THE leadership team at Bishop Aldhelm’s Primary School prides itself on its welcoming and inclusive nature.

And a visit to the warm and inviting school quickly proves it is making a good job of it.

From Reception to Year 6, head teacher to support staff, everyone has a voice at the popular, over-subscribed school.

Bishop Aldhelm’s is growing, both in size and popularity, but its ethos remains the same as it has always been.

The over-arching theme at the school, in Winston Avenue, Branksome, is love, with the mission statement: “Loved by God, United in Learning.”

The school now takes three forms of entry per year and will reach capacity of 630 students by September 2017.

While some schools have simply bolted on a few classrooms or placed temporary classrooms outside, many hours of thought have gone into the best way to make Bishop Aldhelm’s bigger.

Head teacher Neil Revell and chair of governors Mandy Gridley worked tirelessly with their teams to plan the new Foundation Centre and Year 6 centre, each of which contains three new classrooms and communal areas.

There is even a new school chapel, a rare treat in a primary school, with stained glass wind-ows designed by the children.

They also work closely with parents to do the best for their pupils.

“Parent voice is valued here because we want to ensure that they have an active participation in shaping what is right for their children,” Mr Revell told the Echo.

“We are proud of our supportive parent community and hold parent workshops and inclusion days so they know exactly what is going on in the school.”

Parents are supported in a number of ways, not least by the breakfast and after school clubs, which mean children can be cared for from 8am until 6pm.

The clubs are operated by school staff, ensuring continuity for the youngsters.

Mrs Gridley, who has been a governor at the school for 12 years, said that the school concentrates not only on academic achievement but on other aspects of a child’s life.

“We focus on the whole child to help them become citizens of tomorrow – that is very important,” she said.

Children move on to a selection of secondary schools from Bishop Aldhelm’s, with the majority going from there onto St Edward’s.

Others gain places at grammar schools and other local secondary schools.

Factfile:

  • Bishop Aldhelm’s Primary School, Winston Avenue, Branksome, Poole, BH12 1PG
  • Telephone: 01202 715100
  • Email: bishopaldhelms@poole.gov.uk
  • Number of pupils: 540
  • Age range: 4-11 Mixed
  • Head teacher: Neil Revell
  • Chair of governors: Mandy Gridley
  • Ofsted Report – latest full inspection carried out in October 2011
  • Inspectors said: “This is a good school and takes great pride in its outstandingly welcoming and inclusive ethos. The pupils are very respectful, have a well-developed moral code and respond positively to the high expectations of the school. Teaching and learning are good. Pupils’ attendance is above average. Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.”