Open Evening Welcomes More Than 260 Families to The Blandford School
The Blandford School was delighted to welcome more than 260 families to our Open Evening on Thursday 1 October, for a busy evening showcasing everything our school community has to offer.
Throughout the evening, prospective students and their families explored the school, met our staff and students and took part in a wide range of activities across our subject areas. From Science, Maths and English to Humanities, Languages, PE, Art, Performing Arts, Design & Technology and Food & Cookery, there was plenty to see and experience.
Our student volunteers played a particularly important role in the evening, welcoming visitors, answering questions and helping families find their way around the school. We were incredibly proud of the confidence, enthusiasm and friendliness they showed throughout the night.
Prospective students were also challenged to complete their Open Evening passports as they explored the school. To earn a signature, stamp or sticker from each department, they had to ask a question and find out something about the subject, encouraging them to chat with our staff and students and really get involved in the evening. Once their passport was complete, they received a Blandford School goody bag.
The evening provided families with the opportunity to hear from Headteacher Mr Alan Jones, learn more about life at The Blandford School and discover the many different opportunities available to our students.
What our visitors said
We have been delighted by the feedback received from families following the evening. The warmth of the welcome, the enthusiasm of our students and staff, and the range of opportunities on offer were mentioned time and again.
“Our visit was absolutely incredible. The school’s facilities and campus are exceptionally impressive. Every member of staff and every student we encountered was incredibly helpful, welcoming and polite. They are a true credit to the school community.”
One family particularly highlighted the atmosphere created by our students:
“The school felt alive with positivity and enthusiasm, and all of the pupils who were helping were clearly so proud of their school. It was wonderful to see.”
The activities taking place across departments also proved a real hit with our younger visitors:
“Our child absolutely loved seeing what was on offer in each subject. She came home and couldn’t stop talking about everything she had seen and is now so excited to start!”
Our student volunteers received some fantastic praise too:
“Some of your student helpers were sensational – a real credit. The hands-on activities were really engaging.”
Families also told us how valuable it was to hear directly from our Headteacher, Mr Alan Jones:
“The Headteacher came across very well and made us, as parents, feel more confident in trusting him and the school with our child.”
Perhaps one of our favourite comments came from a grandparent who visited with their grandson:
“I enjoyed seeing all the different classrooms, but most of all I enjoyed seeing how my grandson enjoyed every moment. On the way home he said, ‘I can’t wait to go to TBS!’”
Another family commented on discovering more of the school than they had expected:
“Everyone was so friendly and put him at ease. We did not realise how much outdoor space and how many facilities the site offered until we visited.”
A whole-school effort
The evening was a real team effort, with teaching and support staff across the school creating engaging displays, demonstrations and activities. Our Site, Reception and support teams also worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure everything was ready to welcome our visitors.
We were grateful to Amberley Labels for generously producing and donating our large “I can help / Ask me a question” stickers for our student volunteers free of charge. Their support helped make our students easily identifiable to visiting families and added another professional touch to the evening.
Visitors were also able to enjoy refreshments during the evening, with local businesses joining us on site, including DW Sweets, Pause Coffee and Richard Smith's ice cream van.
We would also like to thank Rob Young of RY Images for capturing some fantastic photographs of the evening.
Most importantly, thank you to every family who joined us. It was wonderful to see so many prospective students exploring the school, asking questions and beginning to imagine what their own journey at The Blandford School could look like.
At The Blandford School, we believe there is no single path to success. We want every young person to realise their potential, discover their strengths and carve out their own unique journey.
For families who were unable to attend Open Evening, or who would like another opportunity to see the school, parent tours are taking place on Fridays throughout October.
