Head of Department - RS

Welcome to Harrogate Grammar School, where we provide a positive, inclusive environment for your child, where we encourage them to discover and develop their strengths, and feel empowered to be the best they can be.

We commit to ‘Excellence for All’ by delivering a broad and balanced curriculum, and living out our REACH values of Respect, Excellence, Adventure, Commitment, and Honesty.

Three central areas underpin these values—a culture of respectful relationships, an aspirational and inclusive curriculum, and expert teaching. Teachers at HGS benefit from the latest research in cognitive science about ‘making learning stick.’ Our drive is to support every young person as a unique individual in their development by promoting an atmosphere of kindness and mutual respect.

Because of our emphasis on values, students benefit from an engaging curriculum that goes beyond the classroom and upholds our school’s culture of respect. Students explore their strengths through many clubs, sports, trips, and enrichment activities. Some examples to give you an idea include: music lessons, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, charity fundraising, productions, art exhibitions, sustainability groups, debating and much more.

Students learn how to lead through a wealth of opportunities. They can apply for positions on the Student Council, Senate, Student Leadership, or to become Head Students. It’s great to see them enjoying the diversity of our wider curriculum, which offers something for each child. For example, our Sixth Form Sports Academy Programme offers a pathway into professional sports for rugby and netball players.

Through expert teaching and a culture of commitment, HGS students make significant progress, achieving above-average scores at both GCSE and A level. Our impressive examination results make HGS one of the highest-performing comprehensive schools in the country. This positive outcome reflects our culture of excellence and encompasses the dedication of our staff, the commitment of our students, and the support of families.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of each child is critical to us and it is a shared responsibility; all staff receive regular training in safeguarding and child protection. Our approach is child-centred and we always act in the best interest of the child. We have five DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads) and while each handles a specific key stage group, they are always on-hand. The school has a Silver Mental Health Award from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence in recognition of our effective mental health and well-being provision.

Our pioneering iPad for Learning scheme has a long history in our school where. For the last 10 years, every student has benefitted from having their own iPad. This innovation creates unique opportunities not only for students to engage with and organise their work, but also to learn and collaborate using the latest learning apps.

Our excellent careers team hold the prestigious Quality in Careers Standard Award for their commitment to providing outstanding impartial careers education. Their services include information, advice, and guidance.

Each year, students progress from HGS to a range of universities and conservatoires in the UK and beyond. They take up sought-after apprenticeships and enter the world of further education and employment. Whatever students’ aspirations, our outstanding careers team and teaching staff ensure that the next step is the right one for them.

HGS is part of the Red Kite Learning Trust, a Multi Academy Trust formed with local partner schools and led by our CEO, Mr Richard Sheriff. Our mission as a Trust is to nurture ambition, deliver excellence, and enrich children’s lives. We aim to do this by encouraging our values of collaboration, integrity, and respect.

Collaboration is an important part of our work; we are also members of the Red Kite Teaching School Alliance—a partnership of high-achieving schools and partner institutions in Yorkshire and the Humber. By working together, we aim to deliver excellence. The nationally recognised Teaching School Hub at HGS helps us to keep pace with national developments and places us at the forefront of teaching practice. We also lead the regional Maths Hub and Computing Hub programmes, which harness national and international teaching expertise and innovation. This helps us to spread outstanding practice for the benefit of all students.

Parents are a valued and integral part of our school community. A strong partnership between our school, the child, and the home underpins our provision. We look forward to working with you so that your child thrives at HGS, has a great learning experience, and achieves their full potential.

In summary, we want all our students to enjoy each school day and grasp every opportunity. We hope they leave school as kind, healthy, knowledgeable, and productive individuals. We love seeing how students forge lifelong friendships in our school. As we look forward to a bright, optimistic future, they have our support to help them go on and contribute to society with pride, purpose, and positivity, whatever their chosen career.

For further information visit www.harrogategrammar.co.uk