Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Dorset School Open Day Directory
Update: 1/5/2015
Choosing the best school for a child can be one of the toughest decisions a parent has to make. As children are so individual it’s really important to thoroughly consider all of the options. For many, catchment area regulations apply meaning that there is one main school in the neighbourhood, so the decision is already made for you. However, if you can choose a secondary school, making the right decision can be difficult.
To assist the decision-making process, it will be prudent to gather as much information about each different school as you can, make comparisons, read the school’s prospectus and individual Ofsted reports, review the performance tables online, ask other parents for their opinions and visit the open days or evenings. If your child has additional educational needs, search for a school which has a strong special needs provision.
It will certainly pay to visit these schools, meet staff and have a look at other children’s work. Whilst you’re there try to gauge the culture and environment of the school – does it seem friendly, do the children seem happy, is there a positive vibe among staff? Try to keep an open mind, assess how welcoming the school feels and most importantly trust your instinct - listen to what your gut reaction says...
Some useful links to help with your school decision...
- Visit www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance to find your local area’s league tables.
- Read Ofsted reports about individual schools at www.ofsted.gov.uk
- You can check the designated areas for different schools by visiting your local authority’s website then following the relevant education links. Alternatively call your council’s education team who will be able to assist you.
- For more information about schooling for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) take a look at www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/overview or www.parentpartnership.org.uk/find-your-pps
- Attend the Open Day of your chosen school. Try to visit other schools to provide comparisons.
Applying for School Places Online
Submitting an application for a primary or secondary school place online is a convenient and favourable method for many families. Forms can be completed from home, at any time, any day of the week.
Advantages to applying online
- It is quick and easy to do
- It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- An email receipt will confirm that the application has been received
- There is no risk that the application will get lost
- Applications can be changed right up to midnight on the closing date
- The results will be available for you to see online
Dorset County Council Applications:
Primary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 3 September 2014 to 15 January 2015
Secondary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 3 September 2014 to 31 October 2014
Dorset Contacts:
Education helpline: 01305 221060
Online applications: www.dorsetforyou.com/schooladmissions
Email: admissions@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Bournemouth Borough Council Applications:
Primary, Infant and Junior School Applications:
The online system will be available from 1 September 2014 to 15 January 2015
Secondary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 1 September 2014 to 31 October 2014
Bournemouth Contacts:
Education helpline: 01202 456222
Online applications: www.bournemouth.gov.uk - click on the Children and Education link
Email: cs@bournemouth.gov.uk
Borough of Poole Council Applications:
Reception School Applications:
The online system will be available from 1 September 2014 to 15 January 2015
Junior and Middle School Applications:
The online system will be available from 1 September 2014 to 15 January 2015
Secondary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 1 September 2014 to 31 October 2014
Poole Contacts:
Education helpline: 01202 261936
Online applications: www.boroughofpoole.com/education-and-learning
Email: school.admissions@poole.gov.uk
Schools in the locality...
Avonbourne College
Avonbourne is an 11-19 college with a well-earned reputation for a secure, caring but well-disciplined environment where the students are characterised by their integrity, determination and compassion. It is a happy school where each student is supported, encouraged and enabled to develop into mature young adults and to become responsible, independent global citizens who can take an active part in a progressive, modern society.
Avonbourne College continues to go from strength to strength with the opening of its new mixed Primary School in 2014, which gives the opportunity for students to grow and flourish from age 4-19.
An Ofsted report on the college from January 2010 noted “Particularly strong features of the curriculum include the very extensive range of out-of hour’s activities, the emphasis on the international dimension and the preparation of the students to become global citizens”. For more details go to www.avonbourne.org
The Bourne Academy
The Bourne Academy is a highly successful mixed school for 11 to 18 year olds. Students are now enjoying their brightly coloured £10million new buildings, which are a representation of what the Academy is doing - inspiring students to be happy and proud.
In November 2012, Ofsted praised the Academy for its strong leadership and rapid improvement. In English and maths teaching is ’consistently good’ and they highlighted that student care is ‘outstanding’ and that ‘behaviour had transformed since the Academy opened’.
In 2013, the Academy saw the best GCSE results ever achieved at the Hadow Road site, with 82% of students achieving 5 A* - C grades in their exams.
