Ad Caelestia Sequere
Reach for the Stars Our school motto is what we encourage our students to do and at Highworth we promote a community where all members are: • Reflective, creative and innovative • Eager for life-long learning • Aiming to achieve their full potential • Considerate, confident, independent individuals • Happy in a caring, respectful community
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Welcome It is a pleasure to introduce you to our vibrant school which combines a tradition of academic excellence with extensive pastoral support. Students at Highworth love learning and are highly motivated. We care about our students and they care about each other which creates a happy and supportive learning environment.
Duncan Beer Headteacher
We aim to provide a broad academic curriculum that allows students to realise their own passions and interests. We want students to become confident learners who are reflective, perceptive and independent thinkers. We are an innovative school and encourage students to find creative ways to overcome challenges, better preparing them to become life-long learners as they reach for the stars. Highworth’s strength is built upon our community and we are eager to work in partnership with you to provide a fulfilling and enjoyable educational experience. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Highworth.
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Joining the School Highworth admits girls into Year 7 from about forty different primary schools in the area.
Numbers on Roll
The county selection procedure is used to assess students as suitable for a grammar school education. As a designated physical disability school, we offer selective places to girls with a range of physical disabilities, including wheelchair users. Girls can be admitted to other Year Groups, following tests, if there are places available. Students (girls and boys) also join at 16+ to follow Sixth Form courses. Every student is assigned to a Mentor Group in a Learning Community. The Mentor Group has students from every Year Group which allows students to learn from each other and share their experiences. A Mentor will lead the sessions every day and offer guidance and support to the students.
1st July 2026 Year 7
218
Year 8
222
Year 9
221
Year 10
209
Year 11
219
Year 12
227
Year 13
234
TOTAL:
1550
There are seven forms of entry per year in Years 7 to 11. The school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) is 210. We received 267 first choice applications after sitting the 11+ selection tests for entry into Year 7, 2026.
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Wearing Our Uniform Uniform is worn by students in Years 7 to 11 and we have a clear and strict uniform policy encouraging students to wear their uniform with pride, as well as demonstrating a sense of belonging to the Highworth community.
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Exploring the Curriculum Our curriculum supports our REACH values and aims to provide continuity between the Key Stages, whilst also offering new challenges and opportunities for students moving into the next stage of their education. It is delivered via fifty periods over a two week cycle.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
• A very broad range of subjects is studied including Music, Dance, Art and Drama.
• The core subjects of English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Mathematics and Religious Studies are followed by all students.
• Computing is taught as a discrete subject in Years 7 to 9 and the skills learned are reinforced and developed in other subjects. • All students study two Modern Foreign Languages in Year 7 before choosing to specialise in one of these languages in Year 8. • There is an extensive and comprehensive Design and Technology programme throughout the Key Stage, making use of excellent facilities. • Discrete PSHE is taught across Years 7, 8 and 9.
• Provision is made for a broad choice of option subjects. • All students are required to follow courses which allow them to obtain the EBacc.
In addition to the core subjects, full GCSE courses are offered in the following subjects: Art Business Studies Computer Science Dance Design & Technology Drama Economics Film Studies Food Preparation and Nutrition
French Geography German History Music Physical Education Spanish
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Key Stage 5 Curriculum
Other Aspects of the Curriculum
• Students typically study three A Level courses which are all two year courses.
• All students follow a programme of: Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE); Religious Education; Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development (SMSC); Physical Education; Careers Education; and Citizenship. This is taught discretely in Years 7 to 9 and 13, and through Focus Days for Years 10 to 12, along with other events throughout the school year.
• Nearly 30 A Level subjects are offered: Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computer Science Dance Drama and Theatre Economics English Language and Literature English Literature
Film Studies French Geography German History Mathematics Further Mathematics Media Studies Music
Photography Physical Education Physics Politics Product Design Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish
• There is an option for students to undertake an Extended Project to pursue their independent studies.
• Careers advice includes Focus Day events as well as bespoke guidance from an independent careers service and our Careers Manager. Alumni talks enhance the advice and guidance on careers given to all Year Groups. • Compulsory Supplementary Study in Year 12 and Year 13 encourages students to develop good study habits. In addition, a programme of Co-curricular activities and Personal Development provides students with the opportunity to acquire broader life skills.
