Sturminster Marshall First School, Wimborne

In its own words: "At Sturminster Marshall First School every child is known, valued and celebrated as an individual. We are a warm, caring community where differences are respected, kindness matters and wellbeing sits at the heart of school life. When children feel safe, supported and happy, they learn with confidence and joy."

From the headteacher's welcome: "It is a privilege to be Headteacher of Sturminster Marshall First School and to welcome you to our school community. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to ensuring that every child feels valued, safe and inspired to achieve their very best."

The school runs after-school care.

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

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put Sturminster Marshall First School as their first choice and 14 named it as one of their preferences, for 15 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 Sturminster Marshall First School are Pamphill Church of England First School (2.7 miles, Good); Henbury View First School (2.8 miles, Good); Lytchett Matravers Primary School (3 miles, Good, 77% reading, 80% maths); and Rushcombe First School (3.1 miles, Outstanding).

38 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Sturminster Marshall First School (as of September 2025): 92% would recommend the school, 95% say their child is happy there and 67% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (95%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (67%).

12.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 3 pupils (6.1%) received SEN support and 3 (6.1%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

Sturminster Marshall First School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

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

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is First School (s-bound), 90 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 5 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Dorset (25).

In 2024/25, Sturminster Marshall First School issued 8 suspensions, 11.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.