Head of Faculty: English & Media Studies

KHS is a large and successful 11-18 split site school with a vibrant learning environment and a strong community ethos. Students and staff recently celebrated the release of a glowing inspection report (February 2024) which praises the school for its, “vibrant, inclusive culture”. The report reflects the school’s noticeable development over the last few years, with particular emphasis on high expectations, the strength of relationships between pupils and staff and the exceptional educational experience offered in Sixth Form.

Kingsbury High School has a long history of success. There is a keen understanding of the importance of values and a sense of tradition, encapsulated by our motto, Spectemur Agendo. It dates back to the founding of our predecessor school, the Kingsbury County, in the 1920s, and it is Latin for, “let us be judged by our actions”. As Headteacher I seek to lead the school with this at the heart and ask students to follow the Kingsbury Way: to respect themselves, others and the environment. In November 2022 the school achieved ’Gold’ status on the UN Rights Respecting School Award reflecting our commitment to children and young people.

A great school is a combination of different things. We are equally proud of the many opportunities we provide for our students beyond the curriculum and how we develop students as individuals ready for adult life. Students know our aim is to develop in all of our students the love of learning, intellectual curiosity, skills and qualities of character needed to become successful, happy and engaged members of society. Our key values are: Aspiration; Integrity; Respect; Responsibility and Resilience. Through these, we aim to combine both academic success and the development of the broader aspects of each student’s character.

- Alex Thomas, Headteacher

Our website: https://www.kingsburyhigh.org.uk/

Our X/Twitter feed: @kingsburyhigh

About KHS

Kingsbury High School is located in Brent, one of the most diverse boroughs in England and Wales. It is surrounded by parkland with large playing fields and great local amenities, excellent transport links to enable easy access from central London and fringe areas. There is an upper and lower school; staff and some classes commute between them throughout the day. We recognise our place in the community and are a key part of the partnership, Kingsbury Schools Together with our local primary schools and The Village (special) school.

Our school is truly diverse in its makeup, whilst united as one family working to achieve the best for all our students. At KHS there are higher proportions of students than nationally: with English as an additional language (72%); living in socially deprived households; and disadvantaged (Year 7-11: 27% eligible for the pupil premium, January 2024). The majority of the roll is minority ethnic although there are no groups significantly more represented than others. Boys are in the majority in all year groups. The proportion of families that identify as having a religious faith is significant with over 40% Muslim. Kingsbury has a stable roll of around 360 sixth formers and the majority of its intake is from minority ethnic groups and a significant proportion is LAC/FSM.

Student attainment on entry is below average for all year groups and the Sixth Form. The proportion on the SEN register is relatively low however there are a significant number of ECHPs. Over the last 18 months there has been a significant increase in numbers open to social care.

KHS has an Alternative Resourced Provision (ARP) for students with hearing impairment (currently 3 students) and a developing onsite alternative provision: Article 28. Part of the Lower School site is shared with a local special provision, The Village School.

A high value is placed at the school on ethos and values and Kingsbury High School is a UNICEF Rights Respecting School: Gold (November 2022).

Student Outcomes

Our students gain excellent examination results at 16 years and across the Sixth Form. The percentage of students achieving English and mathematics is above national (for grade 4+ and 5+) and Attainment 8 is above the national average. Progress 8 for 2023 was +0.48 (84th percentile) and disadvantaged students’ P8 was +0.14 (with a narrowed attainment gap compared to 2019).

The A-level ALPs grade has been 1-3 for the last six years and in 2023, 33% of grades were A*-A and 66% A*-B (both above the national average). Our APS was in the top 10% of schools and %AAB in top 5%. For vocational courses, ALPs is grade 4 and 88% of students achieved a Distinction/Distinction* (an increase on 70% in 2022), with 57% gaining a Distinction (APS top 11% schools). Progression to university (including to Oxbridge and medicine) is very strong.