William Barnes Primary School, Sturminster Newton

In 2025, 71% of Year 6 pupils at William Barnes Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 68% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 71% in Dorset and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 68% in reading and 45% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 23 families put William Barnes Primary School as their first choice and 35 named it as one of their preferences, for 23 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 William Barnes Primary School are St Gregory's Church of England Primary School, Marnhull (3 miles, 67% reading, 67% maths); St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Child Okeford (3.1 miles, 71% reading, 57% maths); Shillingstone Church of England Primary School (3.5 miles, Good, 73% reading, 73% maths); and St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Marnhull (3.8 miles, Good, 80% reading, 80% maths).

William Barnes Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

26.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

William Barnes Primary School had 11 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 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 William Barnes Primary School.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Minster House (n-bound), 70 metres away.

In 2024/25, William Barnes Primary School issued 3 suspensions, 1.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.