Parent Jane Kilpatrick from Branksome Park who has a daughter at the school said: “It’s a nurturing, family ethos where the children come first.

My little girl is happy to come every day.”

Gary Smart, head of PE who coaches county and national champions said: “The big thing for me is how happy the children are. They love coming to school. They don’t want to go at the end of the day.”

Charlotte Hayes, early years co-ordinator said: “We have a committed team who all work exceptionally hard to make every day exciting. The staff are really supportive. We feel anything is possible here.”

Head girl Florence Bates, 11, said: “It’s nice because we get to mix with boys and girls. Everyone is really friendly and there’s a really nice atmosphere. I like English, I do a lot of drama and I play piano and the flute.”

Head boy Ryan Griffiths, 11, said: “The lessons we have are really fun – like when we went to the wood to find fungi and collect logs. It doesn’t feel like you are at school. It feels like a second home really.”

Parent Angeli Powell, of Parkstone, who has three children at the school said: “It has always been a very friendly and family orientated environment. The number one for me is all three are very settled and happy.”