CHOOSING the right secondary school for your child is never easy, and we were pretty convinced that our nearest school would not be in the equation due to what we'd heard of its poor reputation.

Our perception has changed since attending school open evenings and days to have a look around and experience a first-hand feel of what all the schools in the Forest have to offer. This has proved so valuable – it's all too easy to make assumptions about a school based on other people's opinions.

Forest E-Act Academy (formally known as Heywood School) was the first school we visited – the school we really weren't sure about to due to its poor reputation.

Our presumptions were soon cast aside as we warmed to the friendly atmosphere in the school, the dedication of the teachers and most importantly the enthusiasm the children had as they talked to us with pride about their school and their experiences there.

The introductory talk of the evening was very positive in light of the school's excellent exam results and it's new Academy status, with its change of name and uniform.

The pupils look so smart as they walk to and from school – it's such a contrast to the old uniform and that in itself hopefully gives them a real sense of pride and belonging and I think we must give our local school every opportunity to change that negative perception that so many have.

Many children travel far out of their locality to go to the 'best' school, but the best for them can be right on your doorstep.

This is a new chapter for Forest E-act Academy and it's important that it's not judged by a tarnished past. I think we should look at where it is today and appreciate where it has travelled from; the hope is for a brighter future.

This will only come about if the people it's here to serve actually use it – then there will be a true reflection of that community.

There is no 'perfect' school; it has to feel right for the child as well as the parents and much to our surprise it felt just right.

– Forest mum (name and address supplied).