NEIL Revell thinks he’s got the best job in the world – and he may well be right.

Few of us are lucky enough to work in an enthusiastic and caring environment where happiness is at the top of the priority list.

But as soon as you walk in the door of St Aldhelm’s Combined school in Branksome Park, it’s obvious that you’ve entered a happy, secure learning space.

Despite having more than 500 pupils, the school feels cosy and welcoming, with pupils of all ages working together.

It currently teaches up to and including Year 7, but will change to primary status in September 2013 when the age of transfer changes in Poole.

Despite losing Year 7, the school will continue to grow with a move from two-form entry to three for at least the next three years.

Neil Revell has been head teacher there for two years, moving from a post as deputy head at Bransgore Primary and, before that, Year 6 teacher at St Katharine’s in South-bourne.

And his enthusiasm is definitely infectious. Year 4 teacher Lizze Sharpe, a former pupil of his at St Katharine’s.

She said: “I know of at least four people who were in my class who have gone on to become primary school teachers, so he must have done something right.”

If you ask anyone at St Aldhelm’s Combined, he seems to have done quite a lot right. The children are bursting with enthusiasm, as are staff and parents.

Sonia Brown has two children at the school and she said: “St Aldhelm’s CE VA Combined School offers the most safe and comforting of environments, providing the children with stability, support and the encouragement they require in which to grow, learn and follow their dreams.

“Mr Revell and his staff make the school a real pleasure to be a part of.”

And Juliet Dennis, a former pupil whose son now attends in Year 3, said: “From Mr Revell down, the school and all its staff have a positive, can-do attitude, providing the children with a wide range of learning which is always undertaken in a responsible, safe and caring manner. Any child fortunate enough to spend their first years of schooling at St Aldhelm’s Combined can only go away with positive and memorable experiences.”

A new building for foundation stage pupils which opened in September has added to the facilities available.

There is also a school council with representatives from every class. Their opinion is valued, so much so that they interviewed all the candidates for the role of head teacher at the time Mr Revell was appointed.

School factfile

• St Aldhelm’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Combined School Winston Avenue, Branksome Park, Poole

• Middle, due to convert to a primary in September 2013

• Age range is four to 12

• 510 pupils

• Head teacher is Neil Revell