IT was once described in a Daily Echo article as Bournemouth’s best kept educational secret.

For although St Martin’s School boasts possibly the best 11-plus exam results in the area, many people still don’t know about it.

The school, which celebrates its centenary in 2014, has been owned by a local family since 1976. Situated in a detached house in one of Bournemouth’s residential roads, it would be easy to miss.

Although it is non-selective, it consistently achieves an average of 90 per cent pass rate into the local grammar schools.

Head teacher Carolyn Coombes, who was involved with the school first as a parent and then as a form teacher before she stepped up as head in September 2009, says being ‘thorough’ underpins everything they do.

“It is fairly safe to say that a child who joins us in reception will usually gain a grammar school place. Our children also gain excellent academic scholarships to senior independent schools.”

So what’s the secret?

“We pride ourselves on old-fashioned values with an emphasis on the three Rs as well as fairness, honesty, respect and good behaviour,” she explains. “We also get to know the children really well. We know which child needs stretching and which needs more help. I always make a point of getting to know every child so they feel part of the family.

“Our aim is to ensure that every child fulfils his or her potential. We want them to look back and remember St Martin’s as a wonderful, happy, learning experience.”