Ferndown Middle School
About Ferndown Middle School
Ferndown Middle School is a state-funded mixed secondary school in Dorset, catering for pupils aged 9 to 13, and it is currently running slightly above its official capacity. With 613 pupils on roll against a school capacity of 600, the school is effectively full, which suggests it is a popular choice among local families. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 20.7%, a figure that is notably higher than the national average for secondary schools in England, which typically sits around 17-18%. This indicates that the school serves a community with above-average levels of economic disadvantage. The school does not have a religious character, and there is no sixth form or nursery provision on site. While the data does not include specific admission oversubscription figures, the fact that the school is operating over its stated capacity implies strong local demand, particularly from families seeking a middle school option within the Dorset local authority area.
Key Details
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Jun 2023Latest monitoring visit (21 Jun 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 1 Feb 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
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.
School day
Teaching hours
08:45 – 15:20
Breakfast club
07:30-08:30
After-school care
15:20-17:30
Source: fernmid.dorset.sch.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ferndown Middle School
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Ofsted Ratings Explained
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