HIGHAMS PARK SCHOOL in Greater London, Waltham Forest

Education Centre Information: Highams Park School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Waltham Forest
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 30/09/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: Has Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 1620
Number of boys: 838
Number of girls: 782
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
View inspection reports

Special Educational Needs:

SEN Priority 1:VI - Visual Impairment

Background:

Highams Park is a 'highly successful' comprehensive school. It is located on the outskirts of London, close to Epping Forest in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Exam results are 'consistently very high' and place the school 'well above' local and national averages. Highams Park was recently listed as one of the top comprehensives in the country and has been designated by the Department of Education and Employment as a technology college since 1997. It is divided into four houses: Burnell, named after Sidney Burnell, Director of Education in 1920; Payling, named after Elizabeth Payling, an outstanding academically successful ex-pupil; Gibson, named after Terry Gibson, another ex-pupil and a professional footballer; and Forest, to signify the close connection that the school has with Highams Park and Epping Forest. Considerable emphasis is placed on developing 'caring and considerate' attitudes in its pupils. The school expects both academic achievement and considerate behaviour, recognising the value of the individual and making 'every effort to provide opportunities for children to succeed not only in academic work, but also in every aspect of life'. Staff have 'high expectations' and organise a 'rigorous' curriculum to stretch every pupil. 'Numerous' state-of-the-art networked computers are linked to the internet via fast connections in the school. The school also has a partnership with Arsenal Football Club that involves their most talented young footballers attending the school. 'Academic achievement and considerate behaviour are emphasised and there is a strong tradition of cultural and sporting activities in the school'.