THE headteacher of Blandford School says that a lot has changed in her 12 years there, but a positive attitude among students remains.

Sally Wilson said that the school, on Milldown Road, has changed massively over that time including the fact that all the middle schools in Blandford closed in 2005.

They have also received around £15million to build new additional facilities and have a state-of-the-art 3G artificial pitch partly funded by the Football Foundation.

"It has been an exciting journey for the school and it is a really lovely school. We have invested a lot of time into our rights respecting school as part of the Unicef charter."

She said that they have high standards for in terms of the school uniform and punctuality. "The students are polite, welcoming and kind. One of the best things is to see the students progress and grasp the opportunities available to them."

She added that when she walks around the school, she sees the students enthusiastically learning.

"We encourage them to dream big and aspire and think carefully about what they want to do. To support that, I've got an excellent inclusion team to support the able and talented.

"This year, 49-per-cent of students achieved an A* to B at A-Level and in terms of progress in GCSEs, 88-per-cent achieved A* to C in English, which placed us at the top of the Dorset league table."

Mrs Wilson said that parents are focussed on the progress that their children will make from Key Stage Two to Key Stage Four and she said that staff arrange extra lessons during the school holidays to get everyone up to speed.

She also says that rather than traditional school open evenings, they welcome parents to come and take a look at what the school has to offer while it's busy. "I think that it's important that they come along at any time."

"We have state-of-the-art lighting in the hall and dining area. All areas of the school have been refurbished or are new builds and Dorset County Council have left us in a good position.

"We are a comprehensive school so I am proud to have children of all abilities here. Students aged 16 to 18 go on to the Russell Group of universities studying subjects including law, forensic biology and software and electronic engineering, as well as following a variety of courses and also go into employment and apprenticeships."

She said that the school is based in a rural area, which also boasts Blandford Camp, and so they work with students to meet the needs of the residents of Blandford.

"The students are an absolute pleasure to be with. The relationship between staff and students is very good and the school is set in beautiful grounds with amazing facilities."

Factfile

* Blandford School, Milldown Road, Blandford Forum, DT11 7SQ

* Telephone: 01258 451121

* Email: Office@blandfordschool.org.uk

* Type of school: Comprehensive with sixth form

* Last Ofsted report: October 2012, rated school Good overall.

* Pupils are mixed, aged 11 to 18.

* Number of pupils: 1077

* Number in sixth form: 196

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

1. Richard Opalka, head of the business faculty, said: "I'm a parent of three children at the school. They have done very well and are very happy. The school offers lots of sports and after-school clubs and they are taught by dedicated staff. A lot of the teachers have children here."

2. Vicky Moore, assistant headteacher and head of sixth form, said: "It's a fantastic school to work at with dedicated support and teaching staff who really work for the students. We also have really motivated and engaged children given a vast amount of opportunities."

3. Freddie Robinson, parent of one child in Year 9, said: "I love the way that the school works with the primary schools to make the transition seem less stressful. The school also has a lot of facilities for performing arts, sports, astroturf and a link to the leisure centre."

4. Livvy Ingles, parent of one child in Year 9, said: "As a parent of a child coming up to senior school age, it's daunting. I have to applaud the school in the management of the transition from primary school to secondary. It enabled us to be excited to come here."

5. Joseph Epsom, 17, in the lower sixth form, said: "The relationship between students and staff is very good. The also treat you as an adult. The thing I'm best at is music."

6. Tom Henley, 16, in Year 11, said: "The opportunities that the school has given me is fantastic. Since I've been here I've compered talent shows, musicals and I have made lots of friends. My favourite subject is science."