The Blandford School

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

Blandford Forum, DT117SQ Ofsted: Good Age 11-18 Mixed intake
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Performance Score

Overall school rating

53

/ 100

Secondary with Sixth Form weighted harmonic mean of 5 indicators

Indicators used for Secondary with Sixth Form schools

Progress 8 score
47.0
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: -0.33
English & Maths grade 4+ %
58.5
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 67.7%
Continue in education or training
32.1
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 39.0%
Sustained employment
81.7
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 42.0%
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
23 April 2024
Previous grade
Requires Improvement
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
Milldown Road
Blandford Forum, DT117SQ
Phone
1258451121
Website
blandfordschool.org.uk

Location

Find the school on the map

Source: Geocoding
View on Google Maps Get Directions

School Information

Basic details and characteristics

Source: GIAS
URN
113888
Type
Voluntary controlled school
Phase
Secondary with Sixth Form
Address
Milldown Road, Blandford Forum, DT11 7SQ
Website
http://www.blandfordschool.org.uk
Age range
11-18
Gender
Mixed
School status
Open
Capacity
1,557 pupils
Setting
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Sixth Form
Yes
Nursery
No

School Performance Data

Official government statistics

Source: DfE

School Demographics

Total Pupils
1,142
Free School Meals
22.8% (260 pupils)
Special Educational Needs
2.3% (26 pupils)

Daily Attendance

Attendance Rate
90.7%
Good
Persistent Absence
24.0%
Missing 10%+ of school days

Real Success Rates

What happens to students after they leave this school

Continue Education
39.0%
University, college, or sixth form
Enter Employment
42.0%
Full or part-time jobs
Start Apprenticeships
7.0%
Learning while earning
Not in Education or Work
8.0%
NEET - needs support

Sixth Form University Progression

Where sixth form students go after graduation

University Progression
38%
Quality: Average
Sixth Form Size
71 students
Per cohort
Apprenticeships
7.0%

Key Performance Indicators

English & Maths Grade 5+:
67.7 (+15.7 vs average)
Attainment 8:
46.6 (+7.1 vs average)

Calculated Fields

Derived insights and analysis

Source: Calculated

Class Size Information

Average Class Size
72 pupils
Large Classes
Pupils per Year Group
143
Average across all year groups
Total School Size
1,142 pupils
11-18

Subjects This School Excels At

Subjects where students perform significantly above national average

Chemistry (GCE A level)
★★★★★
(9 students)
Psychology (GCE A level)
★★★★★
(14 students)
Biology (GCE A level)
★★★★★
(15 students)
Physical Education/Sports Studies (GCE A level)
★★★★ ★
(8 students)
Economics (GCE A level)
★★★★ ★
(6 students)

Strong performance in 5 subjects

From the School Website

Information extracted from the school's own website

Source: School Website

Ethos & Values

Respect Effort Attitude Perseverance

Head Teacher's Message

The Blandford School is a vibrant, inclusive, and ambitious community committed to high achievement, strong relationships, and ensuring every student can thrive. It emphasizes excellent academic outcomes, a rich programme beyond the classroom, and partnerships with families to support student success.

Extracurriculars

Sports

Netball

Facilities

Stour Room Dance Studio Drama Studios Hall Hub Outdoor terrace Netball Courts Full-size 3G pitch

Curriculum Highlights

Curriculum Statement Year 7 Curriculum Plan 2025-2026 Year 8 Curriculum Plan 2025-2026 Year 9 Curriculum Plan 2025-2026 Year 10 Curriculum Plan 2025-2026 Year 11 Curriculum Plan 2025-2026 Year 13 Pastoral Plan 2025-2026 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

SEND Provision

Details of Pupil Premium funding and how it is spent, including additional one-to-one or small group tuition after school or with tutors; provision of extra revision resources, including examination papers; provision of music lessons; support with costs for vocational courses; additional literacy support; help with attending school trips; targeted careers advice; targeted nurture groups such as for Service Children and Young Carers; help with the cost of school uniform, stationery, and other items of equipment; provision of a homework club; and targeted sessions with AFC Bournemouth for personal skills. Progress of students in the Pupil Premium group is monitored by senior staff and interventions are reviewed every two weeks to ensure appropriate support.

Admissions Criteria

The Blandford School is an 11–18 secondary school and sixth form with approximately 1000 students. Year 7 admissions use Applicaa (online admissions platform) between late May and early June; in-year admissions are via Dorset County Council.

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