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Private Schools in Dorset

Dorset provides access to some of the best British private schools along the South Coast. School Scout enables families to assess leading independent schools, from day education through to boarding traditions.

Popular school searches in Dorset

Prep schools Senior schools Sixth form schools Boys' schools Girls' schools Co-educational schools Boarding schools Day schools

Showing 23 schools

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Bournemouth Collegiate School

Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2DY

Fees from

£3,728 / term

Co-Ed 11–19 385 Day & Boarding

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Bryanston School

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX

Fees from

£3,704 / term

Co-Ed 3–18 778 Day & Boarding

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Castle Court School

Dorset, BH21 3RF

Fees from

£3,263 / term

Co-Ed 2–13 259 Day

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Clayesmore School

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8LL

Co-Ed 2–19 489 Day & Boarding

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Dumpton School

Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7AF

Fees from

£4,230 / term

Co-Ed 2–13 339 Day

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Hanford School

Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8HN

Fees from

£5,370 / term

Girls 7–13 69 Day & Boarding

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Dorset Towns

Allington Beaminster Bournemouth Bryanston Burton Castleton Charminster Colehill Dorchester Ferndown Lyme Regis Portland Shaftesbury Sherborne Sturminster Newton Swanage Verwood Wareham Weymouth

Frequently asked questions about private schools in Dorset

How many private schools are there in Dorset?

There are 23 independent schools across Dorset, including a mix of prep, senior and sixth form.

Are there boarding schools in Dorset?

Yes, independent schools across Dorset offer boarding options, including full, weekly and flexi boarding.

Families can compare boarding vs day schools to understand the differences.
https://schoolscout.uk/posts/boarding-vs-day-schools

What age can children start private school in Dorset?

Most independent schools across Dorset accept pupils from age 3 or 4, with key entry points at 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+.

See the UK private school admissions timeline to understand when to apply at each stage.
https://schoolscout.uk/posts/uk-private-school-admissions-timeline

How do I apply to private schools in Dorset?

Applications typically begin 1-2 years in advance and involve registration, assessments and interviews.

Families can follow the UK private school admissions timeline to understand entry points, key dates and the overall process.
https://schoolscout.uk/posts/uk-private-school-admissions-timeline