A COMMUNITY is the term most used by staff, pupils and parents when describing Bournemouth School for Girls.

Head teacher Alistair Brien has been part of the school for 13 years, starting as deputy for five years before taking the top job.

He speaks proudly of the school and all of the students’ achievements, and of the fact, he says, that the girls want to be there.

Mr Brien also feels it’s important to gain feedback from the parents and to not only focus on the pupils’ education, but also to give them a set of life skills.

The school is no ‘exam factory’ just churning out good results, he says.

“Clearly the girls achieve very well, with fantastic results, but we’re much more than that.

“We are much more than any sort of exam factory, in terms of the experiences and opportunities available to the girls.

“The thing that I’m perhaps proudest of introducing, or rather reintroducing, is the house system.

“What it provides is the opportunity for the girls to get to know each other across the year groups, in smaller groups, and of course it provides the traditional house competitions in sport, music, drama, debating.

“They also take on responsibility and leadership, with each house nominating a charity of the year.

“I’m really proud to say that over £10,000 is donated each year through a variety of fundraising activities. It’s also about them showing care for others.

“They are bright, gifted and talented, but what I want is that when they leave school, they can use those talents to benefit others and take their place in society.” Places at the grammar school are highly sought-after with up to 500 youngsters applying each year for just 162 places.

And it’s easy to see why it’s the top choice for many students and parents, with spectacular academic achievement and students winning places at the country’s top universities.