Milldown CofE Academy, Blandford Forum

In its own words: "At Milldown CE Academy our vision is to foster a thriving community built around our common desire to INSPIRE, BELIEVE & ACHIEVE . Our vision is rooted in the foundations of our Christian faith expressed in the words of Jesus, " I am the way, the truth and the life ." John 14."

From the headteacher's welcome: "I am incredibly proud to lead such a welcoming, inclusive and ambitious school, where our values of Inspire, Believe and Achieve are at the heart of everything we do. At Milldown, we are committed to creating a community where everyone can flourish. We believe in creating a nurturing community where children can learn, grow and discover their true potential."

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school care until 4:15pm.

In 2025, 66% of Year 6 pupils at Milldown CofE Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 62% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 71% in Dorset and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 86% in reading and 72% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 19 families put Milldown CofE Academy as their first choice and 59 named it as one of their preferences, for 19 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 Milldown CofE Academy are Archbishop Wake Church of England Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 76% reading, 74% maths); Blandford St Mary Church of England Primary School (1.2 miles, Good, 77% reading, 83% maths); Durweston Church of England Primary School (1.7 miles, 100% reading, 100% maths); and Pimperne Church of England VC Primary School (2 miles, 70% reading, 70% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Milldown CofE Academy.

Milldown CofE Academy is one of 28 schools run by Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 62% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

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 Milldown CofE Academy.

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Milldown Academy (se-bound), 170 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 87 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Dorset (25), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Milldown CofE Academy issued 6 suspensions, 2.9 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.