Mission Statement

Academic

We take a very optimistic view of young people’s potential and expect our students to aim high and push themselves hard. We believe that intelligence is learnable and can be taught – it is not something that is fixed for life. All students can keep on improving their knowledge and skills to attain ever higher academic standards, given the right opportunities, encouragement and teaching. If staff are to provide the inspirational teaching that is the single most important factor in a school’s success, it is essential that they experience professional development and refreshment throughout their careers.

Balanced

Intelligence and talent come in many different forms and everyone is capable of some kind of excellence. The school curriculum must enable students both to acquire the core knowledge and skills essential for success in the twenty-first century world, and to pursue individual interests and aspirations. While we give a very high priority to academic success, we know that true education is about much more than this. School has a vital role to play both in enabling students to discover the full range of their particular gifts, and in helping them to develop the attitudes and values that will guide their actions, so that they can grow into confident, well-balanced adults, leading healthy and fulfilling lives.

Caring

We all learn best when we feel happy and secure. A good school has its roots in good relationships, bringing together students, staff, parents, the wider community and other local schools, united by a sense of common purpose. Young people care deeply about issues of right and wrong and fairness: we will give them opportunities to put that into practice and make a difference to the world.

Disciplined

Everyone is entitled to learn without disturbance or harassment. We expect our students to show respect for the school, themselves and others, whatever their age, ability or background. We think it is only fair that if students are expected to show pride and respect for their school, then they should have a significant say in what happens here.