THERE is far more to Ferndown Upper School than just the stunning art.

Evidence of creative talent proudly lines the walls, each piece a testament to an atmosphere where originality is encouraged from the moment students join.

However, the school’s leaders are eager to point to their achievements in the core academic subjects too.

“Because we used to be a specialist arts college the concern we have when people come round here is that the artwork is so fantastic that they think we are a one-trick pony,” said deputy head John Evans.

“Actually kids in this school make better progress in their maths than almost any other school in Dorset. That tends to get lost behind all this great artwork.

“In the future schools are not going to have funded specialisms in the way that they used to. What schools are going to have to do is develop their own specialisms and we need to be doing that, particularly in the sciences and maths, which we have been doing in the last few years and seeing really powerful results.”

And head teacher Alex Wills talks of progress in maths and science which is ‘excellent’ when compared with national averages.

“I am very proud of the fact that the staff have worked incredibly hard this year to ensure our improvement agenda is rapid enough,” he said.

“The learning ethos means the students here are able to work in an environment where they can concentrate on their studies, studies are valued and where there is a tremendous pride across the school in what we are doing amongst the students, the parents and the whole community.

“Pride matters a lot. Young people often have low self-esteem – they need to know they belong to a community that has high aspirations for them.”

Mr Wills identifies the school’s culture of inclusion as a core value.

He said: “We believe in providing the opportunity for all abilities to achieve and that includes allowing students into our sixth form irrespective of their GCSE grades – not all schools will do that.

“Some of them will insist on Bs or they won’t get in the sixth form. We take them on at all levels because we provide courses for all levels.”

But Mr Wills’ key message is that Ferndown Upper is a school where the teachers encourage learning of wider skills which can be used in the real world of employment.

He added: “This is a school where we believe in providing opportunity to go beyond mere qualifications.”