TUCKED away in the heart of the New Forest, you will find a beautiful, hidden-gem of a school.

Against the backdrop of leafy trees and lush green grass sits Moyles Court School, a mixed co-educational day and boarding school, which strives for more than reaching to the top of league tables.

They base their results on the happiness and well-being of the pupils, which transfers into how far each child goes on to reach their full potential.

Greg Meakin, right, has been headmaster at the school for five years and has two children who both attend Moyles Court.

He said: “I think when I took up this opportunity at the school, what appealed to me was the small size of it and the fantastic and beautiful area that Moyles Court is based in.

He added: “It has such a warm, friendly atmosphere and for us the most important things for each child is that they feel happy and safe here.

“We’re very strong in the arts, computer programming, and gymnastics, as well as the usual sports and we offer GCSE food technology, Mandarin, cabaret and French clubs for after-school activities. We also have a Beavers and Scouts group new for this year.

The school is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013 and has a host of events planned to mark the special occasion including an outdoor concert and a new celebration garden complete with a mosaic made by pupils.

Mr Meakin added: “We will also have an open morning, for previous pupils and their families from the past 50 years to come along to, and have a look through the school’s archives.

“Plus, we know that a time capsule was buried in the school’s grounds on the day that it opened, so we are going to dig that up, open it to see what’s inside, then add some things to it and bury it again.

“Recently, I met a man who was here more than 50 years ago, when the school was owned privately by a couple, and he said that the school still had the same friendly atmosphere as it did back then.

“Whilst we are a private school, we are non-selective academic-ally.

There is just one class for each year group, with an average class size of around 15 pupils, which is capped at 22.

“We have found that this allows children to gain above the national average and it helps that the teachers also have a great relationship with the pupils.

“We are not interested in league tables here, although of course we keep an eye on results, but we want the children to be happy.”

He went on to say that the children at Moyles Court know that manners will cost you nothing in life, but they will get you very far.

Chris Hosking, Year 1 and Year 6 literacy teacher, left, said: “I like the fact that every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential, and the children will be given all the help they need to do well at the school.”

School Ofsted report

Grade: Good

What inspectors said: “There are good outcomes for boarders across all areas. The small boarding community offers a family environment and is appreciated by many families who are serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

“The boarding staff work well together to meet the pastoral needs of the boarders and qualified nurses ensure that health and medical needs are well met.

“Boarders enjoy their boarding experience where they feel happy and safe.”

Factfile

Moyles Court School, Rockford, Ringwood, BH10 5HT

Telephone: 01425 472856

Age range: 3 – 16

Gender: Mixed

Number of pupils: 170