The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2015).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 49.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2015
- The school is at capacity (96% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
49.8
6.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
50%
8.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
58%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.05
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
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 451 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 19 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% 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, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 163 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 13–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 2,051
- Capacity
- 96%
- FSM
- 18.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Trust
- WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr N St J F Rutherford (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Queen's Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2ET
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmDorchester Middle School
Middle deemed secondary · 365m away
The Prince of Wales School
Primary · 430m away
Damers First School
Primary · 1.0km away
Sunninghill Preparatory School
Independent · 1.5km away
Penwithen School
Special school · 1.6km away
St Mary's Catholic First School, Dorchester
Primary · 1.7km away
Dorchester Learning Centre
Pupil referral unit · 1.7km away
Manor Park Church of England First School
Primary · 1.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Thomas Hardye School a selective school?
No. The Thomas Hardye School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Thomas Hardye School's Ofsted rating?
The Thomas Hardye School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Thomas Hardye School?
The Thomas Hardye School currently has 2,051 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Thomas Hardye School take?
The Thomas Hardye School caters for pupils aged 13 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Thomas Hardye School?
The Thomas Hardye School is in Dorchester, DT1 2ET, in the Dorset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Thomas Hardye School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Thomas Hardye School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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