Welcome to
Gillingham School
Academically Ambitious Since 1516
Our School
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Awards Journey
Beginning in Year 7, points are awarded for dedicated learning, involvement in school activities, community engagement, and a commitment to self-improvement. Students are recognised with ties: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the prestigious Hart Award. There are opportunities to become department lead ambassadors, to earn additional badges and ties, such as Creative Arts and Sports. Sixth Form recognition includes the Platinum Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award.
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Phone‑free focused learning
Gillingham School became phone-free for Years 7–11 in September 2025. Using secure, lockable pouches to keep phones inaccessible during the school day. Students, staff and parents have all reported positive changes: learning time is protected from distraction, while phones remain available for travel and safety. Explore how our school day puts learning first.
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OUTSTANDING FACILITIES
Support learning, creativity and wellbeing. A 112 seat theatre; excellent sports provision Astro pitch, bouldering and climbing wall, dance studio; 13 modern science laboratories; music practice and recording studios. Our well-equipped art and photography department features a darkroom, photography studio, ceramic space with kilns, printmaking press, alongside dedicated media suites and welcoming Sixth Form areas.
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COMMUNITY
We actively build strong connections with our wider community—partnering with local organisations, businesses, and families to enrich learning, broaden horizons, and prepare students for life beyond school.
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.
