The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 47.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
47.0
3.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
46%
4.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
27%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.24
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
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
85%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
8%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 170 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
21% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
5% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 87 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
- 1,135
- Capacity
- 73%
- FSM
- 20.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Head
- Mr Alan Jones (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
February 2023 | Monitoring Visit
School inspection: Requires Improvement
October 2021 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
January 2018 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
March 2015 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
October 2012 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
March 2011 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
November 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
January 2008 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
October 2003 | Full Inspection
Location
Milldown Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7SQ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is The Blandford School a selective school?
No. The Blandford School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Blandford School's Ofsted rating?
The Blandford School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in April 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Blandford School?
The Blandford School currently has 1,135 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Blandford School take?
The Blandford School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Blandford School?
The Blandford School is in Blandford Forum, DT11 7SQ, in the Dorset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Blandford School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Blandford School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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