A SCHOOL has opened its gates for the new year having received an 'excellent in all areas' rating at a recent inspection.

Sherborne House School in Hiltingbury, Chandler's Ford was awarded the accolade after a visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate in June.

The report on the school's performance states that pupils achieve 'well above' the expected level for their age and ability by the time they leave.

Now, the school's head, Mark Beach says he is 'absolutely thrilled' that his new team's work has been recognised in this way and described the curriculum they provide as 'irresistable'.

The head marks his second anniversary this month after he was appointed in 2019 following headships in some of the M25 corridor’s most prestigious independent prep schools, including the City of London Freemans School.

He added: "We’ve worked particularly hard at creating an environment for each individual child to thrive.

"Children vote on termly topics of interest from Reception Year to Year 6 and we keep children engaged in their learning through adapting our teaching around the chosen topics.”

The new leadership team also boasts Deputy Head Cordelia Cripps who previously was Deputy Head of Lower School at Harrow International School Hong Kong, and Deputy Head of Primary in Amman, Jordan before returning to the UK to joint he school.

Ms Cripps said: “As an independent prep with no affiliations we can provide secondary choice for pupils and parents whether that be in state or the independent sector.

"Our academic results speak for themselves with this year’s leavers achieving 5 scholarships, 43 offers from independents, 12 offers from grammar schools and 23 state places."

The school currently has 238 children enrolled with a further 47 enrolled at its nursery including those aged from six months to 11-years-old.