Sturminster Newton High School
69%
Capacity
617
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Sturminster Newton High School
Sturminster Newton High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 617 pupils on roll, operating at 69% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Sturminster Newton High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Donna London-Hill, it falls under Dorset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.39 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2440th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 20 in Dorset.
Sturminster Newton High School is a popular choice with families — it received 187 applications for 103 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 101 were first-preference applications.
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 Sturminster Newton High School include Gymnasium, Theatre, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Library, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Swimming Pool, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Football, Rugby, Netball and 4 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Coding, Book Club, Film Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.9%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Dorset, Sturminster Newton High 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 | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Bath Road, Bath Road, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1DT |
| Headteacher | Donna London-Hill |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 617 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.9% |
| School Capacity | 617 / 900 (69% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Jun 2018Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (13 Jun 2018): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 29 Jun 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.39)
2440th of 3,141
Nationally
257th of 306
In South West
16th of 20
In Dorset
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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
32.0
'22/23
28.8
'23/24
30.3
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
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed103
187
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
101 families put this school as their 1st choice (54% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sturminster Newton High 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
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Bath Road, Bath Road, Sturminster Newton
Dorset, DT10 1DT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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