Beaminster School
Newtown, Beaminster, DT8 3EPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Beaminster School is a secondary school in Beaminster for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 179 schools in Dorset. It ranks 7th of 18 secondary schools in Dorset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 26 September 2023, report published 12 November 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 26 September 2023
Beaminster School is a community that pupils, parents, staff and governors are proud to be a part of. The 'ASK' ethos of ambition, service and kindness underpins all that the school does. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school site. Pupils and students in the sixth form have good relationships with adults, built on mutual respect and trust. The school encourages and supports pupils and students to attend well. The student services hub supports pupils with their individual needs, helping them to be ready to learn when they join lessons. '#Not-okay' is a student council-inspired campaign that encourages pupils to share concerns with adults. Pupils feel listened to and safe in school. Prefects act as role models for younger pupils to understand the 'Beaminster Way'. Bullying does happen occasionally, but pupils report it. They are confident that adults will help them. Pupils take part in a range of extra-curricular clubs such as beekeeping, sports and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. 'Stop the Clock' days and 'Activities Week' give pupils the opportunity to enjoy trips and visits. Drama and music performances showcase pupils' talents.
What the school should improve
- Assessment sometimes does not check pupils' knowledge and understanding effectively. As a result, some pupils' misconceptions go unchallenged while some pupils are not given further opportunities to deepen their knowledge. The school should develop the use of assessment so that teaching approaches can be adapted to meet the needs of all pupils.
- The reading curriculum does not support pupils of all ages to read widely and frequently. As a result, some pupils do not experience a diverse range of challenging and interesting texts. The school should further embed and evaluate strategies to develop a culture of reading across all year groups.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
117 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
39 students
Average A level grade C-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
673 pupils on roll, with places for 760
Schools near Beaminster School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Sir John Colfox Academy | 5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 43.0 |
| Wadham School | 5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 42.3 |
| Stanchester Academy | 10 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | Attainment 8: 43.7 |
| Preston School Academy | 10 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 45.9 |
| Westfield Academy | 10 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.5 |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary controlled school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Christian
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Keith Hales
- Phone
- 01308862633
- Address
- Newtown, Beaminster, DT8 3EP
- Local authority
- Dorset
- URN
- 113884
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.