The Gryphon School is fortunate to have outstanding 21st century facilities in a modern, purpose-built school campus set amongst beautiful rural surroundings. We are proud to be Dorset’s first Business and Enterprise Specialist School, with a community Conference Centre opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex in 2006.
Education is most fulfilling when there is a sense of enjoyment alongside the commitment required for success. The range of visits, activities and other opportunities provided by the staff through the year are extensive.
The Gryphon School nurtures positive relationships between students, parents, staff and the community, generating a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere. We have high expectations of behaviour, consideration of others and good manners whilst the quality of teaching aims to enable every child to succeed, accompanied by the standard of support and care expected of a high-performing school.
Enthusiastic students and staff work hard in our school to produce outstanding results and enjoy learning.
Steve Hillier – Headteacher
“One of the strongest state secondaries in the county… a centre of excellence, attracting pupils from miles around. There is a friendly ambience, and a lot going on, both inside and outside the classroom. The national curriculum is competently delivered.” Daily Telegraph 2009 "This is a great school", Ofsted 2007
What Does The Gryphon School Offer?
The Gryphon School offers Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 to 1550 students of Year 7 through to Sixth Form. Our curriculum challenges each student, whilst remaining sensitive to the needs of individuals. Our Learning Support department works across the curriculum, supporting students in the classroom as well as in the Student and Family Guidance Centre, whilst our Dyslexia Centre offers specialised support for severely dyslexic pupils who, with help, can cope within a normal school environment.
The choices available are recognised as being amongst the most diverse and well-supported in the County, offering subjects such as Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Equine Studies, along with a wide-variety of more mainstream options. These options, along with high-quality teaching and first-rate facilities enable the school to stretch and challenge every individual. Students are encouraged to broaden their horizons through community activities and charity work and also have a number of opportunities to go on educational and sporting trips with the school.
The Gryphon School offers extra-curricular activities to suit every student. We have a thriving music and drama department which produces some spectacular performances, including annual drama productions, most recently, the nationally and internationally acclaimed feature film 'Far From The Madding Crowd' www.farfromthemaddingcrowd.org.uk - as seen on BBC Breakfast and CNN International - and music recitals and concerts throughout the year.
The superb leisure facilities offer the students a chance to partake in many different sports, boasting a modern well-equipped gym, an indoor sports hall and many outdoor pitches.
The Gryphon School makes every effort to reward achievement, attitude, improvement and contribution to the school and community and we are very proud of the Pastoral Support we are able to offer to each student within our care. We have our own School Chaplain who is available to meet with students, staff and parents. We also have councillors, a Pyramid Inclusion Worker, a Connexions service and Learning Support staff, all of whom contribute to the high level of support provided to the students.