Highcliffe School
Christchurch, BH23 4QD · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · secondary school
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13th of 23 secondary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we can score, 24 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 the 786 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3/10 among them, against 5.6/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 50.0 · 62 | 30% | 1.87 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.05 · 46 | 25% | 1.16 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.1 · 61 | 10% | 0.61 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Highcliffe School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.05 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 5.2 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Peer Mentors, Student Leadership Opportunities, a Mindfulness group, and a Young Carers breakfast club. Music activities include RSL Music Production exams, Jazz Evening, and the Sing! Summer Festival. The school also organises trips to concerts. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,519 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,461. 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 to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming for RSL
What Ofsted said about Highcliffe School
Overview
Highcliffe School continues to be a good school, offering a welcoming environment where pupils behave well and feel safe. Leaders have established a broad, ambitious curriculum with high expectations, ensuring pupils are well prepared for future education and careers.
Strengths
- Teachers are "knowledgeable and passionate," delivering a curriculum that promotes diversity and equality.
- The "Highcliffe Challenge" and extensive extra-curricular opportunities allow pupils to showcase skills and take on leadership roles.
- Sixth-form students feel "well supported" by teachers who know them well and value the careers guidance provided.
- Staff are "proud to work at this school," with leaders prioritising staff well-being and development.
- Bespoke support from the Jubilee Centre is helping improve attendance for pupils with lower engagement.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must identify the precise needs of the weakest readers to ensure they receive support for decoding and reading fluently.
- The reading curriculum should be developed to support pupils of all ages in cultivating an enjoyment of reading.
- Leaders need to do more to change the attitudes of some pupils regarding bullying, as confidence in preventing reoccurrence is not always high.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to identify concerns and leaders acting at both individual and school levels to address needs.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.6 |
| 2024/25 | 47.0 |
| 2025/26 | 48.1 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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