Avonbourne School Competitors

Canford is among the top co-educational UK boarding schools for pupils aged 13-18. It is nationally recognised for its high quality education, and is also regarded as among the best independent schools in Dorset and in the south of England. It ranks No.1 for A Level results in Sunday Times Parent Power, and was Tatler School of the Year and Boarding School of the Year (ISP) in past 5 years. Set on a 250 acre campus just outside Wimborne, it offers an inspirational educational setting with a vision for all to Explore, Express and Excel. Academic achievement is excellent with impressive outcomes. Over 95% of Upper Sixth leavers move on to top universities and higher education courses each year, including over 80 places at Oxbridge and 100 to Medical Schools in the past decade. In addition, places are regularly offered to prestigious art colleges and music conservatoires; for further education in the USA (Canford is an official SAT testing centre) and on degree apprenticeships, most recently with Goldman Sachs. Careers advice starts in Year 9 and pupils have access to contact with OCs and current parents working in a wide range of industries. There are also regular networking events held for OCs at home and abroad – Once a Canfordian, Always a Canfordian. There is a diverse range of intellectual, artistic, cultural and sporting activities on offer for all abilities and pupils are encouraged to make connections between all aspects of their learning. Whether your passion is debating global issues with Model UN, racing an electric F24 car, playing national level netball or with Bath Rugby Academy, music making with the National Youth Orchestra, rowing at Henley or winning a national Maths challenge – these are just some of many opportunities grasped by our pupils as they develop their interests and aim high. Facilities include a sports complex, theatre, music school, art gallery, 9 hole golf course, Real Tennis court and boathouse.

The Bourne Academy vision outlines our central belief that everyone is a learner and everyone is a teacher. Our purpose is that we develop literate, numerate global citizens who are Ambitious, Self-confident, Physically Literate, Independent Learners, Resilient and Emotionally Literate. A century ago the first purpose-built school in East Howe opened in Kinson Road, Bournemouth. East Howe Elementary was a mixed school catering for 129 pupils between the ages of five to fourteen under the headmastership of William Henry Thomas. By 1937 a new school had been set up along Kinson Road. Pupils from the age of 11 were taught at the two single sex schools, East Howe Girls and East Howe Boys Secondary Schools. In 1967 the two single sex schools amalgamated to become Kingsleigh Secondary School and after a major refurbishment in 2000 the school was re-named Kings High School. After several years of poor examination results and falling numbers, the Department for Education approached Canford School to sponsor Kings High School by offering time, expertise and support but without any financial input. In September 2010 the newly renamed ‘The Bourne Academy’ opened its doors with new staff, a new principal and a distinctive black, white and pink uniform. Since the Academy opened, exam results have improved dramatically. A £10million investment programme has included major building and refurbishment along with exciting 21st century state-of-the-art Information Technology. The building works were completed in September 2013 and coincided with the opening of a new 6th Form block, enabling The Bourne Academy to continue to offer a quality education for boys and girls up to the age of 18 years old.

St Edward’s provides a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment where children are supported to grow in confidence, character, and ambition. Rooted in Christian values and close partnerships with families, we offer a personalised education, creating space for every learner to flourish. Through compassion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, we help young people become the best version of themselves — prepared for a successful and meaningful future.