Knighton House School has welcomed new headmistress Sarah Wicks this academic year.

Mrs Wicks was previously deputy head at the school for ten years, giving her a unique understanding of the school’s ethos.

Knighton House is at Durweston, near Blandford.

Mrs Wicks said: “The traditions of scholarship, responsibility and sensitivity established by our founders, John and Peggy Booker, remain at the heart of the school’s ethos today, as we strive to nurture natural talents and build confidence with which to face life’s challenges.”

The school saw many of its pupils go on to their first choice secondary school this year, with a number gaining scholarships to independent schools including St Mary’s Calne, Bryanston, Sherborne Girls and Leweston.

Mrs Wicks said: ‘In an increasingly digitised and sanitised world, we believe in the power of real, hands-on experience. Our iconic uniform of red dungarees is a daily reminder of the school’s heritage and symbolises everything we would like Knighton children to be – vibrant, practical, resilient, standing out from the crowd and ready for the adventure of life.”

Once pupils have finished all their work, they are able to enjoy the school’s ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, dens, woods, orchard and resident bees.

The school is soon going to also be home to chickens and pygmy goats.

Knighton House is holding an open day on Saturday, October 11.