Elm Academy
Bournemouth, BH11 9JN · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · primary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 50 primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we can score, 66 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.3/10 against 2,001 of them, against 8.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 77.0 · 82 | 62% | 5.04 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 38% | 3.21 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Elm Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 15.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 364 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils in reaching the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How are class sizes managed across the year groups?
What Ofsted said about Elm Academy
Overview
Elm Academy is described as a "caring and welcoming community" where pupils are "motivated and curious to learn." The report highlights a "well-sequenced curriculum" and "exceptional" personal development, noting that pupils respect difference and achieve positive academic outcomes.
Strengths
- The school promotes "personal and character development exceptionally well," with pupils engaging in community service and learning about important social issues.
- Teachers have "secure subject knowledge" and tailor resources so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "learn the same curriculum as their peers."
- The approach to early reading has strengthened, with staff teaching phonics "with fidelity" and providing effective support for those falling behind.
- Pupils behave well, are "polite and well mannered," and feel confident using systems like the ‘I wish somebody knew’ box to raise concerns.
- Leaders and trustees offer "effective support and challenge," helping to manage staff workload when introducing new initiatives.
Areas to improve
- The school must give "greater focus to letter formation and pencil grip" in early years and key stage 1, as the current lack of rigour hinders early writing skills.
- The school needs to consistently use checks to identify knowledge gaps, ensuring that "misconceptions" do not go unnoticed and persist in pupils’ work.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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