Ferndown Upper School
89%
Capacity
1,169
Pupils
N/A
Demand
About Ferndown Upper School
Ferndown Upper School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 13 to 19. The school has 1,169 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,309 places).
Ofsted has rated Ferndown Upper School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Philip Jones, it falls under Dorset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.34 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 754th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 20 in Dorset.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ferndown Upper School include Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Library, Science Labs, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Theatre, Tennis Courts, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Swimming, Football, Rowing and 4 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Eco Club, Gardening, Book Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.7%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Dorset, Ferndown Upper School is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 13 to 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Cherry Grove, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EY |
| Headteacher | Philip Jones |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 1,169 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,169 / 1,309 (89% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Dec 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (8 Dec 2021): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 1 Jul 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.34)
754th of 3,141
Nationally
52nd of 306
In South West
4th of 20
In Dorset
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
33.7
'22/23
29.6
'23/24
31.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ferndown Upper School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
Contact Information
Cherry Grove, Ferndown
Dorset, BH22 9EY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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