SchoolScoresHighcliffe School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 19 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of HISP MULTI ACADEMY TRUST LTD
Parkside, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 4QD
01425 273381 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 31 October 2017.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 28 June 2023: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
254 pupils in this year group.
46% — 11 points below the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 46% | 57% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 47 | 50.5 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
236 pupils in this year group.
94% — about the same as the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 94% | 93% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 42% | 45% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 2% | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 41% | 39% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 6% | 4% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 95% | 94% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
107 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 23% | 27% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 51% | 53% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 34.6 | 35.5 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
27 subjects, 297 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Studies:Single | 25 | 8% | 16% | 16% |
| Psychology | 25 | 0% | 20% | 19% |
| Mathematics | 23 | 26% | 48% | 40% |
| Geography | 22 | 0% | 5% | 23% |
| Economics | 20 | 5% | 25% | 26% |
| History | 17 | 6% | 18% | 23% |
| Biology | 16 | 0% | 0% | 27% |
| Art and Design (Graphics) | 14 | 14% | 21% | 32% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 12 | 0% | 0% | 14% |
| English Language and Literature | 11 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Physics | 11 | 18% | 36% | 31% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 10 | 10% | 30% | 24% |
| Sociology | 10 | 0% | 30% | 20% |
| Art and Design (3d Studies) | 8 | 0% | 13% | 28% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 8 | 38% | 63% | 38% |
| Chemistry | 8 | 13% | 25% | 30% |
| Government and Politics | 8 | 13% | 38% | 26% |
| English Literature | 7 | 0% | 29% | 23% |
| Religious Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| Spanish | 6 | 17% | 50% | 34% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Photography), French, Mathematics (Further), Physical Education / Sports Studies, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Music.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
126 students in this year group.
88% — 9 points above the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole average, and 9 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 88% | 79% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 6% | 9% | 7% |
| Work | 33% | 33% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 89% | 88% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
152 students in this year group.
55% — 2 points below the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole average, and 5 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 55% | 57% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 28% | 23% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 63% | 55% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 256 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 256 |
| Of those, offered a place | 249 (97%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 525 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 1.0 · 2026: 1.0
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
Admissions dates and schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Higher than 16% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 14.9% | 20.5%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Higher than 55% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.1% | 3.2%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Higher than 20% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 9.7% | 14.9%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Higher than 12% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.1% | 15.8%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Lower than 73% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.0% | 7.8%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Lower than 74% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 18.2% | 20.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Lower than 51% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 14.1 | 21.2 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 1st lowest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Lower than 51% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 6.6% | 6.4% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded1 pupil | 0.06% | 0.34% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Higher than 52% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 16.9 | 16.6 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Higher than 54% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.0 | 12.2 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools in Christchurch. Higher than 18% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 8.3% | 15.9%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- The Grange School 1.5 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 expected, 1 needs attention · 33% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Arnewood School 2.6 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 expected, 1 needs attention · 22% grade 5+ English and maths
- Twynham School 2.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 62% grade 5+ English and maths
- Durlston School 2.9 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Ballard School 3.0 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Highcliffe School's Ofsted rating?
Highcliffe School was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 31 October 2017. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 28 June 2023, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did Highcliffe School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 46% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, about the same as the England average of 45%.
Is Highcliffe School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 256 families put Highcliffe School as their first choice for 256 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 249 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 136763.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.