HGS named “Secondary School Of The Year”

We are delighted to have been named “Secondary School Of The Year”, “Soaring 57 places in the UK rankings to 77” out of approx 6000 secondary schools (state and independent)  in the latest Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.

And for the second year running we are ranked No 2 in the North of England.

This is a fabulous accolade to the whole school community and just reward for years of hard work from staff, students and indeed parents.

The survey includes both GCSE and A level results and is nationally noted as a true measure of school performance using metrics of most interest to parents when selecting a school.

“Such accolades are very pleasing and we are delighted to be recognised, but they only come about because of the week in week out hard work from students and staff and I salute my colleagues and students, they are an exceptional team.” Mr Roberts, Headteacher.

Once again this Christmas, we will be collecting for the Salvation Army Food Bank and Christmas Present Appeal.

If you are able to donate to these schemes, please bring items into school before Monday 4 December. Any contributions or support you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Year 9 Parents Information Evening Main Presentation 2023 Online Version

We are delighted to invite prospective students and their parents to our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 26 October from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

The evening is an excellent opportunity for prospective students to explore the exciting opportunities available at Heckmondwike Grammar School as they consider their post-16 education. We have planned a comprehensive program to help students and their families learn more about our A Level courses and facilities.

The agenda for the evening includes:

  • Welcome and Introduction Talks: Our Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form will provide valuable insights into our educational philosophy and the benefits of studying at Heckmondwike Grammar School.
  • Guided Tours: Visitors will have the chance to explore our school and see our classrooms, laboratories, and other specialised facilities. This will provide a first hand look at the exceptional learning environment we offer.

We encourage all students to attend the Sixth Form Open Evening to gain a better understanding of the educational experience we provide. We do encourage all prospective students to attend with their parents as entry may be refused.

Heckmondwike Grammar School Sixth Form boasts a track record that speaks volumes about its commitment to academic success. The institution consistently produces excellent academic results, surpassing national averages year after year. This year, 79% of the A Level results were at grade C or better and 71% of these grades were either A*, A or B. There were 220 A* and A grades altogether, including 40 students that achieved 3 or more grade A* or A passes. These results are a testament to the exceptional teaching and support provided to students, enabling them to reach their full potential. The ethos of academic excellence is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Sixth Form, motivating students to strive for the highest standards of achievement.  

One of the most striking features of Heckmondwike Grammar School Sixth Form is its exceptional rate of progression to prestigious universities, particularly Oxford and Cambridge. The institution consistently sends proportionately more students to these esteemed institutions than the national average and more than other sixth form providers in Yorkshire, a remarkable achievement for a school outside of the traditional Oxbridge feeder network. This accomplishment underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing exceptional talent and preparing students for the most challenging academic endeavours.   

The Jo Cox Centre, the school’s modern and purpose-built facility, has become the heart of academic and social life for Sixth Form students. This innovative space offers students access to private study areas, a welcoming refectory and various social spaces. The well-designed environment not only fosters a sense of community but also provides students with the ideal atmosphere for focused learning and personal development.  

In keeping with its commitment to a well-rounded education, Heckmondwike Grammar School Sixth Form offers students a diverse range of subjects to choose from. Most students opt to study three A Levels, providing them with a robust foundation in their chosen fields. This broad selection empowers students to specialise in areas aligned with their unique interests and career aspirations. The flexibility in subject choice ensures that students receive a tailored education that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen paths.  

 Recognising the importance of preparing students for their future careers, the school has introduced the Sixth Form Pathway Program. This innovative initiative provides students with valuable opportunities to explore and develop their interests in specific career pathways. From accessing information and attending talks and seminars to embarking on educational trips and visits, students can gain invaluable insights and experiences that align with their future aspirations.  

  Our Sixth Form Pathways include: 

  • Oxbridge 
  • Medical Sciences 
  • Apprenticeship and Employment 
  • STEM Pathway 
  • Humanities and Arts 
  • Business, Economics and Finance  

 Complementing the academic and career-focused programs is the school’s extensive enrichment program. This initiative provides students with opportunities to excel outside the classroom, encouraging them to explore a wide range of activities and develop personal interests. By participating in these extracurricular pursuits, students become well-rounded, academically adept, socially and culturally aware individuals. 

 The success of Heckmondwike Grammar School Sixth Form is not solely measured by academic achievement but also by the well-rounded individuals it produces. The school’s commitment to character development, leadership, and enrichment, equips students with the skills and values needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Students graduate as academically accomplished individuals and as responsible, compassionate citizens.  

Applications to join Heckmondwike Grammar School Sixth Form should be made through the Kirklees ‘Get Into’ system by visiting www.get-into.co.uk .  

Please note that the closing date for September 2024 enrolment is the 22nd December 2023.  

Visit the Sixth Form area of our website to find out more.

WHEELWRIGHT OLD BOYS WAR MEMORIAL FUND

The fund is available to support the education of students under the age of 25 years who are, or whose parents are, resident in the former County Borough of Dewsbury.

In short, any students that live within the WF12 and WF13 postcodes could be entitled to money.

The trustees can make grants:

  • For outfits, clothing, tools instruments or books.
  • To facilitate travel in furtherance of courses (but not travel expenses to and from home).

To apply, please complete the Application Form, and return to the below address by Monday 31st October 2022.

Mr M G Parkinson – The Clerk, Wheelwright Old Boys War Memorial Fund, 6 Rectory View, Thornhill, Dewsbury, WF12 0NN.

