Bournemouth School
Bournemouth, BH8 9PY · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · Grammar school
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2nd 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 285 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.1/10 among them, against 9.5/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 92.6 · 97 | 30% | 2.90 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.71 · 91 | 25% | 2.28 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 71.2 · 97 | 10% | 0.97 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bournemouth School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in May 2024. In 2024/25, 96.0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 74.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.71 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.3 out of 10 among them, against 9.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Rugby and Cross Country.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,320 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,100. 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
What support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are rugby and cross country teams structured for different skill levels?
What Ofsted said about Bournemouth School
Overview
Pupils “flourish at this exceptional school,” demonstrating high motivation and exemplary conduct. The report describes an environment where students receive an “excellent quality of education” and achieve highly, supported by leaders who share a “clear and ambitious vision.”
Strengths
- Pupils learn an “ambitious curriculum” that builds knowledge cumulatively, allowing them to make “astute connections between subjects.”
- Teachers possess “excellent subject knowledge” and use assessment effectively to correct misconceptions and ensure pupils retrieve knowledge successfully.
- The school successfully meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, helping them achieve highly and develop independence.
- Behaviour is described as “exemplary,” with the school remaining “calm, orderly and purposeful” due to well-established routines.
- Pupils benefit from a “rich offer for their wider development,” including extensive extra-curricular activities and meaningful leadership roles.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 73.3 |
| 2024/25 | 74.2 |
| 2025/26 | 71.2 |
| 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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