Parley First School
98%
Capacity
308
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Parley First School
Parley 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 308 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (98% of 315 places).
Ofsted has rated Parley First School "Good", the school is led by headteacher J Bagwell, it falls under Dorset local authority.
Parley First School is a popular choice with families — it received 125 applications for 59 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 68 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Parley First School include Gymnasium, Sensory Room, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Netball, Dance, Rounders, as well as clubs including Gardening, Art Club, Coding, Drama.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 12.0%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Dorset, Parley 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 | Glenmoor Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8QE |
| Headteacher | J Bagwell |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 308 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 12.0% |
| School Capacity | 308 / 315 (98% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Jul 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Sept 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
8Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed59
125
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
68 families put this school as their 1st choice (54% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parley 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
Glenmoor Road, Ferndown
Dorset, BH22 8QE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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