Classpot

Ferndown Upper School

Dorset, BH22 9EYSecondaryAges 13–19MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2026
Progress 8
+0.34
Above average
−20+2
Competition
N/A
No data
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#754 of 3,141 nationally

About Ferndown Upper School

Ferndown Upper School is a popular choice among local families, and the numbers back that up. In its most recent Ofsted inspection, the school was rated Good, a significant improvement from its previous Inadequate rating, and an ungraded inspection in 2021 confirmed it remains Good. While the school does not publish a parent recommendation percentage, its oversubscription ratio tells its own story: with 1,169 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,309, the school is clearly in demand. The headteacher, Philip Jones, leads a mixed, non-faith secondary for students aged 13 to 19, and the school’s popularity is reflected in its strong local standing. It ranks 4th out of 20 secondary schools in Dorset by Progress 8 score, placing it in the top 25% nationally. For parents weighing up options, this combination of a Good rating, rising demand, and solid local reputation makes Ferndown a school worth serious consideration.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range13 to 19 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressCherry Grove, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EY
HeadteacherPhilip Jones
Local AuthorityDorset
Number of Pupils1,169
Free School Meals (FSM)21.7%
School Capacity1,169 / 1,309 (89% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

8 Dec 2021
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Latest monitoring visit (8 Dec 2021): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 1 Jul 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Playing FieldsSixth Form CentreArt StudiosLibraryScience LabsMusic RoomsAstro TurfDining HallSports HallICT SuiteTheatreTennis CourtsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

Martial ArtsSwimmingFootballRowingGymnasticsNetballRugbyCricket

Clubs & Activities

CodingEco ClubGardeningBook ClubOrchestraChoirDuke of EdinburghYoung EnterpriseDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ferndown Upper School

Ferndown Upper School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.