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Private Schools in Dorset

Browse 23 independent schools across Bournemouth, Dorchester, Wimborne Minster, Poole, and Ferndown….

Discover Schools in South West England

Cheltenham Ladies' College

Cheltenham Ladies' College

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Port Regis Preparatory School

Port Regis Preparatory School

Shaftesbury, Dorset

Pinewood School

Pinewood School

Swindon, Wiltshire

Why are these schools featured?

Schools can choose to promote their profiles through Featured School placements. Featured schools appear in this section in addition to their standard profile listing.

Browse All Private Schools in Dorset

Showing 1–23 of 23 schools

Name (A–Z)
Name (Z–A)
Fees (Low to High)
Fees (High to Low)
Bournemouth Collegiate School

Bournemouth Collegiate School

Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2DY

Fees from

£3,728 / term

Range £3,728 - £13,475 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 11–19 385 Day & Boarding
Bryanston School

Bryanston School

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX

Fees from

£3,704 / term

Range £3,704 - £18,841 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 3–18 778 Day & Boarding

Castle Court School

Dorset, BH21 3RF

Fees from

£3,263 / term

Range £3,263 - £7,560 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 2–13 259 Day

Clayesmore School

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8LL

Co-Ed 2–19 489 Day & Boarding

Dumpton School

Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AF

Fees from

£4,230 / term

Range £4,230 - £7,562 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 2–13 339 Day

Hanford School

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8HN

Fees from

£5,370 / term

Range £5,370 - £10,116 (inc. VAT)

Girls 7–13 69 Day & Boarding

Kings Bournemouth

Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6LD

Co-Ed 14–25 74 Day & Boarding

Leweston School

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6EN

Fees from

£871 / term

Range £871 - £13,290 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 2–19 576 Day & Boarding
Milton Abbey School

Milton Abbey School

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0BZ

Fees from

£11,026 / term

Range £11,026 - £0 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 13–19 220 Day & Boarding

Park School

Partner school

Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9BJ

Fees from

£3,450 / term

Range £3,450 - £4,980 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 0–11 349 Day
Port Regis Preparatory School

Port Regis Preparatory School

Partner school

Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9QA

Fees from

£4,390 / term

Range £4,390 - £13,800 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 2–13 311 Day & Boarding
Ringwood Waldorf School

Ringwood Waldorf School

Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2NN

Co-Ed 2–19 256 Day
Sherborne Girls' School

Sherborne Girls' School

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3QN

Fees from

£11,490 / term

Range £11,490 - £17,880 (inc. VAT)

Girls 11–19 466 Day & Boarding

Sherborne Preparatory School

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3NY

Fees from

£3,000 / term

Range £3,000 - £11,220 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 3–14 198 Day & Boarding
Sherborne School

Sherborne School

Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3AP

Fees from

£15,190 / term

Range £15,190 - £0 (inc. VAT)

Boys 13–19 573 Day & Boarding
St Martin's School, Bournemouth

St Martin's School, Bournemouth

Bournemouth, Dorset, BH3 7NA

Co-Ed 3–11 78 Day

Sunninghill Prep School

Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1EB

Fees from

£2,856 / term

Range £2,856 - £7,255 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 2–13 171 Day

Talbot Heath School

Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9NJ

Fees from

£3,492 / term

Range £3,492 - £13,949 (inc. VAT)

Girls 2–19 499 Day & Boarding
Yarrells School & Nursery

Yarrells School & Nursery

Poole, Dorset, BH16 5EU

Fees from

£3,816 / term

Range £3,816 - £6,269 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 2–11 258 Day

Luccombe Hub

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0BD

Fees from

£17,200 / term

Range £17,200 - £18,000 (inc. VAT)

Co-Ed 8–18 29 Day

Frequently asked questions about private schools in Dorset

How many private schools are there in Dorset?
School Scout includes profiles for 23 independent schools across Dorset, helping families search, compare and shortlist private schools across the county.
Which towns in Dorset have the most independent schools?
Independent schools are distributed across Dorset, with particularly strong concentrations in Bournemouth, Dorchester, Wimborne Minster, Poole, Ferndown, Shaftesbury, Weymouth, Swanage. The best area for your family depends on journey time, school stage and the type of school being considered.
How should I compare Dorset schools?
Start with a realistic travel area, then compare schools by age range, admissions, gender, fees, size, curriculum and school culture. Use School Scout's comparison tool to review key information side by side.
Are there boarding schools in Dorset?
Yes. Dorset is home to a number of well-established boarding and day schools, with options ranging from full boarding to flexible boarding. Families also often compare Dorset schools with those in neighbouring Devon, Hampshire, Somerset, Wiltshire.
Can I search for Dorset schools by postcode?
Yes. Search by postcode, town, village or school name, then refine the results using School Scout's filters.
Can I compare Dorset private school fees?
Yes. School profiles show available fee information and the School Fees hub helps families compare tuition, boarding and other published costs.
Where can I find Dorset school open days?
Use School Scout's Open Days section to browse upcoming events and follow links to individual school profiles for further details.
What is the difference between a Dorset prep and senior school?
Prep schools usually educate younger pupils before senior-school entry, while senior schools typically begin at age 11 or 13 and may continue through sixth form. Age ranges vary, so families should check each school profile.

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