PROSPECTUS 2026
RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, RESILIENCE.
WELCOME KERRY WADE
HEADTEACHER
DINNINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
It is with great pride that I welcome you to Dinnington High School.
Dinnington High is a very special school; it is a warm, welcoming and caring community where every child is supported to thrive. We pride ourselves on getting to know our students well and developing strong positive relationships with them and their families. Our teachers show unrivalled levels of ‘botherdness’ and we ensure that we sweat the small stuff every day. We know that if we do this, we will be effective in helping our students to learn, progress and achieve their best. This year, we are delighted to be the most improved school in Rotherham for GCSE results and at A level, we achieved the highest percentage of A / A* and A* - C grades, proving that what we are doing every day is working and improving the life chances of our students.
At the core of everything we do is our mission: child centred and progress focused. Every decision that we make is driven by what is best for our students and every single member of staff in our school is committed to and driven by helping our students achieve their very best. We have high expectations of all of our students because we know that they are capable of achieving incredible things. We are proud to be home to the hardest working students in Rotherham who exemplify The Dinnington Way in all they do, embodying our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience.
Our curriculum is ambitious and is designed to offer a wide range of opportunities and qualifications for students to excel in, whether that is a challenging academic experience that leads to the top universities, a vocational pathway into a range of professions and careers, or an opportunity to develop sporting or artistic prowess. We are committed to delivering the most engaging and inspiring learning experiences for your children both in the classroom and beyond. Our enrichment programme is vast and helps build lifelong passion and confidence, as well as building memories and experiences that will broaden horizons and prepare for life beyond Dinnington
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our school and we look forwards to welcoming you into our community and if you have any further questions or would like to come and visit our school, please email: din-transition@nclt.ac.uk
WHY CHOOSE DINNINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
WE ARE A LISTENING SCHOOL
At Dinnington, we pride ourselves on creating relationships that exist based on mutual trust and respect. We have a strong pastoral system who work tirelessly to ensure our students are heard and well cared for in the school.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
We are the most improved school in Rotherham for outcomes at GCSE and A level results. We have incredibly high expectations of our students in learning and appearance, but provide high levels of support for them to meet these expectations.
STRONG TEACHING
All of our teachers are passionate subject specialists who are committed to make a positive difference to the life chances of all students at dinnington high school. They are all approachable and care about the students in front of them.
THE DINNINGTON WAY
Respect, Responsibility and Resilience are embedded in everything that we do. We are certain that these values will not only support our students in school, but crucially in their lives after Dinnington High School.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
WE EXPECT ALL OF OUR STUDENTS TO:
• Make outstanding progress
• Work hard every lesson, every day
• Be Respectful, Responsible and Resilient
• Be punctual and attend school every day.
It is important when choosing Dinnington High School that parents and carers are fully supportive of our behaviour for learning policy. We expect all of our students to come to school and be able to learn and feel safe and we will not tolerate behaviour that does not allow this to happen.
We have a zero tolerance to low level disruption and our consequence system ensures that this is dealt with quickly, consistently and fairly in lessons.
We run detentions after school and have a reflection room for students who consistently need support in meeting our expectations.
STUDENT CONDUCT & BEHAVIOUR REWARDS
We believe in rewarding students regularly. In lessons, teachers will award merits for strong contributions to lessons, excellent engagement in learning and demonstrating Respect, Responsibility and Resilience in learning. Teachers will also award praise postcards for excellent learning and the ‘Hardest Worker’ in the room awards every lesson.
Teachers will also regularly contact home vis phone or email to praise students for efforts in learning.
Students work towards earning their bronze, silver, gold and platinum merit badges and these are presented in assemblies throughout the year. We regularly reward good attendance with spot rewards throughout the year. We also build towards bigger rewards for our students who consistently meet our expectations at the end of each term.
ATTENDANCE
Why is Attendance important? Success in school begins with showing up – data shows, students who attend every day achieve higher GCSE results Regular attendance shapes your child’s academic journey. Good attendance sets students up for success in later life Every class missed is a lesson lost. Absences add up! Missing just 2 days a month means a child misses 10% of their school year. “ Attending schools helps students feel connected to their peers and teachers, fostering a sense of belonging and support At Dinnington High School we believe that in order for your child to be successful they need to…
BE PRESENT, BE ENGAGED, AND THEIR KNOWLEDGE WILL GROW
WHO WE ARE
We are a multi-academy trust comprising of three sixth form colleges, a secondary academy and three primary schools. We have a strong track record of improving the quality of education, raising aspirations and helping young people progress to higher education, apprenticeships and careers. Dinnington High School and Brinsworth Academy will officially become part New Collaborative Learning Trust this year.
Our vision: Our colleges and schools will make a significant difference to the lives of young people. As a result, together we will make a positive contribution to social mobility.
