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Ethos and Values

Our school motto is Ad Caelestia Sequere or Reach for the Stars and so, Highworth aims to develop students who are:

R – Reflective, creative and innovative;
E – Eager for life-long learning;
A – Aiming to achieve their full potential;
C – Considerate, confident, independent individuals;
H – Happy in a caring, respectful community.


What does our REACH ethos mean?


Reflective, creative and innovative

Our broad and balanced curriculum with its inspiring enrichment programme allows students to pursue personal interests and challenges in a stimulating environment. Creativity and innovation are key elements in our teaching, providing students with a rich and wide range of opportunities to develop their skills and personal talents. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning by applying their knowledge, being resourceful and eager to investigate.


Eager for life-long learning

Highworth offers a dynamic learning environment. From the classroom to the world beyond, we want our students to seize the opportunities they are given so that they develop into confident, creative, independent adults who will relish life-long learning. Our popular enrichment programme allows students to try something different and go beyond what is taught in the curriculum. They are also well prepared for their future economic success through careers advice and guidance. Furthermore, our programme of personal, social, health education and citizenship gives students a greater appreciation of real life issues and situations and enables them to develop a very good understanding of how to live healthy lives.


Aiming to achieve their full potential

Our standards and expectations are high and we pride ourselves in giving every student the opportunity to fulfil their potential and become highly qualified so that they are fully equipped for the demands and exciting challenges of life. Hence, we cater for individual needs, build on strengths and interests, and so develop self-esteem and self-confidence. With their subject teachers and further support from their Mentors, students set clear, challenging but realistic targets which are reviewed regularly.


Considerate, confident, independent individuals

Through Highworth’s broad range of opportunities, students gain confidence to become independent, self-motivated learners ready to make a valuable contribution to society. The popular Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme also allows students to set themselves personal goals. Our vertical mixed-age Mentor Groups help students to form close bonds and treat others with consideration. Trust, tolerance, care and fun are the hallmarks of these groups. Younger students are inspired by older students who develop valuable leadership skills. Specially trained Sixth Formers provide peer support for younger students and we work closely with outside agencies to promote the well-being of every student.


Happy in a caring, respectful community

Highworth is renowned for its excellent behaviour and the friendly, welcoming, caring nature of our students who actively support one another and the wider community. Nowhere is this caring involvement better exhibited than in the large sums of money raised for various charities through a wide variety of fun-filled and imaginative events, including our popular and successful Culture Days. We are proud of our music focus and its impact on our learning environment. Our seven Learning Communities are named after famous female musicians and enjoyable, cross-year musical activities enhance musical experiences. Our music provides us with exciting opportunities to take part in local, national and international events and forge important links with primary schools and businesses. In our aim for excellence and achievement, students and staff enjoy working in an atmosphere of support and co-operation. Students feel safe to enjoy their education in our happy, supportive environment.