TWYNHAM School never goes out of fashion.

The popular Christchurch secondary is heavily over-subscribed every year and exam results are consistently high.

Dr Terry Fish has been at the helm for 12 years and a meeting with him makes it easy to see why the school is so successful.

He is undoubtedly as enthusiastic today as he was when he took over as headteacher in 2000.

But he refuses to stand still, constantly making changes and improvements which make Twynham the first choice of so many parents and children.

Recent years have seen the school’s sixth form grow from 160 students to today’s 420.

A stronger emphasis on high quality A-levels has seen results soar and students competing for places at the country’s top universities.

Inevitably, entry requirements have also gone up, with students now needing at last four Bs and two Cs at GCSE, including English and maths.

Some subjects, such as maths and chemistry, can only be taken if a grade A or A* GCSE has been achieved in the subject.

But this doesn’t mean those with lower grades are being pushed aside. Vocational qualifications already in place in Years 7 to 11 are now being extended into the sixth through a new initiative, Twynham Vocational at the Grange.

Students will attend nearby school The Grange to gain qualifications and experience designed to give them a head start in the jobs market.

Similar opportunities for students in Years 7 to 11 have gradually increased in recent years with subjects such as hairdressing, motor vehicle studies, retail and hospitality attracting not only Twynham students but those from other schools.

Around 500 young people from 10 different schools use the Twynham facilities, including its hairdressing salon, for such courses.

Partnerships with organisations including Beales, Sainsbury’s, the Chewton Glen and Captain’s Club hotels also give students the chance to get a glimpse of the working world.

Twynham was the first secondary in Dorset to become an Academy in April 2011. The status gives Dr Fish and his team the opportunity to buy in services from a range of providers to suit the needs of the school.

Factfile

Twynham School, Sopers Lane, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1JF.

Telephone: 01202 486237

Head teacher: Dr Terry Fish

1,600 boys and girls aged 11-18

Ofsted grade: Outstanding.  Inspectors said: “Twynham School provides outstanding education for its students.

“The school has a happy, welcoming atmosphere and the students feel safe and work conscientiously.

“The headteacher and senior managers provide excellent leadership.”