SUPPORT and family are two commonly used words by those who go to, visit or teach at Christ the King Catholic School.

Based on Durdells Avenue, the building is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Bournemouth’s streets, and staff, pupils and teachers look happy to be there.

The school has strong links with its neighbouring church, Christ The King Roman Catholic Church, and actively encourages children to take an interest in the world around them.

Headteacher Clare Tickel says the school is a little oasis of calm in the area, with a real mix of families from different religions.

She said: “I think that we’re a bit of a hidden gem, really.

“We work alongside a lot of other Catholic feeder schools in Dorset, and we work closely with our church, Christ the King Roman Catholic Church.

“We have strong links with the priest there, who comes over to visit for assemblies and in class, and we take trips over to the church as well.”

View a profile for Christ the King Catholic School, compare Key Stage 2 results with other schools and see Ofsted reports here

Pupils are encouraged to make the most of the school’s outside area in PE, showcase their musical talents in lessons and the school choir, and it comes as standard that children learn French from the moment they join.

In addition to the support given to the pupils and staff, parents give back in return via the PFA, a group of mums, dads and carers who fundraise through events to buy things for the school.

Mrs Tickel says that not only does the school strive to provide options for learning above and beyond what is expected of them, but they also want to give the children opportunities that they may not otherwise be given.

Here, she says, the staff works as part of a team and tries to deal with everything from the same set of values.

The school believes pupils should learn together, care about each other, learn to live for each other and celebrate their lives together.