School community

A large number of people make up our school community, not just the current pupils and teaching staff. The school community encompasses everyone who is or has been involved in the school, including the governors, non-teaching staff, parents and former students.

Everyone works hard together to help create a friendly, supportive and challenging learning environment.

Staff

The effective running of the school means we have a large staff roster of dedicated personnel, including senior management staff such as the Principal and Deputy Principal (Head of Education), specialist staff such as teachers and residential project workers and administrative and domestic staff.

Download a full breakdown of the school staff, showing their names and roles at the school (PDF, 20KB).

Our governors are responsible for determining, monitoring and keeping under review the broad policies, plans and procedures which operate the school, but not its day-to-day management.

High Close’s Governing Body consists of a Chairperson, a Vice Chair and governors formed from the teaching, non-teaching and care staff, as well as parents and local community.

Specialist staff

High Close recognises that the young people in our school have needs over and above those of their mainstream peers and to this end engage the services of specialist staff and consultants.

Students

If the staff are the heartbeat of the school, then our pupils are its lifeblood. We believe in the potential of every child and young person, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. We’re here to help them reach their full potential.

Parents

As well as keeping parents and carers updated on the progress of their child, we also actively encourage them to get involved with as many activities and events at the school as they can. We hold a number of annual events such as a parents’ consultation evening, a Christmas concert, end of year prize-giving and so on. Parents are encouraged to attend annual review meetings

School leavers

High Close offers a unique service to its leavers. We employ an Aftercare field social worker who works with the pupils and their families in year 11, helping them plan for the future and prepare for a return to life in their home communities. Once a pupil has left, the Aftercare worker stays in contact for at least six months providing support and advice whenever necessary.

We form such a close bond with our pupils that it’s often hard when they leave, which is why we are always pleased to hear what has happened to them. Many of our former students revisit the school to update us on their lives and we’re always happy to offer further advice and information if they need it.