Our Commitment: To provide an outstanding, consistent student experience through collaboration.
Our 4 Priorities
Our Values: The 5 Cs Student Achievement Student Personal Development Contribution to Social Mobility Student & Staff Well-being
Candour: To be open, honest and fair to everyone. Challenge: To have high expectations of ourselves and each other. Collaboration: To learn from each other for the benefit of all. Commitment: To be dedicated, resilient and strive for continuous improvement. Care: To be considerate of other and their needs.
NEW COLLABORATIVE LEARNING TRUST NAMED ‘EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR’
New Collaborative Learning Trust won Employer of the Year at the 2023 MAT Excellence Awards. The national awards celebrate the very best performers from over one thousand MATs across the country.
NCLT were also shortlisted for Wellbeing MAT of the year, reflecting their commitment to putting staff and student wellbeing at the heart of their strategies and policies.
As we continue to thrive, we know that looking after our staff and students is key to our future success.
Address: Nelson St, Broomfields, Bradford BD5 0DX
Phone: 01274 089189
Address: Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster DN9 3HG
Phone: 01302 976777
Address: Park Ln, Pontefract WF8 4QR
Phone: 01977 702139
Address: Brinsworth Road, Brinsworth, Rotherham, S60 5EJ
Phone: 01709 828 383
Address: Doe Quarry Ln, Dinnington, Sheffield S25 2NZ
Phone: 01909 550066
Address: Wingfield Rd, Rotherham S61 4AU
Phone: 01709 513002
Address: Edinburgh Dr, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4HD
Phone: 01909 550557
Address: Kimberworth Park Rd, Rotherham S61 3JT
Phone: 01709 740350
Address: Upper Wortley Rd, Thorpe Hesley, Rotherham S61 2PL
Phone: 0114 257 0153
DINNINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
CURRICULUM
At Dinnington, we pride ourselves on our curriculum.
Our students follow a broad and balanced curriculum that allows them to experience the a wide range of subjects, helping them to develop their knowledge and understanding, but more importantly, their love and passion of learning.
At Key Stage 3 (Y7-9) our curriculum includes:
“THE TEACHER WE SPOKE TO WAS FANTASTIC AND REALLY STARTED TO BUILD MY SON’S CONFIDENCE UP.”
MS R, PARENT OF SIXTH FORM STUDENT
WORKING TOGETHER
WE RECOGNISE THAT YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN YOUR CHILD’S LIFE
and choosing the school means we both become responsible for the future successful progress of your child. As such we value your support of our expectations to ensure the best educational experience for your child.
Working together means we can achieve much more, so developing positive and strong links between you and the school are vital.
MY CHILD AT SCHOOL
is how we communicate to you as parents/carers. Most general or bespoke information comes via the app. It is important that you ensure you can download the app once your child arrives at the school. This will help you keep track of their attendance, behaviour and progress.
PARENTPAY
We are a cashless school. This means we use the Parentpay online system which allows you to credit your child’s account so that meals, equipment, trips, etc. can be paid for.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
All items of the Dinnington High School uniform are compulsory.
• Formal plain black, flat shoes with a solid sole. Trainers and boots are not permitted.
• White shirt/blouse.
• Blazer with logo.
• Academy tie.
• Plain black tailored trousers, with no ankles showing. Trousers must not be tight around the calf or ankle. They must not be a skinny fit.
• Plain black full size socks, not trainer socks.
• Colour coded year group lanyard including timetable
The only items of jewellery permitted to be worn are one pair of small earrings no bigger than a 5p, one signet ring and a watch.
The list below are examples of attire that go against the school uniform code and must not be worn. This list is not exhaustive;
• Skirts/shorts.
• Leggings/trousers of a tight fitting style.
• Headbands that are not plain black.
• Training shoes, sandals, flip flops, canvas, plimsolls, ballet style shoes, high heeled shoes or boots.
• Shoe laces other than black.
• Body, facial or tongue piercings including retainers.
• In Years 7 and 8 students are not permitted to wear make-up.
• Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 are allowed to wear make-up however it must be minimal and discreet, looking entirely natural. Excessive make-up will have to be removed.
Eyeshadow, false lashes, heavy mascara, heavy eyebrows and brightly coloured lipstick would not be acceptable for any student. False nails, such as acrylic/gel and any coloured nail varnish are not regarded as acceptable. Brightly coloured dyed hair which is not natural looking, hair that has patterns shaved into it or other types of extreme hairstyles will not be accepted.
The academy expects all students to bring a bag to the academy every day. Students should have a bag which is big enough to carry their writing equipment as well as their PE Kit and any ingredients needed for cooking. From time to time, they may also be required to carry some exercise books. Clutch bags and man bags are not permitted as they are not sufficiently big enough to carry all required items. Only backpacks are considered suitable.
COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT
• 1 Backpack large enough to carry at least 5 A4 exercise books and a PE kit
• 2 Black pens
• 2 Green pens
• Pencil
• Ruler
COMPULSORY ACADEMY PE KIT
• Eraser
• Whiteboard pen
• Clear pencil case
• Calculator (Casio fx-85GT X Classwiz)
• Yondr Pouch
The PE kit consists of a T-shirt, shorts, and black socks: Uniform, including PE kit, can be purchased from: Pinders Schoolwear, 16 College Walk, Rotherham, S60 1QB
MOBILE PHONES
We are a mobile phone free school, students will place their phone in a lockable Yondr pouch which will be kept in their bag at all times. Parents/carers will need to purchase a Yondr pouch as it is part of our equipment list. The cost of this is £15.
DINNINGTON SCHOOL DAY
OUR SCHOOL DAY STARTS AT: 8.25am AND ENDS AT: 2.55pm.
Students can enter school site from 8.05am, there are free bagels for all students at breakfast time.
SCHOOL MEAL
If your child gets Free School Meals, we receive extra funding in school which can help us support students in a number of ways such as helping to subsidise the cost of the new uniform.
You might be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
If you need help with applying for free school meals, please ring Mrs Jackson on 01909 550066. You can also look online to find out if you are eligible:
www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mrs K. Wade Headteacher
Ms R. Parks Deputy Headteacher and SENDCO
Mr Mazacs Deputy Headteacher, Behaviour and Attendance
Mr Gilder Deputy Headteacher, Student Outcomes
Mr Grenham Deputy Headteacher, Student Outcomes
Mr Ebbs Assistant Headteacher, Y11 outcomes and Pupil Premium
Mr Towers Assistant Headteacher, Personal Development and Transition
Mrs Hallam Assistant Headteacher, Teaching and Learning
If you need to meet a member of staff, reception will help arrange an appointment.
WIDER OPPORTUNITIES
YEAR 7 HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO GO ON TRIPS AND VISITS AS WELL AS TO HAVE SPECIAL VISITORS COMING INTO SCHOOL.
Over the years at Dinnington students might choose a trip abroad into Europe with languages or geography, or skiing with PE. They might go on one of our Sports Tours; the last one went to India. The one before that went to Canada and the USA. They might go to the theatre, visit museums, local places of worship, sculpture parks and museums.
We have a highly successful Duke of Edinburgh award that is well regarded by future employers and universities. Over the full 7 years we have visits into school from universities and employers; we have close links with a range of universities.
We have an excellent sporting tradition with many students representing the school at county and national level. We also have a history of getting students into US universities on sporting scholarships. Our Sports Leaders will be known to Y7 already from primary school.
Our range of other clubs include Harry Potter club, STEM (science, technology, engineering & maths) club, Warhammer, library club, and more.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
• Performances.
• Art Exhibitions of student work.
• Wide range of lunchtime and after school clubs from sport to science, crafting to chess
• Special Dinnington Days with guest speakers
• Sports Trips
• Charity Fund Raising
• Range of competitions
• Student council and student leaders
• Lunchtime library club
“TEACHERS WORK AROUND THE CLOCK TO ENSURE ALL STUDENTS ARE RECEIVING THE EDUCATION THEY QUITE RIGHTLY DESERVE.”
MR A, PARENT OF STUDENT
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Our student development team at Dinnington High School is focused on putting our students at the heart of everything we do and ensuring strong pastoral care.
Our ethos of kindness, respect and excellence is an important part of our pastoral and academic care for our students. We work closely with students, parents and families to ensure that our students are able to succeed and achieve their potential. Student Development includes our Achieve team (Pastoral & Progress) and our Learning Support team (SEND & catch up).
Every child has a form tutor within their year group who is the first point of contact for your child every day and form time is based upon ensuring strong working relationships, teambuilding and a positive and supportive start to the day.
Form time activities are engaging and students really enjoy the relationships with their tutor and others in their form and year group. We include reading time of a wide range of books to widen students’ interests and to continuously develop their reading skills. Each year group is led by two year leaders who help youngsters with any worries and also ensure that we support students in a number of ways.
There is a strong anti-bullying ethos and form time, life and assemblies promote this, ensuring that young people are well cared for and feel they can share any worries with their form tutor, year leader and class teachers.
In 2020, we achieved the Rotherham silver award for our anti-bullying work. There is the opportunity to represent their student body and become a student leader, sharing their views and suggestions with school leaders. Students can also train to be #SafeToBeMe leaders so they can support fellow students.
Students’ needs are met in a nurturing environment whilst raising the aspirations of young people through guidance on careers, university, apprenticeships and ensuring every child achieves their very best.
“TEACHERS ARE CREATIVE IN THE WAYS THEY SUPPORT PUPILS TO REMEMBER KEY INFORMATION.”
OFSTED INSPECTION, FEBRUARY 2021