Shene School has been on its present site in Hertford Avenue since 1927 and became a comprehensive in 1977. It gained language college status in January 2002, at which point the name was changed to Shene International School. It has 1,000 pupils and 72 staff.

Rhian Lloyd-Thomas took over as headteacher in September. The school's vision is to "inspire each other to aspire to the extraordinary", and Shene is working to ensure that good practice becomes common practice in all areas of school life.

The school's primary strength is said to be its enthusiastic, caring and professional staff working in a well-resourced and clearly led environment of innovation and change.

A spokesperson said: "We aim to provide each student with a full and balanced education for life within a caring environment, in which consideration for others is of central importance. We are determined to support each and every student in developing the qualities, skills and knowledge that will make sure they experience success at school and beyond.

"We have high expectations of each student and care about their academic progress, their welfare, their happiness and their conduct.

"We are forward-looking, but we also believe in and teach the traditional values of commitment, compassion, self-respect and respect for others.

"Shene International School is, primarily, its students, all of whom are valued as individuals in their own right. We are determined to provide the best education that money cannot buy'."

The sport and leisure faculty has excellent facilities, including a full size all-weather pitch and large sports hall. Thanks to a large lottery grant, Shene International School in conjunction with leisure services now boasts a new fitness suite and a dance and gymnastics studio.

The faculty offers a wide range of sporting activities. All students have the opportunity to participate in a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes games, athletics, gymnastics, swimming and dance. The school run teams in all the major sports for both boys and girls.

The music department is a vibrant place where all students benefit from a balanced curriculum and are able to develop their musical skills.

The department is equipped with a keyboard lab and multi-track recording computers as well as a range of instrumental resources and equipment.

There are also various extra-curricular opportunities for students to be further involved in musical performance. New and established groups such as junior and senior ensemble, vocal groups, bands and choir, work towards specific performances in the school events calendar.

The art department has excellent facilities and a challenging and exciting curriculum. Students are encouraged to work with a wide variety of materials and develop an individual approach to the subject.

Shene International is now in its second year as a language college. Pupils are provided with an opportunity of learning two languages from year 7.

At Key Stage 3 they offer French, German, Italian and Spanish. At Key Stage 4 these languages continue to GCSE and now Japanese too is available.

All pupils are expected to take an accreditation in modern foreign languages. In addition, pupils who speak a community language are encouraged to gain qualifications in these and are putting into place plans for other pupils to access these languages.

The most able pupils will take a GCSE in French at the end of year 9, after which they may take up another language, or progress to AS and A2 level.

The school has an international focus which aims to spotlight and celebrate all pupils' backgrounds and heritages. There is provision for prayers at lunchtime for Muslim pupils. Citizenship and RE classes examine cultural differences and similarities sympathetically and critically.

The school is working closely with Richmond College to put its post-16 plans into place, and is beginning a premises programme which will allow more technology-based learning for the future.

Peter Hortor, new science teacher, said: "I have really enjoyed my first term at Shene International. The staff have been extremely welcoming and helpful. The science department is certainly an exciting place to work. All the hard work (and there is a lot of it!) becomes worthwhile when you see the pupils enjoying their lessons."

Pupil Shingai Tayali, 11, said: "I found my first half term was very good, the teachers were very friendly and helpful. I made lots of good friends and the older pupils were very helpful towards me."

Parent Miss L Brinkley said: "I chose Shene International School because of the strictness of the school, also feedback from other parents."