We are a proud school serving the equally proud community of Prudhoe in Northumberland.  Our school has a very positive ethos where all individuals are respected and valued, regardless of age, background or beliefs. We are determined that all pupils will be given equal opportunities to thrive and succeed, and we will challenge and support them to overcome all potential barriers to learning.

We aim to provide the highest standards of education and value academic excellence, pupil well-being and personal development in equal measure.

As Headteacher, I am a great supporter of middle schools and a 3 tier education system. I firmly believe that we provide a fantastic school where pupils can grow from children to young adults in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment. Our school takes the best of primary and secondary models, providing a caring and nurturing ethos alongside academic drive, specialist teaching and high quality facilities. Our pupils are given a wealth of opportunities to develop into confident young people, through our school council, prefect system, buddy initiatives, peer mentor programme and equality and diversity team, to name just a few. We have an excellent pastoral system with very high expectations of our pupils in terms of behaviour and self-awareness.

Our pupils are confident, articulate and mature and are aware of how to keep themselves safe in modern Britain. E-safety and Anti-bullying have a high profile in our school, and we have been commended on our work in this area through our Anti-Bullying accreditation and the prestigious ‘Diana Award’. We are proud of our heritage and promote high moral standards and the core British Values throughout our rich and well-balanced curriculum. Our curriculum strives for excellence in all subjects but we also place high value on providing stimulating, deep learning experiences which embed learning across the curriculum. STEM activities and Enterprise initiatives provide excellent opportunities for pupils to broaden horizons and raise aspirations.  We also provide a wealth of extra-curricular activities and residential trips. All of these experiences help our pupils to develop into well rounded young citizens, who make a positive contribution to the wider community.

We are proud to be part of Cheviot Learning Trust, a positive collaboration between 18 successful schools in Northumberland, working together to deliver excellent education to all of our pupils.

In our most recent Ofsted inspection report (March 2024) we were described as a ‘Good’ school where:

• Pupils are positive and confident. They feel safe and well supported by staff who know them well.
• Strong relationships between staff and pupils create a calm and respectful atmosphere.
• The school helps pupils develop into resilient and ambitious young adults.
• Leaders have high expectations of what pupils can accomplish personally and academically.
• The school have designed their curriculum to meet the needs of both key stage 2 and key stage 3 pupils well. The curriculum takes account of what pupils already know and what they will need to know in future.
• In English and mathematics, there are regular opportunities for pupils to re-visit their prior learning so that it is not forgotten over time.
• Staff quickly identify what pupils do and do not remember. They use this information to plan new learning.
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all aspects of school life. Adults working with SEND pupils know them well.
• Leaders develop strong partnerships with parents of SEND pupils.
• The schools’ wider offer for pupils is excellent. The personal, social and health education pupils receive helps them understand how to live healthy and happy lives.
• The school is an inclusive and tolerant place where everyone is welcome.
• Bullying almost never happens at the school. If it does, pupils know an adult will help them to sort things out. Highfield pupils understand the importance of including everyone.
• Pupils’ achievement, effort and contribution to the school community are regularly celebrated.
• Staff are knowledgeable about the subjects they teach.
• Staff feel valued and are proud to work at the school.

I hope you will find a wealth of information on our website. Of course, if you wish to see our school for yourself or ask any questions, please get in touch and arrange to visit us. We are always happy to see you.

Kind regards,
Richard Oades
Headteacher