Dormers Wells High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 February 2026

Ambition is at the centre of school life at Dormers Wells High School. Staff expect all pupils to achieve their potential. Pupils appreciate this expectation and the high-quality education that they receive. Dedicated subject specialists deliver the ambitious and very well-designed curriculum. Pupils’ achievements in national examinations at the end of Year 11 have been above the national average for several years. Pupils who are disadvantaged and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities also achieve highly. This ensures that pupils move on to aspirational and well-matched destinations when they leave the school. There is a thriving sense of community at this school. Staff forge strong relationships with pupils and provide high-quality pastoral care. The school has an expert team of trained professionals, therapists and mentors who work effectively with pupils to break down barriers to their learning and wellbeing. All of this contributes to the highly inclusive ethos of the school. Pupils are polite and respectful. They have excellent school attendance. They feel safe when there, and say bullying is rare and always dealt with swiftly. Pupils love their learning and approach their studies with an admirable maturity. They believe they can achieve highly because staff reinforce this message consistently. Any potential barriers to learning are seen as opportunities to be embraced. Pupils’ personal development is at the core of everything the school does. Pupils can access a broad range of opportunities that enrich the curriculum, including participating in many clubs and theatre trips. These include chess, engineering and many sporting and musical activities. Pupils learn how to work together and gain new skills. The school ensures that all pupils can access the full range of opportunities on offer. High-quality careers advice and guidance run through the school’s work. Staff work in partnership with many local employers. Work experience opportunities and visits to colleges and universities ensure that pupils are well prepared for their next steps.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the impact of the taught curriculum is of a consistently high level across all subjects within the post-16 provision. • Leaders should sustain and build on the high standards in all curriculum subjects to make sure that pupils’ knowledge gaps are eliminated so that they can achieve their full potential.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)