Hillside Community First School, Verwood

In its own words: "The history of education in Verwood can be traced back to the 1840's but it's not until 1967 when Verwood County Junior School opened that the school we now know as Hillside officially came into existence. In 2017 Hillside received a new Key stage two base for children in year three and four."

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of the children, staff and academy committee, I would like to warmly welcome you to Hillside First School. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and full of exciting learning opportunities for our children."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include gymnastics, dance and Lego.

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school care.

Coming up: an open evening on Thursday 8 July 2027. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

For September 2026 entry, 40 families put Hillside Community First School as their first choice and 91 named it as one of their preferences, for 43 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 Hillside Community First School are Trinity Church of England First School (0.4 miles); Verwood Church of England First School (0.9 miles, Good); Three Legged Cross First and Nursery School (2 miles, Good); and St James' Church of England First School and Nursery, Alderholt (2.8 miles, Good).

Hillside Community First School is one of 19 schools run by Initio Learning Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 69% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

15.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 2.3% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (92%) and Mixed (6%).

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

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Hillside Road (e-bound), 170 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Hillside Community First School stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 7th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In 2024/25, Hillside Community First School issued 16 suspensions, 7.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.