The motto of Durlston Court Preparatory School sums up the way all children are treated as individuals and encouraged to do the best they can.

Set in beautiful grounds just outside New Milton, the school has an enviable academic record as well as top class sporting and performance facilities.

Its traditional values are apparent from the second you walk through the door to be greeted by the headmaster David Wansey.

Mr Wansey has been at the helm for 13 years and it is clear he is hugely popular and well-respected by the children.

Old-fashioned values are combined with high-tech facilities to give the 300 pupils a good start in life.

One parent told how her four children are all pursuing different paths thanks to the commitment to the individual shown at Durlston Court.

“Pupils here become confident all-rounders and it is a place of great opportunity” said Mr Wansey. “Their strengths are in different areas and although we have a strong academic focus there are other things here too.”

Most pupils remain at the school until the age of 13 but some leave to head for local grammar schools when they are 11.

“We prepare them for wherever their parents want them to go” said Mr Wansey. “Most go to independent senior schools but some go to grammar schools in Bournemouth.”

There are a total of 300 children between the ages of two and 13 at Durlston Court with around 100 between the ages of two and seven in the pre-prep department and the remainder in the prep school.

Due to the size of the school most pupils know each other with little ones and senior students getting the opportunity to mix.

“This is a family school with a family feel about it” said Mr Wansey. “It is a really happy place and the children all look out for each other.”

Music, art, drama and sport are high on the agenda at Durlston Court with pupils involved in at least one hour of sport per day and regular concerts and productions.

“We are proud of every child” added Mr Wansey. “We are delighted to see children grow and develop their own strengths.”

Children travel from a wide area but life is made easier for parents due to the provision of a fleet of minibuses which collect pupils from many areas including Lymington, Ringwood and Christchurch.

Mr Wansey describes his staff as “dedicated and approachable” and said: “Every day is a really exciting day here. Our children work hard and play hard.”

Factfile

  • Durlston Court Preparatory School, 52, Becton Lane, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 7AQ
  • Telephone: 01425 610010
  • Headmaster: David Wansey
  • Age range: 2-13
  • Number of pupils: 300
  • Mixed

Independent Schools Inspectorate report:

“All pupils are successful in their learning and their personal development is outstanding.

“The pupils’ personal qualities are outstanding and are fostered by the excellent quality of pastoral care and thorough welfare, health and safety procedures.

“Links with parents and carers are outstanding.  Parents have many opportunities to be involved in the life of the school.”