Compare Dorset Studio School and The Blandford School and The Thomas Hardye School

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Dorset Studio School (Secondary) in Dorchester; The Blandford School (Secondary) in Blandford Forum; The Thomas Hardye School (Secondary) in Dorchester — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Dorset Studio School, The Blandford School and The Thomas Hardye School. They are secondary phase and studio schools, voluntary controlled school and academy converter type located around Dorchester, Dorset and Blandford Forum, Dorset. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (The Thomas Hardye School), published Apr 2015. The lowest is 2 (Dorset Studio School), published May 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for The Blandford School (May 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,150, combined total ≈ 3,500, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–30–35%; all within the WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Dorset Studio School DT2 8PX	The Blandford School DT11 7SQ	The Thomas Hardye School DT1 2ET
Phase / Type	Secondary • Studio schools	Secondary • Voluntary controlled school	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Dorchester Dorset DT2 8PX	Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 7SQ	Dorchester Dorset DT1 2ET
Latest Ofsted	2 15 May 2024	2 21 May 2024	1 20 Apr 2015
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 350 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 2,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	375	1557	2138
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy		Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Dorset (838)	Dorset (838)	WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Website	dorsetstudioschool.co.uk	www.blandfordschool.org.uk	www.thomas-hardye.net
Telephone	01305443600	01258451121	01305266064
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Dorset Studio School

DT2 8PX

Phase / Type: Secondary • Studio schools
Location: Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8PX
Ofsted: 2 15 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 350 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Dorset (838)
Website: dorsetstudioschool.co.uk
Telephone: 01305443600

The Blandford School

DT11 7SQ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Voluntary controlled school
Location: Blandford Forum
Dorset
DT11 7SQ
Ofsted: 2 21 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Dorset (838)
Website: www.blandfordschool.org.uk
Telephone: 01258451121

The Thomas Hardye School

DT1 2ET

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 2ET
Ofsted: 1 20 Apr 2015
Pupils: ≈ 2,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: WESSEX MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Website: www.thomas-hardye.net
Telephone: 01305266064

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.

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