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catchment.school

William Barnes Primary School Catchment Area

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

William Barnes Primary School is a community primary school in Sturminster Newton, Dorset , serving pupils aged 4-11, with 166 pupils, and a capacity of 210 places. Find catchment area guidance, admissions policy details and nearby primary schools below.

4-11

Age range

166

Pupils

210

Capacity

79%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2013

William Barnes Primary School Catchment Area Information

What is the catchment area for William Barnes Primary School?

The catchment area for William Barnes Primary School is the geographic zone Dorset uses to prioritise admissions when this primary 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.

The catchment area for William Barnes Primary School is set by Dorset and reviewed annually. Children living within the catchment boundary receive priority consideration when applications exceed the number of available places.

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 →

William Barnes Primary School: 210 places, 79% filled: places available

William Barnes Primary School has a published admission number of 210 places. 166 pupils were enrolled in the most recent data, giving a fill rate of 79%. At 79% full, the school currently has headroom below its 210 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. 24.1% of pupils at William Barnes Primary 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) →

William Barnes Primary School: School Information

Full address
Bridge Street, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BZ
Local authority
Dorset
School type
Community school
Phase of education
Primary
Age range
4-11 years
Free school meals
24.1% of pupils
DfE URN
113676

Other Primary Schools in Sturminster Newton

If William Barnes Primary School is oversubscribed, these primary schools in Sturminster Newton are the next closest alternatives.

Nearest primary schools by distance

These are the primary schools closest to William Barnes Primary 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: William Barnes Primary School

What is the catchment area for William Barnes Primary School?

The catchment area for William Barnes Primary School is the geographic zone Dorset uses to prioritise admissions when this primary 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 William Barnes Primary School oversubscribed?

William Barnes Primary School has a capacity of 210 places and currently has 166 pupils enrolled. For the most up-to-date data, check with Dorset.

What is the admissions policy for William Barnes Primary School?

Admission to William Barnes Primary 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 William Barnes Primary School cover?

William Barnes Primary School is a primary school in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, serving pupils aged 4-11. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for William Barnes Primary School?

William Barnes Primary School was rated Good by Ofsted in 2013. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.

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