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Dorset's Top 10 Secondary Schools

It's almost time for those all important Secondary School applications and, if you are hoping to find out which school is best to apply for in your area, you’re in luck as we’ve compiled a list of Dorset’s Top 10 Secondary Schools.

From Dorchester to St Leonards, we’ve looked at the top performing schools across the county so you can find out the facts you need all in one handy place, leaving you more time to spend with your not so little one - where does the time go? 

Ringwood

school 7

Ringwood School, Ringwood

About: At Ringwood School, the focus is on encouraging students with a diverse, personalised curriculum to challenge students to reach their full potential. As well as a strong academic programme, the secondary school also offers over 40 school clubs weekly to inspire and nurture individual talents and creativity.  

Website: http://www.ringwood.hants.sch.uk/  

Address: Parsonage Barn Lane, Ringwood BH24 1SE  

Telephone Number: 01425 475000 

Dorchester

school 1

The Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester

About: With a reputation for excellence, The Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester pride themselves on having a strong sense of community to complement their strong academic results. As well as a fantastic curriculum, they also encourage students to excel in extrea-curricular offerings whether their passion is in sports or on the stage. The school is open to students aged 13 to 18 (year 9 onwards) and received Outstanding on their most recent OFSTED report.  

Website: https://thomas-hardye.net/  

Address: Queen’s Avenue, Dorchester DT1 2ET  

Telephone Number: 01305 266064 

Lyme Regis

school 2

The Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis

About: The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis is a coeducational school for children aged 11-18. The school’s motto is ‘Together We Succeed’ and their strong exam results and Outstanding OFSTED rating back this up. Alongside a commitment to celebrate diversity, the school are excellent at catering for disadvantaged students and promote tolerance and respect amongst their values.  

Website: http://www.woodroffe.dorset.sch.uk/  

Address: Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3LX  

Telephone Number: 01297 442232 

Gillingham

school 3

Gillingham School, Gillingham

About: Located in Gillingham in North Dorset, Gillingham School was founded in 1516 and is coeducational, open to children aged 11 to 18. They have a balanced approach to learning, with a fun and friendly environment and a strong work ethic. Knowing that each student is different, the school aim to develop the abilities of all students, ensuring strong results and the best possible chances for the future.   

Website: https://www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk/  

Address: Harding’s Lane, Gillingham SP8 4QP 

Telephone Number: 01747 822222 

Ferndown

school 4

Ferndown Upper School, Ferndown

About: Children join Ferndown Upper School in year nine (Ferndown Middle School is located nearby). The school believes that children should be curious about learning. Ferndown Upper School’s vision is for students to grow into confident and independent young people and their success is evident with the best GCSE results in Dorset in 2022. Dedicated staff and a strong community environment make Ferndown Upper School a happy and engaging secondary school.  

Website: https://fernup.dorset.sch.uk/  

Address: Cherry Grove, Ferndown BH22 9EY  

Telephone Number: 01202 871243 

Upton

school 5

Lytchett Minister School, Upton

About: A hugely popular comprehensive secondary near Upton in Poole, Lytchett Minster School aims to enable all students to lead happy, successful and fulfilling lives upon leaving the school. High standards, a strong and motivated teaching staff and a sense of belonging for all who attend has led to fantastic exam results. Lytchett Minster have a range of extra-curricular clubs, activities and trips throughout the school year to ensure students leave as well-educated, well-rounded young adults.  

Websitehttp://www.lytchett.org.uk/  

Address: 69 Post Green Road, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6JD 

Telephone Number: 01202 622413 

Swanage

school 6

The Swanage School, Swanage

About: The Swanage School is an academy secondary school for children aged 11 to 16 with academic ambition, helping students to achieve the best they can. The school has a strong focus on achievements, seeing it as their duty to ensure every student achieves the best possible outcome in their examinations. A small school, with dedicated teachers, The Swanage School ensure that those who attend are equipped for life, full of ambition and confidence.  

Websitehttps://www.theswanageschool.co.uk/  

Address: High Street, Swanage BH19 2PH 

Telephone Number: 01929 500599 

Bournemouth

school 8

Glenmoor and Winton Academy, Bournemouth

About: Glenmoor and Winton Academies in Bournemouth are two successful single-sex academies with a shared teaching staff and campus. Acknowledging that girls and boys often learn in different ways, lessons are taught separately for each of the academies, alongside an extensive range of extracurricular actives to inspire.  

Websitehttps://www.glenmoor.org.uk/  

Address: Beswick Avenue, Bournemouth BH10 4EX  

Telephone Number: 01202 527818 

Poole

school 9

Magna Academy, Poole

About: Magna Academy, located in Poole is a comprehensive secondary school with students aged 11-18. Recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding twice since they opened in 2013, the school prides themselves in encouraging students to realise their full potential and become role models in the community.  

Website: https://www.magna-aspirations.org/  

Address: Ashdown Close, Poole BH17 8RE  

Telephone Number: 01202 604222 

Wimborne

school 10

Beaucroft Foundation School, Wimborne

About: Beaucroft is a Foundation Special School, catering for children up to the age of 19 with learning difficulties, including complex needs. In addition to the National Curriculum, the school also offers an innovative curriculum to meet the individual needs of the pupils. The school is a caring, friendly environment for children to thrive. 

Website: http://www.beaucroft.dorset.sch.uk/  

Address: Wimborne Road, Wimborne BH21 2SS  

Telephone Number: 01202 886083 

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