ASSISTANT head teacher Rebecca Cain said: “We look at the whole child and try to celebrate every success. There is lots of tutor time with the children, so they can rise to the challenge of more independent and creative learning and take ownership of their learning.”

HEAD of sport Richard Stevens said: “We have been excelling in a number of different sports, but especially in electronic rowing as we were the most represented school in the county at the national finals. The Trim Trail is also great for the students at break time, as they can keep fit and have fun.”

EMILIA Davis of Year 8 said: “I was lucky enough to go on a three-day French exchange trip to Lessay near Cherborg. It was an amazing experience and it gave us a chance to stay with French families.”

MAXIMILIAN Miramon of Year 6 said: “I’m the head of editing for our new school newspaper, which will be called Read All About It. It has been a really interesting project and I am writing an article about the Trussell Trust at the moment, which is our school charity.”

MARIA Davis, mother of Emilia in Year 8, said: “Emilia absolutely loved the exchange, it has been the highlight of her life. It has been brilliant for all of them as they have really come out of their shell. There are so many clubs and extra-curricular activities they can get involved in.”

GOVERNOR Rupert Andrews said: “I’m very impressed by the friendly and respectful relationships between teachers and children.

“The teachers are all really passionate about what they do and the children have been given real ownership over their own learning.”

Read our report on Cranborne Middle School and see a factfile here