THE Beaconsfield School is going through an education revolution, under the leadership of new headteacher Alex Russell.

He has taken the bull by the horns and addressed the key problems said to be holding back pupils and staff.

In the eight weeks since he joined the school, issues such as behaviour, appearance and litter have all been tackled head on.

The school in Wattleton Road, is also putting together a bid to become a specialist centre for drama, music and the arts.

Mr Russell said: "When I came here the school lacked clear direc-tion and a sense of ambition.

"Expectations and self-esteem are key things I want to instil in the pupils here."

The school, which was built in 1931, and its pupils are focusing on the future and shaking off any reputation they may have built up in the community.

Emma Seabridge, Amy Cutler and Rachel Greenwood, Year 11 pupils, said that they have definitely noticed the changes in attitude since the arrival of the new head.

Rachel said: "The teachers can really teach now, instead of being disrupted.

"Before I was kind of losing interest but it is different now."

All three are involved in the arts and are backing the bid for specialist status.

Amy said: "We are all doing GCSE music, we have a brass and jazz band, orchestra and choir. It will be really good for the school."

Mr Russell wants to encourage drive and show them they can go on to a bright future.

He said: "We are excellent in the areas of the arts and want to join with other schools in the area to allow children to get the most out of the town.

"I have not had one complaint from parents, in fact quite the reverse.

He added: "We have also had members of the public who live in the local area come in and comment on the improvements."

The school is well on the way to raising the £50,000 needed to go for specialist school status.

The current total raised stands at £45,000.

Mr Russell hopes to work closely with the town council and is also calling on Beaconsfield residents to come forward and help the scheme.