The short version
Below-average SATs results. Nearly full. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- SATs results are below the national average, with 49% meeting the expected standard (national: 62%)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
49%
-13.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
5%
-3.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
104
-2.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
101
-4.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
104
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
20% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 49 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Middle deemed secondary
- Ages
- 9–13
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 543
- Capacity
- 91%
- FSM
- 23.6%
Governance
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Trust
- WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Headteacher Jonathan Webb (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksMonitoring visit
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Queen's Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2HS
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmThe Thomas Hardye School
Secondary · 365m away
The Prince of Wales School
Primary · 581m away
Sunninghill Preparatory School
Independent · 1.2km away
Damers First School
Primary · 1.3km away
St Mary's Catholic First School, Dorchester
Primary · 1.3km away
Manor Park Church of England First School
Primary · 1.5km away
Penwithen School
Special school · 1.7km away
Dorchester Learning Centre
Pupil referral unit · 1.7km away
Questions parents ask
What is Dorchester Middle School's Ofsted rating?
Dorchester Middle School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in November 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Dorchester Middle School?
Dorchester Middle School currently has 543 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Dorchester Middle School take?
Dorchester Middle School caters for pupils aged 9 to 13. It is classified as a middle deemed secondary school.
Where is Dorchester Middle School?
Dorchester Middle School is in Dorchester, DT1 2HS, in the Dorset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Dorchester Middle School have a sixth form?
No, Dorchester Middle School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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