WHEN it comes to academic success, the exam headlines speak for themselves. Bournemouth School for Girls is once again one of the top performing schools in the south west.

But head teacher, Alistair Brien, who has been at the helm for 12 years, takes equal pride in the fact that the school provides an education for the whole person.

He said: "Yes our girls are able to achieve academically, but we want to produce well-rounded, young people able to make a difference when they leave our school.

"That's why I'm proud of our girls, whether they have gone on to sail in the Olympics, become dog training champions at Crufts or top actresses or musicians, which shows that we can support them in whatever it is that they want to achieve.

"It is not just about the ability to get on with others, but also a concern for others, shown most notably in their charitable work which raised £10,000 last year.

"A huge outpouring of practical support given in the wake of our sad loss of Year 11 pupil Connie Moore from meningitis, raised more than £3,500."

Mr Brien also takes huge pride in the school's sixth form which he says is bigger and better than ever.

"We are delighted to welcome girls from other schools not only for the academic side, but also for the tremendous range of opportunities that are open to them.

"Results achieved at A level are also amongst our very best ever with 70 per cent of exams passed at A*, A or B grades. Twenty eight students gained three or more A grades at A level, and all six of our students holding offers for Oxford and Cambridge were successful."

But Mr Brien feels it is just as important for the girls to learn resilience.

"It is only through making mistakes that we can really improve. A key focus is learning how to pick yourself up and try again, without feeling that the world has come to an end. I am not sure that you can teach resilience, but here at BSG there are many opportunities for girls to practise it."

He added: "We also remain co-sponsors of the Bishop of Winchester Academy and we were particularly pleased this September again to welcome some of their students into our own sixth form classes. A sixth form really is the icing on the cake for any successful school."

PANEL

Carole Donnelly, who has one daughter Ali in year ten at the school, and is also a member of the PSA said: "The support for the academic side goes without saying, but we have been thrilled with the support she has been given for activities such as music and sport outside of school."

Emma Graves, aged 17, in year 13: "I have had a good balanced education here as I feel I have been supported both academically and musically as I play the trumpet. The staff are also very supportive and approachable."

Jess Davis, aged 16, in year 12: "I joined at sixth form because I want to become a doctor and there are a lot more opportunities here. I was really surprised at how friendly everyone was. It has been really easy to settle in."

Deputy head Mel Braye: "I always regard working at BSG as a real privilege because of how how hard the staff work and their level of expertise which is second to none. It is incredible watching the girls develop and flourish, not just in school but also in all their external activities too. It is a really supportive, friendly and positive place to be."

Head of sixth form, Linda Holman: "As well as their academic studies, students are encouraged to take on a leadership role or challenge themselves with extra activities. They also volunteer to help with younger students and make commitments to the wider community and demonstrate a real concern for issues in the news today."

Sandra Looker, deputy head of sixth form and also a parent. Her daughter Rachel is in year 12: "From a parent's point of view, the quality of teaching and the opportunities here are massive compared to other schools I have taught in. "

Factfile

Address: Bournemouth School for Girls, Castle Gate Close, Bournemouth BH89UJ

Telephone: 01202 526289

Website: bsg.bournemouth.sch.uk

Type of school: Grammar

Single-sex school aged 11 to 18

Number of pupils: 1180

Latest Ofsted report: October 2012

Rating: Outstanding

What it said:

‘Students are motivated, inspired and enthused by an outstanding quality of teaching.’

‘The outstanding sixth form is characterised by high achievement, high recruitment and retention and by a set of highly articulate and determined young women.

‘Parents and carers agree that this is an outstanding school that is led and managed extraordinarily well.’

There will be a sixth form open evening from 6pm to 8.30pm on November 4.