The Forum Centre
Pupil referral unit school in Blandford Forum (Dorset).
Location
iSchool location from Get Information about Schools. Nearby schools are coloured by phase. Open Map+ for a full-screen map with neighbourhood deprivation (England only).About
Striving to ensure every pupil achieves success and contributes positively to society, by providing them with imaginative, nurturing and motivating learning opportunities. The Forum Centre strives to create a close working partnership between increasingly confident pupils, supportive parents and carers, a dedicated staff and a committed management committee.
We work in close partnership with parents and encourage open lines of communication with them, aiming to build positive relationships. We pride ourselves in being ready to listen and provide support when needed.
Alongside this, we work closely with other agencies supporting our students and their families, in order to facilitate a successful return to mainstream education or a designated, appropriate provision. At The Forum Centre we aim to ensure that every pupil is provided with the opportunity to achieve their very best.
We seek to fulfil each individual's potential and to prepare our students to meet their role as responsible, confident members of society in an ever-changing world.
In the school’s own words, from the school website.
Enrichment
5 activitiesiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Sewing
- Forest School
- Trauma Informed Schools
Awards
1 awardiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- Anti-Bullying CharterRecognised award
Key facts
- URN
- 131827
- Type
- Pupil referral unit
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Ages
- 5 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Constituency
- North Dorset
- Setting
- Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
- Opened
- 1999
Governing body (13 current, 2 former)
Maintained school governing body.
Governors
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Elizabeth Smith | Governor | Elected by school staff | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mrs Rebecca Martin | Governor | Elected by school staff | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mrs Thyrza Pickering | Governor | Appointed by LA | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mr Roger Hayball | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Miss Claire Simmonds | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mrs Katherine Russell | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Kim Ashby | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mr Jason Collins | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Alison Walter | Governor | Elected by parents | since 2024 · until 2028 |
| Mrs Laura Howieson | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2023 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
| Mr Phil Gavin | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2020 · until 2028 |
| Mr Kieren Hasler | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2019 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
| Mrs Kim Rickford | Governor | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal | since 2014 |
| Mrs Thyrza Pickering Former | Governor | Nominated by LA and appointed by GB | since 2022 · term ended 2026 |
| Mr Guy Godmon Former | Governor | Elected by school staff | since 2018 · term ended 2026 |
Source: Department for Education, Get Information about Schools (governance records, as at 25 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Names are shown as published; there are no addresses or contact details. Current and former are worked out from term end dates when the page loads. Object or ask for removal · Report an issue with this record