Merley First School
96%
Capacity
287
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Merley First School
Merley First School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole community, welcoming children from age 5 to 9. The school has 287 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 300 places).
Ofsted has rated Merley First School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Rebecca Baldwin, it falls under Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority.
Merley First School is a popular choice with families — it received 108 applications for 59 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 76 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Merley First School include Gymnasium, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Dining Hall, Forest School, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Netball, Football, Cricket and 3 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Eco Club, Film Club, Book Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 10.1%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Merley 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 | 5 to 9 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Oakley Straight, Wimborne, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH21 1SD |
| Headteacher | Rebecca Baldwin |
| Local Authority | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole |
| Number of Pupils | 287 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 10.1% |
| School Capacity | 287 / 300 (96% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jan 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.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed59
108
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
76 families put this school as their 1st choice (70% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merley 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
Oakley Straight, Wimborne
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH21 1SD
Oakley Straight, Wimborne
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH21 1SD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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