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School directory data from the Department for Education's Get Information about Schools register (updated 19 July 2026) and Ofsted inspection outcomes (updated 30 June 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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Stage of educationNursery shows nursery schools and primary schools with a nursery class (from age 3 or younger). Primary schools usually take ages 4-11 (Reception to Year 6); secondary schools take ages 11-16, or 11-18 with a sixth form.

Grammar or non-selectiveGrammar schools choose pupils by an entrance test, often called the 11-plus. Non-selective schools don't test.

FaithFaith schools have a religious character and may give priority to families of that faith in their admissions.

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Ofsted ratingThe overall grade from the school's latest full Ofsted inspection. Newer inspections no longer give a single grade, so some recently inspected schools show no rating here.

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47 schools found

Nursery (incl. primary schools with a nursery)
Council: Dorset

Manor Park Church of England First School

Dorchester, Dorset - DT1 2BH

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“Manor Park First School recognises it is the duty and responsibility of everyone in the school community to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: InadequateQuality of education: Requires improvement

Piddle Valley Church of England First School

Dorchester, Dorset - DT2 7QL

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“"At Piddle Valley CE First School, we envision a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Guided by our core values of trust, respect, and the spirit to shine, we strive to create an inclusive community where learning is a joyful journey.”

Primary

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Established

Ofsted: Good

Quality of education: Good

Sixpenny Handley First School and Nursery

Salisbury, Dorset - SP5 5NJ

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“Pupil voice is integral to the success of our school and each half term we invite the children to reflect on different aspects of school life and suggest what works well and what could be even better.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Good

St Andrew's Church of England Primary School

Weymouth, Dorset - DT3 6AA

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 3-11)

“We pride ourselves on being nurturing, inclusive and ambitious, meaning that our children come to school feeling safe and happy.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: GoodQuality of education: Good

St George's Church of England Primary School, Langton Matravers

Swanage, Dorset - BH19 3HB

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“Jesus tells his disciples that; “I came that they may have life - life in all its fullness.” “Life in all its fullness” is the guiding vision, and shapes the ethos, of St George’s School for all the children who learn here, all the adults who teach here and all those who support the school…”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: GoodQuality of education: Good

St George's Church of England School, Bourton

Gillingham, Dorset - SP8 5BN

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“At St George’s School every child is enabled to do their best in a supportive, loving and Christian environment. We believe that Primary School should be a very special and memorable time, a time to grow, participate and succeed in all areas of school life.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Not judgedQuality of education: Good

St Ives Primary & Nursery School

Ringwood, Dorset - BH24 2LE

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“Breakfast club and after-school care are available for all nursery and school-age children, during term time. Please see our Breakfast and After School page for more information.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: OutstandingQuality of education: Outstanding

St James Church of England First School

Wimborne, Dorset - BH21 4JN

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“The Nursery building is situated in the grounds of St James’ First School, overlooking open fields, in the picturesque village of Gaunts Common, three miles from Wimborne Town Centre. We aim to make learning fun and the Cottage a great place to come to.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Not judgedQuality of education: Good

St James' Church of England First School and Nursery, Alderholt

Fordingbridge, Dorset - SP6 3AJ

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“With regular opportunities to explore our school story, the children at St. James' learn how our school values are rooted in this context and can add meaning and value to their lives.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Good

St John's Church of England Primary School

Weymouth, Dorset - DT4 7TP

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“St John’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School was founded in 1864 for the education of children in the local community and the Parish of Radipole and Melcombe Regis, guided by the principles of The Church of England.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: GoodQuality of education: Good

St Mary the Virgin Church of England Primary School

Gillingham, Dorset - SP8 4GG

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“At St Mary the Virgin CE Primary School and Nursery, we believe everything is possible for all our children. The school and nursery belongs to the children. Our Christian values underpin all aspects of school life and our children’s personal and spiritual development as human beings.”

PrimarySince 2004Ofsted: Good

St Mary's Catholic First School, Dorchester

Dorchester, Dorset - DT1 2DD

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“We are a friendly school community close to the heart of Dorchester. Our school has close links to Holy Trinity Church. We welcome families of any faith or none.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Good

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Marnhull

Sturminster Newton, Dorset - DT10 1JX

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“As a Catholic school, our faith is at the heart of all that we do. We are committed to working in partnership with parents and families to create a nurturing community where every child can flourish.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: GoodQuality of education: Good

St Mary's CofE First School & Nursery

Ferndown, Dorset - BH22 0JF

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“At St Mary’s, we aspire to be a school where every child and adult flourishes, rooted in our Christian values of Hope, Joy, Family and Compassion.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Not judgedQuality of education: Good

Swanage Primary School

Swanage, Dorset - BH19 2EY

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“At Swanage Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: GoodQuality of education: Good

The Prince of Wales School

Dorchester, Dorset - DT1 2HH

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“At The Prince of Wales School, we believe that children flourish when they are supported by strong relationships, high expectations and a genuine sense of belonging.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Not judgedQuality of education: Good

Thorncombe, St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy

Thorncombe, Dorset - TA20 4NE

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“At Thorncombe St Mary’s, we believe passionately that everyone has the potential to succeed. We are committed to providing and developing a positive, safe and stimulating learning environment underpinned by our core Christian values.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Requires improvementQuality of education: Requires improvement

Thorner's Church of England School, Litton Cheney

Dorchester, Dorset - DT2 9AU

Nursery - Year 6 (ages 2-11)

“Together we – community, church, and school – promise to help you thrive as you start your journey and to give you real hope for your future.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: Not judgedQuality of education: Good

Three Legged Cross First and Nursery School

Wimborne, Dorset - BH21 6RF

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“Learning is our speciality! We believe that a positive learning attitude supports children to develop the knowledge, confidence and resilience they need to succeed both in school and beyond.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: GoodQuality of education: Good

Verwood Church of England First School

Verwood, Dorset - BH31 6JF

Nursery - Year 4 (ages 2-9)

“We are a two-form entry Church of England First School and Nursery, set in beautiful woodland grounds, for children aged 3 to 9 years of age. We share a campus with Emmanuel Middle School, where our children transfer to in Year 5.”

PrimaryEstablishedOfsted: GoodQuality of education: Good