Beginning and Development
Bournemouth Collegiate traces its origins to 1895, when the School House building was erected, serving today as the venue for the preparatory hall and classrooms. Four years later, an educational institution opened in Poole that provided non-denominational instruction grounded in Christian principles. In 1923, this establishment relocated to the stately Wentworth Lodge and adopted the new designation Wentworth School.
Expansion of Bournemouth Collegiate School
In 1903, a companion school named Uplands was founded, with both institutions emphasizing practical and cultural learning. Even during the First World War, operations continued, with support provided to the Red Cross and assistance given to wounded soldiers. During the Second World War, the school relocated to Wales as military personnel occupied the Sandecotes facilities. Following the war, it continued functioning as a girls’ boarding and day school until 1960, when it merged with Milton Mount to create Wentworth Milton Mount School. Financial hardships in 1973 led to the sale of the upper site and the construction of new facilities.
Merger and Modernization
In 2008, facing a drop in student enrollment, the institution became co-educational and subsequently merged with Uplands, returning to its original designation.
International Recognition of BCS
In 2018, the institution became part of the Bright Scholar organization, initiating a new chapter as its UK flagship. The 2021 rebranding to CATS Global Schools unified 16 educational establishments spanning four nations, with this school being one of three independent boarding facilities in the UK within the network.
