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 pr(1).jpg)
imary and Year 8 middle school 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**
Dorset Council locations:
Use the QR code to access the catchment area tool for primary/middle/junior/secondary catchment in Dorset Council areas at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/schools-in-your-catchment-area
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council locations:
Visit the link to access the catchment area information for BCP Council areas: https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/school-catchment-areas
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 2026 until 15th January 2027
Secondary/Upper applications: The online system will be available from 1st September 2026 until 31st October 2026
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)
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Contacts:
- BCP Council Admissions: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/schooladmissions
- 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:
1st March 2027– Secondary Schools
16th April 2027 – Primary Schools
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Talbot Heath
“As parents, we all want the very best start for our children – a place where they feel safe, happy, curious and inspired to explore the world around them. At Talbot Heath, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision is built around exactly that philosophy, creating an environment where young children can thrive through play, discovery and meaningful experiences. Drawing on the natural beauty of our woodland campus, our youngest learners benefit from a rich blend of indoor and outdoor learning, nurturing confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning. This approach reflects our commitment to giving every child the strongest possible foundation for the years ahead.
We are also delighted that our much-loved Honeybees Baby & Toddler Group will return on Wednesday mornings after the October half-term break. Designed for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups, Honeybees offers a warm and welcoming space to play, explore, socialise and make new friends. Led by experienced Early Years specialists, sessions provide engaging activities for little ones while offering parents and carers the opportunity to relax over a coffee and connect with others in the local community. Whether you are looking for inspiration, friendship or simply a fun morning out, Honeybees is a wonderful introduction to the nurturing environment that makes Talbot Heath's Early Years community so special.”
Clayesmore Prep: Individual Journeys, Extraordinary Futures
“Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, Clayesmore Prep is a place where every child is encouraged to grow in confidence, discover their strengths and enjoy learning. With small class sizes, exceptional pastoral care and a broad, enriching curriculum, children are supported to flourish both in and beyond the classroom.
Academic ambition sits alongside creativity, sport and personal development. From outdoor learning and performing arts to STEM, languages and a wide range of clubs, every child is inspired to explore new interests and develop lifelong skills. Opportunities such as our unique enrichment programme, leadership activities and creative projects nurture curiosity, resilience and independence from an early age.
At Clayesmore, there is no single definition of success. Every child is known as an individual, with the encouragement and support to follow a path that reflects their own talents and aspirations. Whether they excel in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage or through discovering a new passion, every achievement is celebrated.
Children can begin their Clayesmore experience in our Nursery from just three months old before progressing seamlessly through Prep and Senior School. As a co-educational day and boarding school from Prep onwards, Clayesmore combines outstanding facilities and expert teaching with a genuine sense of belonging.
Come and experience the warmth and opportunity of Clayesmore for yourself. Contact our Admissions team at admissions@clayesmore.com to arrange a visit or join us for our Open Day on Saturday 19 September.”
Outstanding Avonbourne Boys and Girls' Academies
“Avonbourne Boys’ and Girls’ Academies, rated 'Outstanding’ and ‘Outstanding in all areas’ by Ofsted respectively, are two excellent schools which share the same site and ambition for students to thrive.
Through a rich and stimulating education, we aim to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need for bright and successful futures. Alongside a high-quality academic curriculum, we also offer fantastic music, drama and sports facilities.
We would be delighted to welcome you to one of our weekly open mornings and our annual open evening on the evening of Monday 28th September so you can experience for yourself the supportive learning environment we have created.”
For more information please visit our website: https://www.avonbourneacademy.org.uk/
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’.
- 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 24th 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.”
Autumn Open Week at Dumpton
“What makes a school truly special? At Dumpton, we believe it is the combination of academic excellence, character education and a community where every child is encouraged to Aim High and Be Kind.
We are delighted to welcome families to our Autumn Open Week, from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October 2026. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover Dumpton for yourself: meet our Headmaster and dedicated teaching team, explore our beautiful 26-acre campus and, most importantly, experience the energy and warmth of our school in action.
Our commitment to developing confident, compassionate and curious young people has been recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which awarded Dumpton the accolade of ‘Significant Strength’ – a distinction achieved by only a handful of prep schools nationally.
For families considering Reception in 2027 or 2028, our Early Years Experience Morning on Friday offers a wonderful introduction to life at Dumpton. Come along with your child to discover our inspiring learning spaces and specialist teaching, and see how our youngest pupils begin their Dumpton journey.
As one parent says, “she has flourished and grown in confidence” thanks to the school’s “kind ethos”.
We would love to welcome you to Open Week- simply reserve a place for the day that suits you best.”
Find out more at www.dumpton.com or 01202 883818
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Glenmoor and Winton Academies
“Glenmoor and Winton Academies are two outstanding single-sex secondary schools in Bournemouth, sharing one campus and a commitment to helping every student thrive.
Our mission is to empower students to surpass their potential and lead joyful, fulfilled lives. By setting high standards and expectations, we open doors to the best academic institutions and career opportunities.
Our unique model combines the benefits of single-sex education with the wider opportunities that come from co-education. Students build confidence, form lasting friendships and achieve their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
With 25 acres of playing fields, a large community garden and orchard, and a state-of-the-art all-weather 3G pitch, our campus provides exceptional opportunities for learning, sport and personal development.
But don't just take our word for it. Our students say it best. Serah, in Year 8, describes Glenmoor & Winton as "a very supportive environment" with strong support networks and a "judge-free, stress-free environment". Junior, in Year 10, says, "It's very easy to make friends and get along with people in this school."
Scan the QR code or visit our website to watch our student video, book a tour and discover why so many families choose Glenmoor & Winton Academies.
We look forward to welcoming you on a school tour soon.”