On a summer’s day just like Thomas Hardy would have liked, many of our English Literature and Language students headed out to Dorchester and its environs to research the writer’s context and wider work. Thomas Hardy is Dorset’s most-famous author and poet, and students have just begun to study his novel ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’.

The group made an initial stop at Woolbridge Manor, the setting for key scenes in the novel, before visiting the Hardy statue and Dorset Museum in Dorchester, where we were given a highly informative presentation by Alban O’Brien. After having some free time to explore the Hardy exhibition and other areas of the museum, we headed to Hardy’s birthplace in Higher Bockhampton, learning about his origins and family whilst standing in beautiful surroundings. After a pit stop at McHardy’s restaurant, the group headed to our final location, which was Max Gate, a grand and unusual house which Hardy had built as a space to work, surrounded by trees, a druid stone, and his pet cemetery.

The Cabinet Table

The new Sixth Form Leadership Team met officially for the first time yesterday to discuss their plans for next half term and the academic year ahead. Their roles include Year Captains, Welfare, Wellbeing and Charity roles, as well as responsibilities for Student Voice, Publicity and Literacy. We will keep you up to date with their work over the coming months. The Purbeck Sixth Form offers many opportunities to develop leadership skills in addition to the chance to extend soft skills through our full, exciting, enrichment programme.

🎨✨ ART CRUNCH IS HERE ✨🎨

Ever wondered what GCSE & A Level Art and Photography actually look like? 👀

This Thursday at lunch, come and explore real sketchbooks, digital portfolios, and creative projects from our Year 11, 12 & 13 students. Ask questions, get inspired, and see what you could create next…

📍 D12 & D13 (enter via D13)
🕛 Lunchtime

Whether you love art or you're just curious… come and have a look 👀🔥

Future Apprentice of The Year 2026 Competition

Out of more than 1,000 applicants, Year 12 student Theo has made it to the final of Future Apprentice of The Year 2026.

He successfully completed three rounds of assessments in which judges evaluated key qualities such as ambition and motivation, curiosity and problem-solving ability, as well as teamwork and leadership potential.

At the end of March, Theo has been invited to London to attend an exclusive lunch with senior leaders from Howden Group Holdings, including the Chief People Officer, Chief Investment Officer, and Group Chief Risk Officer and will attend the final awards ceremony later in the year.

On Wednesday a dedicated band of sixth formers visited Middlebere Farm and planted over one hundred trees. This is part of our partnership with the National Trust, with the students working hard to complete their Environmental Leadership Award as part of enrichment. Many thanks to Farmer Jake and the National Trust’s Jill Bailey for this opportunity. #Grow!