Welcome to St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Marnhull, Dorset

We are delighted to introduce you to our small successful school, set in a rural Dorset location. We welcome both Catholic and non-Catholic children from 4 to 11 years who wish to become part of our friendly, achieving community.

Children make excellent progress in a school where they feel happy, valued and secure. Our aim is that each child will develop into a motivated and fulfilled person, with high self-esteem and regard for the needs of others.

Admissions

Our catchment area comprises the Parishes of Marnhull, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Blandford - and all the many villages within these boundaries. We seek to run classes of 25 or less in single-age groups where possible.

Although our pre-school children come from many different playgroups and nurseries, they soon make new friends and become an important part of our school family. This is facilitated by a large number of induction afternoons in the Summer term before they start school so that the Reception class environment is soon familiar. Mrs Hall, our Reception teacher, also visits the family at home just prior to starting school, which really enables the children to feel confident, valued and welcome.

For at least the first half term children attend school for three whole days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This gradually increases, dependent on the child's age, to five days by mutual agreement between the school and the parents.

Please feel free to make an appointment to visit the school by telephoning 01258 820417 or to get a prospectus.