St Mary's CofE VC First School, Charminster

St Mary's Church of England VC First School, located in Charminster near Dorchester, is a mixed voluntary controlled primary school with a current enrollment of 161 pupils, slightly above its capacity of 158. The school prides itself on a nurturing ethos that places every child at the centre of its mission, fostering an environment where children can thrive both academically and personally. The school community is built on strong partnerships with parents and local stakeholders, reflecting its commitment to holistic education.

The school's vision, "Be the best that you can be. Shine God's love for all to see," underpins its values of Friendship, Joy, Service, Hope, Compassion, and Courage. These values were recently reviewed to better align with the evolving needs of the community and are integral to the school's approach to teaching and learning. St Mary's aims to provide a supportive environment that encourages children to reach their full potential.

St Mary's is part of the Initio Learning Trust and follows its admissions policies. The school is dedicated to inclusivity and equal opportunities, ensuring that all children have access to quality education and the support they need to succeed. For parents seeking a collaborative and nurturing educational setting for their children, St Mary's offers a welcoming community focused on growth and development.