Ferndown First School, Ferndown

From the headteacher's welcome: "This is designed to provide you with helpful information about learning and opportunities at our school. At Ferndown First School, we are committed to fostering a love of learning and ensuring our children meet their potential."

For September 2026 entry, 76 families put Ferndown First School as their first choice and 147 named it as one of their preferences, for 89 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ferndown First School are Parley First School (0.7 miles, Good); Hampreston Church of England Voluntary Aided First School (1.4 miles); Oakhurst Community First School (1.7 miles, Good); and St Mary's CofE First School & Nursery (1.9 miles, Good).

Ferndown First School is one of 11 schools run by Southern Education Trust, an academy trust.

3.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Ferndown First School.

1 bus stop is within a five-minute walk; the closest is Middle School (nw-bound), 120 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 50 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences and other theft. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Dorset (25), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Ferndown First School issued 8 suspensions, 2.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Ferndown First School are Ferndown Middle School (under 0.1 miles), Ferndown Upper School (0.4 miles) and West Moors Middle School (1.6 miles).