STUDENTS ‘flourish’ at a Bournemouth school specialising in performing arts and sports, says a watchdog.

LEAF Studio School, in Holloway Avenue, has been rated ‘good’ in all areas of a recent Ofsted report with it being praised as ‘outstanding’ in personal development.

Inspectors found in a recent visit that pupils share a “collective ambition to work hard and be successful”.

It added: “Many parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the transformation of their child since joining the school.

“Pupils feel part of a special community.

“They say you can be yourself and are free from judgement.”

The report said students are supported to be resilient to setbacks, which staff believe is essential for a future in professional sports and performing arts.

The specialised curriculum is taught alongside the core subjects of maths, English and science.

Staff are described as having “considerable experience” in their subject area and have previously been professionals within the sports or arts industries.

Inspectors praised the personal development in the school including learning about important issues such as healthy relationships, knife crime and how to manage grief.

The school was advised to improve SEND pupils precise targets are reviewed regularly.

Nadine Lapskas, principal at LEAF Studio School, said: “It is fantastic to have received this judgement from the inspectors and serves as a testament to our hardworking and ambitious students and staff.

“Our aim to deliver an education that prepares our young people for a range of different destinations is an important part of our teaching and learning, so it is incredibly gratifying to see this praised in the report.

“I would like to thank all our students and staff, and our wider community for their ongoing efforts to foster a supportive environment for learning and growth.”

Matt Britt, chief education officer, for Authentic Education Trust, of which LEAF Studio is a member, said: “We would like to congratulate the principal, staff and students at LEAF Studio, on their hard work, dedication and passion for sport, performing arts and the value of a high quality education.

“We are proud to have LEAF Studio within our trust.”