What is the best primary school in Dorset?

On our composite score, St. Walburga's Catholic Primary School is the top-ranked primary school in Dorset, with a grade B. 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 Dorset?

There are 182 primary schools in Dorset 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 Dorset 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 Dorset?

Applications for Reception places in Dorset 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 Dorset

Compare 182 top-rated primary schools in Dorset, ranked by Ofsted ratings, SATs results, attendance and progress. Top of the list: St. Walburga's Catholic Primary School.

County 182 scored primary schools

Showing 24 of 186 schools (Page 1 of 8)

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Compare the top two side by side: St. Walburga's Catholic Primary School vs St Katharine's Church of England Primary School

The best primary schools in Dorset

Results

St. Walburga's Catholic Primary School

St Katharine's Church of England Primary School

Avonwood Primary School

Winton Primary School

Spetisbury CofE Primary School

Mudeford Junior School

St Mark's Church of England Primary School

Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School

Queen's Park Academy

St Andrew's Church of England Primary School

Moordown St John's Church of England Primary School

Trent Young's CofE Primary School

Talbot Primary School

Hillbourne Primary School

Ocean Academy Poole

Christchurch Junior School

Thornford CofE Primary School

Parrett and Axe Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Marnhull

Symondsbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

Muscliff Primary School

The Abbey CofE VA Primary School, Shaftesbury

St James' Church of England Primary Academy

Stourfield Junior School

Applying for a primary school place in Dorset

Primary schools in Dorset: common questions

More schools in Dorset

Best primary schools near Dorset

See every school in Dorset