Perched on one of the highest points in Poole, Corfe Hills School commands views across to the harbour, a fitting backdrop for an institution that encourages students to look outward. As one of the few remaining Upper Schools in the country, it offers a distinct educational rhythm, welcoming students in Year 9 (age 13) rather than the standard Year 7. This later start point creates a campus atmosphere closer to a sixth form college than a traditional secondary school, serving approximately 850 students aged 13 to 18.
Mr James Sankey, appointed Headteacher in 2020, leads with the vision of "High Expectations, Exceptional Individuals". The school is part of the Initio Learning Trust and holds a Good rating from Ofsted (2021), with inspectors noting the calm, purposeful environment.
The first thing visitors notice is the layout. Built in the 1970s, the campus is designed for young adults rather than children. The main building connects specialist blocks for Science, Arts, and Technology via a central 'street', encouraging independent movement between lessons.
The entry point at Year 9 shapes the character fundamentally. There are no "little ones" here. Students arrive as teenagers, ready for subject specialism. This creates a mature atmosphere where the noise in the corridors is the buzz of conversation rather than the rush of childhood.
The house system provides the pastoral glue for this older cohort. Houses such as Kimmeridge and Lulworth break the larger school population into manageable communities, fostering competition in sport and charity fundraising.
In 2024, students achieved a Progress 8 score of 0.02. This figure indicates that students at Corfe Hills make progress in line with the England average from their starting points at Key Stage 2.
Raw attainment reflects a truly comprehensive intake. The average Attainment 8 score was 43.9 (England average: 45.9). In terms of top grades, 4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) suite of subjects.
The school ranks 2,770th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among providers in the immediate Broadstone locality. This performance places the school in the national lower band for raw attainment (bottom 40%), though the positive progress score suggests effective teaching adds value.
The Sixth Form is a major strength. In 2024, 37% of grades were A*-B. The school ranks 1,722nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While this sits below the England average for top grades, the curriculum is broad, offering vocational BTECs alongside traditional A-levels to suit a wide range of learners.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
37.02%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The three-tier system allows Corfe Hills to focus purely on the 13-18 age range. Teachers are specialists in examination years, meaning there is no Key Stage 3 dip as students arrive ready to begin their GCSE journey.
Subject expertise is particularly strong in the Performing Arts and Humanities. The history and geography departments organise frequent field trips, from local coastal studies to international tours, reinforcing classroom theory with practical experience.
In the Sixth Form, class sizes are smaller, typically averaging 15 to 20 students. This allows for seminar-style teaching that prepares students well for university or higher apprenticeships. The library supports independent study with extended opening hours for senior students.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
The destinations data for Corfe Hills is distinctive and reflects a strong careers programme. In 2024, 35% of leavers progressed to university. However, a remarkable 44% moved directly into employment, and 10% secured apprenticeships.
This high employment figure suggests a pragmatic, skills-focused student body and a school that supports diverse pathways effectively. For those pursuing higher education, there is success at the highest level: in the most recent cycle, the school supported two Oxbridge applicants, with one student securing a place at Cambridge.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 50%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
—
Offers
Admissions are coordinated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. As an Upper School, the main entry point is Year 9 (age 13), with students typically transferring from feeder Middle Schools such as Lockyer's or Broadstone Middle.
The school is popular but typically has capacity for catchment students. In the event of oversubscription, priority is given to looked-after children, followed by those living within the designated catchment area. Parents comparing local options can use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates.
Joining a new school at 13 can be daunting. Corfe Hills manages this transition with a dedicated Year 9 team who work closely with feeder middle schools. Transition days in the summer term ensure faces are familiar before September.
The "Hub" provides a sanctuary for students needing emotional support. Staffed by non-teaching pastoral managers, it offers a space for students to regulate and seek guidance without the pressure of the classroom.
Safeguarding is robust. The 2021 Ofsted report noted that students feel safe and know who to talk to if they have concerns. The mature environment encourages students to take responsibility for their own conduct.
The extracurricular offer is broad, leveraging the school's extensive grounds and specialist facilities.
The 40-acre site includes rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, and a large sports hall. Rugby is a particular strength, with teams competing regionally. The annual Sports Personality of the Year awards celebrate participation as much as elite performance.
Creativity is central to the school's ethos. The drama department stages ambitious annual productions, recent years have seen performances involving over 100 students in cast and crew. The music department runs several ensembles, including a jazz band and choir, which perform at local community events and the Lighthouse in Poole.
The school runs a thriving Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Large numbers of students complete Bronze and Silver awards, with a dedicated cohort pushing on to Gold in the Sixth Form. The nearby Purbeck Hills provide the perfect training ground for expeditions.
The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm.
A significant number of students travel by bus. Dedicated school buses serve the wider catchment area, including Wimborne and Merley.
This is a state school with no tuition fees.
Years 9-11 wear a navy blazer with the school crest. Sixth Formers follow a smart business-wear dress code.
Upper School Entry: The 13+ start point is the defining feature. For students joining from two-tier systems (primary/secondary), this means moving schools in Year 9 while their peers stay put. Families must be sure this transition aligns with their child's resilience.
Results Profile: While Progress 8 is positive, raw attainment is below the national average. Families seeking a "hot-house" academic environment with predominantly top grades might find the comprehensive approach less intense than local grammar alternatives.
Large Campus: The site is expansive. While this offers great facilities, it requires students to be organised and independent from day one. There is less "hand-holding" than in smaller secondary schools.
Corfe Hills School offers a mature, expansive education that treats 13-year-olds as young adults from the moment they arrive. It is not an exam factory; instead, it provides a balanced, supportive environment where employment pathways are valued as highly as university degrees. Best suited to students ready for a fresh start in Year 9 who will thrive in a larger, collegiate atmosphere.
Yes. Corfe Hills was rated Good by Ofsted in September 2021. Inspectors praised the leadership, the quality of education, and the calm behaviour of students. The positive Progress 8 score (+0.02) demonstrates that students make expected progress.
Corfe Hills is a state-funded academy, so there are no tuition fees. Parents may need to contribute towards trips, music lessons, or uniform.
Corfe Hills is an Upper School. The main intake is in Year 9, when students are aged 13. This differs from most secondary schools which start in Year 7.
The catchment primarily covers Broadstone, Merley, and Sturminster Marshall. It serves as the natural progression for students from Lockyer's Middle School and Broadstone Middle School.
In 2024, 35% of leavers progressed to university. A significant proportion (44%) moved directly into employment, reflecting the school's strong support for vocational and career pathways.
Get in touch with the school directly
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