Ages 
The previous head described it as ‘a big school with small school feel,’ and parents – and we – concur. No child goes unnoticed and teachers are genuinely motivated to see pupils progress to the best of their ability. An impressive capacity to cater for extremely different academic needs in a nurturing environment. No wonder it’s oversubscribed.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,555 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 365 ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headteacher
James Gower
Since 2024, James (Jim) Gower, previously acting head. He studied geography at UWE and later did a master’s in information technology there before doing his PGCE at the University of Exeter. He joined The Gryphon as a geography teacher and received
Entrance
In year 7, 240 places are up for grabs, split across eight classes. Always oversubscribed, with current waiting list of 20. Priority given to looked-after children, those with child protection orders, those with SEND requiring them to specifically
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Up to half leave after GCSEs, mainly to local technical college Kingston Maurward. The majority of places are filled, either from local independents or Yeovil schools. After A levels, just under two-thirds to university, just under half of those to
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 19 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 66 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English; 33 per cent A*/A at A level (57 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
This is a true comp, ably catering for those with extensive needs right through to Oxbridge applicants. Teaching is tailored to suit these differing abilities. Majority take four additional GCSEs on top of compulsory subjects, while ‘three option
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
The school is deservedly proud of its SEN provision. The 135 pupils on the SEND register are supported by 16 specialist staff, with care tailor-made to suit needs. The jewels in the crown are two nurture classes where 24 children - often two to three
Arts & extracurricular
Lively arts department where the buzzing 3D design arm is starting to overtake art in popularity. Impressive models of the Frank Lloyd Wright waterfall house, and enthusiastic students working to create fantasy beasts destined for the big screen. A
Sport
Large sports hall, fitness suite and dance studio. Astro and large field for football. In another of many handy tie-ups, school is able to use the swimming pool at Sherborne Girls. Wide variety of ball options includes softball, dodgeball, basketball
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1992 out of an amalgam of smaller schools, the Gryphon has since doubled in size. Ten ‘temporary’ classrooms were built as huts 20 years ago to support these growing numbers. As the school says: ‘They really need to stop being temporary.’
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents describe pastoral care as excellent. ‘It’s a very big school but it’s never an issue, they know who my daughter is.’ Year groups operate as a school within a school, with good communication between tutor groups and heads of year. No houses
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Phones are not allowed to be seen on the school site.
Pupils & parents
Pupils seem happy and especially appreciate that they are ‘made to feel valid.’ One sixth former commented that The Gryphon was a ‘place I want to be rather than need to be.’ The fact that it is constantly oversubscribed, and that pupils are bussed
The last word
The previous head described it as ‘a big school with small school feel,’ and parents – and we – concur. No child goes unnoticed and teachers are genuinely motivated to see pupils progress to the best of their ability. An impressive capacity to cater
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Short inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Leadership and management | Good |
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