In 2014, the Academy was ranked 6th out of 55 similar schools across the country for increased levels of progress made by students.
Many influential guests have endorsed the Academy’s work including Dorset’s High Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant, local MP Conor Burns and ex-AFC Bournemouth striker Steve Fletcher.
The Bourne Academy Open Evening is on Wednesday 1st October 2014, 6.00pm to 8.30pm. If you are unable to attend, contact Della Dawson to arrange a tour on 01202 528554 or email della.dawson@thebourneacademy.com or visit www.thebourneacademy.com
Bournemouth Collegiate School
Bournemouth Collegiate senior school has grown from 90 pupils to 420 in the space of 4 years. Due to huge co-educational demand a new Grammar Plus stream has been launched for September 2014. Interest has been overwhelming.
Thirteen international coaches in the Sports Academy; seven school productions per year; over 20 musical performances annually, and an outstanding art department (textiles, photography, art), together with class sizes averaging 14 all account for the huge demand for places at BCS.
The school Open Day dates are Thursday 18th September from 9.30am-12noon;
Saturday 11th October from 9.30am-12noon and Tuesday 21st October from 9.30am-12noon. For details contact admissions@bournemouthcollegiateschool.co.uk or call 01202 436550 or visit www.bournemouthcollegiateschool.co.uk
Canford School
Canford is one of the top co-educational boarding schools in the country. Regionally it is consistently a leader academically, while a diverse range of artistic, cultural and sporting activities provide exciting breadth and depth to the education.
Within the 250 acres of grounds, facilities include rowing from the school boathouse, a theatre, sports centre with gym and indoor pool, Art Gallery and Music School. The environment encourages hard work, participation and a strong sense of community, teamwork and integrity. The campus setting gives the school a collegiate feel, while the beauty of the buildings and quality of the facilities inspire pupils to achieve their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.
This summer’s examination results were impressive. The A level performance included one of the highest A* percentages recorded at the school, with 24% of all examinations awarded the top grade, against a national percentage of 8.3%, and 57% of all Canford grades A*/A against 26% nationally. Nearly half the year group gained an average of straight As despite A grade percentages across the UK falling for the third consecutive year.
At IGCSE/GCSE, more than half of all candidates achieved an average of straight As or better, nearly three quarters of all examinations at A*/A and over a third of all entries were at A*. Nine out of ten entries across the board were awarded A*-B grades. This is the third consecutive year that the school has seen results at a consistently similar high level.
Scholarships are available at both 13+ and 16+ entry, with means tested bursaries worth up to 100% fees offered throughout the school. Daily school bus services run across Dorset and Hampshire.
The next Open Day will take place on Saturday 4 October. For more details go to www.canford.com or call 01202 847207
Dumpton School
Dumpton School, Wimborne is a co-educational day school for boys and girls aged 2½ to 13. Just one mile from Wimborne, surrounded by picturesque and tranquil countryside, the 26 acre campus is centred on a 19thcentury farmhouse and stable block, while extensive playing fields and woodland walks complement the first rate classroom areas and sports facilities, including a floodlit synthetic all-weather pitch and covered swimming pool.
The excellent and committed teaching staff educate pupils in a safe, supportive and caring environment, within a framework of family and Christian values that stress the importance of teamwork and mutual respect at all times. The small class sizes and caring approach help to produce confident communicators, emphasising good manners, kindness and tolerance.
Over the course of their time at Dumpton, children will experience a multitude of activities and discover new skills and talents. The success that follows then builds confidence for each new challenge that lies ahead. The school motto ‘You can because you think you can’ lies at the cornerstone of teaching at Dumpton fostering a quiet ambition in all they do.
You are guaranteed a very warm welcome at Dumpton School!
To arrange a personal visit, call Lerryn Chaffey, the Headmaster’s PA on 01202 883818 or go to www.dumptonschool.com
Harewood College
Harewood College is an 11-19 college where the pursuit of excellence is uppermost in everybody’s mind. The unique community atmosphere is embodied with the Olympic and Paralympic Values of respect, excellence, friendship, courage, determination, inspiration and equality.
Each student is supported, encouraged and enabled to develop into mature young men; to become responsible, independent global citizens who can take an active part in a progressive, modern society. The college boasts a wide and varied curriculum, and is renowned for the many out of school activities and clubs available to all students. A programme of twilight academic subjects allows students to individualise their programme of study.
