Classpot

Beaminster School

Dorset, DT8 3EPSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Sep 2023
Progress 8
-0.08
Below average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
127 1st-choice / 116 places
Ranking
#1,720
of 3,141 nationally

About Beaminster School

Beaminster School is a popular choice among local families, with 127 first-preference applications for 116 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, resulting in an oversubscription ratio of 1.78. This means nearly two families applied for every available spot, and 114 of those first-preference offers were accepted. While the school does not publish a parent satisfaction survey or recommend percentage, the high level of demand suggests a strong reputation in the community. The school is a state-funded, mixed secondary with a Christian character, serving 679 pupils aged 11 to 18 in the Dorset local authority area. It is not a boarding school and does not offer nursery provision, but it does have an official sixth form. The headteacher is Keith Hales, and the school operates within a capacity of 760, meaning there is some room for growth.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChristian
AddressNewtown, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3EP
HeadteacherKeith Hales
Local AuthorityDorset
Number of Pupils679
Free School Meals (FSM)22.1%
School Capacity679 / 760 (89% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

26 Sept 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 12 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Science LabsLibraryDining HallTennis CourtsSports HallICT SuiteAstro TurfSwimming PoolChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

22

Sports

NetballDanceRowingSwimmingAthleticsHockeyBasketballTennisFootballRugby

Clubs & Activities

Film ClubChessEco ClubDramaChoirScience ClubOrchestraBook ClubDuke of EdinburghYoung EnterpriseModel United NationsDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:45 – 15:30

Source: beaminster.dorset.sch.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Beaminster School

Beaminster School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.