Many primary and pre-schools across Dorset are getting ready to welcome perspective 2024 families for open days and events. These are a great opportunity to have a look around the schools near you to see which fits best for your child, visiting more than one is often helpful to make a comparison, and remember, when you apply you can list up to three schools.
Almost all schools will happily welcome you for a visit with the head or another member of staff if they don’t have an open day, or you’re unable to make the date.
Below are some of the schools with open events, for the full list of schools in Dorset, have a look on the council website here.
📅 2nd, 9th & 16th October 2023
📍Old Mill Lane, Marnhull, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1JX
🖥️ www.stmarymarnhull.dorset.sch.uk
☎️ 01258 820417
Full details:
📅 12th October 2023
📍Acreman St, Sherborne, DT9 3NY
☎️ 01935 812097
Full details:
Register for our open morning on 12th October 2023 here
📅 14th October 2023
📍Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, DT11 8HN
☎️ 01258 860219
Full details:
📅 7th October 2023
📍South Court, South Walks Rd, Dorchester, DT1 1EB
☎️ 01305 262306
Full details:
📅 22nd September, 4th October, 2nd & 13th November and 5th December 2023
📍Barnes Way, Dorchester, DT1 2DZ
🖥️ www.stosmunds.dorset.sch.uk
☎️ 01305 262897
Full details:
It’s a good idea to have a think about the visit before you go, perhaps write some down key questions and decide things that are particularly important to you. Consider things like how your child will get to school, whether there are wraparound childcare options if you need them, uniform requirements and costs, if you’re in the catchment area and if there are any specific entry requirements, for example religious.
The school should be happy to answer any questions that you have at the event, or afterwards, it’s important that you and your child are comfortable with the school as they’ll be spending a lot of time there over the next few years! Here are some ideas to get you started:
You can compare the performance of different schools, here, but remember you need to consider what your child, and you, liked most.
Once you have looked at the schools you’d like to visit and made a decision, you need to apply for your child’s place for a September 2024 start. The deadline is 15th January 2024, the application can be completed here. The application results will be available from the 16th April 2024, from 10am.
Children usually start school in the September of the academic year in which they will turn five, you can request a later start if your child was born after the 1st April in that year.
Dorset Council have a helpful Parents’ Guide that can help with the process.
If you are applying to a private school, the application process sometimes differs, so you will need to check with your choice of school how they manage applications.
*Dorset Mumbler has not personally visited all the schools in this blog. You need to make the best decision for your individual family.
