The Blandford School
73%
Capacity
1,135
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About The Blandford School
The Blandford School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,135 pupils on roll, operating at 73% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Blandford School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Alan Jones, it falls under Dorset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.33 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.6. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 2303rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 14th out of 20 in Dorset.
The Blandford School is a popular choice with families — it received 205 applications for 184 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 179 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 The Blandford School include Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Library, Gymnasium.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Netball, Martial Arts, Swimming and 4 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Orchestra, Model UN, Newspaper and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.5%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Dorset, The Blandford 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 | None |
| Address | Milldown Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7SQ |
| Headteacher | Alan Jones |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 1,135 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,135 / 1,557 (73% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Apr 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.33)
2303rd of 3,141
Nationally
246th of 306
In South West
14th 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
41.5
'22/23
37.6
'23/24
38.0
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
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed184
205
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
179 families put this school as their 1st choice (87% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Blandford 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
Milldown Road, Blandford Forum
Dorset, DT11 7SQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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