Avonbourne Academies

[FunkyYak]

I am looking for honest reviews of Avonbourne Academies in Bournemouth. I have a ds in year 4 and I was delighted when I heard Harewood was being taken over United Learning as Harewood had an awful reputation. Now I am not sure. I have heard stories of there not being enough teachers and of Year 7 students being reduced to tears over only having 2 black biros not 3. Is this true? Are the changes having a positive impact? Or should I be looking to move house (maybe to xchurch) before I have to do a secondary application?

I think it is improving and United learning are a very good academy trust but united learning is very very strict. I think Harewood had got so bad that there was probably no disipline or respect at all. Maybe give it another year to see how it improves as you don't need to apply until October 2021 for 2022 entry am i right???

Hi there
I have a daughter in sixth form year 12 and have been issued with a very strict dress code . The school have informed me that there have been lots of positive feedback re dress code changes! Has anyone complained about the suddenness of the changes. I am aware that the school is trying to raise standards but maybe they should try holding on to a few teachers 1st ! Thanks

Ive heard some good reports about how things are going at the school at the moment ( The boys school) Im moving to the area from south staffordshire and will be considering Avonbourne aswell. My son is in the same year as yours @FunkyYak so we will be applying in October 2021. We had wanted to go for Twynham but to be honest if united do for Avonbourne what they have done for Winton and Glenmoor we may be onto a winner!

I know someone with a son in yr 6 and she told me they have had 32 new teachers this september!

Yr 7**

Hi. Just came across your question. Not sure if you still need an advice but I have a daughter in year 7 in Avonbourne girls Academy.
We have moved to Bournemouth from London 7 months ago, and when I found out she got a place at Avonbourne I was so worried after reading the reviews, but few months later I can honestly say my daughter is very happy there. She has made lots of good friends, she likes the teachers. Communication between parents and school ( group tutor, teachers) is very good.They are strict on discipline and presentation but looking how the school was couple of years ago- that was needed. My daughter never complaina about how strict they are, the rules are clear and if you follow it you won't get in trouble. Someone mentioned they got 32 new teachers-well, don't know ow exactly how many ,but yes they did get a lot of new teachers as they got rid of the useless, unprofessional staff so they needed new teachers..there was a time where 2 or 3 days a week they had teachers from Winton and Glenmore academy coming in to teach..not sure if this is still happening tho. The recent months of online learning showed dedication of the teachers, daily online live lessons for all subjects, I listened to them on many occasions and the tea hera were always well prepared, professional and they had a great communication with students.
So after all this stress after reading the reviews, now I can honestly say so far so good, and I can't say anything bad about this school. The United Learning is really trying to bring this school to outstanding level and they are on the right path I would say, the changes , the strict discipline, are big but it is for a good.
Hope that helps a bit. Good luck and let me know your thoughts now.
Kind regards
Kate

@KaSia270 I was very interested to read your post as I am also planning to relocate and went to visit the school yesterday. Our visit was not helped by two girls kicking off about being sent home for wearing earrings - to the headmistress! I was wondering how you are getting on now with the school as obviously they did get very good results this year?

Awful School, Head and Governors, can't stick to there own complaints procedure.I have removed my daughter from this school and placed her in another school where she is flourishing.I wouldn't send any child to a united Learning School, they are just in it to make money. This school has no interest in the children.