The Heart of Yarrells — As Featured in Dorset Living

As featured on the cover of Dorset Living, September 2026

The Heart of Yarrells: Clare Cunningham on Why Self-Belief Is a School's Greatest Gift

We're delighted to share that Yarrells Head, Mrs Clare Cunningham, features in the September 2026 issue of Dorset Living magazine, as part of their School Days education special.

In the piece, titled "The Heart of Yarrells", Clare talks about what she believes makes a school special — not just results or facilities, but a genuine sense of belonging. "Parents have described Yarrells as a giant hug of a school, and I think that captures it perfectly," she says.

The article explores Clare's approach to confidence and resilience, her belief that children flourish when they feel secure, valued and truly known, and the importance of relationships between staff, pupils and families at Yarrells, right down to knowing every family's pets by name.

You can read the full article below:

The Heart of Yarrells

Clare Cunningham, head of Yarrells School and Nursery, on leading a school where children belong

There are schools known for their results, facilities or reputation. Then there are schools that leave a different impression – places where children are genuinely happy, families feel known and there is a warmth that stays with you.

For Clare Cunningham, head of Yarrells School and Nursery in Upton, Poole, that atmosphere is at the heart of what makes the school special.

"Parents have described Yarrells as a giant hug of a school, and I think that captures it perfectly."

"There is a warmth here that is difficult to describe until you've experienced it. We know our children incredibly well and genuinely care about them."

With more than 20 years' experience as a senior leader in education, Clare has spent half of her teaching career at Yarrells. Her leadership is rooted in the conviction that children flourish when they feel secure, valued and understood – and that education should develop the whole child.

"Academic achievement matters, of course, and we are incredibly proud of the outcomes our pupils achieve. But it isn't the whole story. I want children to leave Yarrells with a strong sense of who they are – to be kind, resilient, grateful and confident enough to make their own choices."

That philosophy has particular resonance in a world of increasing academic pressures and social media. "There is so much pressure on young people to present a perfect version of themselves," Clare says. "We want children to understand that they don't have to be perfect. What matters is that they are emotionally healthy, secure in who they are and comfortable being themselves."

Yarrells is proudly non-selective, welcoming children with a wide range of aptitudes and abilities. Rather than expecting every child to follow the same path, the school looks for individual strengths and creates opportunities for them to emerge.

"It grows when children feel safe, encouraged and genuinely seen."

For Clare, confidence is nurtured. "It comes from adults who believe in them, champion them and help them discover what they are capable of."

That belief is evident throughout school life. Whether performing on stage, representing Yarrells in sport, tackling a challenging problem or trying something new, children are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zone knowing they have support around them.

Clare credits the wider Yarrells community – its directors, governors, senior leadership team and dedicated staff – whose shared commitment creates the ambition and care that define school life.

Resilience is central to that approach. "Life will inevitably bring disappointment and difficulty. Our role isn't to remove every obstacle from a child's path, but to help them navigate those challenges while knowing they are still loved, valued and capable."

So too is kindness. Yarrells teaches children to celebrate each other's achievements and understand that another person's success does not diminish their own.

Those principles are captured in Yarrells' four values: creativity and curiosity; ambition and excellence; community and kindness; and resilience and determination. They shape the way the school thinks, teaches and cares.

"We know our families, grandparents, siblings and even the names of family pets."

Relationships are equally important. Clare personally meets every prospective family and leads school tours herself, reflecting the personal approach at the heart of Yarrells. "You can't work in a school like Yarrells without becoming truly invested in every child," she says. "Those relationships matter because they create trust."

It is this combination of ambition and humanity that gives Yarrells its distinctive character: children are encouraged to achieve highly, but never made to feel that achievement defines their worth.

Ultimately, Clare hopes every pupil leaves with something more enduring than academic achievements. "I want our children to communicate confidently, think independently, remain kind and have the courage to follow their own path. If they leave knowing their own worth and understanding that they have something valuable to contribute to the world, then we've given them something that will last a lifetime."

Clare Cunningham's vision is refreshingly clear: know children well, challenge them to grow, support them through difficulties and give them the confidence to embrace what lies ahead.

"A giant hug of a school, indeed."

Perhaps that is the real magic of Yarrells – a school ambitious enough to expect great things, nurturing enough to know when a child needs a hand, and personal enough to make every family feel they belong.

You can read the full education feature in the September 2026 issue of Dorset Living. CLICK HERE to view now on their website.