Local Catchment & Comparison Context
If you are a parent researching secondary education options in the Poole constituency, it is essential to understand where The Cornerstone Academy sits within the broader landscape of local schools. Located in the Hamworthy ward (postcode BH15 4BQ), this school operates as an academy sponsor led and accommodates students aged 11 to 16.
As part of the broader BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) secondary school network, families often compare local options based on intake, resources, and performance. The Cornerstone Academy provides education for up to 900 pupils, with currently 645 on roll. The proportion of students eligible for Free School Meals is 39.5%, which is above the BCP average for non-selective schools (26.96%). This indicates the school serves a socio-economically diverse catchment area.
In terms of funding comparison across the BCP area, this school receives a per-pupil expenditure of £8858 for the 2024-25 academic year. This is higher than the BCP average for non-selective schools (£7381.56), placing it within the overall BCP range of £6090 to £9307.
Academically, the latest Attainment 8 score ranks 19 of 22 across all BCP secondary schools with published data, and its Progress 8 score ranks 15 of 21.
Introduction to The Cornerstone Academy
Welcome to our independent, data-driven guide to The Cornerstone Academy. This mixed, non-selective secondary school is situated in Poole and is sponsored by the UNITED LEARNING TRUST. Under the leadership of headteacher Mr Chris Phillips, the academy serves its local community without any specific religious character designation.
Choosing the right secondary school is a critical decision for any family. This guide is designed to provide you with a clear, objective overview of the school's essential statistics and historical performance, helping you compare it to other educational institutions within the local authority.
Whether you are primarily interested in the recent academic achievements, the latest insights from inspectors, or practical details regarding the application process, we have organised the official data to make your research as straightforward as possible.
Explore More About This School
- Admissions Process: Understand the timeline and process for applying for a Year 7 place.
- Ofsted Reports & Ratings: Read our summary of the latest inspection outcomes and sub-judgements.
- Exam Results & Performance: Dive into the Key Stage 4 (GCSE) metrics, including Attainment 8 and Progress 8 data.
- Financial Benchmarking: See how the school's per-pupil expenditure looks.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Quick answers to the most common questions parents have.
Please note: This is an independent guide built using public data from the Department for Education and Ofsted. We are not affiliated with the school. For specific day-to-day policies, uniform guidelines, or to contact the school directly, please visit their official website at http://www.carter.poole.sch.uk/.