The mixed sixth form with nearby Avonbourne College truly offers the opportunity to join the college as children and leave as young adults. To find out more go to www.harewoodcollege.org
Highcliffe School
The ethos at Highcliffe – the ‘feel’ of the School, is very special. Highcliffe School emphasises enjoyment in learning, within a caring, purposeful and stimulating environment, where individual students matter and their well-being and success are paramount. At the heart of the community lie personal relationships which encourage, challenge and enable all to give of their best: ‘Excellence for All, Excellence from All’.
Highcliffe is a successful school, proud of its students and their achievements in a wide range of fields. The school blends together traditional values with an enthusiasm to meet the opportunities of the 21st Century. Highcliffe ‘aims high’ and provides an impressive variety of curricular and extended-curricular programmes where students are encouraged to realise their talents and interests, building confidence and self-esteem.
To find out more about Highcliffe School, call 01425, 273381, or visit www.highcliffeschool.com
Aspirations Academies Trust: Magna Academy Poole (Secondary), Jewell Academy Bournemouth (Primary), Ocean Academy Poole (Junior)
The Aspirations Academies Trust is a sponsor of Primary and Secondary age Academies in England, and provides a unique educational environment, focused on raising student aspirations so that all young people can reach their full potential and achieve the success they desire.
Magna Academy Poole opened in September 2013 and has already made a significant impact in the area. With brand new, state-of-the-art facilities inside and out, an excellent teaching team, and a focus on high expectations of student behaviour combined with high aspirations for all students, the Academy is moving rapidly towards becoming Outstanding.
Jewell Academy Bournemouth also opened in September 2013, and provides an ethos of valuing each individual child. This ensures a culture of high self-worth and belonging, enabling children to succeed in all their endeavours. The Academy offers high pupil-to-teacher ratios, amazing indoor and outdoor facilities, an excellent and affordable range of after-school clubs, some free uniform items and a quick full-time start in Reception.
Ocean Academy Poole is a new Junior Academy opening in September 2015 in the heart of Poole. The facilities will be purpose-built and brand new, and the site will provide excellent outdoor spaces including a full-size games pitch.
For more details visit: Magna Academy Poole, www.aatmagna.org; Jewell Academy Bournemouth, www.aatjewell.org; Ocean Academy Poole, www.aatocean.org
Oak Academy
Oak Academy is a mixed school for 11 to 19 year olds forming part of a growing campus. The multi-academy federation, with brand new International standard sporting facilities and winners of Southern Premier Final of Rock Challenge, provides opportunities for successes academically, sporting and in the performing arts.
Oak Academy has a unique and well established Transition School which continues to build upon the best features of a primary curriculum combined with the expertise of secondary subject teachers to enable students to settle into secondary school effectively.
Students are seen and valued as individuals and as a result personalised learning is a key focus from Year 7 right the way through to Year 14: Oak Academy’s successful and established Sixth form boasts 100% pass rate at A level and BTEC, as well as being in the top 20% nationally for outstanding student progress.
March 2012 the Academy was praised by Ofsted for its effective and flexible approach ensuring a positive and productive learning environment saying that student progress was good and significantly higher than that seen nationally. Ofsted also praised the leadership and management of the Academy and said that students’ behaviour was good.
Open day dates: Wednesday 17th September 2014 from 6pm -8pm; Tuesday 23rd September 9:00am – 10:00am. For more details go to www.leaf.bournemouth.sch.uk or call 01202 774600.
Parkstone Grammar School
Parkstone Grammar School is a selective girls’ school offering outstanding education. It provides strong pastoral care in a friendly supportive atmosphere. The school’s focus is always on teaching and learning, and it strives to challenge its able girls to become confident, happy and successful young women. Girls thrive in an environment of support and challenge, becoming resilient learners well prepared to succeed in the 21st century.
All are welcome to the Open Evening on Thursday 18 September, from 6pm to 8 pm. See the school in action, talk to staff and pupils and gain information on the admissions process.
For more details call 01202 605605 and speak to the Admissions team - or go to www.parkstone.poole.sch.uk
Poole Grammar School
Poole Grammar School is a unique environment: from the pupils who study there, their teachers and the support staff; to the richness of the academic, cultural, sporting and extra-curricular opportunities offered.
