The Bourne Academy

Students with SEND receive personalised support intended to help them achieve their full potential.

“Students with SEND receive personalised support to achieve their full potential, while a well-structured literacy programme ensures all students develop confidence in reading and writing.”

The Academy aims to maximise achievement and attainment for all students with SEND.

“At The Bourne Academy our aim is to promote maximum achievement and attainment for all students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”

The Academy says all staff have responsibilities for student welfare and are well placed to safeguard students.

“The Academy recognises that, because Academy staff are in regular and frequent contact with children, they are particularly well placed to safeguard and promote the welfare of students. The Academy is aware of the responsibilities which all staff have with regard to the welfare of students.”

The Academy states that it puts safeguarding first.

“At The Bourne Academy, we put safeguarding first:”

Visual and performing arts are identified as a particular strength, with every Key Stage 3 student learning an instrument and reading music.

“The Academy’s renowned visual and performing arts programme is a particular strength, with every Key Stage 3 student learning to play an instrument and read music.”

Every entered Music student achieved a Distinction* grade, and the academy identifies itself as the Lead Music School in the South of England.

“As the Lead Music School in the South of England, we are particularly proud of our successes within the Music department, where all the students entered achieved a Distinction\* grade”

Enrichment includes theatre trips, sports clubs, a partnership with Canford School, employer links, and detailed careers and further-education guidance.

“Beyond academics, the report comments on how well the Academy provides enriching extra-curricular activities, including theatre trips, sports clubs, and partnerships with Canford School: ‘the links with Canford School offer further opportunities for pupils to enhance their cultural and sporting knowledge’.”

The provision includes the Extended Project qualification, in which one student achieved an A*.

“Amelia Corkhill achieved a B in Sociology, a C in Biology, a C in History and an A\* in her Extended Project qualification.”

Students are said to have a right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment with protection from abuse.

“The Academy believes that students have the right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment, which includes the right to protection from all types of abuse, where staff are vigilant for signs of any student in distress and are confident about applying the processes to avert and alleviate any such problems.”

The school combines high academic, social and emotional expectations with good behaviour, kindness, empathy, and nurturing staff-pupil relationships.

“‘The school has high expectations for pupils to succeed academically as well as socially and emotionally. In lessons and around the school, pupils behave well. They demonstrate kindness and empathy towards each other. The relationships between staff and pupils are nurturing and supportive’.”

Sixth-form students have an exclusive centre containing social, relaxation and study facilities.

“The Sixth Form centre is solely for the use of Sixth Form students and is a place for socialising and work.The light and airy rooms house their very own kitchen, relaxation area with television and study area. However, many Academy rules still apply to Sixth Form students.”

Mr Dean Taafe is identified as Head of Sixth Form.

“If you would like further information regarding the Sixth Form and courses offered, please contact the Head of Sixth Form, Mr Dean Taafe on 01202 528554 or email dean.taafe@thebourneacademy.com”

A sixth-form open evening was advertised for 15 October 2025, with possible morning tours during October.

“Open Evening on Wednesday 24 September 2025, 6.00pm-8.00pm and/or the Academy’s 6th Form Open evening on Wednesday 15 October 5.30pm to 7.00pm”

The September 2026 application deadline is Friday 19 December 2025, although late applicants are encouraged to try.

“The deadline for September 2026 applications is Friday 19 December 2025. (But if you've missed the deadline, please try us anyway).”

The Sixth Form provides tailored guidance concerning university, apprenticeships, careers, and further education.

“The Sixth Form offers expert teaching and tailored guidance on university, apprenticeships, and career pathways.”

Inspectors described careers and further-education guidance as very detailed.

“‘guidance about careers and further education is very detailed.’”

One student achieved A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Sociology.

“Veronica Drozdowska achieved an A in Biology, an A in Chemistry and an A in Sociology. She has secured a place at Brighton & Sussex Medical School to study Medicine”

Thomas Smith achieved an A in Criminology, a Distinction in Forensic & Criminal Investigations and a B in Psychology.

“Thomas Smith achieved an A in Criminology, a Distinction in Forensic & Criminal Investigations and a B in Psychology. He has gained a place at the University of Bristol to study Psychology.”