FROM the outside Winton and Glenmoor Academies look little different to how they did a decade ago.

But appearances can be deceptive. Inside, every single aspect of both academies has been well and truly transformed.

A zero tolerance approach to disruption leaves students in no doubt they had better behave, while high-quality teaching and extra lessons have worked their magic on exam results.

Last year, Glenmoor achieved the best results of all the non-selective secondary schools in Bournemouth, with 68 percent of girls getting five A* to C grades, including English and Maths in their GCSEs.

The previous year, Winton had been the top performing non-selective secondary school in Bournemouth and Poole, with 65 percent reaching the benchmark standard.

And the forging of closer links between the two academies has also been hailed a success. They are now single schools that are co-located, which means children generally learn in single-sex lessons but break times, extra-curricular activities, productions and trips are now mixed.

The schools also share expertise and resources, with teachers working across both sites and pupils able to access a wider curriculum.

Ben Antell, who describes himself as the "proud principle" of both academies, said: "It's the best of both - single sex teaching in a co-located environment. It's a unique offer and it's been excellent because it has allowed children to maintain the single sex environment which parents, staff and myself want while allowing them to mix outside of lessons."

He added: "There's been strong leadership across all aspects of the academies. We only appoint outstanding teachers and we're very clear that we don't accept disruption in the classrooms.

"The school is committed to getting the best from everyone. We talk about high achieving, high standards and that permeates across everything we do.

"We have a culture where staff, children, parents, all stakeholders are supportive of our vision. That's made a huge difference."

There are plans to open a sixth form in September 2017, which will offer a mix of A levels and specialist sport and art diplomas, and the academies are looking to build on their links with Southampton FC, London Irish and Surrey Storm netball club so that pupils continue to benefit from quality sports coaching and expertise.

There is a fantastic expressive arts faculty that stages ambitious annual productions and the choir has won 'Regional Choir of the Year' for the past two years.

"Results have improved but the pupil experience is outstanding," Mr Antell said. "Results are important but it's also about the skills and experience students leave with. I place great important on maturity, attitudes to learning and taking part in extra-curricular activities and foreign trips."

The scale and rapid nature of both schools' progress has yet to be officially recognised by Ofsted - the last full inspections were carried out in 2012 - but a two-day 'Mocksted' was carried out last year and deemed both academies to be outstanding in all areas.

Mr Antell said he could not wait for Ofsted to come back and update their verdict on Winton and Glenmoor.

"The current Ofsted reports do not reflect these two schools," he said. "I want them to ratify our judgements and confirm what we believe - that these schools are on a journey to outstanding.

"We want to be the school of choice in Bournemouth. Even if the buildings don't reflect a brand new 21st century school, certainly the teaching, learning and results do." CORRIE Smikle, who is in Year 10 at Winton, said: “The school offers great opportunities, whether it’s extra-curricular activities, sport coaching from top sports coaches, trips to businesses or extra lessons. The academic side is good too, there have been so many improvements.”

Pupils, parents and teachers on the school 

ELLA Pearman, who is in Year 9 at Glenmoor, said: “I love netball and it was amazing to have someone from Surrey Storm come in to train us. The teachers are really helpful too – if you don’t get something they help you until you understand it, and lessons are interesting.”

MATHS teacher Jonathan Baker said: “It’s an outstanding school to teach in. It’s not just the kids who are brilliant, it’s the support you get from senior staff to help develop you as a teacher and help to improve your career. I can teach how I see fit in an environment that is disruption free.”

SCIENCE teacher Tegen Ridgway said: “I started here as a trainee teacher and had huge support from a professional mentor and the senior leadership team. I was able to become the teacher I wanted to become. In lessons, the pupils are always engaged and the teachers are happy to be there.”

KAREN Veal, who has a son in Year 8, said: “I’ve seen my son improve quicker here than he did in his last two years at junior school and but more than anything he’s happy. I was unsure about the school before I visited but I immediately got a good feeling about it.”

BECCI Watling, who has a son in Year 8 and a daughter in Year 7, said: “They’re both quite different children but both have enjoyed a seamless transition from primary school. Neither of them have really looked back, they’ve had great support here. And as a parent I find the school very responsive.”