Applications must be made in writing by post in the attached form, if you do not have access to a printer, please collect one from the school reception. Applications by e-mail will not be accepted or considered. Where possible, please attach official purchase receipts as once a grant has been approved in principle the trustees will require proof of expenditure prior to release.

The trustees are next due to meet in the second or third week of November. Applicants will receive written confirmation of the outcome of their application by the end of November.

In 2022, a number of Heckmondwike Grammar School were successful in their applications and received grants of up to £250 for books and equipment.

Congratulations to all our students on achieving outstanding GCSE results again this year.

Students are once again to be congratulated for their outstanding successes at GCSE. 74% of grades were awarded at grade 7 or above, and of these 40% were grade 9.

As well as some overall excellent results for the school, with over 99% of our Year 11 students securing at least five good GCSE grades, there were also 80% of our students who achieved five or more GCSEs at grade 9-7. In addition, 66% of our Year 11 students secured an impressive eight or more GCSEs at grade 9-7.

There are also some exceptional individual stories. Well done to James Basford, Humaira Dadibhai, Jonathan Downes, Ayan Gupta, Suchir Gupta, Samiksha Iyer, Rishita Konda, Dilshi Mapatuna, Safaa Pandor and Rishi Saravanan who all achieved an incredible ten GCSEs at grade 9; as well as Mahaa Ali-Ahmad, Fiona George, Anousheh Haque, Samuel Jones, Zahra Mahdi, Arnav Maniyar, Rishi Mikkilineni, Hari Montgomery, Estelle Roberts, Alfie Robinson, Navaneeth Roshan Sasikumar, Anish Srikanth, Olivia Taylor and Lucy Webb who all achieved an impressive nine GCSEs at grade 9.

These excellent results do not just happen automatically. They are evidence of the exceptional commitment and determination of Heckmondwike’s students who received outstanding support from the dedicated staff and hugely supportive parents.

Some impressive overall statistics include:

672 grades awarded were grade 9.

92 students with ten or more 9-7 grades

140 students with eight or more 9-7 grades

168 students with five or more 9-7 grades

My congratulations and well done to you all.

Peter Roberts – Headteacher

Congratulations to all our students on achieving outstanding A level results again this year.

As always the profile of our grades shows a very strong bias towards the upper range of grades. 79% of the A Level results were at grade C or better and 71% of these grades were either A*, A or B.

There were 220 A* and A grades altogether, including 40 students that achieved 3 or more grade A* or A passes. Extra special mentions go to Saugat Bohara and Saneha Kauser who achieved 4 A* grades. Further congratulations go to Abdullah Aziz, Martha Currie and Jenny Hepworth who achieved an incredible A* grade in their 3 A Level Subjects.

These superb results reflect the hard work and dedication of our students and staff, and will enable the students to take their next steps with confidence. The outcomes in terms of students being placed at universities and high calibre apprenticeships of their choice are exceptionally good this year.

My congratulations and well done to you all.

Pete Roberts – Headteacher

Sports day was again a fantastic event involving over 300 competitors taking part in track and fields events as well as the tug of war.

Despite the best efforts of the weather to dampen the occasion, the level of performance was incredibly high.

A number of school records were broken during the day.

Year 8 student Poppy Nutman won the 800m with a time of 2 minutes 38 seconds beating Ellie Dobson’s record which has stood since 2008.

Year 9 student Willliam Mcintosh followed up his excellent performance in the English schools athletics championships claiming the school 400m record held previously by Jack Fisher since 2008. William’s time of 56.28 seconds was emphatic taking 4 seconds off the record.

Year 12 student Usman Ali surpassed the record for 400m held by Thomas Ashen since 2017. Usman’s time of 53.82 seconds beat the existing record by a mammoth eight seconds.

The final record of the day went to Year 12 student Woody Walker in the shot put, his outstanding throw of 13.00m smashed the previous record of 10m 57 set last year.

Congratulations to all of the competitors who put in so much effort into every event both in the track and in the field. There was also outstanding support from the main stand which created a fantastic positive atmosphere.

A massive thankyou to all the teaching and support staff for their hard work before during and after the event and to the Year 12 A level PE students and sports leaders who helped Marshall and officiate the track and field events.

 

On Saturday, 1 July, we opened our doors to celebrate our 125th birthday. As Headteacher, Mr Roberts noted, during that time a lot has changed – 2 world wars, a pandemic, 7 Monarchs, 1 world cup countess Prime Ministers  and 11 Headteachers. However, the school still upholds its traditional values and Latin motto, Nil Sine Labore – nothing without work and everybody at the school subscribes to being the best they can possibly be.

Over 1500 visited on the day, including many former students and former staff. All enjoyed tours of the school, including an extensive exhibition of the school’s archive and reminisced about their days in school, meeting people they hadn’t seen for many years. Visitors were treated to traditional afternoon teas and enjoyed the school band as an interlude.

The oldest visitor was 99-year-old former student Hilda Wood (pictured), and the youngest just 3 months old, already seeing her first sight of her school to come!

 

 

We are delighted to announce our school production this year. On three consecutive nights next week we will be performing The Addams Family, featuring students from all year groups and accompanied by our student band.

The set has now arrived and looks fantastic, with the sound and lights arriving soon. The students have been working very hard rehearsing during the year and especially over the last few weeks. Tickets are selling well and are available on Eventbrite (links below). Please note these are numbered seats and you can choose where to sit. There is also an aisle between seats 7 and 8 to be aware of whilst booking.

Direct ticket links:

Programmes and a raffle will be available on the night and refreshments are included. We do hope you get the chance to support us.