The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 36.9 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
36.9
6.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
20%
21.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
7%
Source: 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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 60 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 22 days per year on average — over a month of school.
29% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
8% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 33 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 339
- Capacity
- 94%
- FSM
- 31.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Trust
- EDUCATION SWANAGE LIMITED
- Head
- Ms Jennifer Maraspin
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Boarding
- Not applicable
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
High Street, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2PH
Rural setting
Questions parents ask
Is The Swanage School a selective school?
No. The Swanage School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Swanage School's Ofsted rating?
The Swanage School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Swanage School?
The Swanage School currently has 339 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Swanage School take?
The Swanage School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Swanage School?
The Swanage School is in Swanage, BH19 2PH, in the Dorset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Swanage School have a sixth form?
No, The Swanage School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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