IT is a school that is going places. For the first time since the separate infant and junior schools were amalgamated into a through primary, Mansel Park has been rated as good by the school’s watchdog Ofsted.

It is an achievement that is testament to the hard work of staff and pupils, according to headteacher Neil Parker And not only is it on the up it is also going out as, like many other schools in Southampton, it is expanding. In order to meet the ever growing birth rate in the city Mansel Park is seeing every year group expand on a yearly basis.

Currently the number of children on roll total 282, but that number is set to rise to 420 as the effect of the change to two form entry works its way through the school.

Formerly disused classrooms are being revamped and brought up to scratch to meet the need at the Culver Close school.

The school also boasts an open plan learning and library area which provides an inspiring place for the youngsters to learn and create.

During our visit youngsters were hard at work designing posters for their own stalls for the upcoming summer fayre while alongside them were youngsters having extra coaching with their reading.

The school also enjoys a thriving music curriculum and outdoor space which complement the core curriculum subjects.

There is also a competitive edge to Mansel Park as each pupil belongs to a House which each week bids for the school trophy. Extra accolades can also be won particularly at Sports Day where the rivalry reaches fever pitch.

Head teacher Neil Parker says:

"Our school has ‘Caring, Learning and Achieving’ at the heart of everything we do to provide our pupils with the very best start to their journey through life.

"We achieved the school’s very first ‘Good’ Ofsted grading in October 2012, since the school opened as a primary in 2006.

"I am very proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by our pupils, staff and governors in their everyday work, making Mansel Park Primary a great place to be.

"Pupils enjoy their learning and I am often told how polite, welcoming and responsible they are.

"Our pupils’ results over the last three years have been the best they have ever been.

"We really appreciate the support we get from parents and Friends of Mansel Park for their help with other school events.

"We regularly provide opportunities for parents to get involved; we run parent and pupil learning workshops, hold curriculum exhibitions and performances and provide training for parents.

"I am very proud to be the headteacher of Mansel Park Primary and I know that the same feeling of pride is shared by staff, parents and governors alike for the way in which our pupils approach their learning and all that they achieve."