The Swanage School

About The Swanage School

The Swanage School is a thriving single-school academy trust in a unique setting on the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural World Heritage Site, and within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It opened in 2013 as an entirely new 11-16 secondary school founded by the community on behalf of local young people and resides in purpose-built accommodation at the gateway to the town of Swanage.

The School is proud to have quickly built a reputation for excellence in teaching and learning and as a school where every child is known as an individual, can benefit from exciting opportunities, and is nurtured to reach their fullest academic and personal potential.

The School is committed to remaining human-scale with current students on roll of 350 and a tight-knit teaching and support team who ensure that good relationships remain at the heart of everything the School does. The school is very much part of the community and links with community groups and local organisations are extensive.

The Academy Trust overseeing The Swanage School is Education Swanage Ltd, a community co-operative that anyone is welcome to join if they sign up to its ethos and values.

The school was born from a vision of a happy institution which students and staff alike are proud to be part of, that is engaged at all levels with its community and its beautiful surroundings, and where students take responsibility for their learning. Our distinctive approach is perhaps best summed up by our Swanage School 12-point charter:

• Excellence is central to teaching and learning
• It is a pleasure to teach and learn
• Every student’s needs are understood and catered for
• Young people are known and treated as individuals
• Students are able to take responsibility
• All aspects of development are encouraged: intellectual, physical, creative, moral, spiritual and emotional
• All students engage in The Swanage School Challenge curriculum extension programme
• Young peoples’ experiences of school extend into their adult lives
• Behaviour is characterised by mutual respect for others and the environment
• Staff are supported through continuing professional development
• Parents and local residents are welcomed as partners in learning
• Horizons and global awareness are broadened through national and international partnerships