The Purbeck School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

Worgret Road, Wareham, BH20 4PFOpen in maps

The Purbeck School is a secondary school in Wareham for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 179 schools in Dorset. It ranks 11th of 18 secondary schools in Dorset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in December 2014.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 3 December 2014, report published 26 February 2015

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth form provision
Good

Read the full Ofsted report

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 April 2025

The culture of the school is one of personal care and ambition for all. The value of 'kindness' underpins the work of the school to sustain high standards. The school has the highest expectations for the personal development and academic achievement of pupils. As a result, pupils make exceptional progress through the curriculum, and outcomes are high. Pupils treat one another respectfully. 'The Nest' pastoral team acts promptly to provide high quality support for pupils when they need it. Sixth-form students train as mentors to work with a few younger pupils. They support pupils on how to frame their thinking and behaviours positively. This helps those pupils to be more successful at school. A cabinet of sixth-form student leaders contributes to key areas across the school, such as diversity and equality. It leads pupil discussion groups and explores what it is like to be a pupil at the school. This rich feedback informs and influences the decisions the school takes. Through hustings events, all pupils contribute their views about the school. The school runs an aspirational programme of over 70 clubs and events. Pupils relish the many ways they explore their interests and talents, and participation is high.

Read the full Ofsted report

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

164 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score41.9

41.9, 4.2 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths36.6%

36.6%, 8.8 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths57.3%

57.3%, 7.5 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc19.5%

19.5%, 21 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.54

3.54, 0.55 below the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

67 students

Average point score per A level entry30.95

30.95, 4.05 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,022 pupils on roll, with places for 1,180

Eligible for free school meals21.4%

21.4%, 5.1 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language5.5%

5.5%, 16.1 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support12.3%

12.3%, 2.5 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.7%

3.7%, 2.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Purbeck School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Lytchett Minster School5 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 46.8
The Cornerstone Academy6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 41.0
Poole High School7 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 51.0
Parkstone Grammar School7 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingAttainment 8: 68.5
The Swanage School8 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 36.9

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Adam Darley
Phone
01929550077
Website
purbeck.wessex.ac
Address
Worgret Road, Wareham, BH20 4PF
Local authority
Dorset
URN
148737

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.