Its academic results place it in the premier division of grammar schools and are achieved by hard work - from its capable and enthusiastic staff and from the boys themselves. Staff seek to instil a love of learning and a respect for scholarship, and a willingness to make a positive contribution to their community. A well-organised, supportive pastoral system, based on an open home-school dialogue, enables all students to make excellent progress and develop self-discipline and good judgement.
All visitors are welcome – to meet staff and students and see why Poole Grammar is such a special place. For more details call 01202 692132 or go to www.poolegrammar.com
Portfield School
Portfield School is a non-maintained special school based in Christchurch in Dorset and is managed by regional charity Autism Wessex. The school supports children and young people with autism and associated difficulties from age 3 through to 19. Registered for up to 70 students, Portfield School offers both daily and flexible boarding packages of up to 52 weeks.
Each student’s curriculum and care plan is individually designed to reflect their abilities and personal development needs. It is shaped to provide a learning journey to help prepare them for the opportunities, experiences and responsibilities of adult life.
“Our son is getting an education in a fantastic, caring school with amazing staff. We cannot imagine life without Portfield” – this is just one of the many positive comments the school has received from parents whose children have attended Portfield School.
If you would like to meet staff and take a look around the school to see the specialist facilities and experience the friendly atmosphere for yourself, do get in touch. The school welcomes enquiries from prospective parents and local authorities. To arrange a visit call 01202 573808 or email enquiries@portfieldschool.org.uk or for more details go to www.portfieldschool.org.uk
Shaftesbury School
Shaftesbury School is going from strength to strength. Ofsted inspected the school in May 2013 and found it to be a ‘good’ school in every category with many areas deemed to be outstanding. This marks the school out as one of the few to be able to improve its official grading in a time of much higher standards when many are dropping a grade. The school provides a first class education for students from the local community as well as from around the globe.
Students benefit from a truly personalised approach to teaching and its goal is to encourage each and every student to be the very best that they can.
Facilities for the boarders at Barton Hill House have recently been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted Inspectors and students can choose to board on a weekly, termly or full boarding basis.
The joint sixth form provision for Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton creates one of the most successful sixth forms in the region, with top class A level results, and is a very special place to learn.
The school’s Open Evening will be on Thursday 25 September 2014 from 6pm-8.30pm. For more information, contact office@shaftesburyschool.co.uk or call 01747 854498.
Sherborne Preparatory School….
At Sherborne Preparatory School the focus is on the child. The school prides itself on finding and nurturing a child’s talents, and developing his or her natural curiosity. Small class sizes mean that every child enjoys being challenged and stretched.
The school doesn’t produce a ‘type’, rather it seeks to celebrate and encourage independent thinking and diverse interests. Its ISI Inspection Report applauded the school for “recognising the uniqueness of every child”. The school doesn’t believe in putting children in a box, and as a non-selective school it will give your child every opportunity to excel and to flourish, whatever their interests.
It also has an excellent record of Scholarship success, with 38% of leavers going on to their chosen senior school with a scholarship or award. Happiness, confidence, enthusiasm, creativity and independence are to be found in abundance at The Prep, in the classroom, the laboratory, the art room, the music centre, the boarding houses, or on the sports field, the stage, or in the 12 acres of grounds.
If you would like to see what opportunities this friendly family-focused school has to offer you and your child, contact Mrs Aurora Mercer, The Registrar, on 01935 810911 or go to www.sherborneprep.org
Sherborne School for Girls
Located in the beautiful county of Dorset, Sherborne Girls is one of the top independent full-boarding schools in the UK, offering an excellent academic and all-round education for girls aged 11 to 18. It has a long-standing reputation for its welcoming and vibrant atmosphere; it is equally renowned for the high quality and inspirational teaching, sensitive pastoral care and outstanding examination results.
A broad curriculum is offered, including a specialist Junior Diploma and the International Baccalaureate. Some A level subjects are taught with boys from Sherborne School; the partnership between the schools provides a winning combination of committed learning practice together with exciting extra-curricula opportunities including an extensive range of musical, cultural and social activities such as joint orchestras, drama productions, and weekend socials.
