LYTCHETT MINSTER SCHOOL in Dorset, Poole

Education Centre Information: Lytchett Minster School:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Dorset
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Village - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 1330
Number of boys: 663
Number of girls: 667
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The school occupies the former South Lytchett Manor House which is situated in a 'pleasant and spacious' wooded site in the village of Lytchett Minster. It serves a wide area of East Dorset, including the Upton area on the western outskirts of the industrial port of Poole, rural areas to the north of the village and south west towards Wareham and parts of the Isle of Purbeck. Some pupils travel relatively long distances each day to reach the school. The school is housed in a fine hamstone listed building with modern extensions such as a sports hall and science laboratories. The grounds are the former gardens and parkland of the estate, home to squirrels, rabbits, deer and pheasants. 'The idyllic surroundings are reflected in the calm studious atmosphere which exists at the school'. 'Academic excellence' is complemented with a range of extra-curricular activities. Over a quarter of pupils are performing musicians, playing in the two orchestras, two bands, early-music group, jazz band and rock group. Music is also popular at GCSE and A-level. Several drama productions are put on each year, and pupils have twice been highly commended in national competitions run by the National Theatre. The 'superb' sporting facilities and 'excellent' specialist staff have helped the school reach national standard in several sports, and there is a philosophy of 'sport-for-all'. The school is over-subscribed and 'widely reported' as a school into whose catchment area parents are prepared to move.