The best schools in Dorset

Compare 274 schools in Dorset on one page: the top-rated primary and secondary schools ranked by Ofsted, SATs and GCSE results and our composite score, plus every independent and special school in the area. Top of the list: St. Walburga's Catholic Primary School (primary) and Glenmoor Academy (secondary).

County 274 schools

Primary schools

186 primary schools in Dorset, ranked by our composite score. Showing the top 6.

St. Walburga's Catholic Primary School

Ofsted: Good
Type
Voluntary aided school
Phase
Primary
Location
Bournemouth, BH9 3BY

St Katharine's Church of England Primary School

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Voluntary aided school
Phase
Primary
Location
Bournemouth, BH6 4NA

Avonwood Primary School

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Primary
Location
Bournemouth, BH7 6NB

Winton Primary School

Ofsted: Good
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Primary
Location
Bournemouth, BH9 2TG

Spetisbury CofE Primary School

Ofsted: Good
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Primary
Location
Blandford Forum, DT11 9DF

Mudeford Junior School

Ofsted: Good
Type
Community school
Phase
Primary
Location
Christchurch, BH23 3HP
See all 186 primary schools in Dorset

Secondary schools

51 secondary schools in Dorset, ranked by our composite score. Showing the top 6.

Glenmoor Academy

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Academy sponsor led
Phase
Secondary
Location
Bournemouth, BH10 4EX

Bournemouth School

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Secondary
Location
Bournemouth, BH8 9PY

Winton Academy

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Academy sponsor led
Phase
Secondary
Location
Bournemouth, BH10 4HT

Bournemouth School for Girls

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Secondary
Location
Bournemouth, BH8 9UJ

Poole Grammar School

Ofsted: Strong
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Secondary
Location
Poole, BH17 9JU

Parkstone Grammar School

Ofsted: Good
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Secondary
Location
Poole, BH17 7EP
See all 51 secondary schools in Dorset

Independent schools

20 independent schools in Dorset, listed by Ofsted rating where one exists, then A to Z. Showing the top 6.

Bournemouth Collegiate Preparatory School

Independent School
Type
Other independent school
Location
Poole, BH14 9JY

Bournemouth Collegiate School

Independent School
Type
Other independent school
Location
Bournemouth, BH5 2DY

Bryanston School

Independent School
Type
Other independent school
Location
Blandford Forum, DT11 0PX

Canford School

Independent School
Type
Other independent school
Location
Wimborne, BH21 3AD

Castle Court School

Independent School
Type
Other independent school
Location
BH21 3RF

Clayesmore School

Independent School
Type
Other independent school
Location
Blandford Forum, DT11 8LL
See all 20 independent schools in Dorset

SEND and special schools

17 special schools in Dorset, listed by Ofsted rating where one exists, then A to Z. Showing the top 6.

Arbour House School

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Other independent special school
Location
DT4 7QF

Linwood School

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Community special school
Location
Bournemouth, BH9 1AJ

Westfield Arts College

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Foundation special school
Location
Weymouth, DT3 6AA

Yewstock School

Ofsted: Outstanding
Type
Community special school
Location
Sturminster Newton, DT10 1EW

Winchelsea School

Ofsted: Strong
Type
Community special school
Location
Poole, BH12 4LL

Aurora Beeches School

Ofsted: Good
Type
Other independent special school
Location
Wimborne, BH21 5RT
See all 17 special schools in Dorset

Schools in Dorset: common questions

Faith schools in Dorset

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