Ferndown Middle School, Ferndown

In its own words: "The curriculum at the heart of all we do at Ferndown Middle School has three core outcomes; to develop confident and successful learners ; to exemplify and cultivate responsible citizens and to inspire children to be aspirational individuals ."

From the headteacher's welcome: "I am delighted to welcome you to our school. There is something very special about Ferndown Middle School, and we are incredibly proud of our students and their achievements. At Ferndown Middle School, we work together to create a safe, happy, and engaging environment where learning can flourish. We believe that children should be curious and excited about their learning."

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care.

In 2025, 72% of Year 6 pupils at Ferndown Middle School reached the expected standard in reading and 66% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 71% in Dorset and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (74% in reading, 61% in maths).

Across Dorset, 98% of families were offered their first-choice secondary school for 2026 entry, and 99% were offered one of the schools they named.

In 2026, families in Dorset lodged 85 appeals against secondary school offers; 58 reached a hearing and 22 succeeded (37.9% of those heard).

The nearest other state secondary schools to Ferndown Middle School are Ferndown Upper School (0.3 miles, Good, Attainment 8 45.9); West Moors Middle School (1.6 miles, Good); LeAF Studio (2.7 miles, Good, Attainment 8 36.1); and Oak Academy (2.9 miles, Requires improvement, Attainment 8 34).

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

4.5% 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 Middle School.

1 bus stop is within a five-minute walk; the closest is Middle School (nw-bound), 50 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 51 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 Middle School issued 125 suspensions, 20.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.

The primary schools closest to Ferndown Middle School are Ferndown First School (under 0.1 miles), Parley First School (0.7 miles), Hampreston Church of England Voluntary Aided First School (1.4 miles) and Oakhurst Community First School (1.7 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.