Welcome to
Gillingham School
Academically Ambitious Since 1516
Our School
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Celebrating Success
From Year 7, students are challenged to aim high and grow as confident leaders. Achievement in learning, service and personal development is recognised through Bronze, Silver, Gold and the prestigious Hart Award, with coloured ties worn with pride. Leadership opportunities, specialist rewards in Creative Arts and Sport, and Sixth Form Platinum and Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate ambition, excellence, and our shared values as a school community.
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Phone‑free focused learning
Gillingham School became phone‑free for Years 7–11 in September 2025, reflecting research showing reduced phone access improves focus, learning and wellbeing. Phones are secured in lockable pouches during the school day. Removing this distraction protects learning time, supports deeper thinking and encourages positive face‑to‑face interaction, while phones remain accessible before and after school for travel and safety. Explore how our school puts learning first.
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Spaces to Learn & Thrive
Our outstanding facilities support learning, creativity and wellbeing, including a 112‑seat theatre, excellent sports provision with an Astro pitch, climbing and bouldering wall, dance studio, and 13 modern science laboratories. Creative learning is enhanced through music practice and recording studios, specialist art and photography spaces with a darkroom, ceramics and printmaking facilities, dedicated media suites, and welcoming Sixth Form areas.
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Community & Connection
We build strong, purposeful partnerships with local organisations, businesses and families to enrich learning, broaden horizons and prepare students for life beyond school. From concerts in care homes to food bank collections and charity appeals, our students represent the school with kindness, generosity and pride.
Our Sixth Form
Our exceptional Sixth Form provides a vibrant, supportive, and ambitious setting where students are challenged to achieve their best, grow as independent thinkers, take on meaningful leadership roles, and prepare confidently for university, apprenticeships, or the world of work.
We invite students to explore Sixth Form at Gillingham School Dorset, and shape your future with confidence.
News & Events
Vacancy for cleaner
We are looking for cleaners to join our team, please apply.
Music Mark
Gillingham School is honoured to get The Music Mark of Recognition in the category of Quality & Ambition.
River Of Hope
The culmination of the River of Hope, a creative climate project launched by Activate in Christchurch Quay
Results and definitions A-Level & GCSE
This is just the beginning of your amazing journey. Congratulations on this milestone..
Our Values & Ethos
At Gillingham School Dorset, our values shape everyday school life. We treat each other with kindness and respect, believe that hard work really does pay off, and make sure everyone feels safe, happy and supported. We take pride in our school and our learning, creating calm, focused classrooms where everyone has the chance to succeed.
These are the values and ethos that shape our future.
Headmaster
An ambitious school surrounded by the beautiful North Dorset countryside. We are committed to providing a diverse range of experiences to help our students discover their passions. Opportunities exist to excel in sports, the creative arts, and academic achievement. We also offer students the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, helping them develop skills, resilience, and self-belief.
Paul Nicholson, BEd.
Year 10 Student
Somerset Netball Academy Development Team
A highly committed and well‑rounded student, she demonstrates leadership, service and excellence across school life. Alongside volunteering as a Duke of Edinburgh swimming instructor, she has been a Founders’ Day winner across multiple subjects, led primary school tournaments as a Sports Leader, and excelled in competitive sport, earning selection for the Somerset Netball Academy development team.
Year 8 Student
An aspiring jockey
Spending weekends and holidays travelling the UK to compete in races, often winning in his category. He is a hard-working, friendly and kind student who goes out of his way to help others. He has a bright future ahead of him.
Year 10 Student
Passion for Motorsport
A kind, hardworking student who is a great role model with his fantastic attitude to learning. He gives his all in whatever he does including his chosen sport. He is now karting nationally after 3 years of racing locally. His drive , determination and passion for motorsport is inspiring and his hard work and dedication to his sport is paying off. He had 2 podium finishes in his first national season and we can’t wait to see what this year will bring.
Year 8 Student
Musical Theatre
A passionate and also dedicated performer who has roles in Musical Theatre International in Birmingham as well as performing regularly with Shaftesbury Arts Centre. She is a role model and a perfect example of a student who maintains high academic standards whilst excelling in her out of school pursuits.
Year 10 Student
Sights on becoming a Senior Cadet instructor
A driven and accomplished Army Cadet whose passion for service and adventure shines through his achievements in advanced fieldcraft, first aid, and successful completion of Ten Tors and Bronze DofE. With his sights set on becoming a Senior Cadet Instructor and completing the Gold DofE and 45-mile Ten Tors, he continues to lead by example and inspire others through his dedication and leadership.
Year 10 Student
Bath Rugby Academy
Recently selected for Bath Rugby Academy’s U15s Player Development Group, this student demonstrates exceptional drive, discipline, and teamwork on and off the field. Balancing both academic and athletic progression, he embraces challenge and personal growth. His attitude, resilience, and potential mark him as a promising young player for future success within the professional pathway.
Year 11 Student
Event Rider
Competing across the country, she became SEG Champion in 2024 competing against many private schools. In 2025 she was selected for the British Eventing Youth U18 team representing the Southwest. To achieve at this level takes very high levels of dedication, which she combines with managing her schoolwork. She is a role model to other young riders and has a bright competitive future ahead.
With a legacy spanning five centuries, our school has grown from traditional roots into a modern centre of learning. Grounded in history yet forward-looking, we continue to inspire generations through a commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and enduring values.
