Highcliffe School

What Highcliffe School does

Highcliffe School is a state-funded secondary school located in Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom, founded in 1963 and operating as an Academy within the HISP Multi Academy Trust since 1 November 2022. The school serves approximately 1,000–1,500 students aged 11–18 across Key Stages 3–5 (Years 7–13), delivering a broad curriculum covering GCSE, A-Level, BTEC, and other Level 3 qualifications, plus a separate Sixth Form provision. It is governed locally by an Academy Committee chaired by Mrs Ann Johnson, with strategic oversight held by HISP Multi Academy Trust Ltd (Company Number: 07562918), a private company limited by guarantee with exempt charity status.

The school's core technology stack comprises Microsoft Office 365 for productivity, SharePoint (Learn/MyClassroom) for the learning platform, Arbor for student data management and parent communications, and PaperCut for print management. Proprietary systems include the MyHighcliffe portal — providing student, parent, and staff access to timetables, attendance, commendations, and pastoral support requests — and a bespoke Continuous Assessment Platform for Years 7–9 that tracks progress against subject-specific criteria mapped to GCSE and A-Level content. The school's "product" is delivered through physical attendance plus auxiliary services: school-operated bus routes (£950/year), Aspens-provided catering (£2.70/meal), visiting music teacher instrumental lessons, and a Headteacher's Scholarship for Music covering 60% of lesson costs.

Revenue is derived primarily from per-capita state funding via the Education Funding Agency, supplemented by ancillary fees (transport, catering margin, music tuition) and Pupil Premium top-ups for the ~17% of students who qualify as eligible for Free School Meals, Looked After Children, or children of Armed Forces families. The school reports 2024 GCSE outcomes of 76.3% achieving 4+ standard pass in English and Mathematics, Attainment 8 of 50.36, and a 98% provisional destination measure into Education or Training. Distribution channels include direct in-year admissions, BCP/Hampshire Local Authority coordination for Year 7 intake, dedicated Sixth Form applications, and the IFT teacher training programme.

Name

Highcliffe School

Legal name

Highcliffe School

Website

https://highcliffe.school

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Highcliffe School is a state-funded UK secondary school in Christchurch, Dorset, serving approximately 1,000–1,500 students aged 11–18 across Key Stages 3–5. Operating as an Academy within HISP Multi Academy Trust since November 2022, it delivers GCSE, A-Level, and BTEC programmes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public High Schools (EDAJAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Test Prep & Exam Readiness (K–12) (EDAJALAC)

Keywords

• Secondary education
• GCSE programs
• A-Level courses
• Sixth Form provisions
• Pastoral care services

Headquarters

HQ city

Christchurch

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. State Education Funding: As an Academy, Highcliffe School receives government funding through the Education Funding Agency based on student numbers and characteristics (including Pupil Premium funding for eligible students).
2. School Transport Services: The school operates its own bus routes for students from Brockenhurst, Hordle, Sway, and Tiptoe. Current annual transport fee is £950, payable in 6 installments over the academic year.
3. Catering Services: Aspens Services provides catering; the school sets meal pricing. A Streateries hot meal is priced at £2.70. Meal deals are offered as two-course options at the same price point.
4. Instrumental Music Lessons: Visiting music teachers offer individual instrumental lessons during the school day. Pricing is managed through Arbor. Instruments offered include woodwind, strings, brass, vocals, piano, guitar, and drums. The school also offers a Headteacher's Scholarship for Music covering 60% of lesson costs for eligible students.
5. Uniform Sales (via third-party providers): School uniform is purchased through third-party providers Stevensons (Southbourne) and PMG (New Milton), not directly through the school.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Highcliffe School is a secondary academy providing full-time education for students aged 11-18 across Years 7-13, including Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), Key Stage 4/GCSE (Years 10-11), and Key Stage 5/Sixth Form with A-Level and BTEC qualifications (Years 12-13). The school also delivers ancillary paid services including school transport (£950/year), instrumental music lessons, and on-site catering through Aspens Services, alongside enrichment programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh Award, international exchanges, careers education, and equestrian team participation.

Product overview

Highcliffe School is a secondary school offering education from Years 7 through Sixth Form (Years 12-13), operating as part of the HISP Multi Academy Trust. The school's core educational offering spans Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE), and Key Stage 5 (A-Level, BTEC, and vocational qualifications). Technology-enabled services include MyHighcliffe (student/parent portal), Learn (SharePoint-based learning platform), Arbor (student management system), and IT support services. The school provides enrichment programs including Music at Highcliffe (with Headteacher's Scholarship), MyFuture Careers Programme, Peer Mentoring, global exchange opportunities, Duke of Edinburgh Award, equestrian team, and comprehensive wellbeing services including AcSEED-accredited mental health provision.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Highcliffe School - Main School Education (Years 7-11) Secondary school education for Years 7-11 offering a broad and balanced curriculum across Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11), including GCSE courses in subjects such as Business, Computer Science, Languages, Sciences, and Creative Arts. Designed for students aged 11-16.
• Highcliffe Sixth Form (Years 12-13) Sixth Form provision for Years 12-13 offering A-Level, BTEC, and other Level 3 qualifications. Provides progression to university, apprenticeships, or employment with dedicated careers support and work experience programs.
• Music at Highcliffe Program Comprehensive music education program including weekly lessons, ensembles (Soul Choir, brass, strings, woodwind bands, ukulele band), individual instrumental lessons, and performance opportunities. Features Headteacher's Scholarship for Music covering 60% of lesson costs for select instruments.
• MyFuture Careers Programme School-wide careers program led by Assistant Headteacher and Level 6 Careers Adviser, providing access to career pathways, work experience (8 days for Year 10, one week for Year 12), university visits, enterprise days, and mock interviews.
• Global Opportunities Programme (International Exchanges) International exchange programme with schools in France, Spain, and Japan (Johoku High School in Hiroshima), hosting students from Germany and Italy, and work experience placements in France for A-Level French students.
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme Popular Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award programme offered annually, including expeditions that develop teamwork, navigation, and outdoor skills.
• Peer Mentoring Programme Year 10 students trained as Peer Mentors for Year 7 students, providing individual and group support during transition. Led by Anti-Bullying & Peer Mentoring Leader.
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support Comprehensive mental health provision including AcSEED Accreditation, mindfulness groups, dedicated wellbeing days, Mental Health Support Worker, Jubilee Building for anxiety support, counselling services, and Peer Mentor scheme with identifiable lanyards.
• Inspiring Future Teachers Programme Teacher training hub in partnership with Inspiring Future Teachers (IFT), a national teacher training provider. Offers school-based training in local primary or secondary schools with Hub Lead support.
• School Transport Service School-operated bus routes for students from Brockenhurst, Hordle, Sway, and Tiptoe. Annual transport fee is £950, payable in 6 installments over the academic year. Free transport for Bransgore (Hampshire) residents living more than 3 miles from school if Highcliffe is their closest designated school.
• School Catering Service Aspens Services provides daily home-cooked meals and caters for dietary requirements. Operates Streateries and CONNECT branded food services. A Streateries hot meal is priced at £2.70, same as Free School Meals allowance. Meal Deal (two courses) at £2.70.
• Extra-Curricular Activities Programme Wide range of lunchtime and afterschool clubs and activities spanning sports (rugby, football, netball, cricket), performing arts (drama productions, Rock Challenge), music ensembles, and academic support.
• Equestrian Team Flourishing equestrian sports team competing in national dressage and show jumping qualifiers, member of National Schools Equestrian Association. Rare provision for a state school.

Quantifiable outcome

• 76.3% of students achieved 4+ standard pass in English and Mathematics (2024 GCSE)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• HISP Multi Academy TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2022Highcliffe School joined the HISP Multi Academy Trust on 1st November 2022. HISP MAT is a multi-academy trust covering Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Portsmouth. The MAT provides governance, policies (Whistleblowing, Modern Slavery), and operational support. Registered company: 07562918. Address: Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hants, SO53 2DW.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ringwood School: Secondary school in Ringwood, Hampshire, with comparable comprehensive provision and a Sixth Form. Similar scale, semi-rural/suburban catchment, and breadth of academic and extracurricular activities.
• The Bourne Academy: Secondary academy in Bournemouth, Dorset, providing comparable comprehensive secondary education including GCSE and Sixth Form. Similar scale and demographic catchment within the Dorset/Hampshire coastal belt.
• The Arnewood School: Secondary school in New Milton, Hampshire, located approximately five miles from Highcliffe. Direct competitor for Year 7 students from the Highcliffe/New Milton corridor, with similar size and comprehensive provision.
• Twynham Academy: Secondary school also located in Christchurch, Dorset. Competes directly with Highcliffe for the same local catchment families and offers a comparable Key Stage 3-5 curriculum including GCSE and A-Level pathways.
• Portchester Community School: Secondary school in Portchester, Hampshire, with comparable comprehensive Key Stage 3-5 provision. Similar in scale, governance structure (academy), and breadth of academic and extracurricular programmes.
• Priestlands School: Secondary school in Lymington, Hampshire, offering comparable Key Stage 3-5 provision with GCSE and A-Level pathways. Similar size and serves an overlapping Hampshire coastal/New Forest catchment.

Regional players

• The Burgate School and Sixth Form Centre: Secondary school and Sixth Form in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, within the broader Hampshire/Dorset region. Provides comparable GCSE and A-Level provision with a similar demographic catchment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/highcliffeschool

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Highcliffe School