Cranborne Middle School
About Cranborne Middle School
Cranborne Middle School is a state secondary for pupils aged 9 to 13 in Dorset, and it is currently oversubscribed: the school has 306 pupils against a capacity of 256. That 50-pupil surplus suggests genuine local demand for its middle-school model. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 17%, which is worth noting in the context of the school’s relatively small intake. The headteacher is Richard Stevens, and the school has no religious character. The parent view, based on 37 responses collected between September 2024 and September 2025, shows that 86% of parents would recommend the school. On the question of whether their child is happy, 87% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed, and 89% felt their child was safe. However, only 59% agreed or strongly agreed that the school makes them aware of what their child will learn, and 41% disagreed on that point — a notable split.
Key Details
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Jan 2025Latest monitoring visit (15 Jan 2025): Some aspects not as strong
Source: Ofsted, 1 Jul 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cranborne Middle School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications