HIGHCLIFFE SCHOOL in Dorset, Christchurch

Education Centre Information: Highcliffe School:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Dorset
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 31/05/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 1421
Number of boys: 701
Number of girls: 720
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-19
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Highcliffe was originally established upon the re-organisation of former Christchurch Grammar School. The original buildings were completed in 1962, with additional laboratories and classrooms added later. It occupies a single site, with six acres of playing fields. The school is over-subscribed, receiving 1.5 applications per place, with a small catchment area and many 'out-of-area' pupils. There was an expanded Year 7 intake from September 1998, with extra accommodation. More than 300 pupils learn musical instruments and the school sports teams enter regional and national competitions. Highcliffe was the winner of the Queen's Anniversary Trust Silver Award for a long-term project on access for the disabled, and also won the Southern England in Bloom Chairman's Prize. It has two Healthy Schools awards (1995-7 and 1997-9) for its 'wide-ranging attention to health-related issues'. It is also a member of the Technology Colleges Trust and is seeking Language College status. 'We expect to work hard and achieve a great deal in academic, sporting and musical achievements within an atmosphere that is friendly yet firm'.