The Bourne Academy
The Bourne Academy is a co-educational state-funded secondary school and sixth form located in Bournemouth, Dorset, England. It serves students aged 11 to 18 and is situated at Hadow Road, Bournemouth, BH10 5HS.
History
1937-1967: East Howe Senior School
The school was built in 1937 as East Howe Senior School for boys and girls. The original East Howe School was built in 1912 by Dorset County Council when the area was rural. The school was brought under the control of Bournemouth Local Education Authority in 1931 when Bournemouth extended its boundaries to include the area. The school grew rapidly and the seniors moved to their new building along Hadow Road. During World War II, the school was utilized as a hospital. The original 1912 school is now used as a youth centre.1967-1999: Kingsleigh Secondary School
In 1967 the boys and girls schools merged to become Kingsleigh Secondary School. The local infant school and junior school were also renamed Kingsleigh. A number of buildings were added to the school until it was put in special measures.2000-2009: Kings High School
In 2000 the school was renamed Kings High School. The school was led by Mr Gareth Jones who, within five years, turned Kings High into Bournemouth's most improved school - with 60% of its pupils achieving five A* to C's, compared with 24% in 2001. Kings High School was led by Alyn Fendley up until 2010, the year the school was renovated and renamed 'The Bourne Academy'.2010-Present: The Bourne Academy, Sixth Form and BSF
On 1 September 2010, Kings High became The Bourne Academy, which still operates out of the old Kings High site, which was renovated. The school is also sponsored by Canford School.The Academy is underwent a government funded revival of schools all around the country. This was called BSF. The nominated BSF Team from Kings High attended conferences in Bournemouth and London along with other schools around Bournemouth. The main east and west wing building is pre World War II, but was refurbished in Quarter 2 and 3 of 2012. The Academy has built a new science block, design and technology block and a new canteen and dance studio called "The Hub", the newly refurbished main building and Sports Hall and extension of the Science block. The Academy then underwent a 10 million pound building work project completed in August 2013, The Academy now also has a new Maths and English block, additional food room, sixth form building, library and reception.
On September 2013, The Academy introduced Sixth Form, which offers academic, vocational, or a mix of both. Students have access to a purpose-built Sixth Form Centre, which includes a large common room, study centre and modern classrooms. Academic performance is strong: for example, in 2024 the pass rate for A-Levels and BTECs was 99 % and around 54 % of those qualifications were awarded at grades equivalent to A*/A. Entry criteria reflect the expectation of commitment: for the academic pathway applicants typically require six GCSEs at grade 5 or above, plus relevant subject-specific requirements.
On 10th June 2025, The Academy was named as a lead secondary school for music. SoundStorm, the music education development agency for BCP, confirmed the school’s appointment after a rigorous application process. The SCMP leadership team praised the "breadth, quality and enthusiasm" of music-making at the school.
Facilities
Classrooms
The school has over 40 classrooms, divided into subject areas STEM, AWE, HU or C&E.- STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- AWE: Performing Arts
- HU: Humanities
- C&E: Communication & Enquiry
There are 4 rooms with computers: Maths IT; STEM 17; STEM 18; AWE 5. There are also multiple Scientific Laboratories on site which are used for practicals, demonstrations and experiments.