Map & Facilities
Public Event Access
Gillingham School proudly hosts a variety of performances and events across several venues on our main site, including: The Theatre, Main Hall, Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH), and outdoor spaces (weather permitting)
- Arriving by Car: If you’re travelling by car and using a sat nav, please enter the postcode SP8 4QW (for the Bowling Club at the end of School Lane). This will direct you to our main school car park, which offers ample space for event parking.
- Pedestrian Access: Pedestrians can enter the school grounds via Hardings Lane, which provides convenient access for foot traffic.
- National Rail: Gillingham (Dorset) train station is approx. 10 minutes walk from the school.
School Site Map
We are fortunate to enjoy exceptional on-site facilities within the beautiful rural setting of North Dorset, supporting a rich and varied educational experience. If you are visiting Gillingham School, please report to the Main Reception off Hardings Lane.
Creative Arts
Our Creative Arts block was funded by the Arts Council and built in the early 2000s. It is a vibrant hub for performance and visual expression. The ground floor houses a theatre with retractable tiered seating for 112.
This space regularly hosts events which are open to the wider community. To find out more about upcoming events go to our events page.
Gallery
We are fortunate to have a dedicated gallery space above the drama studio, where we proudly showcase students’ creativity.
This includes:
- A Level Art and Photography work
- Exhibitions from our Artist in Residence
- Other inspiring pieces created by our talented students
Music
Our Music Department is a creative space, equipped to support students at every stage of their musical journey. We are proud to offer five dedicated practice rooms, ideal for individual or small group rehearsals, instrumental lessons, and focused practice time.
We have a fully functioning recording studio, giving students hands-on experience with professional equipment and software. Whether you’re composing, performing, or producing, these facilities support both curriculum-based learning and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including bands, choirs, and solo projects.
From beginners to advanced musicians, our facilities can help nurture talent, encourage creativity, and help students develop confidence through performance and collaboration.
Sports
Our extensive sports provision offers a wide range of opportunities for students to stay active and engaged. Facilities include an all-weather AstroTurf pitch, dedicated cricket and rugby fields, tennis and netball courts, and a full athletics track and field area.
We also have our own indoor climbing and bouldering walls, providing exciting challenges for all skill levels. In addition, students can take part in mountain biking and archery, further enriching their physical education experience.
Just across the road, the school benefits from access to the community-owned RiversMeet Sports and Leisure Centre, expanding the range of activities available through its swimming pool, fitness suite, and additional sports facilities.
Main Hall
Our Main Hall is a spacious, versatile venue featuring high acoustic ceiling panels, a projector with a retractable screen, and a fully integrated PA system — making it ideal for a wide range of events.
It serves as a central space for assemblies, Speech and Founders Day, school productions, performances, and community gatherings. It is also used as an examination venue when required, offering a calm and structured environment for students.
Library
Gillingham School Library opens daily from 8:30 am and offers a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs covering all age groups and curriculum areas, a suite of 18 computers available during break and lunch, quiet study tables for independent learning and a school shop where students can purchase stationery.
It is staffed throughout the day by a professional librarian and two experienced library assistants.
