Over 100 schools in Dorset were rated good or outstanding at their last inspection, figures show.

The latest Ofsted data shows that 27 state schools in the area were graded outstanding and 93 rated as good.

That equates to 76% of the 158 schools that had received an inspection up until the end of 2021.

The figure is slightly down on pre-pandemic figures when 77% of schools were graded either good or outstanding.

Schools in Dorset fall a little behind the national rate: 87% of schools in England received the top two marks from Ofsted.

The proportion of schools rated good or outstanding nationally is the highest since comparable records began in 2010, but varied significantly between local authorities.

Of the 120 schools in Dorset rated good or higher, 91 were primary schools, and 21 secondary schools.

There were also five special schools and three schools offering alternative provision graded good or outstanding.

Figures showed that Ofsted inspections between 2019-20 and 2021-22 were lower than a typical year - owing to pandemic restrictions.

The Association of School and College Leaders said this was a temporary issue, but warned that the real problem is the inspection system itself.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL, said: “Schools in disadvantaged communities are more likely to receive negative ratings than those in affluent areas because it is often harder in these areas to recruit the range of staff needed to support pupils who may face significant challenges in their own lives."

He said it is a "vicious circle" where negative Ofsted ratings stigmatise schools and make improvement even more difficult.

He added: "The Government must reform the inspection system so it is more supportive and less punitive, improve education funding and work with the sector to boost teacher recruitment and retention."

The Department for Education said inspections provide an independent and rounded assessment of schools, which are helpful to both teachers and parents.

A spokeswoman added additional funding would enable Ofsted to inspect all schools between summer 2021 and summer 2025 to provide a complete picture of post-pandemic education.

Ofsted declined to comment.