Is Dorchester Middle School a good school?

Ofsted inspected the school on 2 June 2026 under its report-card framework and graded four areas at Expected standard, one at Needs attention and one at Strong standard. Safeguarding was judged Met. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded F, 28th of 28 secondary schools in Dorset. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are Dorchester Middle School's SATs results?

In the 2025 Key Stage 2 tests (SATs), 49% of pupils at Dorchester Middle School met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths (England: 62%).

How do I apply for a place at Dorchester Middle School?

Applications for Year 7 places at Dorchester Middle School starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

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Dorchester Middle School

Queen's Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2HS

Local ranking28th of 28 secondary schools in Dorset

Ofsted: Expected

Middle deemed secondary

Phase

600

Capacity

9-13

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2025 SATs · Ofsted inspection 2 June 2026. Figures last updated 17 August 2026.

Ofsted Report Card

Inspected 2 June 2026 under Ofsted's renewed framework

View on Ofsted

Safeguarding standards Met

Achievement: Needs attention
Curriculum & teaching: Expected standard
Attendance & behaviour: Strong standard
Personal development & wellbeing: Expected standard
Leadership & governance: Expected standard
Inclusion: Expected standard

Scale: Exceptional · Strong · Expected · Needs attention · Urgent improvement

Year:

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 543
Boys: 260 (49%)
Girls: 267 (51%)
Capacity: 600 (88% full)
SEND: 21.7%
FSM Eligible: 24.1%
EAL: 17.7%
SEN with EHC Plan: 4.8%
SEN Support: 16.9%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 17.9:1
Teachers (FTE): 30.3
Budget per Pupil: £6,499/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

Overall Absence Rate: 7.1% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 20.1% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Academy converter
Phase: Middle deemed secondary
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Not applicable

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 77.9%
Asian Indian: 7.6%
White Other: 3.5%
Asian Other: 2.0%
Mixed White & Asian: 1.7%
Other: 1.7%
Black African: 1.5%
Mixed Other: 0.9%

77.9%

White British

7.6%

Asian Indian

3.5%

White Other

Historical Trends

KS2 Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Ethnicity Over Time

Contact & Location

01305265651

office@dorchestermid.dorset.sch.uk

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Queen's Avenue

Dorchester, South West

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Administrative

URN: 138186
UKPRN: 10037405
Establishment No.: 4031
Trust: WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST

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