The Gryphon School
Sherborne, DT9 4EQ · Dorset · secondary school
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6th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 4.5/10 against 920 of them, against 4.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 44.5 · 49 | 30% | 1.46 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.06 · 46 | 25% | 1.14 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.4 · 57 | 10% | 0.57 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Gryphon School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in September 2023. In 2024/25, 44.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.06 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly 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 4.4 out of 10 among them, against 5.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,569 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,495. 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
Since Progress 8 is slightly below the national benchmark, what specific support is available for pupils who are not meeting expected progress in maths? How does the school maintain its Good rating while managing a roll that exceeds its designated places?
What Ofsted said about The Gryphon School
Overview
The Gryphon School continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy learning and maintain positive relationships with staff and peers. Leaders hold high expectations for behaviour and achievement, fostering a culture where students value difference and take on responsibilities. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with teaching that generally supports pupils in gaining the knowledge and skills needed for future success.
Strengths
- Pupils follow a "broad and ambitious curriculum" where leaders have "sequenced the curriculum well," allowing learning to build cumulatively.
- Staff deal with low-level disruption "decisively," and most pupils and parents are confident that leaders "tackle bullying well."
- Pupils engage in diverse opportunities to nurture talents, including musical performances and sporting competitions, while championing issues like sustainability.
- Staff feel leaders are "considerate of their workload and well-being," and professional development enhances curriculum delivery.
- Pupils receive useful careers guidance and learn about healthy relationships, including consent, in an "age-appropriate way."
Areas to improve
- The early reading curriculum is "in its infancy," meaning some pupils lack a strong foundation in reading fluency, while others do not extend their confidence or enjoyment of reading.
- Teaching is not adapted "precisely enough" for some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), preventing them from following the curriculum well.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders establishing a culture of vigilance where "no concern is too small" and staff having a strong understanding of how to identify and report concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.1 |
| 2024/25 | 46.7 |
| 2025/26 | 47.4 |
| 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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