Gillingham School

A good voluntary controlled school school in Dorset. Explore Ofsted ratings, admissions information, and performance data for Gillingham School.

Gillingham, SP84QP Ofsted: Good Age 11-18 Mixed intake
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Performance Score

Overall school rating

52

/ 100

Secondary with Sixth Form weighted harmonic mean of 5 indicators

Indicators used for Secondary with Sixth Form schools

Progress 8 score
50.3
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: -0.18
English & Maths grade 4+ %
57.8
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 66.3%
Continue in education or training
31.0
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 38.0%
Sustained employment
80.0
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 41.0%
Ofsted inspection outcome
75.0
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: Good

How we weight each phase

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Primary schools

  • KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 40.0%
  • KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Secondary schools

  • Progress 8 score 40.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

All-through schools

  • Progress 8 score 25.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
  • KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 20.0%
  • KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 15.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Secondary with Sixth Form schools

  • Progress 8 score 20.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
  • Continue in education or training 20.0%
  • Sustained employment 20.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Sixth Form Only schools

  • Continue in education or training 40.0%
  • Sustained employment 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Special schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Alternative Provision schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Independent schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Ofsted Inspection

Official inspection outcomes

Good
Overall effectiveness
Good
Last inspected
10 May 2023
Previous grade
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour & attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership & management
Good
Safeguarding
Effective

Source: Ofsted inspection outcomes. Grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate.

Contact Information

How to reach this school

Source: GIAS
Address
Hardings Lane
Gillingham, SP84QP
Phone
1747822222
Website
gillingham-dorset.co.uk/

Location

Find the school on the map

Source: Geocoding
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School Information

Basic details and characteristics

Source: GIAS
URN
113882
Type
Voluntary controlled school
Phase
Secondary with Sixth Form
Address
Hardings Lane, Gillingham, SP8 4QP
Website
https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk/
Age range
11-18
Gender
Mixed
School status
Open
Capacity
1,850 pupils
Setting
Urban: Further from a major town or city
Sixth Form
Yes
Nursery
No

School Performance Data

Official government statistics

Source: DfE

School Demographics

Total Pupils
1,706
Free School Meals
20.0% (341 pupils)
Special Educational Needs
3.0% (51 pupils)

Daily Attendance

Attendance Rate
90.5%
Good
Persistent Absence
26.2%
Missing 10%+ of school days

Real Success Rates

What happens to students after they leave this school

Continue Education
38.0%
University, college, or sixth form
Enter Employment
41.0%
Full or part-time jobs
Start Apprenticeships
5.0%
Learning while earning
Not in Education or Work
11.0%
NEET - needs support

Sixth Form University Progression

Where sixth form students go after graduation

University Progression
33%
Quality: Below Average
Sixth Form Size
177 students
Per cohort
Apprenticeships
5.0%

Key Performance Indicators

English & Maths Grade 5+:
66.3 (+14.3 vs average)
EBacc Entry:
31.2 (+11.8 vs average)
Attainment 8:
45.7 (+6.2 vs average)

Calculated Fields

Derived insights and analysis

Source: Calculated

Class Size Information

Average Class Size
106 pupils
Large Classes
Pupils per Year Group
213
Average across all year groups
Total School Size
1,706 pupils
11-18

Subjects This School Excels At

Subjects where students perform significantly above national average

Mathematical Studies (Core Maths Qualifications at Level 3)
★★★★ ★
(7 students)
Economics (GCE A level)
★★★★ ★
(22 students)
D&T Product Design (GCE A level)
★★★★ ★
(15 students)
Art & Design (Fine Art) (GCE A level)
★★★ ★★
(13 students)
Study Skills (Extended Project (Diploma))
★★★ ★★
(23 students)

Strong performance in 5 subjects

From the School Website

Information extracted from the school's own website

Source: School Website

Ethos & Values

"Docendo Discimus"

inclusion achievement learning together mutual respect enjoyment ambition kindness resilience respect

Head Teacher's Message

Gillingham School presents a friendly, welcoming environment with high standards and respectful relationships. The Headmaster emphasises ethos of inclusion, lifelong learning, and partnership with students, parents, and the wider community, guided by the motto Docendo Discimus.

Facilities

Theatre with retractable tiered seating for 112 Gallery space above the drama studio Music Department with five dedicated practice rooms Fully functioning recording studio Extensive sports facilities including all-weather AstroTurf pitch, dedicated cricket and rugby fields, tennis and netball courts, and a full athletics track and field area Indoor climbing and bouldering walls Opportunities for mountain biking and archery RiversMeet Sports and Leisure Centre adjacent to the site for access to swimming pool and fitness facilities Main Hall with high acoustic ceiling panels, projector and PA system Library with opening hours and a selection of books, DVDs and 18 computers On-site spaces for events and performances (theatre, MPH, main hall) and gallery for exhibitions

Curriculum Highlights

Over 30 Sixth Form subjects taught by subject specialists A Level and BTEC Level 3 qualifications offered T Levels launching from September 2026, including Digital Software Development Core Maths and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offered New A Level Criminology and a T Level in Digital Software Development planned from 2026 Careers guidance and future routes support for university, apprenticeships, or employment

Admissions Criteria

To join Gillingham School Sixth Form, students require five GCSE grades at 4 or above. Most students study three Level 3 subjects (some study four) and may undertake a complementary Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Timetables include 9 study periods over a two-week cycle and internal assessments in June inform progression to Year 13. The curriculum emphasizes enrichment and personal development alongside academic study.

Financial Information

Scholarships: Available Bursaries: Available

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