The Gryphon School
Bristol Road, Sherborne, DT9 4EQOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Gryphon School is a secondary school in Sherborne for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 179 schools in Dorset. It ranks 7th of 18 secondary schools in Dorset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 29 January 2014, report published 26 February 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 20 June 2023
Pupils enjoy learning at the Gryphon School. Most enjoy positive relationships with each other and with staff. Pupils know the school's mantra, 'respect me, respect you', well. They are encouraged to value difference and treat everyone equally. Most pupils do this well. Leaders have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and achievement. Most pupils live up to these. They typically behave well in lessons and around the school. On the occasions when any low-level disruption occurs, staff deal with it decisively. Most pupils and parents are confident that leaders tackle bullying well. Pupils take part in many opportunities to nurture their talents, interests and abilities. They appreciate that leaders want them to succeed academically and 'experience life in its fullness'. For instance, pupils spoke excitedly about their participation in musical performances, such as the 'summer soirée', and sporting competitions. Pupils champion issues that are important to them, such as the environment and sustainability. They welcome the school's work to celebrate diversity, such as women in science and neurodiversity. Pupils say they are encouraged to take positions of responsibility. They relish these opportunities to lead their peers.
What the school should improve
- Leaders have started to prioritise reading, but this work is in its infancy. Pupils in the early stages of reading are not always supported well enough to improve their reading fluency. This hampers their learning across the curriculum. More widely, pupils do not read regularly to improve their confidence or enjoyment of reading. Leaders should ensure that the reading curriculum develops pupils' fluency, confidence and enjoyment of reading.
- Teaching is not adapted precisely enough for some pupils with SEND. Consequently, they do not follow the curriculum well. Leaders should ensure that the needs of all pupils with SEND are met consistently and effectively so that pupils learn successfully.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
234 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
156 students
Average A level grade B-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,569 pupils on roll, with places for 1,495
Schools near The Gryphon School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherborne School | 0.8 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 28.5 |
| Sherborne Preparatory School | 0.8 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Sherborne School for Girls | 0.9 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 34.3 |
| Leweston School | 3 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 40.8 |
| Buckler's Mead School | 5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.5 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- SHERBORNE AREA SCHOOLS' TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Jim Gower
- Phone
- 01935813122
- Address
- Bristol Road, Sherborne, DT9 4EQ
- Local authority
- Dorset
- URN
- 138471
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.