The house system is just one of the strengths of the school, with five mixed age houses for girls aged 13 to 17, a brand new junior boarding house for 11 to 12 year olds and another for the Upper Sixth, ensuring the needs of every age group are catered for. Uniquely, girls eat all of their meals in their houses to reinforce the sense of family and community which helps girls to settle into School and make friends for life. For details call 01935 812245 or go to www.sherborne.com
St Edward’s RC CE VA School
St Edward’s is a thriving, successful, inclusive, all ability, significantly oversubscribed joint Roman Catholic – Church of England mixed 11-18 Voluntary Aided school, offering opportunities for rewarding teaching from Key Stage 3 to GCSE and A-level.
As a church school, great emphasis is placed on the development of the whole person within a Christian ethos.
There are 1086 students currently on roll, including sixth formers.
Ofsted May 2013
“Students achieve well at school because improvements in teaching have led to a sharp upturn in progress”.
“Students enjoy school life and report they feel safe in this caring environment.”
The next Open Day will take place on 24 September from 5.30pm to 8pm. For more details ring 01202 740950 or go to www.st-edwards.poole.sch.uk
St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury
Set in 55 acres of beautiful countryside on the Wiltshire/Dorset border, St Mary’s is a leading independent school in the South West for girls aged 11-18. A unique ethos sets the school apart, creating a happy and friendly community. Day girls and boarders experience an inspirational educational environment with outstanding teachers and excellent pastoral care.
Offering an exceptional all-round education, St Mary’s has the time and capacity to ensure that every student is appreciated as an individual and all talents are nurtured. A wealth of extra-curricular activities allow girls to excel in music, drama, art and photography, as well as sport, as they benefit from the wonderful facilities that St Mary’s has to offer including a 25m indoor swimming pool and a brand new art building.
Instilling confidence in all and allowing the opportunity for girls to flourish and mature in a comfortable setting fosters individual success. Girls leave school as independent and confident individuals, knowing and believing they can make something of their lives, follow their career goals and be ambitious for their own personal futures, with Oxbridge university success often realised. For more details go to www.st-marys-shaftesbury.co.uk
Sunninghill Prep School
Sunninghill Prep in Dorchester was founded 75 years ago, just as WW2 began. Not the ideal time to start up a new school, but its kept growing ever since because children at Sunninghill are happy, do well, and enjoy exceptional opportunities. This summer the school won Artsmark Gold because art, dance, drama and music are a key part of school life for every pupil.
This September the school will be extending its school days so as to include more sport, more lessons and more clubs and activities. Open Days give families a fun taste of this excellent school. The next Open morning will take place on Saturday 11th October. For more details go to www.sunninghillprep.co.uk or call 01305 262306
The Swanage School
The Swanage School is a new 11-16 secondary that combines academic rigour with engaging hands-on lessons using the resources that surround it in the stunning Isle of Purbeck and beyond. With smaller class sizes, your child will be well known and teaching tailored to his or her strengths and needs.
Visit the Open Day on 24 September 2014 from 6pm to 8.30pm at this brand new, purpose-built school and see why parents are choosing the happy, human scale environment for their children’s education. For more information call The Swanage School 01929 500599 or visit www.theswanageschool.co.uk
Talbot Heath School
Talbot Heath is a flourishing independent day and boarding school which offers a caring, dynamic and holistic education to girls aged 3-18. It is immensely proud, not only of its outstanding facilities, but also of its pupils and the happy atmosphere, where there is a genuine love of learning, that permeates the school.
The campus enjoys beautiful woodland which supports the girls’ curriculum as well as their playtime. Unique in the area, the school is one where each individual really matters and is nurtured and valued. The Junior School is housed in its own buildings but makes full use of the excellent senior facilities and specialist staff.
The academic tradition and ethos of the school depends on both the encouragement of hard work and diligence and the creation of a caring community. Pupils are from a wide range of abilities and emphasis is placed on becoming rounded individuals, experiencing the full breadth of an extensive curriculum and achieving at their own personal level.
Home school links are strong and positive which helps to create the caring and supportive environment of which the school is so proud. The results, right from the first steps in EYFS, are outstanding but the school places value on so much more than just results.
It is important to all at Talbot Heath that the environment provided is happy and secure as well as educationally stimulating.
To find out more about Talbot Heath take a look at the website www.talbotheath.org or go to the Open Morning or arrange a personalised visit to suit you. For more details ring 01202 761881