Magna Academy
88%
Capacity
966
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Magna Academy
Magna Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 966 pupils on roll and is well-filled (88% of 1,100 places).
Ofsted has rated Magna Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Philip Midworth, it falls under Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.09 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1746th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 17th out of 21 in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Magna Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 482 applications for 176 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 154 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Magna Academy include Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Library, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Tennis, Rounders, Badminton and 3 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Choir, Eco Club, Film Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 23.9%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Magna Academy is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Ashdown Close, Canford Heath, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH17 8RE |
| Headteacher | Philip Midworth |
| Local Authority | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole |
| Number of Pupils | 966 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 23.9% |
| School Capacity | 966 / 1,100 (88% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 May 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.09)
1746th of 3,141
Nationally
172nd of 306
In South West
17th of 21
In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
30.6
'22/23
33.6
'23/24
34.2
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed176
482
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
154 families put this school as their 1st choice (32% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Magna Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Ashdown Close, Canford Heath, Poole
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH17 8RE
Ashdown Close, Canford Heath, Poole
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH17 8RE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
