SchoolScoresThe Thomas Hardye School
Academy · Secondary, ages 13 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Queen's Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2ET
01305 266064 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
At the inspection that started on 4 February 2025, Ofsted graded each area separately. It stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
448 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Dorchester comparisons use the 4 of its 5 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other one has no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Dorchester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school Joint 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Dorchester. Higher than 56% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 85% | 83% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Dorchester. Higher than 52% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 87% | 86% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Dorchester. Higher than 49% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 78% | 76% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 141 parents whose child had been bullied 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Dorchester. Higher than 34% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 44% | 45% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 332 parents who had raised a concern 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Dorchester. Higher than 48% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 70% | 70% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 128 parents of children with SEND Joint 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Dorchester. Higher than 36% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 55% | 55% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Dorchester. Higher than 56% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82%said yes | 82% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 22%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Dorchester figures pool parents at the Dorchester schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
439 pupils in this year group.
50% — 9 points above the Dorset average, and 5 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Dorset | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 50% | 41% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 49.8 | 43.2 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.5 | 3.8 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
451 pupils in this year group.
96% — 2 points above the Dorset average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Dorset | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 96% | 94% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 55% | 43% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 32% | 39% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 5% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 4% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 96% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
336 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Dorset | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 26% | 19% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 53% | 45% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 34.8 | 32.2 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
36 subjects, 896 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 118 | 13% | 31% | 40% |
| Psychology | 81 | 6% | 19% | 19% |
| Biology | 59 | 8% | 27% | 27% |
| Geography | 52 | 0% | 21% | 23% |
| History | 48 | 6% | 40% | 23% |
| Physics | 45 | 13% | 27% | 31% |
| English Literature | 38 | 8% | 16% | 23% |
| Sociology | 36 | 14% | 22% | 20% |
| Chemistry | 35 | 11% | 40% | 30% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 31 | 0% | 6% | 15% |
| English Language | 30 | 3% | 17% | 13% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 27 | 15% | 44% | 38% |
| Economics | 27 | 11% | 44% | 26% |
| Business Studies:Single | 26 | 0% | 12% | 16% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 26 | 12% | 35% | 59% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 23 | 4% | 9% | 17% |
| Classical Civilisation | 20 | 0% | 10% | 23% |
| Government and Politics | 20 | 30% | 60% | 26% |
| Law | 20 | 5% | 15% | 17% |
| Art and Design (Photography) | 14 | 0% | 14% | 26% |
| French | 14 | 14% | 50% | 38% |
| Spanish | 12 | 8% | 25% | 34% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 11 | 18% | 18% | 24% |
| Religious Studies | 11 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| Electronics | 10 | 30% | 40% | 32% |
| Film Studies | 10 | 0% | 0% | 17% |
| Music Technology | 10 | 10% | 20% | 15% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 9 | 0% | 44% | 14% |
| Design and Technology (Textiles Technology) | 8 | 0% | 13% | 19% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 19% |
| History of Art | 6 | 0% | 33% | 27% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Dance, Music, Portuguese, Russian, Polish.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
346 students in this year group.
89% — 9 points above the Dorset average, and 10 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Dorset | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 89% | 80% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 7% | 7% |
| Work | 35% | 40% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 87% | 89% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
352 students in this year group.
64% — 10 points above the Dorset average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Dorset | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 64% | 54% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 27% | 19% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 70% | 64% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Dorset. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
Pupils, staff and SEND
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision and a SEN unit with 20 places for specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia); Visual impairment; Hearing impairment; Speech, language and communication needs; Autism; Social, emotional and mental health needs; Multi-sensory impairment; Physical disability; Moderate learning difficulties. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Dorset | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Higher than 28% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 19.2% | 23.2%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Higher than 46% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.8% | 4.4%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Higher than 81% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 18.3% | 15.4%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Higher than 28% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 6.1% | 5.4%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 4th lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Lower than 13% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 11.2% | 9.2%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 4th lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Lower than 12% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 33.0% | 24.7%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 3rd lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Lower than 54% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.2 | 18.7 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 3rd lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Lower than 46% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 7.3% | 6.7% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded5 pupils | 0.24% | 0.24% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Higher than 74% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.0 | 17.0 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 1st highest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Higher than 70% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.7 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 4th highest of 5 state secondary schools in Dorchester. Higher than 29% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 10.1% | 13.8%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- Dorchester Middle School 0.2 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 1 strong, 4 expected, 1 needs attention
- Sunninghill Preparatory School 1.0 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- St Osmund's CofE Middle School 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022)
- Dorset Studio School 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 15% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is The Thomas Hardye School's Ofsted rating?
At its inspection in 4 February 2025, Ofsted graded each area separately; it stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
How did The Thomas Hardye School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 50% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 5 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend The Thomas Hardye School?
82% of the 448 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend The Thomas Hardye School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 137163.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 3 September 2024 to 1 September 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.