Best 3 All-through schools in Dorset – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of all-through schools: St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School (All-through) in Bournemouth; Atlantic Academy Portland (All-through) in Portland; Parkfield School (All-through) in Christchurch — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School, Atlantic Academy Portland and Parkfield School. They are all-through phase and academy converter, academy sponsor led and free schools type located around Bournemouth, Dorset, Portland, Dorset and Christchurch, Dorset. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School), published Nov 2023. The lowest is 3 (Parkfield School), published Mar 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School (Nov 2023). average roll around ≈ 900, combined total ≈ 2,750, typical FSM 20–25%, range 10–15%–30–35%; spread across trusts such as St Peter's Catholic Voluntary Academy Trust, Aspirations Academies Trust and Reach South Academy Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School BH6 4AH	Atlantic Academy Portland DT5 2NA	Parkfield School BH23 6DF
Phase / Type	All-through • Academy converter	All-through • Academy sponsor led	All-through • Free schools
Location	Bournemouth Dorset BH6 4AH	Portland Dorset DT5 2NA	Christchurch Dorset BH23 6DF
Latest Ofsted	2 12 Nov 2023	2 9 Mar 2022	3 1 Mar 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,950 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 750 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 50 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1650	1020	60
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	St Peter's Catholic Voluntary Academy Trust	Aspirations Academies Trust	Reach South Academy Trust
Website	www.st-peters.bournemouth.sch.uk	www.atlantic-aspirations.org	www.parkfieldschool.org
Telephone	01202421141	01305820262	01202592530
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

St Peter's Catholic Comprehensive School

BH6 4AH

Phase / Type: All-through • Academy converter
Location: Bournemouth
Dorset
BH6 4AH
Ofsted: 2 12 Nov 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,950 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: St Peter's Catholic Voluntary Academy Trust
Website: www.st-peters.bournemouth.sch.uk
Telephone: 01202421141

Atlantic Academy Portland

DT5 2NA

Phase / Type: All-through • Academy sponsor led
Location: Portland
Dorset
DT5 2NA
Ofsted: 2 9 Mar 2022
Pupils: ≈ 750 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Aspirations Academies Trust
Website: www.atlantic-aspirations.org
Telephone: 01305820262

Parkfield School

BH23 6DF

Phase / Type: All-through • Free schools
Location: Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 6DF
Ofsted: 3 1 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 50 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Reach South Academy Trust
Website: www.parkfieldschool.org
Telephone: 01202592530

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.