The Grange School
Christchurch, BH23 3AU · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · secondary school
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20th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.3/10 against 453 of them, against 4.0/10 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 | 13 | 35% | 0.47 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 33.3 · 21 | 30% | 0.63 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.27 · 70 | 25% | 1.76 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 39.8 · 19 | 10% | 0.19 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Grange School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 32.9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 36.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.27 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Police Cadets and Sports Leaders.
Getting in
The published school roll is 429 pupils against a stated capacity of 769. 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 close the gap between the current Attainment 8 score and the national median? What specific steps are taken to maintain the positive Progress 8 trend? How are the Police Cadets and Sports Leaders clubs integrated into the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about The Grange School
Overview
The Grange School fulfils the expected standard of education, with leaders demonstrating an accurate understanding of strengths and areas for improvement. Pupils typically progress well through an ambitious curriculum, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities or lower starting points. However, attendance remains consistently above the national average, and teaching does not always consistently check pupils’ depth of knowledge.
Strengths
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make suitable progress and build independence through effective support and adapted teaching.
- Leaders effectively use additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils, who perform well in subjects such as science.
- Staff build warm relationships with pupils, creating a safe environment where bullying is resolved quickly and effectively.
- Post-16 students achieve well, gaining necessary qualifications and preparing for their chosen destinations through tailored study programmes.
- The school offers a wide range of activities, including musicals and sports, which build pupils’ confidence and resilience.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should reduce levels of absence and persistent absence so pupils maximise learning opportunities.
- Teaching should consistently check pupils’ knowledge and understanding to adapt lessons effectively.
- The wider personal development programme should have a consistently positive impact on all pupils, including those facing barriers.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed, ensuring pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.8 |
| 2024/25 | 36.3 |
| 2025/26 | 39.8 |
| 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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