Classpot

Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School

Dorset, DT2 7LAPrimaryAges 3–9MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jul 2023
KS2 Results
No data
Competition
1.0×
Not oversubscribed
10 1st-choice / 10 places
Ranking
Not ranked

About Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School

Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School is a small Church of England primary in Dorset that clearly appeals to local families. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 16 applications for just 10 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.6. All ten first-preference applicants were offered a place, which suggests that while the school is popular, those who put it top of their list have a strong chance of getting in. The school currently has 81 pupils against a capacity of 75, meaning it is running slightly over its official number, a further sign of demand. With a nursery provision on site and a mixed-age intake from 3 to 9, it serves as a first school for the village and surrounding area. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 7.4%, which is relatively low, and the school’s Church of England character is reflected in its on-site chapel.

Key Details

School TypePrimary (State)
Age Range3 to 9 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChurch of England
AddressDuck Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LA
HeadteacherCatherine Cresswell
Local AuthorityDorset
Number of Pupils81
Free School Meals (FSM)7.4%
School Capacity81 / 75 (108% full)
Nursery ClassesYes

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

12 Jul 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Early Years Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 25 Sept 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

6
ICT SuiteSports HallDining HallLibraryOutdoor PlaygroundChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

11

Sports

CricketRoundersCross CountryTennisNetballAthleticsDance

Clubs & Activities

CodingChessChoirDrama

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

SEND Support

DyslexiaSpeech & LanguageOther

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:45 – 15:15

Breakfast club

08:00-08:35

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cerne Abbas CofE VC First School

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