Dorchester Learning Centre
Monkton Park, Winterborne Monkton, Dorchester, DT2 9PSOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Dorchester Learning Centre is an alternative provision school in Dorchester for ages 5 to 18. It is one of the 179 schools in Dorset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 25 May 2022, report published 3 July 2022
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 25 May 2022
There are secure and trusting relationships between staff and pupils at Dorchester Learning Centre. These are vital to the success and positive experiences of the pupils who attend. Staff are ambitious in their vision to get the best possible outcomes for pupils during their time at the school. Staff encourage pupils to be aspirational and leaders work to make sure that pupils receive the support they need towards achieving their goals. Pupils value the time that staff dedicate to getting to know them so that they can respond appropriately to their needs. As a result, pupils feel safe and want to attend. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the impact the school has on their child. Staff are calm and empathetic when supporting pupils who are struggling. Pupils say that staff manage this well. They trust adults and will share concerns and worries if they want help. Pupils talk passionately about having a voice in school. The student council is fully involved in school improvement. Pupils' wider development is well considered so that they are prepared for life after school. Their welfare, physical and mental health is made a priority. Pupils learn how to manage this positively.
What the school should improve
- Not all staff across the school have an understanding of early reading and early mathematics. As a result, there are gaps in pupil's knowledge that are not identified and addressed as effectively as they could be. Leaders need to ensure that all staff have a secure understanding of early reading and mathematics so it can be applied in all subjects, across all ages.
- Some middle leaders do not have an in-depth, whole school overview of their areas of responsibility. As a result, they are not able to fully support staff in increasing their expertise, knowledge and understanding or drive forward improvement in their areas as effectively as they could. Leaders need to ensure that middle leaders have a well-informed whole school overview of their areas of responsibility.
Pupil numbers and mix
54 pupils on roll, with places for 59
Schools near Dorchester Learning Centre
| School | Distance | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|
| The Compass | 6 miles | Ofsted: Good |
| The Forum Centre | 17 miles | Ofsted: Good |
| Harbour Vale School | 18 miles | Ofsted: Good |
| The Quay School | 23 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding |
| Christchurch Learning Centre | 29 miles | Ofsted: Good |
School details
- School type
- Pupil referral unit
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 5 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mr David Dinsmore
- Phone
- 01305261213
- Address
- Monkton Park, Winterborne Monkton, Dorchester, DT2 9PS
- Local authority
- Dorset
- URN
- 130316
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.