Gillingham School, founded in 1516, is steeped in history, and enjoys strong links with the local community. From our North Dorset location, we offer a high quality, enjoyable educational experience to young people from Gillingham, its surrounding villages and beyond, including Somerset and Wiltshire.
Appointed September 2017
We recognise that children have many abilities, talents and personalities and work with them in providing the support necessary for success. Offering a range of experiences, both in and out of the classroom, students can learn and develop innovation, and lifelong skills for their future endeavours. We are proud of our Alumni network, with many returning to inspire the future generation.
Gillingham School is a friendly, welcoming and inspiring school, characterised by high expectations and respectful relationships. Our students feel safe, secure and confident. The positive ethos and strong values of our school are longstanding features which help shape the character of our students.
Our motto ‘Docendo Discimus,’ translates to ‘Through Teaching, We Learn’. Learning is a shared, life-long process and the partnerships between students, teachers and parents are important in supporting development.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school.
School Houses and Tutor Groups
Contributing to your house and tutor helps students to connect outside of the classroom and have a sense of belonging. You can participate in competitions, support charities through fundraising, and cultivate a friendly competitive spirit on Sports Day where the whole school comes together in their house colours to support all who are taking part.
Baxter
House Colour: Black
Mr Alec Baxter, chairman of school governors 1970-80s
Clarendon
House Colour: Navy
During the 17th century Edward Hyde was one of the free schools most distinguished pupils, he later became the Earl of Clarendon 1609-1674.
Davenant
House Colour: Green
Dr Edward Davenant became the vicar of Gillingham School 1625-1680. A memorial slate can be found in St Mary The Virgin Church, Gillingham.
Fletcher
House Colour: Red
WPC Yvonne Fletcher 1959-1984. Yvonne was a pupil in the 1970’s. After school she joined the Metropolitan Police where on the 17th April 1984 she tragically lost her life whilst on duty at an anti President Gaddafi demonstration.
Student bursaries, scholarships and awards: Fletcher Award
George Butler
House Colour: Light Blue
George Butler a local farmer and former pupil from Madjeston. Who gave much support to the school farm.
Student bursaries, scholarships and awards: George Butler Scholarship Fund
Hurley
House Colour: Purple
Walter Edward Hurley a science and maths teacher from 1916 through to the mid 1960’s. Nearly 50 years of dedication to the school.
Lyndon
House Colour: Grey
Neil Lyndon whilst a pupil he gained considerable support from teacher Frank Hodgson, who enabled him to take A Levels and progress to Cambridge University.
Student bursaries, scholarships and awards: Frank Hodgson Memorial Fund
Matthews
House Colour: Yellow
Gerald Blandford Matthews who owned Wyke Brewery which he later sold to Hall & Woodhouse. A Chairman of Governors from 1944-58.
Seager
House Colour: Orange
Venerable Edward Leslie Seagar vicar of Gillingham from 1946-1980. He was the Archdeacon of Dorset and chairman of the governors, his last governors meeting was in 1979.
Wagner
House Colour: White
A.F.H.V Wagner was a history teacher, he joined in 1931 and retired in 1969. Another long serving member of staff.
History
