What is the best primary school in Dorchester?

On our composite score, Thorner's Church of England School, Litton Cheney is the top-ranked primary school in Dorchester, with a grade C. The score is one view of a school: each profile shows the figures behind it, and the list above ranks every scored primary school in the area.

How many primary schools are there in Dorchester?

There are 15 primary schools in Dorchester with a composite score on FindGreatSchools. Schools too new to have published results, and independent and special schools, are listed on their own pages.

How are primary schools in Dorchester ranked?

By our composite score, which blends four domains (Ofsted inspection, attainment, progress and engagement) into a grade from A to F. Schools are ordered by score weighted by data completeness, so a school with thin data cannot leapfrog a well-measured one. The method and weights are published in full.

When do I apply for a primary school place in Dorchester?

Applications for Reception places in Dorchester starting in September 2027 close on 15 January 2027. You apply through the council where you live, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 16 April 2027 (or the next working day).

The best primary schools in Dorchester

Compare 15 top-rated primary schools in Dorchester, ranked by Ofsted ratings, SATs results, attendance and progress. Top of the list: Thorner's Church of England School, Litton Cheney.

Town 15 scored primary schools

Showing 16 of 16 schools (Page 1 of 1)

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Compare the top two side by side: Thorner's Church of England School, Litton Cheney vs Buckland Newton Church of England Primary School

The best primary schools in Dorchester

Results

Thorner's Church of England School, Litton Cheney

Buckland Newton Church of England Primary School

Maiden Newton, Greenford Church of England Primary School

Sticklands Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

The Prince of Wales School

Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School

Damers First School

Puddletown Church of England First School

St Mary's Catholic First School, Dorchester

Manor Park Church of England First School

Broadmayne First School and Nursery

Winterbourne Valley Church of England Aided First School

Cheselbourne Village School

Frome Valley CofE First School

Piddle Valley Church of England First School

St Mary's Church of England First School, Charminster

Applying for a primary school place in Dorchester

Primary schools in Dorchester: common questions

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Best primary schools near Dorchester

See every school in Dorchester