Ages 
A school with high standards and traditional values. Boys (and the small cohort of sixth form girls) have self-belief instilled in them and leave assured of their next step. The school has a good reputation within the area, and deservedly so.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,290 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 373 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
Dr Dorian Lewis
Since 2009, Dr Dorian Lewis, previously deputy head of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne. Educated at Jones’ West Monmouth Grammar School for Boys (now West Monmouth School), then read chemistry at Southampton. Following a PGCE at Nottingham, he
Entrance
At year 7, 180 places. Tests in maths, English and verbal reasoning. Priority given to Looked After children, then those on pupil premium, followed by those living within 'priority area' based on proximity to the school. Next are children of staff
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- See School Website
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around 20 per cent of boys leave after GCSEs, mainly to local sixth form colleges or to schools offering less traditional A level subjects, but places are filled. Almost 80 per cent of year 13 leavers to university, half of them to Russell Group,
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 64 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 41 per cent A*/A at A level (62 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
As an oversubscribed selective school academic standards are high, as are expectations. There is healthy competition among pupils and parents tell us ‘it’s cool to be smart.’ One said their son ‘has a strong like-minded and ambitious peer group.’
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Around 35 students registered with SEN, with support mainly classroom-based although there are lunchtime drop-in clinics for extra help in English, maths and sciences. Learning centre is equipped with beanbags and computers for those needing to
Arts & extracurricular
An active music department promises to find something to suit the needs of any aspiring talent, whether barber shop quartet or rock group. The usual choirs and bands, plus three rock groups. Concerts each term, and a production every other year with
Sport
Six staff run a busy programme catering for the competitive through to the recreational sportsperson. Facilities include the Sir David English Sports Centre, named after an alumnus, which includes enough space for eight badminton courts. There is
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1901, moved to current site in 1939. An impressive entrance and staircase is bedecked with boards commemorating pupils who died in the two World Wars. The ground floor corridors play host to a wall of fame for recent successes (although
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Head counts student wellbeing as a priority, which he sees as inextricably linked to quality of teaching and learning. ‘Our students are keen to do well, so the level of stress is reduced if the quality of teaching and learning is higher.’ With a
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Currently phones may be on site but should be out of sight. Sixth formers are allowed phones in limited areas when not in lessons.
Pupils & parents
Increasing emphasis on pupils coming from Bournemouth and the surrounding area rather than further afield. A higher ethnic diversity than in Dorset generally, with 7.5 per cent of students, while being fluent, speaking English as a second language.
The last word
A school with high standards and traditional values. Boys (and the small cohort of sixth form girls) have self-belief instilled in them and leave assured of their next step. The school has a good reputation within the area, and deservedly so.
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Good |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
