The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 39.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- This is a Church of England school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
39.1
4.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
28%
14.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
32%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.42
Band 4Source: 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
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 166 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 21 days per year on average — over a month of school.
30% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 70 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Church of England
Numbers
- Pupils
- 864
- Capacity
- 67%
- FSM
- 27.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Trust
- SHERBORNE AREA SCHOOLS' TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Donna London-Hill (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8ER
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Shaftesbury School a selective school?
No. Shaftesbury School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Shaftesbury School's Ofsted rating?
Shaftesbury School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Shaftesbury School?
Shaftesbury School currently has 864 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Shaftesbury School take?
Shaftesbury School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Shaftesbury School?
Shaftesbury School is in Shaftesbury, SP7 8ER, in the Dorset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Shaftesbury School have a sixth form?
Yes, Shaftesbury School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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