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Dorset Studio School Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Dorset Studio School is a studio s secondary school in Dorchester, Dorset , serving pupils aged 11-16, with 325 pupils, and a capacity of 375 places. Find catchment area guidance, admissions policy details and nearby secondary schools below.

11-16

Age range

325

Pupils

375

Capacity

87%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2024

Dorset Studio School Catchment Area Information

What is the catchment area for Dorset Studio School?

The catchment area for Dorset Studio School is the geographic zone Dorset uses to prioritise admissions when this secondary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Dorset publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Secondary school places at Dorset Studio School are allocated by Dorset using ranked oversubscription criteria. Catchment area residence is typically among the highest priorities after looked-after children and siblings, and the boundary is reviewed each year.

The official admissions policy, including the catchment boundary map, is published by Dorset before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Dorset catchment area documents →

Dorset Studio School: 375 places, 87% filled: places available

Dorset Studio School has a published admission number of 375 places. 325 pupils were enrolled in the most recent data, giving a fill rate of 87%. At 87% full, the school currently has headroom below its 375 place limit. Catchment distance criteria still apply when the school is oversubscribed, but at current demand levels, places have been available for applicants outside the immediate catchment area.

The fill-rate figure above reflects overall demand, but the school's intake also varies by community profile. 30.8% of pupils at Dorset Studio School are eligible for free school meals, broadly in line with the national average. This reflects a mixed catchment population across Dorset.

To check whether your home address falls within the historical catchment boundary, use the postcode search tool on this site.

Dorset publishes its full admissions policy, including oversubscription criteria, the previous year's last-distance figures, and the appeals timetable, on the council's official admissions page. Dorset Council school admissions (official) →

Dorset Studio School: School Information

Full address
Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PX
Local authority
Dorset
School type
Studio schools
Phase of education
Secondary
Age range
11-16 years
Free school meals
30.8% of pupils
DfE URN
140977

Other Secondary Schools in Dorchester

If Dorset Studio School is oversubscribed, these secondary schools in Dorchester are the next closest alternatives.

Nearest secondary schools by distance

These are the secondary schools closest to Dorset Studio School by straight-line distance, including ones across a town or council boundary. Distance is not the same as being in catchment: always check each school's own admissions policy for its actual boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dorset Studio School

What is the catchment area for Dorset Studio School?

The catchment area for Dorset Studio School is the geographic zone Dorset uses to prioritise admissions when this secondary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Dorset publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Is Dorset Studio School oversubscribed?

Dorset Studio School has a capacity of 375 places and currently has 325 pupils enrolled. For the most up-to-date data, check with Dorset.

What is the admissions policy for Dorset Studio School?

Admission to Dorset Studio School is managed by Dorset. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Dorset Studio School cover?

Dorset Studio School is a secondary school in Dorchester, Dorset, serving pupils aged 11-16. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Dorset Studio School?

Dorset Studio School was rated Good by Ofsted in 2024. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.

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