It is a great privilege to be the Headteacher of such an inspirational school. St Laurence is a thriving and successful comprehensive academy where great and equal value is placed on both academic excellence and developing the whole person. We work hard to create opportunities for every student to achieve to their full potential and have the best possible preparation for adult life. In the words of our mission statement: we care, we inspire, we succeed. As one visitor commented, “a school with head and heart working together”.
We benefit from a dual foundation status. One of these is the Diocese of Salisbury, meaning that we are a Church of England school. While we are fully inclusive, welcoming students of all faiths and none, we believe that our Christian foundation provides a context within which to foster a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on our beliefs. We are proud to have the Lord Fitzmaurice Educational Trust as the other part of our foundation. The Trust links us firmly to our community and Lord Fitzmaurice’s vision of creating opportunities for all local young people through education is very much alive today at St Laurence.
Over several years, GCSE exam results remain excellent, with student attainment well above the national average. We have a strong and successful 6th Form, with a very high proportion moving on to university including Oxbridge. Following their visit in June 2017, Ofsted inspectors commented on our commitment to high standards:
“…improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is at the very heart of the work of the school. You have created a clear vision of teaching and learning that is based on two pillars: firstly, that teachers must ensure the tasks they set accurately meet the needs of their pupils. Secondly, that pupils understand what they need to do to improve their work”.
Despite the extremely challenging times we have faced in education over the last year, the relentless commitment to ensuring that our young people thrive and achieve their best has not changed.
We have a great reputation for the many opportunities for personal development our students enjoy: superb Performing Arts productions, a huge programme of clubs, sport, overseas expeditions, exchange programmes and residential “challenge” weeks. In all of these, the development of confidence, enjoyment and leadership are as important to us as high levels of performance and achievement.
As a Headteacher, I am aware that the years our young people spend in secondary school are extremely precious. We are not a start or an end point, we are one part of the journey that a young person takes to become the best they can be. I believe secondary schools are in the business of opening doors. Whether that be by ensuring that young people gain the best qualifications they can to move on to their next step or by building their character and opening their minds to new opportunities
My staff work with huge commitment, professionalism and passion to make this a reality for all our youngsters. That said, we can be most successful when we work in close partnership with parents. We are committed to developing trust, openness and support so that together we can enable your children to flourish. Whether your child is already with us or you are thinking about joining us, you are most welcome to contact us to arrange a visit.
Tim Farrer
Headteacher
St Laurence School