The Cornerstone Academy
76%
Capacity
682
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About The Cornerstone Academy
The Cornerstone Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 682 pupils on roll, operating at 76% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Cornerstone Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Chris Phillips, it falls under Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.03 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.7. Additionally, ranked 1595th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 15th out of 21 in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The Cornerstone Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 140 applications for 103 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 79 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Cornerstone Academy include Swimming Pool, Library, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Football, Dance, Netball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Drama, Choir, Newspaper and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 37.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, The Cornerstone 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Blandford Close, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH15 4BQ |
| Headteacher | Chris Phillips |
| Local Authority | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole |
| Number of Pupils | 682 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 37.7% |
| School Capacity | 682 / 900 (76% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (19 Oct 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 27 Feb 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.03)
1595th of 3,141
Nationally
157th of 306
In South West
15th 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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed103
140
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
79 families put this school as their 1st choice (56% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Cornerstone 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
Blandford Close, Poole
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH15 4BQ
Blandford Close, Poole
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH15 4BQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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