Ferndown First School
105%
Capacity
360
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Ferndown First School
Ferndown First School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 4 to 9. The school has 360 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (105% of 342 places).
Ofsted has rated Ferndown First School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Sean Watts, it falls under Dorset local authority.
Ferndown First School is a popular choice with families — it received 123 applications for 69 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 60 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ferndown First School include Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Sensory Room, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Library, Outdoor Playground, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Tennis, Rounders, Athletics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Drama, Gardening.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.6%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Dorset, Ferndown First School is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 9 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Mountbatten Drive, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9FB |
| Headteacher | Sean Watts |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 360 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.6% |
| School Capacity | 360 / 342 (105% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (10 Nov 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 4 Feb 2011. 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.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed69
123
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
60 families put this school as their 1st choice (49% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ferndown First School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Mountbatten Drive, Ferndown
Dorset, BH22 9FB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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