Official inspection reports and grades
Inspected 12 July 2023
School workforce census, 2025/26.
Ofsted’s survey of parents at this school
100%
of parents would recommend this school to another parent
41 responses up to 1 April 2024 · 56% response rate
My child is happy at this school.
100% agreeMy child feels safe at this school.
100% agreeThe school makes sure its pupils are well behaved.
98% agreeMy child has been bullied and the school dealt with the bullying quickly and effectively.
89% agreeThe school makes me aware of what my child will learn during the year.
100% agreeCerne Abbas CofE VC First School was graded Good at its last Ofsted inspection, on 12 July 2023.
Apply through the council where you live by 15 January for a Reception place starting that September. Children start Reception in the September after their fourth birthday. You can usually list between 3 and 6 schools in order of preference, and offers are sent on 16 April, or the next working day. A place in its nursery class does not carry on into Reception, so you still need to apply. As a Church of England school it may also ask for a supplementary form, and its admissions policy says whether it does.
No. Distance only counts when Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School has more applicants than places. Then its admission criteria, set by the local authority, Dorset, decide who is offered a place first. Children in care or adopted from care come first by law. Most schools put brothers and sisters of current pupils next, then distance or a catchment area. As a Church of England school, it can give priority to children on grounds of faith. How far away the last place went changes every year, depending on who applies.
Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School had 81 pupils aged 3 to 9 at the latest school census. Its official capacity is 75. It is a mixed school.
Academy converter
2.9 miles away
Academy converter
3.1 miles away
Voluntary controlled school
4.8 miles away
Academy converter
5.4 miles away
Voluntary aided school
5.8 miles away