“WE have an open-door policy and all we want is for people to come and have a look.”

These are the words of Heathlands Primary head Sarah Dunn who fears parents are ruling out the school without giving it a chance.

Heathlands is on a spacious site in the middle of West Howe in Bournemouth.

Compare Key Stage 2 results for Heathlands with other schools here

Mrs Dunn said: “It has negative associations because of where it is which are unwarranted.

“It is a very calm environment on a beautiful site and we have worked very hard on developing the teaching and learning in the school.”

Heathlands has just 223 pupils who are currently benefiting from huge improvements in the school.

It has a lot to be proud of, with highest ever SATs results recorded last year, high levels of progress in English and maths and plans for internal refurbishment and a whole new block of classrooms.

Its status as a UNICEF Rights Respecting school is at the heart of its ethos and Mrs Dunn said parents are backing staff to ensure children achieve to the best of their ability and are kind and thoughtful to each other.

Most year groups have just one class but there are two in Reception with a further two planned for September this year.

“Parents can come and have a look around whenever they wish,” said Mrs Dunn. “We want to be their first choice.”

She said some parents were concerned when their children were allocated Heathlands last year but she added: “All of the parents who were worried about it have told me how happy they are with the school.”

View Ofsted school inspection reports for Heathlands here

Pupils are involved in a huge range of extra-curricular activities including sport and the hugely popular Cookathon.

They take part in numerous fundraising events, have a Fairtrade working party and eco-warriors who look after all things green.

There are links with the independent Canford School and some pupils have been attending a Saturday school there. Heathlands also works closely with local primary schools Kingsleigh and Christ the King.

“The best thing about this school is the children,” added Mrs Dunn.

“They are interested in everything we do and they want to learn and aspire to better things.”

Factfile

Heathlands Primary School, Springwater Road, West Howe, Bournemouth.

Telephone: 01202 574452

Age Range:  3 to 11

Number on roll: 223

Head: Sarah Dunn

Chair of Governors: David Cheeseman