Dorset Studio School
About Dorset Studio School
Dorset Studio School was rated Good in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024, a rating it has held consistently across both its graded inspections. The school's Progress 8 score of -0. 5 is the most telling academic metric, and it sits below the Dorset local authority average of -0. 09. This places the school 18th out of 30 secondary schools in the county, and 2601st nationally out of 3141 schools. The Attainment 8 score of 29. 1 further illustrates that pupils' overall GCSE results are lower than many local alternatives. Just 21. 9% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths, and no pupils entered the English Baccalaureate suite of qualifications. The school's Progress 8 breakdown shows that maths is the weakest area, with a score of -0. 87, while English and the EBacc subjects are also below average. These figures suggest that while the school provides a satisfactory standard of education, its academic outcomes are not its strongest suit.
Key Details
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 EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Mar 2024Source: Ofsted, 15 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dorset Studio 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