The short version
Average GCSE results. 89% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2016).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 45.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2016
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
45.7
1.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
45%
3.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
12%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.08
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
88%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 225 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
20% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 88 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 13–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,169
- Capacity
- 89%
- FSM
- 21.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Head
- Mr Philip Jones (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
12 official reports linked on this page, including 11 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
May 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
March 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
January 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
September 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
May 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
January 2014 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2010 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
October 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
March 2008 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
December 2006 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection
December 2003 | Full Inspection
Location
Cherry Grove, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EY
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmFerndown Middle School
Middle deemed secondary · 451m away
Ferndown First School
Primary · 573m away
Parley First School
Primary · 1.6km away
Hampreston Church of England Voluntary Aided First School
Primary · 2.4km away
West Moors Middle School
Middle deemed secondary · 2.5km away
Oakhurst Community First School
Primary · 2.5km away
Questions parents ask
Is Ferndown Upper School a selective school?
No. Ferndown Upper School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Ferndown Upper School's Ofsted rating?
Ferndown Upper School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in December 2021. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Ferndown Upper School?
Ferndown Upper School currently has 1,169 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Ferndown Upper School take?
Ferndown Upper School caters for pupils aged 13 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Ferndown Upper School?
Ferndown Upper School is in Ferndown, BH22 9EY, in the Dorset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Ferndown Upper School have a sixth form?
Yes, Ferndown Upper School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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