Holmfirth High School, Kirklees, Yorkshire open evening

The school believes each one of its pupils has the right to enjoy a happy and successful life, and has the commitment of the whole school community to achieve this.

Prospective pupils and parents are invited to an open evening to find out more on October 6 between 5.30 and 8.30pm. There will be a chance to take a tour of the facilities, see sample lessons and activities in different departments and meet some of the staff and pupils.

The school kids want to come to

Holmfirth High School, in Heys Road, has one of the best attendance records in Kirklees – in fact it ranks highly in the UK – and that comes from a dedication to putting its pupils at the centre of every decision in school.

The philosophy of Holmfirth High is that happy, safe and contented children will look forward to school and make progress – they believe the best schools are the happiest schools and those schools have the best attendance rates.

There’s a mantra at Holmfirth High – A, B, C, E, E, E – which stands for Attendance, Behaviour, Classroom, Extra-Curricular, Environment and Enjoyment.

Playing by the rules

Manners cost nothing and, whilst that may be seen as an old-fashioned approach, Holmfirth High sets a premium on kindness, consideration for others and good manners. If teachers can devote their time to teaching in a well-ordered and disciplined environment, then pupils will achieve their goals and ambitions.

Students’ good behaviour and efforts are rewarded – with things like house-points – which instils pride and a sense of belonging. Support is given to all pupils with a strong pastoral team, who are proactive rather than reactive and are there to encourage and help every student.

Plenty to choose from

Because all children are different, their interests vary and that’s where Holmfirth High’s broad curriculum comes into its own. Students are encouraged to develop their abilities across a wide range of subjects and learning experiences.

Of course the basics are taught – English, Maths and Science are the core subjects and the school places a lot of emphasis on Technology , Sport and the Arts too.

But the extra-curricular activities add to the broad learning experience. Pupils are encouraged to take part in activities outside school – competitions, trips, experiences – and staff are committed to giving their time to offer these activities outside school hours.

The school believes these experiences can be just as valuable for a child’s development as more formal learning in the classroom.

Every child really does matter, and individual achievements are what counts here. The school says it does not chase League Table points to the detriment of pupils’ wellbeing but at the same time it has high aspirations which it supports and encourages pupils to achieve – instilling in them the knowledge that they can achieve as much as any other group of young people in the country.

Investing in facilities

The school is proud of the facilities and surroundings, investing in internal and external provisions for pupils including social spaces and communal areas as well as learning areas and classroom equipment.

Come along and see for yourself, at the open evening on October 6. Find out more about the school by visiting their website here.