Official inspection reports and grades
Inspected 2 June 2026
Dorchester Middle School's catchment area comes from its admission criteria, set by its academy trust, which decide who is offered a place when more children apply than there are places. Children in care or adopted from care come first by law. Most schools put brothers and sisters of current pupils next, then distance from home or a catchment boundary, and the school's admissions policy says which it uses. Living nearby does not guarantee a place, and how far away the last place went changes every year, depending on who applies.
Dorchester Middle School is in Dorset council's area. Check its admissions booklet for how far away places went in recent years.
School workforce census, 2025/26.
Ofsted’s survey of parents at this school
Ofsted changed the Parent View questions in November 2025, so some questions differ between years.
84%
of parents would recommend this school to another parent
78%
of parents have a positive overall view of the school
135 responses up to 7 September 2026 · 26% response rate
My child is happy at this school.
82% agreeMy child feels safe at this school.
87% agreeThe school makes sure its pupils are well behaved.
76% agreeMy child has been bullied, and the school dealt with it quickly and effectively.
40% agreeMy child has SEND, and the school gives them the support they need to succeed.
59% agreeOfsted inspected Dorchester Middle School on 2 June 2026 using a report card, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade. The school met Ofsted's safeguarding standards. It was graded Strong standard for attendance and behaviour; Expected standard for curriculum and teaching, for inclusion, for leadership and governance and for personal development and wellbeing; Needs attention for achievement.
Dorchester Middle School's catchment area comes from its admission criteria, set by its academy trust, which decide who is offered a place when more children apply than there are places. Children in care or adopted from care come first by law. Most schools put brothers and sisters of current pupils next, then distance from home or a catchment boundary, and the school's admissions policy says which it uses. Living nearby does not guarantee a place, and how far away the last place went changes every year, depending on who applies.
Dorchester Middle School had 543 pupils aged 9 to 13 at the latest school census. Its official capacity is 600. It is a mixed school.
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