Classpot

The Blandford School

Dorset, DT11 7SQSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Apr 2024
Progress 8
-0.33
Below average
−20+2
Competition
1.0×
Not oversubscribed
179 1st-choice / 184 places
Ranking
#2,303
of 3,141 nationally

About The Blandford School

The Blandford School is a mixed state secondary in Dorset that is noticeably undersubscribed relative to its capacity, with 1,135 pupils on roll against a school capacity of 1,557. This means there is significant room for growth, and the admissions data for 2025/26 confirms the school is not heavily oversubscribed: it received 205 total applications for 184 places, with 179 of those coming as first preferences, giving an oversubscription ratio of just 1.11. For context, 20.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average and suggests the school serves a community with above-average levels of disadvantage. The headteacher is Alan Jones, and the school has no religious character. While it is not a first-choice destination for every local family, the fact that it still received more applications than places available shows it holds a steady position in the local market, particularly for families who may be looking for a large, inclusive comprehensive with a broad intake.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressMilldown Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7SQ
HeadteacherAlan Jones
Local AuthorityDorset
Number of Pupils1,135
Free School Meals (FSM)20.5%
School Capacity1,135 / 1,557 (73% 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

23 Apr 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 21 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
Tennis CourtsAstro TurfScience LabsMusic RoomsSixth Form CentreSports HallLibraryGymnasium

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

CricketNetballMartial ArtsSwimmingRugbyHockeyCross CountryDance

Clubs & Activities

DebateOrchestraModel United NationsNewspaperEco ClubScience ClubGardeningDuke of EdinburghYoung Enterprise

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning Difficulty

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:45 – 15:20

Source: blandfordschool.org.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Blandford School

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