Welcome!

Sports Day

We had another highly enjoyable Sports Day at the end of last term and thank you to all the parents and carers who gave up their time to lend a hand – we’d also like to thank the sun for gracing us with its presence! Everyone worked in mixed age teams, taking part in activities including long jump, the sack race, egg and spoon race and quoit throwing, to name a few.

A big well done to all who took part. A special mention goes out to our fantastic sports coach Ian for organising a successful day and to Izzy who refueled everyone with cream teas and homemade pasties. Certificates were handed out to the Head Boy and Head Girl, who both did an outstanding job of representing the school the last academic year.

Horse Riding

Horse riding is a fantastic experience that many of our children enjoy. As well as the advantages of exercise, which improve balance and co-ordination, the children benefit from the connection and rapport that develops with the horse during sessions. It helps children to be calm, quiet and to communicate with one another in an out-of-classroom environment.

Some of our pupils attend the RDA sessions at Lakefield Equestrian. More recently, children have started to go to Laura's Lessons in Sutcombe. Here, they have the opportunity to get involved in stable management and grooming as well as riding. The group are already working on trotting and I'm sure it won't be long before we see one or two of them trying a jump and a canter!

Wings South West

We are always keen to enhance our curriculum for our pupils by working in partnership with other organisations. We have been working with Wings South West, based in Bideford, to offer motor mechanics and digital media, both leading to AQA Awards.

There are also some photos of both of these activities which you can view on our Facebook page.

Careers Advice & Guidance

We have contracted Careers South West to offer our older pupils careers advice and guidance, and to support them in their transition planning post-16.

We are delighted that Natalie Bray has joined us and has started working with our Year 11 pupils. She has many years of experience and is very knowledgeable about helping young people with EHCPs to take these next steps. She started with us in the summer term and will be keeping in touch each term.

Investors in People Success

Investing in the staff team and developing each individual's skills is essential to us. We value the contributions of the whole team and want staff to have a long and fulfilling career at the school.

We have been working towards the Investors in People award for some time and our final assessment was on 26th September... and we are ecstatic to announce that we have achieved accreditation against the Investors in People Sixth Generation Framework.

The accreditation comes as a result of "the style of leadership within the business that enables effective collaboration, an inclusive approach and a real sense of a ‘family feel’ amongst the whole [Highgate Hill House School] team." (Investors in People)

It was also commented that "The inspirational styles of the leadership team have led to the creation of a very positive working environment and a strong people-based culture."

We are over the moon that our hard work and focus have been recognised by Investors in People, and would like to thank our spectacular staff team for their continued dedication and vision for Highgate Hill House School. There are many areas in which we would like to continue to grow, however we know that with our team's unwavering determination and willingnes, we'll get there in no time at all!  

Cornwall Council Monitoring Inspection

In June of this year, Cornwall Council visited Highgate Hill House School for a monitoring inspection, to look specifically at the educational, social and emotional provisions we have made for Cornish students. Areas of focus included safeguarding systems and processes, education provision, therpeutic support and residential setting.

The main findings were that Highgate Hill House School is a secure site, with attendance closely monitored, ongoing training offered to staff, clear safeguarding systems in place, a high staff to pupil ratio, clear restorative processes, a bespoke education program which is monitored daily, both a play-based and thematic curriculum, a highly adapted PHSE / RSC program, spacious and stimulating learning environments, ongoing assessment and feedback progress within lessons, EHC plans used as a basis to build both the educational and therapeutic support plans / needs, comprehensive SEMH support packages / plans in place to meet the individual needs of the students, a wide range of formal therapeutic interventions and an active parents’ support group. 

In the coming months, we have additional areas in which to continue building on our performance and demonstrate even greater improvement, yet overall we would say that Highgate Hill House School has shown and will continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to our students. Thank you to all the staff and parents for supporting us along the way!

Summer Buildings Work

Over the recent holidays the school had a summer spruce up, with extensive painting and decorating throughout. Our big project was to refloor the sports hall. We had the old floor taken up, with new hardboard, acoustic underlay and a new surface laid. The new floor will lend itself to many events, PE lessons and assemblies to come.

We are so very grateful to Countryside of Launceston for doing such a great job, as the floor has significantly reduced noise in this part of the school. Take a look at the floor on our Facebook page – we’re very proud of it!

We Spy a Christmas Performance Heading Our Way...

It won't be long before rehearsals start for this year's Christmas show – an event we very much look forward to every December.

Keep an eye on our social media for more details!

Highgate Hill House Announced as Finalists for the EducationInvestor UK Awards 2019!

It was recently announced by EducationInvestor that Highgate Hill House School is a finalist for an award in the Market Entrant category.

EducationInvestor states: "Established names strive to build upon outstanding performance whilst new entrants confirm that this vibrant and growing sector continues to attract innovation and creativity."

Fingers crossed for a positive result on 4th December!

Goodbyes and Farewells

And Warmly Welcoming...

A few words from Dr Julie Smith, Chair of the Board

A Message from School Founder, Sir Peter Birkett

Welcome to the 2019/20 academic year. I am pleased to report that last year we continued to make significant investment in the school premises and facilities for the benefit of the children and staff alike; this included a total refurbishment of the indoor sports hall, improved internal and external security, enhanced refectory facilities, general classroom maintenance, provision of laptops and interactive white boards - the year concluding with very complimentary quality inspection reports from both Devon and Cornwall’s Local Authorities.

I am delighted to confirm that the year has started well. We have been shortlisted for a National Schools Award and have achieved Investors in People (IIP) accreditation. My thanks go to the Chair of Governors, Head Teacher and all the staff for their hard-work in securing this national award!

Finally I am grateful to you, the parents and carers, for your continued support of the school. It is through this partnership that we will strive to provide the best possible learning experience for all the children in our school.

I very much look forward to meeting you at the various events we have planned throughout this academic year.

With kind regards

Sir Peter Birkett