Dorset Studio School
Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Dorset Studio School is a secondary school in Dorchester for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 179 schools in Dorset. It ranks 16th of 18 secondary schools in Dorset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 5 March 2024, report published 15 May 2024
- 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 5 March 2024
The school has high expectations of all pupils. The curriculum is well matched to pupils' starting points and future aspirations. Extensive work experience for those in key stage 4 is highly valued by pupils. Many pupils move on to employment and education in related areas. Interactions between staff and pupils are warm and friendly. Pupils have trusted adults they can talk to if needed. Consequently, pupils feel safe at Dorset Studio School, and most enjoy attending. Pupils on the key stage 4 site appreciate the workplace environment. They are mature and responsible. Both sites are calm and orderly. The land-based curriculum inspires and motivates pupils. They enjoy applying what they have learned. Learning in English, mathematics and science is linked to the land-based curriculum where possible. All aspects of the curriculum support pupils' wider personal development. Some pupils take on leadership roles, such as reading buddies or members of the student council. Outdoor education is integral to the curriculum. Many pupils take part in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
What the school should improve
- Pupils' errors and misconceptions are not always corrected promptly when they are identified. As a result, gaps in some pupils' knowledge persist. The school needs to ensure that teaching consistently enables pupils to acquire accurate knowledge of all that they study.
- Sometimes, staff do not ensure that all pupils meet the high expectations that the school has. Consequently, the behaviour of a few pupils sometimes interrupts learning. The school needs to ensure that all staff follow the school behaviour policy so that all pupils behave consistently well and can focus on their learning.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
69 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
332 pupils on roll, with places for 375
Schools near Dorset Studio School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Thomas Hardye School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Attainment 8: 49.8 |
| Wey Valley Academy | 6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 41.0 |
| Budmouth Academy Weymouth | 8 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 42.0 |
| Milton Abbey School | 9 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 21.9 |
| All Saints' Church of England Academy | 9 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 35.6 |
School details
- School type
- Studio schools
- Sector
- Free school
- Trust
- KINGSTON MAURWARD STUDIO SCHOOL LIMITED
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Jason Malone
- Phone
- 01305443600
- Address
- Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PX
- Local authority
- Dorset
- URN
- 140977
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.