STUDENTS at a flourishing Christchurch secondary school are aiming for the top.

And with a new ambitious head teacher pushing for each pupil to realise their full potential, they're striving to have some of the best results in the country.

Head Jane Asplin took up her new position at the helm of the Somerford school in June.

And with a new uniform, freshly decorated buildings and ambitious plans for the future, major changes are already yielding results.

While aiming for improved GCSE results next year, the school can boast some of the best BETEC Level 3 grades in the country and are in the top five per cent nationally.

The school is proud to offer a wide range of more vocational subjects with a mechanics garage and hairdressing studio as well as large quiet study areas.

Changes were introduced during the first six weeks of Jane's arrival.

"We just went for it", she said.

"It feels like everyone is on a mission. The teachers have a dress code as well; everyone does. I say you should dress as if you are going for an interview."

"When things look rundown, people think you don't care.

"Making improvements is a very effective way of saying to the pupils, 'we care about you and the way you behave.'"

Ms Asplin said she is inspired by her own school experience.

"My school made it for me. They really inspired me to do better.

"This felt like my school and the staff here are so lovely and so supportive.

"And that's what I am bringing here.

"We've got a real mix at The Grange; we are truly inclusive.

"I want the students here to feel successful and I am very, very ambitious for the staff, for the kids and for myself.

"I want the pupils to have the best possible choices and for them to be aspirational, with a 'can-do' attitude.

"I won't tolerate excuses."

The BETEC courses, which are due to expand further next year, ensure students are fully prepared for the workplace, with talks from business leaders and close working with places such as the Captains Club Hotel and Chewton Glen.

And students have gone on to work at John Lewis and Lloyds Bank among many other places.

Rob Palmer, assistant headteacher said: "All the employers we work with are really supportive of us and the students.

"They understand the relevance and importance of these courses. Our aim is to be in the top one per cent."