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Dorset secondary school admissions and open day directory info - 2021-2022
We know that this is a unique time for families of Year 6 pupils who are facing changes in their school life but also looking forward to their move to the secondary stage with thoughts moving towards the future as well as having a boost in confidence that comes from being the oldest in their current school.
As time has progressed with the ongoing pandemic, many schools are now back to their normal open day and evening events at the time of writing but it is worth noting that arrangements may be slightly different to previous years. With this in mind, we strongly recommend that you keep up-to-date with any schools that you are interested in by visiting their individual websites, social media or contacting them directly.
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.
Catchment Areas in Dorset
Designated areas, or catchment areas have been pre-determined by Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council):
Dorset: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk - Schools and Learning – Apply for a School Place – Find Schools in your Catchment Area or use the Educational layer on the Dorset Explorer tool (www.explorer.geowessex.com)
Bournemouth and Christchurch: www.bournemouth.gov.uk – Applying for a School Place – Map of Bournemouth Schools
Poole – www.poole.gov.uk – search for school catchment address search
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 in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole there is an admissions priority for children who live in the school’s catchment area.
The Application Process
Submit your application for a primary or secondary place online. An email receipt will confirm that the application has been received.
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 applications: The online system will be available until 15th January 2022
Secondary applications: The online system will be available until 31st October 2021
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)
Applications:
Primary, Infant and Junior School Applications:
The national deadline for applying for a primary school place is 15th January 2022
Secondary School Applications:
The national deadline for applying for a secondary school place is 31st October 2021
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Contacts:
- School admissions in the Bournemouth area - https://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/childreneducation/Schools/ApplyingForASchoolPlace.aspx
- School admissions in the Christchurch area - https://www.christchurch.gov.uk/education-and-training/schools-and-learning/
- School admissions in the Poole area - https://www.poole.gov.uk/schools-and-education/schools-and-colleges/school-admissions/
As Year 6 pupils begin their final
Allocation Days
The dates when school places are officially confirmed are:
1st March 2022 – Secondary Schools
19th April 2022 – Primary Schools
| Avonbourne Boys' Academy | 01202 398451 | www.avonbourneboysacademy.org.uk | Open day and evening on Tuesday 28th September. Check the website for details of forthcoming open days |
| Avonbourne Girls' Academy | 01202 398451 | www.avonbournegirlsacademy.org.uk | Open day and evening on Monday 27th September. Check the website for details of forthcoming open days. |
| Bourne Academy | 01202 528554 | www.bourneacademy.org | Open evening on Wednesday 29th September. |
| Glenmoor Academy | 01202 527818 | www.glenmoorandwinton.org.uk | Year 6 Information evening on Tuesday 14th September. Booking not required. See advert for details |
| Winton Academy | 01202 527818 | www.glenmoorandwinton.org.uk | Year 6 Information evening on Tuesday 14th September. Booking not required. See advert for details |
| Independent | |||
| Talbot Heath | 01202 761881 | www.talbotheath.org | Open Day - 1st October. Visit the website to book. |