needs and disabilities, offering a wide range of sporting and cultural activities for diverse experiences. The school has a positive attitude towards learning and effective safeguarding, ensuring the well-being of all students. With good progress seen in early years and post-16 provision, Victoria Education Centre is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Dorchester Middle School is a co-ed school located in Dorchester, South West. With a student-teacher ratio of 22:1 and a focus on personal development, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Although some improvements are needed, pupils are well-behaved and attendance rates have improved. The school aims to provide a nurturing environment for students to excel academically and grow as individuals.

Atlantic Academy Portland is an all-through school located in Southwell Park, Portland. With a student teacher ratio of 18:1, our co-ed school provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 4-16. We offer a diverse curriculum and strive for academic excellence, as reflected in our average scores of 104 in maths and 105 in reading at KS2. Our dedicated teachers and resources ensure a quality education experience for all students.