AN OPEN evening at a Forest school last week treated prospective pupils and parents to a murder mystery, medieval surgery and samples from the school restaurant’s menu.

Visitors to the Dean Academy met some of the school’s teachers, visited classrooms and witnessed some ‘hair-raising’ science experiments as they got to try out facilities at the Lydney school.

Head teacher, Tom Beveridge, said: “We had a really good turnout for the evening and the feedback was universally positive. One parent told us the school looked the best it’s ever been and that it was a credit to staff and students.”

Year Seven students, Jasmine and Coby, recently made the transition from primary to secondary school and relayed their experiences and impressions to a packed hall of parents.

Jasmine told the audience: “I have already made lots of new friends here and the teachers are kind and helpful. We are encouraged to keep our dreams big and aim high, and I believe that this school will help me do that.”

“Our challenge is to become a true community school and to be at the centre of the local community so that we can be the best that we can possibly be,” added Mr Beveridge. “We are working hard to improve the school and the quality of teaching so that we can continue to make good progress.

“We are working with students and parents to create a vision for our school, focusing on enjoyment, achievement and community.”