Schools across Dorset
Local authority · 185 schools across 29 towns
185
119 primary · 29 secondary
51,332
82% capacity used
58
4 outstanding · 54 good
62,714
11,382 spare places
Ofsted Ratings
Area Performance (2025)
KS2 Reading
70.5%
KS2 Maths
67.4%
School Capacity
Primary Schools
4,274 spare places
Secondary Schools
5,342 spare places
Pupil Absence
Avg Overall Absence
6.4%
2024/25
Avg Persistent Absence
15.3%
2024/25
Schools Reporting
153
2024/25
Absence trend across Dorset schools
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Average across all open schools in this LA.
EHCP Timeliness
Issued Within 20 Weeks
49%
Plans Issued
585
Assessment Requests
881
Tribunal Cases
10
EHCP timeliness trend (% issued within 20 weeks)
Source: DfE EHCP timeliness statistics. Shows how quickly this LA issues Education, Health and Care Plans.
Admission Appeals
2025 admission appeals by school phase
Primary
28
Lodged
(0.8%)
20
Heard
3
Successful
(15%)
Primary (infant classes)
19
Lodged
(0.6%)
11
Heard
0
Successful
(0%)
Secondary
143
Lodged
(2.6%)
105
Heard
34
Successful
(32%)
Total
171
Lodged
(1.9%)
125
Heard
37
Successful
(30%)
Total appeals lodged per year
Source: DfE admission appeals statistics. Shows how competitive school places are in this area.
Towns in Dorset
Wimborne
23 schools
Dorchester
23 schools
Weymouth
22 schools
Blandford Forum
18 schools
Sherborne
13 schools
Bridport
11 schools
Wareham
10 schools
Gillingham
8 schools
Ferndown
7 schools
Sturminster Newton
6 schools
Shaftesbury
6 schools
Poole
5 schools
Beaminster
5 schools
Swanage
5 schools
Verwood
4 schools
Ringwood
3 schools
Portland
2 schools
Lyme Regis
2 schools
Salisbury
1 schools
Ringwood, Hants
1 schools