Frome Valley CofE First School, Dorchester

From the headteacher's welcome: "I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your family on behalf of the staff and Governors of Frome Valley CE First School. I feel very privileged to be the Head of School of such a lovely school within the community of Crossways."

Coming up: an open day on Monday 9 November 2026 and an open day on Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 8.40am. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

For September 2026 entry, 16 families put Frome Valley CofE First School as their first choice and 20 named it as one of their preferences, for 16 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Frome Valley CofE First School are Broadmayne First School and Nursery (2.3 miles, Good); Puddletown Church of England First School (3.2 miles, Good); Bovington Academy (3.8 miles, Good, 86% reading, 79% maths); and Manor Park Church of England First School (4.2 miles).

Frome Valley CofE First School is one of 12 schools run by Wessex Multi Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 56% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

22 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Frome Valley CofE First School (as of September 2025): 77% would recommend the school, 86% say their child is happy there and 43% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school has high expectations for their child (86%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (43%).

2.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 21 pupils (14.9%) received SEN support and 3 (2.1%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Frome Valley CofE First School had 8 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Moreton (Dorset) Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Egdon Heath (n-bound), 250 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 9 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Dorset (25).

In 2024/25, Frome Valley CofE First School issued 10 suspensions, 6.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.