UKSchoolSearch
OpenOfsted: GoodURN 147087

Harbour School Dorset

Free schools special · BH20 6NU

Ages 10–19 · 145 pupils · Dorset

School website

Ofsted

Good

Attainment 8

5.6

Overall absence

31.2%

Ofsted

Latest published inspection outcomes — not a ranking.

Read full report

Headline

Good

Inspection date

2023-10-10

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding effective
Yes

Source: Ofsted monthly management information

Performance

Official school-level results. Figures are not rankings — suppressed values are omitted.

Key stage 4 (2023/24)

Progress 8-2.15
−20+2
Attainment 85.6
English & maths grade 5+17%
English & maths grade 4+17%
EBacc entry0%

EBacc APS: 0.4

Key stage 2 (2023/24)

Avg scaled score — GPS
92.0

Source: DfE school and college performance tables

Absence

Academic year 2023/24. Persistent absence means 10%+ of sessions missed. Lower figures are better.

Overall absence31.2%
Persistent absence (10%+)74.5%
Unauthorised7.5%
Authorised absence
23.7%
Severe absence (50%+)
27.5%
Enrolments in measure
102

Absence trend

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

  • Overall
  • Persistent (10%+)

Source: DfE pupil absence in schools in England

Size & intake

From the GIAS school census (15 Jan 2026).

Capacity fill112%

145 pupils · 130 places

Pupils on roll
145
Boys / girls
111 / 34
School capacity
130
Capacity fill
145 / 130 (112%)
Free school meals
53.4%
FSM pupils
62
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Gender
Mixed
School type
Free schools special

Age range

Ages 10–19

05111619

Provision

Official GIAS characteristics

2 / 6

  • Nursery
  • Sixth formHas a sixth form
  • Boarding
  • Special school
  • Independent
  • Academy

School characteristics

Special classes
Has Special Classes
Governance
Academy trust: SOUTHERN EDUCATION TRUST
Academy trust
SOUTHERN EDUCATION TRUST
Sponsor
Delta Education Trust
Headteacher
Mr Daniel Butt

Location

Address
School Road, Bovington
Postcode
BH20 6NU
Local authority
Dorset
District
Dorset
Constituency
South Dorset
Urban/rural
Smaller rural: Nearer to a major town or city

SEN & specialist provision

As recorded in GIAS — provision detail, not an Ofsted judgement.

SEN types
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder; SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Special classes
Has Special Classes
Resourced provision
SEN unit
SEN unit places
145 on roll / 130 capacity

Local context

How this school sits among open establishments in its area, using official GIAS records. These are counts, not rankings.

Mixed free schools special, Ages 10–19, in Dorset, 145 pupils on roll. Notable characteristics: sixth form, special school, non-selective admissions. Free school meals: 53.4%. SEN provision includes: ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder; SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health.

Open schools in BH20
11
Open schools in Dorset LA
184

Nearby schools

Open schools within about 3 miles, prioritising the same phase where possible. Distances are approximate from GIAS coordinates.

Compare with theseNear BH20

Contact

Headteacher
Mr Daniel Butt
Telephone
01929508286
Website
https://harbourschooldorset.com/

Official links