About the School

We are very proud of our school which attracts students from around North and West Dorset as well as South Somerset. The School became an academy on 1 August 2012. We are a Church of England School, but as the secondary school for all children, our religious character is highly inclusive, embracing those of all faiths and of no faith. Students thrive and succeed in a positive, caring and respectful atmosphere.

Our special culture and ethos focus on high achievement both personally and academically. This comes from the tremendous work of all our staff and of our students. We strive to be outstanding in all respects – this includes continually improving the opportunities for the students, the ways of learning and the facilities.

The Gryphon gains high results for its students at both GCSE and A Level. Our large Sixth Form of 350 students is exceptional. We have an excellent record of success in university entrance, including places at Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities, as well as for training places and apprenticeships.

I want learning to be enjoyable but there is no substitute for commitment, attention to detail and hard work. We assist the development of students’ personal attributes, such as communication, team working and a strong work ethic through the deep care and support we provide. I am a strong believer in everyday manners – saying please and thank you, thinking of others and being positive and ambitious. The aim is for a sense of family and belonging in a large school with so many opportunities. Our goal is to see every student succeed within that family and we work constantly to ensure students thrive in sports, the arts, drama, music, vocational and academic subjects.

We are the local community school, are outward looking and have excellent community links. We have strong relationships with other good and outstanding schools across the South West and throughout the country.

Students here fulfil their potential and more, are prepared for life after school and receive the standard of support and care expected of a high performing school. Our students leave us with the potential to work anywhere in the world and we follow their successes with pride.

Jim Gower, Headteacher