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!
school open days and transfers in dorset
We know that this is a unique time in the school life of Year 6 pupils who are looking forward to their move to secondary but also may be nervous at the prospect of such a big change. With this in mind, the application process will be opening and schools across the region will shortly be hosting open events in order for you to have face-to-face visits with them and find out all the information you need to make the very important decision about which school your child and you wish for them to attend.
There are other resources available that can help you and your family come to the right decision. Go to www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk to find the Progress 8 scores - this score shows how much progress pupils at a school make between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. On the website you’ll also find league tables, statistics and the Ofsted rating for individual schools.
To find an Ofsted inspection report about an individual state maintained school visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk. For independent schools, inspection reports can be found on the Independent Schools Inspectorate website by visiting www.isi.net.
Catchment Areas:
Although most pupils end up applying to the school in their catchment area, there are some schools that do not operate designated areas and have a slightly different admissions policy. So, it is worth checking the admissions policy on each school’s website for further information. If you are considering applying to a local independent school, it will have its own separate admissions procedure.
**An application should be submitted to your own Local Authority (ie where you live) even if your school is in another local authority area**
Catchment Areas in Dorset
Designated areas, or catchment areas have been pre-determined by Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council):
Dorset Council locations:
Use the QR code to access the catchment area tool for primary/middle/junior/secondary catchment in Dorset Council areas
(create a QR code for https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/schools-in-your-catchment-area)
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council locations:
Use the QR code to access the catchment area information for BCP Council areas
(create a QR code for - https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Schools-and-learning/School-admissions/School-catchment-areas.aspx)
Applying to a School out of Catchment Area:
You will be asked to list a limited number of state schools in order of preference on your application form. Whether a place is offered will depend on the schools’ admission process and if places are available. For most schools there is an admissions priority for children who live in the school’s catchment area.
The Application Process
You can submit your application for a primary or secondary place online.
Dorset Council Applications
The Parents’ Guide is available on the Dorset Council website via the Admissions section (www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/schooladmissions) and parents/carers are encouraged to read this before making their applications.
Primary/Middle applications: The online system will be available from 1st September until 15th January 2025
Secondary/Upper applications: The online system will be available from 1st September until 31st October 2024
Dorset Contacts:
• Education helpline: 01305 221060
• Online applications: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/schooladmissions
• Email: admissions@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole schools)
Primary applications: The online system will be available from a date still to be confirmed at the time of going to print until 15th January 2025
Secondary applications: The online system will be available from a date still to be confirmed at the time of going to print until 31st October 2024
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Contacts:
- BCP Council Admissions: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Schools-and-learning/School-admissions/School-admissions.aspx
- Children’s Information Service email: cis@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
- Children’s Information Service telephone: 01202 123 222
As Year 6 pupils begin their final
Allocation Days
The dates when school places are officially confirmed are:
3rd March 2025– Secondary Schools
16th April 2025 – Primary Schools
The Bourne Academy - Where Students Thrive
“The Bourne Academy has continued to flourish throughout 2023; the commitment of our entire community has enabled the Academy to build on our prestigious national ‘BTEC School of the Year’ award.
High quality teaching and learning is at the centre our success along with our ‘ASPIRE’ vision which is embed into all areas of Academy life. Highly committed staff at The Bourne Academy work to support all children ensuring they become well rounded young adults, whilst focusing on self-confidence and the ability to communicate and empathise with others. Students build a positive attitude towards learning that will continue throughout their adult lives.
The unique Bourne Scholars Programme exclusively selects and nurtures particularly gifted and talented students in each year group enabling them to experience a high-level programme of academic and extra-curricular participation and extension. Partnering with Canford School, Southampton University and Winchester College, this enriched programme increases cultural capital and puts Academy Scholars on the path to the world’s best universities.
We are delighted to invite you to our Open Evening on 28 September 2024 where we will showcase the Academy and all outstanding aspects of Academy life.”
Talbot Heath
“Founded in 1886 by Mary Broad, our school is still testament to the values and aims she promoted for a wide ranging and well rounded curriculum; fully preparing her pupils for work and life. Our alumni over this time reflects generations of women who have gone on to make notable achievements in their chosen career and successfully challenge the glass ceilings presented to them. Research today still shows that girls thrive in an all girl school environment. We are very proud and honoured to be guardians of her legacy and to be leading all of our pupils aged 3 to 18 years old into the next exciting chapter for Talbot Heath.
