The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 42.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- The school is nearly full at 90% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
42.7
1.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
42%
0.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
64%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.15
Band 2Source: 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
82%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
7%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 279 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
25% 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, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 131 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary controlled school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,670
- Capacity
- 90%
- FSM
- 19.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Head
- Mr Paul Nicholson (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
July 2017 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
September 2012 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
September 2010 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Outstanding
April 2009 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Outstanding
March 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
September 1999 | Full Inspection
Location
Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QP
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Gillingham School a selective school?
No. Gillingham School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Gillingham School's Ofsted rating?
Gillingham School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Gillingham School?
Gillingham School currently has 1,670 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Gillingham School take?
Gillingham School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Gillingham School?
Gillingham School is in Gillingham, SP8 4QP, in the Dorset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Gillingham School have a sixth form?
Yes, Gillingham School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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