Letter from the Head – Friday 21st November 2025
In this issue: This week we celebrate the highly successful Sixth Form Open Evening, our pride in the Sixth Form and share the key messages from the presentation that was delivered on the night.
Dear HP families,
Last night we welcomed an exceptional number of families to our Sixth Form Open Evening and it was wonderful to see so many students considering the path to HP for the next stage of their education. The turnout was extremely positive and reflects the strength of interest in what our Sixth Form has to offer. Staff and current Sixth Form students spoke confidently throughout the evening and our guests had the opportunity to explore the range of courses, opportunities and destinations that form such a strong part of post sixteen life here. I would like to thank all families who attended as well as the students and colleagues who supported the evening and contributed to such a purposeful and warm atmosphere.
We are very proud of our Sixth Form. It offers high quality teaching, a broad and balanced curriculum and a culture focused on ambition and high standards. Students benefit from a wide range of opportunities that enrich both their academic profile and personal development. The presentation delivered on the night set out our Sixth Form vision and I would like to highlight some of the key points for families who were present and for those who may not have been able to attend.
Our recent outcomes demonstrate impressive levels of progress with one in two grades at A* to B in the most recent results. These standards place us alongside high performing providers both locally and nationally. We were pleased to see strong destinations again this year including university places at institutions such as Exeter, Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool, Warwick, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and others. Students have gone on to study subjects as varied as psychology, biomedicine, history, art, physics, engineering, business and international relations. Some students have also secured competitive degree level apprenticeships with employers including GE Aviation, accountancy firms, engineering companies and large national and regional industries. These routes provide excellent pathways into skilled employment.
Beyond academic results, our Sixth Form also provides a strong framework of wider development. All students take part in our enrichment programme which includes clubs, trips and designated time on Wednesday afternoons to develop personal skills and interests. Opportunities include involvement in the House system, prefect roles, outreach projects and the Duke of Edinburgh award. Students also take part in a rich programme of visits including residential fieldwork, subject trips, visits to universities, apprenticeship fairs and cultural experiences.
Our facilities enable students to study in a mature and supportive environment with a dedicated study centre, refectory space and full access to specialist areas across HP such as our sports centre. The curriculum allows students to select three courses across A levels or vocational qualifications, with the option to add subjects such as core maths and the extended project qualification. This supports a balanced and ambitious programme that is fully recognised by universities and apprenticeship providers.
I wish you all a lovely weekend,
Mr Hudson
Headteacher