Poole High School

The school aims to cultivate a warm, caring, and vibrant community that encourages students to develop resilience, compassion, and curiosity. It emphasizes a partnership between the school and families to ensure students grow into well-rounded, world-ready young adults. The environment is designed to support students in giving their best, learning from challenges, and maintaining their health and safety.

The school offers a broad, knowledge-rich curriculum across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. In Years 7–9, students study core subjects including English, Maths, Science, Sport, Religious Studies, History, Geography, Computing, Technology, French, Art, Drama, and Music. At GCSE (Key Stage 4), students follow a core curriculum of English, Maths, Science, and Religious Studies, with electives including subjects like Business, Computer Science, Media Studies, and Triple Science. The Sixth Form offers A-Level pathways, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and Core Maths, with additional support for students to retake English and Maths if necessary.

Poole High School is rated as 'Good' by Ofsted. The school publishes performance data, including Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores, the percentage of pupils achieving grade 5 or above in English and mathematics, and the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) average point score. Data on student destinations—the percentage of students moving into further education, training, or employment—is also provided for both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.

The school provides support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in accordance with the Children and Families Act 2014. Information regarding the school's SEND policy, accessibility arrangements, and the steps taken to prevent disabled pupils from being treated less favourably is published annually. Pastoral support is also available, with a designated safeguarding lead overseeing student welfare.

Poole High School manages its own admissions process as an academy. Prospective families can apply for Year 7 or submit in-year applications for other year groups by contacting the school’s admissions team directly for guidance and the necessary forms. The school adheres to the School Admissions Code 2021, with a commitment to responding to in-year applications within 15 school days.

The school operates on a term-based calendar, with specific dates and events managed through an online system. The calendar includes categories for the whole school, specific year groups (Year 7 through Year 11), Sixth Form, staff, and parents. Families can subscribe to these updates via Google or Outlook calendars.

The campus features a range of specialized learning and social spaces, including the Merchants’ Hall dining area and the Mezzanine, which provides computers and printing facilities for collaborative work. Students also have access to a Silent Study area, an Upper Library for research, and extensive sporting facilities, such as a fitness suite, dance studio, and various courts and pitches.

Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of enrichment activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, sports and academic competitions, and international trips. Annual school traditions include a Carol Service and visits to the pantomime. Additionally, the school offers various clubs and activities to help students explore their interests.