Bourne Community College Review 2026: STEM-Focused Community Education

Situated in Southbourne on the Hampshire-West Sussex border, Bourne Community College serves as a focal point for the coastal villages between Emsworth and Chichester. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the school combines a long-standing role in the local community with a distinct forward-looking focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Mrs Aparna Sharma was appointed Headteacher in June 2023, bringing a background in physics and mathematics that aligns neatly with the school's specialism. Under her leadership, the college maintains a 'Good' rating from Ofsted, with inspectors noting the "purpose and conviction" of the leadership team. With around 900 students, the school is large enough to offer breadth but retains a scale where individual students are known, avoiding the anonymity of larger academies.

The campus blends mid-century architecture with modern additions, notably the STEM hub which underscores the curriculum's technical ambition. While non-selective, the school fosters a culture of high aspiration, particularly in technical and scientific fields.

At drop-off, the gates on Park Road reveal a diverse student body drawn from the mix of rural and coastal communities nearby. There is a tangible sense of 'village' atmosphere here; families are often multi-generational attendees, and the school prides itself on being a true community college rather than just a place of instruction.

The school's ethos is built on mutual respect. The 2021 Ofsted report highlighted that pupils are "proud ambassadors" of the school, feeling safe and valued. This is not a hothouse environment; the pressure is calibrated to support progress rather than induce stress. Behaviour is described as good, with a calm order in classrooms that allows learning to proceed without disruption.

The "Bourne Identity" is more than a pun; it reflects a deliberate effort to foster belonging. Students are encouraged to engage with the wider Southbourne community through charity work and local events. The 70th-anniversary celebrations in 2026 have further cemented this link, with alumni and current students collaborating on historical projects.

In 2024, Bourne Community College delivered a solid set of academic outcomes. The school ranks 2,394th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the top position among schools in the immediate Emsworth locality.

The Progress 8 score of +0.15 is a key indicator for parents. This positive figure demonstrates that students at Bourne make above-average progress from their primary school starting points compared to peers nationally. For a non-selective school, this value-added measure confirms the effectiveness of the teaching.

Attainment is stable, with an average Attainment 8 score of 45.7. This performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). In core subjects, 8.3% of students achieved a Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) suite. While this figure is lower than the England average, it reflects a curriculum policy that allows students significant freedom to choose non-EBacc options—such as arts or technical subjects—rather than enforcing a rigid academic combination.

The curriculum is broad but has a clear centre of gravity in STEM. Unlike many schools where 'specialism' is a nominal title, Bourne invests in it. The dedicated STEM hub allows for practical application of engineering and scientific principles, linking distinct subjects in a way that mirrors industry.

Teaching is structured and subject knowledge is strong. In Science, students benefit from the option to study three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), a pathway often restricted in smaller state schools. In Mathematics, setting by ability ensures that the most able are stretched while those needing support receive it.

Literacy is also a priority. The school recognises that access to the STEM curriculum relies on strong reading skills, and specific interventions are in place for students arriving with lower literacy levels.

Admission is coordinated by West Sussex County Council. As a foundation school, Bourne follows the standard local authority criteria, but its location on the county border adds a layer of complexity.

The school is popular. In 2024, it was oversubscribed with 1.7 applications for every place (subscription proportion 1.73). Families in Southbourne, Westbourne, and Hambrook are typically within the catchment priority. However, families in Emsworth (Hampshire) also look to Bourne; for these cross-border applicants, distance is the critical tie-breaker.

The last distance offered varies annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is organised around a Year Group system. Heads of Year move up the school with their cohort, providing five years of continuity. This means the staff member who helps a student settle in Year 7 is often the same one guiding them through GCSE stress in Year 11.

The school employs non-teaching Pastoral Leaders who are available throughout the day. This structure ensures that student concerns—whether friendship issues or anxiety—can be addressed immediately without waiting for a teacher's break time. Safeguarding is robust, with pupils reporting they have clear avenues to report concerns.

The extracurricular programme leverages the school's facilities and location. Sport is a pillar of school life, with the AstroTurf pitch and sports hall supporting a full fixture list. Teams in netball, football, and rugby compete regularly against local West Sussex and Hampshire schools.

The arts are well-represented. School productions are a calendar highlight, often involving large casts and technical crews. The music department supports various ensembles, and the drama studios are well-utilised.

Reflecting the STEM specialism, the STEM Club is a flagship activity. Students engage in practical engineering projects and often enter regional competitions. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with expeditions taking advantage of the nearby South Downs.

The school day typically runs from 08:30 to 15:00. Transport is a key factor for many families; the school is well-served by local buses, and Southbourne railway station is a short walk away, making it accessible for students travelling from Emsworth or Chichester.

Uniform consists of a navy blue blazer with the school logo, house tie, and grey trousers or skirt. It is strictly enforced to promote a sense of professional pride.

No Sixth Form. Bourne is an 11-16 school. Students must transfer to a new institution for A-levels or vocational courses. Most progress to Havant & South Downs College (HSDC) or Chichester College.

Cross-Border Admissions. Families living in Hampshire (e.g., Emsworth) must apply through their home local authority (Hampshire County Council), listing Bourne as a preference. Coordination between the two counties is seamless, but deadlines must be adhered to strictly.

Mobile Phone Policy. The school operates a strict policy on mobile phones to minimise distraction and social pressure. Phones must be off and away throughout the school day.

Bourne Community College offers a compelling mix of community warmth and technical ambition. It is a school where the STEM specialism genuinely influences the curriculum and where pastoral care is built on long-term relationships. Best suited to families in the Southbourne and Emsworth area who want a supportive, forward-looking education with strong value-added progress. The main challenge is securing a place given the rising local demand.