Bourne Academy Review 2026: High Aspirations in South Lincolnshire

Bourne Academy serves the market town of Bourne and its surrounding villages. It has established itself as a popular non-selective choice in a county known for its grammar school system. As part of the South Lincolnshire Academies Trust (SLAT), the school operates with a distinct philosophy of mixed-ability inclusivity combined with high expectations. The campus accommodates over 1,500 students and features dedicated zones for different year groups, most notably the 'Superzone' for Year 7.

The school is led by Mrs Jemma Curson, who took up the post of Head of School in September 2024, working alongside the Executive Headteacher, Mrs Lucy Conley. The leadership style is visible and structured. Students wear a smart uniform of black blazers with house-specific ties, and movement around the site is calm.

The atmosphere is defined by the House system, with students allocated to Keller, Lovelace, Turing, or Parks. These houses form the basis of the school's pastoral identity and competitive spirit. A defining physical feature of the school is the investment in age-specific facilities. The Year 7 'Superzone' provides a dedicated hub with its own classrooms, social space, and canteen, allowing younger children to settle without being overwhelmed by the main school population.

The school's academic performance is robust, particularly regarding pupil progress. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.58. This figure indicates that, on average, students achieve more than half a grade higher across their subjects than students of similar starting abilities nationally.

Bourne Academy ranks 2,078th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 2nd among secondary schools in Bourne. The average Attainment 8 score was 49.3, compared to the England average of 45.9.

At A-level, the Sixth Form ranks 1,287th in England. The A*-B pass rate stands at approximately 48%. The curriculum is notably broad, placing equal value on vocational BTEC qualifications and traditional A-levels, a strategy that supports a wide range of learner profiles.

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive. In Key Stage 3, students follow a broad programme that includes drama, music, and art alongside core subjects. In Key Stage 4, the school champions a mixed economy of qualifications. It is common for students to study rigorous academic GCSEs alongside vocational awards in subjects like Sport, Travel & Tourism, or Creative Media.

Teaching is characterised by consistent routines. Lessons typically begin with recall activities to consolidate prior learning. The most recent Ofsted inspection, dated May 2022, rated the school as Good. Inspectors noted that leaders have constructed an ambitious curriculum and that teachers have strong subject knowledge.

Destinations data for 2024 shows that 53% of leavers progressed to university, while a significant 12% secured apprenticeships, a figure well above the national average. This reflects the school's strong links with local employers and its emphasis on careers education.

The majority of Year 11 students choose to stay on for the Sixth Form, which is shared across the Trust. This allows for a wider range of subject choices than a standalone sixth form might offer.

Bourne Academy is a non-selective comprehensive school, but it is consistently oversubscribed. Admissions are coordinated by Lincolnshire County Council.

For Year 7 entry in September 2026, the application deadline is 31 October 2025. In 2024, the school received 580 applications for 236 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of approximately 2.5 applications per place.

Places are allocated based on Looked After Children status, siblings, and residence within the designated catchment area. Distance is the final tie-breaker. Families living outside the immediate catchment should be realistic about their chances and check the last distance offered in previous years.

Pastoral care is structured around the House system and vertical tutoring. Each student belongs to a House and has a form tutor who monitors their wellbeing and academic progress.

The school takes a proactive approach to mental health. Non-teaching Pastoral Year Leads are available throughout the day to support students who may be struggling. The 'Superzone' concept is central to the pastoral offer for younger students, creating a safe and manageable environment for their first year of secondary education.

The extracurricular programme is extensive. Sport is a major strength, with the school fielding competitive teams in football, netball, and rugby. Facilities include a floodlit Astro turf pitch and a fitness suite.

The Arts are equally prominent. The school stages large-scale musical productions annually, involving students from all year groups. Recent productions have utilized the large assembly hall, which is equipped with professional lighting and sound systems.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with many students completing Bronze and Silver awards. Departmental clubs range from STEM challenges to debating societies.

Bourne Academy is a state-funded academy. There are no tuition fees for students aged 11 to 19.

Families may be eligible for financial support for uniform and school trips if they meet the criteria for Free School Meals. The school also operates a 16-19 Bursary Fund for Sixth Form students who face financial barriers to participation in education.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm. A breakfast club operates from 8:00am.

Transport is provided by Lincolnshire County Council for eligible students living more than three miles from the school within the designated transport area. Commercial bus services connect the school to surrounding villages such as Morton, Thurlby, and Langtoft.

Oversubscription risks. With 2.5 applications per place, the school is heavily oversubscribed. Living in the catchment area is the only reliable way to secure a place.

Strict uniform policy. The school enforces high standards of dress, including specific trousers and shoes. Parents should read the uniform policy carefully.

Large school environment. With over 1,500 students, the school is large. While the Year 7 zone helps, the main site is busy and energetic.

Mixed ability classes. Unlike local grammar schools, classes in many subjects are mixed ability. This suits many students but is a different approach to the selective system.

Bourne Academy proves that a non-selective school can deliver exceptional progress and high standards. It balances academic rigour with a genuine commitment to vocational education and the arts. Best suited to students who will thrive in a structured, busy environment and take advantage of the diverse opportunities on offer. The main challenge is securing a place.