Curious minds
We embrace intellectual curiosity, academic rigour, and strive to be creators and innovators. Pupils are taught by caring and skillful teachers who nurture and support each individual. Our large, wooded campus hosts both a Junior and Senior department, a STEAM Hub, Science block, extensive sporting amenities including an indoor swimming pool, Music hall and Forest School. We are also delighted to offer a home from home with our Boarding House which is available for pupils from Year 7.
Generous hearts
At Talbot Heath, pupil well-being stands as a cornerstone of holistic development and academic success. We understand and contribute to our role in the local, national and global community. Our pupils are taught to act with integrity and strive to do the right thing at all times - we live by our school motto, ‘Honour before Honours’.
Adventurous spirits
Developing a growth mindset is key to helping our pupils boldly face challenges, take risks and embrace the future with optimism and courage. Through our curriculum, pupils are able to explore the potential of technology alongside development of their problem solving and critical thinking skills.”
Headteacher Tracy Harris
Head of Junior School Liz Pugh
Glenmoor and Winton Academies
“Both rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, Glenmoor and Winton Academies are two thriving, single-sex academies in Bournemouth which share the same school site and teaching staff. We are two of the highest performing non-selective schools in the country.
At Glenmoor and Winton, providing our students with a high-quality and enriching education sits the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated teams of staff deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, including through our Grammar Stream, with students achieving excellent outcomes across English, Maths, Humanities and Expressive Arts.
Our young people enjoy a wide selection of extracurricular activities, ranging from after-school clubs and trips to enrichment workshops and House events. These opportunities enable our students to take on new challenges and develop new skills, whilst developing their confidence, character and leadership abilities.
Students have access to a host of excellent facilities on our vast site, including a 3G all-weather pitch and 25 acres of playing fields which provides a perfect setting for sporting activities.
We look forward to welcoming you at one of our upcoming open mornings so that you can see firsthand all that Glenmoor and Winton has to offer.”
The Cornerstone Academy
“I have come to know The Cornerstone Academy extremely well over many years of teaching here, and I feel immensely privileged to have become its Principal. In recent years, the school has doubled in size and there have been many changes for the better.
Students at our school make outstanding progress and achieve the best grades possible from Year 7 through to Year 11 in a co-educational setting. We have an excellent personal development programme that nurtures individuality, service and compassion, in pursuit of ‘Education with Character’. All students benefit from a broad curriculum and a variety of extracurricular clubs, enrichment activities and school trips.
As the school grows, we continue to offer our recent innovations of the Grammar Stream and the House System. Students are encouraged to take the lead in various domains of school life, whether as Student Council members, Prefects, House Captains, Sports Leaders or Music Leaders. We expect the best of our students, support them in their goals, and celebrate their successes at our Celebration Evenings and Values Days.
Contact us to book a tour of our facilities, and please do come to our Open Evening in September. We look forward to meeting you!”
Chris Phillips, Principal
The Bishop of Winchester Academy
“Using ‘The Bishop Way’ to encourage students to thrive in a culture that is driven by the mantra ‘High Expectations – No Excuses’.
The academy has “an ambitious curriculum” (Ofsted 2023) and students also benefit from an “impressive range of extra-curricular activities” (Ofsted 2023). We instil in all our students a sense of self-worth, pride in achievement and to have the courage to make wise decisions that will allow them to celebrate their talents, fulfil their God-given potential and ‘Live Life to the Full’.
All students are challenged in our highly supportive setting as they begin their journey to university, apprenticeships or the world of work. All students are coached intensively as they seek to establish their own identity in a rapidly changing and challenging world.
Students and their families all benefit from our unique Christian ethos.
The best way to understand us is to see us at work. We have an Open Evening on Thursday 26th September, 5.00-7.30pm.
Parent Tours, led by members of the Leadership Team, are also available during school hours for those who wish to see how we work on a day-to-day basis. Booking details can be found on our website.”
Avonbourne Boys & Girls Academies
“Located in Bournemouth, Avonbourne Boys’ and Girls’ Academies, rated ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Good’ by Ofsted respectively, are two successful schools which share the same site and ambition for students to achieve highly.
At both academies, which are proud to be part of United Learning, we offer an enriching, stimulating and balanced education which prepares students well for their next steps. Our brilliant teams of staff ensure that all students, no matter their background, are able to fulfil their potential and thrive at school.
Alongside a high-quality academic curriculum, we offer an extensive array of extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities, from chess to musical theatre, as well as excellent music, drama and sports facilities. These enable students to develop into well-rounded individuals with a range of talents and interests.
We encourage you to join one of our upcoming open mornings so that you can experience for yourself the friendly and ambitious environment we have nurtured at Avonbourne.
We look forward to welcoming you to our schools.”