Letter from the Head

It is a pleasure and a privilege to be the Headteacher of Colne Valley High School at this exciting time in its development. Our vision is to be an outstanding school at the heart of our community in the Colne Valley.

We have recently been designated a Specialist Performing Arts status which recognizes our strengths in the performing arts. Music and Drama have long been strengths both in the school and the community and we are proud to be able to offer our young people many unique opportunities to develop their own talents in these areas. We are currently modernizing our facilities and will soon be able to offer a state of the art music technology suite and a first class dance studio as well as our theatre.

The school's values are very simple. Every student will be encouraged and challenged to do their very best, no excuses. We will work closely with parents and carers to support young people in achieving their full potential. We do not tolerate any behaviour which disrupts teaching and learning in the school. Disruption is dealt with firmly and fairly so that everyone can thrive. No-one thrives in an environment where anti-social behaviour is tolerated.

Although we are a large school of nearly 1,500 students we are working hard to create a sense of belonging. This year we have introduced a House System. The houses have been named Hockney. Stewart, Castle, Armitage and Garrett after well known Yorkshire performing artists to further reflect our status as a performing arts school.

Within the houses every child is a member of a base group of only 20 students. The 20 students are taken from every year group and are seen by their base tutor every day. The base tutor will be in regular contact with home and we are encouraging the use of email to make communication between home and school easier. Parents and visitors are also encouraged to use our website for information.

Carol Gormley (Headteacher)