Best 3 Secondary schools in Dorchester – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: The Thomas Hardye School (Secondary) in Dorchester; Dorset Studio School (Secondary) in Dorchester — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares The Thomas Hardye School and Dorset Studio School. They are secondary phase and academy converter and studio schools type located around Dorchester, Dorset. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (The Thomas Hardye School), published Apr 2015. The lowest is 2 (Dorset Studio School), published May 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Dorset Studio School (May 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,200, combined total ≈ 2,400, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–30–35%; all within the WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	The Thomas Hardye School DT1 2ET	Dorset Studio School DT2 8PX
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Studio schools
Location	Dorchester Dorset DT1 2ET	Dorchester Dorset DT2 8PX
Latest Ofsted	1 20 Apr 2015	2 15 May 2024
Ofsted report	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 2,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 350 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	2138	375
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST	Dorset (838)
Website	www.thomas-hardye.net	dorsetstudioschool.co.uk
Telephone	01305266064	01305443600
SEN provision	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile

The Thomas Hardye School

DT1 2ET

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 2ET
Ofsted: 1 20 Apr 2015
Pupils: ≈ 2,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Website: www.thomas-hardye.net
Telephone: 01305266064

Dorset Studio School

DT2 8PX

Phase / Type: Secondary • Studio schools
Location: Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8PX
Ofsted: 2 15 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 350 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Dorset (838)
Website: dorsetstudioschool.co.uk
Telephone: 01305443600

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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.