BRYMORE Academy might have been going for 62 years now but that’s not to say the school is one to stand still.

The boys’ state boarding school took on its first ever batch of Year 7 students back in September and is always striving to aim for the top.

Head teacher Mark Thomas told the Mercury: “This was a terrific addition to Brymore and it brings with it both challenges and great excitement.

“Our progress measures have consistently been among the top in the country, based on boys coming to us in Year 9.

“Now that students are able to come to us in Year 7, we are excited to think that these students will be able to make even more progress, since they have more time to enjoy the opportunities for excellence that Brymore offers.”

The academy is currently halfway through the build of a brand new dining complex, which is replacing an old building that has not been used for a number of years.

As of September this year, the school will have expanded to reach capacity, with a full cohort of Year 7 to 12 students.

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HEAD TEACHER MARK THOMAS

Mr Thomas said the popular academy is a victim of its own success, with demand for places soaring.

“Currently we have more applicants than places, with many parents choosing Brymore because of our growing reputation for academic excellence in a nurturing, holistic environment.

“We are about to begin the interview process for new staff, who will be needed in 2015 as the school increases in size.

“We are currently in the process of putting together a bid for a new classroom block, to stand alongside our current block which was built only six years ago. Our aim is to provide state of the art accommodation for every subject area.

“It is an exciting time to work at Brymore.”

The school currently has 200 pupils but will be growing to around 250 this September.

Mr Thomas says Brymore is a place of learning like no other, not only because it is a state boarding school, a rare thing these days, but also because of its four cornerstones – the farm, the gardens, the workshops and sport.

“There is no other secondary school like it in the country,” said Mr Thomas.

“This means that boys will get a flavour of all these things, which are unique to us.

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“Students often achieve higher academically than they would elsewhere, with both English and maths results in the top 15% in the country, alongside DT results which are among the highest nationally, by a country mile.

“No child is allowed to underachieve at Brymore and we also believe in the need to focus on the development of the student as a whole. This is where the traditional values built up over 62 years remain paramount.

“Hard work, manners and respect are instilled in all Brymore boys, so that employers, members of the public and parents alike often comment that ‘You can always recognise a Brymore boy’.”

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