The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2017).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 47.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2017
- The school is at capacity (107% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
47.0
3.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
46%
3.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
46%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.04
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
86%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
6%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 236 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 120 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,565
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 14.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Trust
- HISP MULTI ACADEMY TRUST LTD
- Head
- Mr Patrick Earnshaw (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Parkside, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4QD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmHighcliffe St Mark Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Christchurch
Primary · 1.7km away
Somerford Primary School
Primary · 2.4km away
The Grange School
Secondary · 2.5km away
Mudeford Junior School
Primary · 2.5km away
Mudeford Community Infants' School
Primary · 2.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is Highcliffe School a selective school?
No. Highcliffe School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Highcliffe School's Ofsted rating?
Highcliffe School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Highcliffe School?
Highcliffe School currently has 1,565 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Highcliffe School take?
Highcliffe School caters for pupils aged 11 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Highcliffe School?
Highcliffe School is in Christchurch, BH23 4QD, in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Highcliffe School have a sixth form?
Yes, Highcliffe School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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