School leavers
High Close offers a unique service to its school 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 life after school.
Once a pupil has left, the Aftercare worker stays in contact for at least six months providing support and advice whenever necessary.
This service has been a universal success and allows us to keep in touch with our graduating pupils. We love to hear from our former students, and encourage them to pop back into school to let us know how they are getting on. They can also provide a positive role model for the current pupils.
Case study of a former High Close Student – Kerry
Kerry first came to High Close School in June 2006. In her own words, she states:
I was kicked out of my last school as my behaviour was so bad. The school’s Head Teacher was going to retire and said she couldn’t leave the new Head to deal with me.
Kerry lived at home with her adoptive parents and brothers. Kerry says she argued a lot with them, and often rowed with her parents.
Kerry came to High Close School as a boarding pupil, and initially her behaviour was quite challenging and loud – Kerry often resorted to shouting and swearing at staff. She describes herself as a ‘nightmare’ at that time.
Kerry says:
Boarding at school helped me; I thought the staff were caring and understanding, and listened to me (most of the time). I know that some of them had a soft spot for me.
Kerry was at High Close School until June 2008. Her time at school was not a particularly smooth one, but as time progressed Kerry learnt new strategies to deal with her anger and frustration. She left with three GCSEs and a Level 2 in Preparation for Working Life Award. She also completed a College Link course in childcare.
Kerry was interested in beauty therapy and was supported by the school’s Aftercare social worker to apply and secure a place at Aylesbury College.
Kerry is doing really well at college; she has completed her first level Beauty Therapy course this year and has now started on the next level. She has three part-time jobs to support herself at college, and has turned into an attractive, pleasant, hard-working member of society, who regularly comes back to see us at High Close.
Kerry still lives with her family, and, as she notes, continues to have some difficulties at home, but it is much better now than before she attended High Close School.
