The Blandford School
Blandford Forum, DT11 7SQ · Dorset · secondary school
Check the area around this school
10th of 19 secondary schools in Dorset we can score, 29 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 914 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5/10 among them, against 2.9/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 37.1 · 30 | 30% | 0.91 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.33 · 25 | 25% | 0.63 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.2 · 35 | 10% | 0.35 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Blandford School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in May 2024. In 2024/25, 46.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.33 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.5 out of 10 among them, against 4.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Warhammer & Board games, Computing, and Latin Clubs, or pursue the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Sports include Cricket, Netball, Athletics, Kayaking, Cheerleading, Rounders, and Sport for All. Arts and music options feature the Dance Company, VORTEX, and Production Rehearsals. Trips include Sixth Form Students Explore Italy and a Berlin Trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,103 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,557. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment
What Ofsted said about The Blandford School
Overview
The Blandford School is judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking an improvement from its previous rating. Leaders uphold core values of respect, effort, attitude, and perseverance, fostering a calm environment where pupils feel safe and supported. The school provides a broad, ambitious curriculum with strong pastoral care, though some inconsistencies in teaching practice and pupil engagement remain.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘well-sequenced’ and offers a broad range of subjects, including full English Baccalaureate options and diverse sixth-form courses.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘very well supported’, with staff adapting learning effectively based on individual needs.
- Staff maintain ‘high expectations’ for behaviour, resulting in classrooms that are ‘almost always calm and orderly’.
- The school is developing a strong culture of reading, with a ‘vibrant and welcoming’ library and targeted interventions that boost pupil confidence.
- Governors have an ‘accurate insight’ into the school and challenge leaders effectively to drive improvement.
Areas to improve
- Some teaching lacks precise assessment strategies, meaning ‘gaps in pupils’ learning’ are not always identified or addressed promptly.
- Many pupils do not participate in the ‘wide range of enrichment activities’ available, limiting the development of some interests and talents.
- ‘Low-level disruption’ is not always managed quickly enough, occasionally distracting pupils from their learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.6 |
| 2024/25 | 47.0 |
| 2025/26 | 43.2 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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