Ad Astra First School is located in Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset.  The school is a three form entry school from Reception to Year 3.  Currently there are 360 children on roll.  The school was deemed to be 'Outstanding' by Ofsted (2009) and has recently been re accredited by Investors In People (2011). 

Ofsted quoted " Ad Astra is an outstanding school. The high quality care and support pupils receive from the time they start in Reception helps to ensure that they make excellent progress in both their personal and academic development. Pupils love coming to school, behave exceptionally well and work very hard in lessons. Parents are delighted with all the school has to offer."

Our aim is for the children of Ad Astra to become 'life long learners' and through our teaching and learning give them the necessary skills, qualities and attributes for their future life.

A message from the Head Teacher - Mrs V Arbon

" I have been fortunate to be the Head Teacher of Ad Astra school since September 1997. This is my second headship and it is my aim to promote and nurture an environment where children come first. I believe that a school should be both caring and understanding but should also strive to achieve high academic standards.

I place great importance on children achieving their full potential in the basic skills of reading, writing and numeracy but also in developing the whole child through the Arts and Sport. In addition building their self confidence and self esteem is something which I feel is essential if they are to face the increasingly complex and demanding world in which we now live.

If you choose to send your child to Ad Astra I hope that they will experience four happy years. The staff and I are concerned about all aspects of your child's development and we hope that you will share with us in making this a successful period in your child's life."

Mrs V. Arbon,  Headteacher