Head of Faculty: Humanities

Leventhorpe is a successful and vibrant mixed, 11-18 secondary school and sixth form in the historic market town of Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. The intake at age 11 is drawn mainly from the pleasant and prosperous towns of Sawbridgeworth and Bishop's Stortford and from the surrounding villages. Demand for places in the school is very high with around four applications for each place. A good number of students travel significant distances to attend. In order to better meet the demand for places we have expanded our intake from 180 to 240 students in Years 7-11 and our sixth form is growing year on year.

The growth in numbers has been accompanied by a significant multimillion capital build programme including a new Science and Sixth Form block and a state of the art Performing Arts and English block. Previous investment has included a Sports Complex with features a sports hall, fitness suite, dance studio, 3G all weather pitch and floodlit tennis courts.

The school places a high priority on academic achievement and positive relationships between staff and students are the foundation of all we do. All staff are expected to play their role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for each and every student. GCSE pass rates are well above National Averages and our sixth form students secure places on high quality university or higher apprenticeship programmes. Teachers, students and parents place a very high value on behaviour and care which helps to promote a highly cohesive and effective learning community.

Leventhorpe is the lead school for Initial Teacher Training within the Bishop’s Stortford Educational Trust (BSET) and has strong links with universities. The school hosts placements for trainees in a wide choice of subjects and is a long standing partner school with Cambridge University for PGCE.

Significant investment has been made in staff training to develop approaches to teaching and learning. There is a strong focus on developing high performing teams at different levels in the organisation. This has helped to form a culture with shared visions and values and a constant drive to improve learning opportunities for students.

Subject departments are organised on a Faculty basis. The responsibility for the preparation of schemes of work and for monitoring their delivery lies with the Head of Faculty, overseen by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The school places a high value on assessment for learning and each student undergoes a termly assessment in each subject.

The school upholds traditional values of uniform, discipline, homework, punctuality and polite behaviour. Each of Years 7 – 11 is organised into mixed ability tutor groups and overseen by a Head of Year who oversees the academic and social development of students as they progress through the school. Form Tutors monitor their form members’ progress and liaise closely with pastoral heads.

In addition, each tutor group is assigned to one of eight Houses: Barnard, Cutforth, Fawbert, Lawrence, Moore, Newsom, Rivers and Wilkins. Staff and senior students organise a host of lively house events throughout the year such as talent competitions, quizzes and sporting events.

An extensive extra-curricular menu is available to all students. A comprehensive timetable of clubs offers something for everyone, from our Function Bands through to Science club. A strong emphasis is placed on supporting students not just in lessons but also outside the curriculum. Staff and students' interest and enthusiasm in these groups are high. Music and drama productions are always highlights on the school calendar. Students are also encouraged to represent the school in a variety of sports and our annual LevFest attracts around 500 parents to watch the track and field athletics accompanied by a wide range of music performances on the outdoor stage.