As I come to the end of my first half term at HSW – and what a warm welcome I have had from students, parents and staff – I thought I would give a few notes on issues and ideas that are developing in school.

One thing that was clear very early on is a desire to see Design in our curriculum and we are now planning to introduce that in September 2025 – initially for KS3 and as a new A-level option for Year 12 (Graphic Communication).
It was a pleasure on Tuesday morning to have a presentation from the School Council on their ideas for improving our food offer, and some intriguing ideas there were. Clearly a lot of work and thought had gone into this and I am grateful for it. With our news owners we will be looking at our catering and this feedback from the students will be valuable in that.

Another thing I have picked up on is our uniform and from this it is something I want us to look at as a community. The School Council will be picking this up after half term to gauge student views and Mr Tyson will lead a wider consultation to involve parents and staff. More on this to come.

I will write to Year 11 parents about our Sixth Form offer straight after half term. I arrived just as Year 11 headed into their mock exams. This term and next will be the most challenging time in their education to date. As has been commented on throughout this half term, and highlighted in parents evening and again in our assembly this morning, they are collectively rising to that challenge and supporting each other through this time – all of which is great to see.

Lastly, I am pleased to inform you that after half term Mr Tyson will become Senior Deputy Head.
As I said to the students in assembly this morning, what I was told about the spirit of HSW – its friendliness, warmth and fellowship – is all very true.