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Religious Education and Collective Worship Assemblies may be taken by the Headteacher, staff or students, are non-denominational and are intended to give an opportunity for: collective consideration of moral issues and matters of national and global significance; personal reflection; and the celebration of success and achievement. Religious Studies is studied by all students to GCSE and can also be taken to A Level. It plays a key role in the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students enabling them to be young people who appreciate the complexities of living in modern British society. Students develop skills and attitudes in the qualification which are also highly valued by employers. The subject has a county and national reputation for its innovative work.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities At Highworth, special educational provision means any intervention for students which is additional to, or different from, the educational provision made generally for students of their age. Our SEND policy and SEND Information Report detail how the school will identify students with special educational needs and how provision is made for their inclusion into all areas of the curriculum, making reasonable adjustments where applicable, whilst recognising the need to liaise with outside agencies to offer relevant and positive support.
Personal Development The school provides numerous opportunities for students to achieve their full potential. Clubs and societies are advertised in school and on the website each term. They are an opportunity for students to develop areas of personal interest and even take part in local and national competitions. Our SIRIUS Careers and Employability Programme supports students in thinking about their skills, interests and aspirations for the future. Students are also encouraged to apply for leadership roles in the school which include Student Governors, Ambassadors, Digital Leaders and Prefects. The Rewards System encourages all students to develop approaches and attitudes which: contribute to the school community; develop independence; and lead to successful life-long learning, as set out in our Reach ethos. We congratulate students on their successes and celebrate their achievements as a Bronze, Silver or Gold Superstar. Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) is provided for all students to help them feel ready for the world beyond school. PSHE lessons are timetabled in Years 7 to 9 and 13. Students in Years 10 to 12 receive their PSHE education via Focus Days. These are days when students are off timetable and able to focus on the core themes of: health and wellbeing; relationships; and living in the wider world, alongside our SIRIUS careers programme. All staff contribute to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our students in the academic curriculum, extracurricular opportunities and pastoral support system.
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Times of the School Day 08.45am
Period 1
09.45am
Period 2
10.50am
Morning Break
11.10am
Period 3
12.10pm
Mentor Period
12.35pm
Lunch
1.30pm
Period 4
2.30pm
Period 5
3.35pm
End of School Day
Enjoying the School Day The school is open from 7.45am until 5.00pm from Monday to Thursday and until 4.30pm on Friday so that students can complete homework and coursework, use the Library or attend clubs. Parents will be notified in advance if students are staying later than 5.00pm for supervised after school activities.
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Becoming Student Leaders Library Ambassador I helped in the library by filing new books. This makes the library more welcoming for everyone, whether they would like to read non-fiction, fiction, action or any other books. I really enjoyed seeing all of the texts and helping people borrow novels to read for pleasure. This ambassador role has helped me spread the love of reading to everyone and I even did a speech for World Book Day! This included all of my favourite books that I would recommend and helped show how reading can link with your personal hobbies. I have really enjoyed this role and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves literature.
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Medical Society Prefects As Medical Society Prefects, we aim to help students who are interested in medicine learn more about the profession and the different pathways into healthcare. Students are supported in their preparation for the application process with practice in medical examination questions, role plays and interviews. Medical Society provides opportunities for students to hear from professionals, take part in discussions and gain a better understanding of what a career in medicine involves. We try to create a useful and welcoming space for everyone to engage fully in this fascinating field.
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Representing the Students The Senior Prefect Team are the leaders and representatives of the students at Highworth. Our role truly relies on an interdependent relationship between us, the student body, and the Senior Leadership Team. We are dedicated to strengthening this connection in order to create visible and positive change within the school.
fundraising opportunities to bring the school together and support the wider community. We hope every student feels imbued with this whole-school spirit, whether through joining a club or society, or by becoming a student leader.
To us, Highworth is far more than simply a place of learning; it has a palpable sense of community that runs throughout the school. We want to help cultivate this through school-wide events and
Across all elements of life at Highworth, such as academic advancement, creative development, and wellbeing, we aim to create a nurturing environment where each individual can thrive.
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The Community Captains support the Directors of Learning and Student Support Managers to develop vibrant and successful Learning Communities. Our priority as Community Captains is to encourage all students to feel comfortable and participate within our close knit communities, both during their initial transition to our school, and throughout their journey at Highworth. We hope our commitment and support as Captains will inspire students to strive to achieve similar leadership roles in Sixth Form. As Captains, we are approachable and try to ensure all students’ ideas, concerns and needs are listened to and acted upon.
Learning Communities play an integral part in promoting interactions between students across all year groups. Numerous events across the year offer opportunities for students to get involved and find their strengths. Even when we’re competing against each other, we hope that everybody feels proud of the whole school community they belong to.
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Maidstone Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8UD T: 01233 624910 office@highworth.kent.sch.uk www.highworth.kent.sch.uk
This general information leaflet relates to the plans for the school year 2026-2027 and was correct at September 2026, but it should not be assumed that there will be no change in any of the arrangements before or during the year in question or in subsequent years. Published September 2026