I have to say that I was a little worried about leaving my small primary school and joining Bournemouth School (it seemed so big!), but I soon found my way around and made some new friends. I have enjoyed the House Competitions, especially rugby and basketball. At the beginning of the year, I did find balancing homework against my out-of-school interests a bit of a challenge, but I've still been able to continue training and competing at a national level in trampolining. I really like the food and the range of opportunities available to everyone. All the students seem to get on with each other really well. I'm really looking forward to next year.

From the moment I first walked into Bournemouth School, well before applying for the position of headmaster, I knew that this was the school for me! It reminded me so much of my own grammar school - from the house system to the parquet floor in the main hall, from the thriving extra-curricular programme to the purposeful atmosphere. The mantra of "hard work, discipline, smart appearance and respect", echoes the traditional values that had been instilled in me as a boy and continues to provide a focus for our school improvement. We have not sought to be trendy, have resisted the temptation to jump on educational bandwagons, and have not manipulated examination statistics to rise up the league tables; we have simply focussed upon the basics and the needs of our students. I have come to realise that Bournemouth School is a very special school, with not only its examination results, but also its ethos and traditional values setting it apart from other schools. It is a privilege to serve as headmaster, and a joy to work with the young people entrusted to us.

Teaching Chemistry at Bournemouth School is a real privilege. The members of the science department work closely and there is a real team spirit. I enjoy extending students' knowledge beyond the requirements of the examination boards, and always try to offer opportunities for students to develop their experimental skills. The large number of students studying my subject at A level has given me the opportunity to teach across the age range from my first term onwards. It is really satisfying to see so many students wanting to study Chemistry at A level and beyond.

Joining Bournemouth School from an all-girl environment was a little daunting. I soon found out, however, that once I successfully got my bearings around the school corridors and met all of my teachers, that there was nothing to fear. Being a girl in a male dominated school has its benefits and drawbacks. The boys can be perceived as determined and competitive, but they have also been very welcoming (even holding doors open for me!). I have really enjoyed my time at the school so far. I feel just as a part of Bournemouth School as anyone else and have formed the same amazing relationships across the whole school. There are some fantastic opportunities for all students, and I feel proud to be able to serve the School Community as a Deputy School Captain.

Our boys have flourished at Bournemouth School. As parents, we really appreciate the relationship they have had with teachers who challenge and support them to achieve their best. In the sixth form especially, the teachers really help the boys to develop ideas and discuss and debate. Being part of the Bournemouth School community doesn't just mean getting good grades and the boys get plenty of opportunities to take part in events for their house. We love the way that they can take on responsibilities and their ideas and suggestions are put into practice, especially as they move into the sixth form. It really helps to prepare them for university and adult life as people who will make a real difference to society.

During my time at Bournemouth School, involvement was always something important to me. As such, I’ve been part of the rugby team, junior choirs, and book groups, before realising my enjoyment of public speaking and performance. I have taken opportunities to partake in House Drama competitions, alongside House Speech events and inter-school debates with BSG. For me, the house system is integral to the school and my experience of it. From house rugby and cricket, to drama, singing and the annual charity bake sales, I would encourage anyone who comes to Bournemouth School to get involved in it all. To reiterate a commonly used point, you only get out what you put in! In the future I want to study English at university with a hopeful future in education. I feel that Bournemouth School has been exceptionally supportive in helping me achieve my goals both academically and beyond.

It seems so long ago since I was the only one to join Year 7 from my primary school in Kinson. I soon overcame my initial anxieties and threw myself into all aspects of school life. Sport has featured significantly throughout my time at Bournemouth School and has helped extend my circle of friends. I can still hardly believe that I became a senior prefect and the Newton House captain. Over time, I've developed really good relationships with many staff, especially my Head of House and A level teachers. I am just about to leave the school to take up a commission in the Royal Navy. I’ll always look back at my time in here with fondness. I hope to keep in touch and look forward to returning one day to talk to future students about my travels and adventures.

I joined the governing body in 2005 as a parent governor. Since then I have been passionate about advancing the vision of Bournemouth School and helping to ensure that the school delivers the excellent educational experience and personal growth that our pupils deserve and expect from our hard won reputation. As a governing body we are strong believers that Bournemouth School exists to give opportunity to all that can benefit from a Grammar School education based on merit not finances. The school vision is to ensure that Bournemouth School truly works for local parents. The governing body have a restless enthusiasm to ensure that the school constantly moves forward and never sits on its laurels. Our role is to set the vision for the school, hold the head teacher accountable for the school’s performance and keep the school financially viable. Our hope is that there continues to be the excellent partnership between the governors, senior leadership team, parents and students focussed on making the best of their time at Bournemouth School. Our ambition is that the school continues to provide an excellent education so that all pupils thrive and achieve their highest potential and that it is seen as a beacon that local children aspire to attend.