Merley First School
Oakley Straight, Merley, Wimborne, BH21 1SDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Merley First School is a primary school in Wimborne for ages 5 to 9. It is one of the 111 schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 29 November 2023, report published 18 January 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 29 November 2023
The school's curriculum and carefully planned experiences ensure pupils grow to become respectful and thoughtful citizens. Pupils are enthusiastic about these opportunities. Pupils are kind and care for each other. They are encouraged to take responsibility within the school. Pupils are enthusiastic 'voice champions' and eco- warriors. As peer mediators and play leaders, pupils help to create successful playtimes for all. Pupils are proud to have a positive impact on school life. Pupils know how to be a successful 'Merley Learner'. Staff help pupils to develop the skills to be ready to learn. This begins in the early years when children develop the life skills of resilience, determination and independence. Regular opportunities to learn outdoors, build pupils' confidence and ability to communicate effectively. Pupils apply their positive attitudes, skills and knowledge well in many subjects. The school ensures pupils' mental health and well-being is a priority. Pupils learn to appreciate people's lives different from their own. They reflect on their feelings regularly. Staff use pupils' reflections to provide individual support for those pupils who need extra help. Most pupils behave well and are eager to learn.
What the school should improve
- In a few wider curriculum subjects, assessment is not used well. Teaching does not use assessment to reflect on and adapt the curriculum sufficiently well. This means sometimes pupils cannot build on prior learning. The school needs to ensure teachers use assessment to reflect on and adapt the curriculum so that pupils know and remember the curriculum's essential knowledge.
Pupil numbers and mix
292 pupils on roll, with places for 300
Schools near Merley First School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St John's Church of England First School, Wimborne | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Allenbourn Middle School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 68% met the expected standard |
| Wimborne First School and Nursery | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Broadstone Middle School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 55% met the expected standard |
| St Michael's Church of England Middle School, Colehill | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 65% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- INITIO LEARNING TRUST
- Age range
- 5 to 9
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Rebecca Baldwin
- Phone
- 01202888455
- Address
- Oakley Straight, Merley, Wimborne, BH21 1SD
- Local authority
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- URN
- 141794
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.