Houses
The Academy’s House system is named after the lighthouses standing at various points along the south coast, aiding navigation, providing illumination, and safe harbor for mariners and wayfarers. We at The Bourne Academy aspire to do likewise for all our students.
Houses are a key part of academy life, creating smaller communities within the school where students can form strong bonds across different year groups. Each student, along with their families, becomes a member of a House upon joining and stays with that House throughout their time at the Academy, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging.
The House system encourages healthy competition through activities like sports, academic challenges, creative arts, and community service. It also offers leadership roles, such as House Captain, allowing students to develop confidence, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility.
House Culture & Competition Lead: Mrs Katy Plunkett
Katy.plunkett@thebourneacademy.com
Our House Charities
At our Academy, we take immense pride in supporting meaningful causes through our House Charities. Each House, thoughtfully selected a charity that reflects its values, with students playing a central role in choosing these organisations.
ANVIL - Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance — This charity provides a helicopter-based emergency medical service for people across Dorset and Somerset. Their rapid-response crews deliver life-saving critical care to patients in serious accidents or medical emergencies, often when time is of the essence.
CALSHOT - Young Minds — A UK charity focused on children and young people’s mental health. They raise awareness, provide support and resources, and campaign for better mental health services so that young people get the help they need for emotional well-being.
HURST - University Hospital Dorset NHS Charity — Supports NHS services and patient care through fundraising to improve facilities, provide extra support to patients (such as in oncology or specialised care), and contribute to initiatives not covered by standard NHS funding — including breast cancer care and other charity-backed support.
KINGSWEAR - The Ellis Edwards Foundation — A charitable foundation set up in memory of Ellis Edwards, dedicated to raising awareness and supporting research and patient care (especially in childhood illness contexts). The foundation supports families and funds work aiming to improve outcomes for affected children.
PORTLAND - Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity — This charity supports people living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), raising awareness, funding research, and providing information and resources to individuals and families affected by the disease. Their work helps improve care and quality of life for those impacted by PKD.
TRINITY - Breakthrough T1D UK — Formerly known as JDRF, Breakthrough T1D is a leading charity funding research into treatments and a cure for type 1 diabetes. They provide resources and support to people living with the condition and fund vital scientific research to make life easier and safer for T1D patients.
Through these partnerships, our Houses are not just symbols of unity and identity but also vehicles of positive change. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in our community and beyond.
House Activities 2025/2026
Reindeer Run – Tuesday 9th Dec
Bake Off – Friday 12 Dec
Christmas Foodbank Donations
House Rep Christmas Card
(link card)
Bourne Bake Off Letter and Allergen Slip