THE languages airport, binary birthday party, WW2 recreation including a real tank, the Mad Hatters Tea Party and rainforest animals: just some of the highlights as The Costello School welcomed 500 families to its inspirational Open Evening on Thursday 26 September, making it the most successful in the school’s history.

Fresh from their Induction programme where the school was transformed into Hogwarts – an event covered here and on television, the school has celebrated its best ever GCSE results this summer with 72per cent of students getting a grade 4 or higher in English and maths.

In what was a real cultural change this year, there was a big emphasis on showcasing the work of their enrichment curriculum, with live displays from the Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh, and talks about launching the school’s first Big Expedition.

Randall Jull, Headteacher at The Costello School said: “The buzz about learning we are creating in the community was tangible tonight; a real celebration of learning, why I’m so lucky.”