Parklands High School
Lancashire, United Kingdom
About Parklands High School
Parklands High School is an 11-16 co-educational standalone academy school based in the historic, leafy market town of Chorley. Chorley has excellent transport links and the school is within easy reach of the M6, M61 and M65.
We believe our school is a magnificent place to teach and help develop the next generation. Our school is a lovely, warm and effervescent community; our students are an absolute delight, and we receive constant praise from members of the community and visitors to our school about their mindfulness, manners, generosity and mature approach to their experiences in school.
We are not an exams-factory; although our students achieve extremely well, we believe that a holistic education is paramount, and we encourage like-minded teachers to join us and contribute to our ongoing success. In return, teachers at Parklands can expect to teach due to outstanding student behaviour. Teachers enjoy a calm, purposeful and orderly school community where mutual respect is the norm. New staff to Parklands join a vibrant workforce, where there is lots going on, from school musicals and drama productions, to a multitude of sporting activities and social activities organised by staff for staff.
We are proud of our exceptional facilities. We have a fantastic all-weather pitch, a magnificent TV studio, a state-of-the-art music recording studio, brand-new cooking facilities for students of Food Technology, a large dance studio, brand-new science laboratories, a brand-new Modern Languages suite and a new dining area. For our students, our school is a wonderful place to learn, and for our staff it’s a wonderful place to make a difference!
The school has a House system with vertical tutor groups, and our students have outstanding leadership opportunities from year 7 through to year 11, such as Head Student, Senior Student Leaders (Teaching & Learning, Wider Life of School), Learning Ambassadors, Subject Ambassadors, Sports Captains and many more.
Headteacher
Steve Mitchell
Values and vision
As an outward-facing school in continual pursuit of excellence, we aim to provide a world-class, 21st Century education for all pupils, irrespective of social background, race, gender, disability, belief, and sexual orientation, so they can successfully embark on the next stage of their education, training or employment, and make a positive contribution to society.
Ofsted (November 2014)
“Attainment in five or more good GCSEs, including English and mathematics, is significantly above the national average. Progress in English has been consistently good over recent years. In mathematics, progress has improved and is now consistently good for students in all year groups. The progress of all groups of students, including those who are disadvantaged, is good. The proportion of students making better than expected progress in English and mathematics is in line with what is seen nationally. This demonstrates strong improvements in mathematics.”
Location
I really love working at Parklands. I have been here since I was an NQT and have been encouraged to grow and develop as a teacher and as a leader. The school is very forward thinking and I always feel supported in taking bold steps forward in my teaching, as a leader and as an individual.
- Mr Banks, Curriculum Leader for EnglishDuring the 11 years I have worked here, I have seen Parklands High School go from strength to strength. It is a safe and supportive environment to work and be educated in. Indeed, my own son enjoyed all the wonderful opportunities provided for him and left in the summer of 2017, not only with great qualifications but with fantastic memories, a positive mindset that anything is achievable and the knowledge that he gained as a student here. Our motto of LEARN, RESPECT, ASPIRE and ACHIEVE applies not only to our students and staff but anyone who is lucky to belong to our school community.
- Mrs Fairhurst, Designated Safeguarding LeadI began my teaching career at Parklands as a trainee and from my first day, I knew this was the type of school I wanted to work in. I have now been here for 4 years and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. There is a real ethos of striving for the best and all the staff work together to try and provide the best education and experiences for the pupils at Parklands.
- Miss Duffell, Teacher of EnglishTeaching at Parklands is a thoroughly rewarding experience and I feel valued by all members of staff. I enjoy coming to work every day in such a positive and supportive environment.
- Miss Preston, Teacher of MFL (NQT)I started my teaching career here as an NQT 15 years ago and would never want to teach anywhere else. Parklands is a fantastic environment for staff development as well as having amazing pupils.
- Miss Cathey, Assistant Curriculum Leader of EnglishDuring my time at Parklands I have been afforded many opportunities to further my professional development both within and outside of my department which have allowed me to flourish in my roles. I feel valued as a member of staff and enjoy my job immensely, working with fantastic people who make everyday a pleasure.
- Miss Cosgrove, Acting Curriculum Leader of MFLHaving taught for 17 years, I can safely say that Parklands is the most rewarding place I have ever worked. The dedication to the wellbeing of both pupils and staff is exceptional and the school epitomises every reason why people choose to work in education. I feel immensely lucky to be a part of this amazing team.
- Miss Bond, Teacher of EnglishI have worked at Parklands for 39 years (36 years as a member of the teaching staff and 3 years as a technician in the Science Department). Every day I arrive at work, I look forward to my day and feel grateful for the fabulous opportunity I have had to spend my working life in such a fantastic school.
- Miss Fitzpatrick, Science Technician & former Teacher of ScienceParklands has given opportunities and opened doors to those who both work and study there. I am privileged to be one of these people and look forward to coming to work every day!
- Ms Williams, SENCOParklands is a place where you feel you can make a difference for children. The school has an ethos that encourages critical thinking, independence and a love of learning. Teaching here is a rewarding experience
- Mr Cunningham, Teacher of EnglishStudents enjoy coming to school and this is seen in the way many of them are involved in extracurricular activities and in leadership roles within the school. Their above average attendance, smart appearance and good punctuality also demonstrate their enjoyment and pride in their school.
- OFSTEDStudents have good attitudes to learning. They always follow instructions and are keen participants in all they are asked to do in their lessons.
- OFSTED