Best 3 Primary 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 primary schools: St Ives Primary & Nursery School (Primary) in Ringwood; Rushcombe First School (Primary) in Wimborne; St Nicholas and St Laurence Church of England Primary School (Primary) in Weymouth — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares St Ives Primary & Nursery School, Rushcombe First School and St Nicholas and St Laurence Church of England Primary School. They are primary phase and academy converter and community school type located around Ringwood, Hampshire, Wimborne, Dorset and Weymouth, Dorset. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (St Ives Primary & Nursery School), published Jan 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for St Ives Primary & Nursery School (Jan 2024). average roll around ≈ 250, combined total ≈ 800, typical FSM 10–15%, range 5–10%–15–20%; spread across trusts such as The Heath Academy Trust and DIOCESE OF SALISBURY ACADEMY TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	St Ives Primary & Nursery School BH24 2LE	Rushcombe First School BH21 3PX	St Nicholas and St Laurence Church of England Primary School DT3 5DQ
Phase / Type	Primary • Academy converter	Primary • Community school	Primary • Academy converter
Location	Ringwood Hampshire BH24 2LE	Wimborne Dorset BH21 3PX	Weymouth Dorset DT3 5DQ
Latest Ofsted	1 31 Jan 2024	1 30 Jan 2023	1 25 Jun 2015
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 300 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	240	308	210
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Trust / Local authority	The Heath Academy Trust	Dorset (838)	DIOCESE OF SALISBURY ACADEMY TRUST
Website	www.stivesprimary.com	www.rushcombe.co.uk	www.stnlwey.dsat.org.uk
Telephone	01425475478	01202695722	01305812534
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

St Ives Primary & Nursery School

BH24 2LE

Phase / Type: Primary • Academy converter
Location: Ringwood
Hampshire
BH24 2LE
Ofsted: 1 31 Jan 2024
Pupils: ≈ 250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Heath Academy Trust
Website: www.stivesprimary.com
Telephone: 01425475478

Rushcombe First School

BH21 3PX

Phase / Type: Primary • Community school
Location: Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 3PX
Ofsted: 1 30 Jan 2023
Pupils: ≈ 300 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Dorset (838)
Website: www.rushcombe.co.uk
Telephone: 01202695722

St Nicholas and St Laurence Church of England Primary School

DT3 5DQ

Phase / Type: Primary • Academy converter
Location: Weymouth
Dorset
DT3 5DQ
Ofsted: 1 25 Jun 2015
Pupils: ≈ 200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: DIOCESE OF SALISBURY ACADEMY TRUST
Website: www.stnlwey.dsat.org.uk
Telephone: 01305812534

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.