How do you decide which schools are best?

We combine official data sources and our methodology to highlight consistent performance. Use filters to personalise results based on what matters to your family.

Are all Dorset neighbourhoods included?

Yes. We group schools by their locality field so you can quickly scan areas and their nearby schools. All sections are expanded by default on this page.

Why do results differ from Ofsted-only lists?

We consider a broader set of indicators and present more flexible filtering, including faith options, mixed/grammar status, and age ranges.

2026 Best Secondary Schools in Dorset Area

Schools across Dorset district. Explore 26 secondary schools in Dorset. The current top-ranked secondary schools are Bryanston School, Sherborne School, and Sherborne School for Girls. Compare local rankings, GCSE results, FMS Inspection Score, and neighbourhood options in one place.

Key Performance Metrics for Dorset

% students achieving grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent)

Dorset52%

England56%

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

Dorset37.8

England39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

Dorset28%

England41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

Dorset3.3

England4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

Dorset7.1/10

England7.4/10

% students achieving grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent)

Dorset

52%vsEngland

56%

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

Dorset

37.8vsEngland

39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

Dorset

28%vsEngland

41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

Dorset

3.3vsEngland

4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

Dorset

7.1/10vsEngland

7.4/10

Top schools in Dorset

Showing 1-20 of 26 schools

Bryanston School
Bryanston
Sherborne School
Sherborne
ADGrades not where they should be?We match your child with a qualified GCSE or A-Level tutor.5.0·108 Google reviewsFind my tutor →
ADTHE DEGREE GAPGrades not where they
should be?5.0 · 108 reviewsFind my tutor →
Sherborne School for Girls
Sherborne
ADGrades not where they should be?We match your child with a qualified GCSE or A-Level tutor.5.0·108 Google reviewsFind my tutor →
ADTHE DEGREE GAPGrades not where they
should be?5.0 · 108 reviewsFind my tutor →
Milton Abbey School
Milton Abbas
Clayesmore School
Iwerne Minster
Leweston School
Sherborne
The Thomas Hardye School
Dorchester
The Woodroffe School
Uplyme
Lytchett Minster School
Lytchett Minster
Sturminster Newton High School
Sturminster Newton
The Swanage School
Swanage
The Blandford School
Blandford Forum
Ferndown Upper School
Ferndown
The Gryphon School
Sherborne
The Purbeck School
Worgret
Shaftesbury School
Shaftesbury
Atlantic Academy Portland
Southwell
Wey Valley Academy
Littlemoor
Beaminster School
Newtown
Gillingham School
Gillingham