Senior School Prospectus

Headmaster's Welcome

Admissions

Financial Assistance

Mission Values

Reputation and Awards

Wellbeing

Tutor System

Facilitating Learning

Our Curriculum

Creative Arts

S.T.E.M

Sports

Discovering New Talents

Wider Horizons A

As your child embarks on the next phase of their education, the chances are that you, like generations of parents before you, have many aspirations for your child.

You want your child to achieve excellent results, of course, and gain a place at their chosen university. But you also want your child to explore, to have fun, to make good friends, and in so doing identify talents, passions, interests and skills beyond the classroom.

Above all, you want your child to grow into a well-rounded, grounded young person, confident in expressing opinions, self-effacing in manner. These things are, without doubt, important, and we share them as ambitions for every pupil in our care. But most important of all is that your child is happy and enjoys school, for it is only in feeling valued, respected and part of the school community that your child will develop confidence, curiosity, empathy and a desire to achieve.

We were recently visited by the Good Schools Guide who write independent reviews of schools. Their verdict was this: “Stunning school, stunning results. But don’t just pick it for the impressive buildings and A*s, pick it because your child will get to have a go at so much beyond the classroom. And pick it because of its community feel and grounded outlook. For a bright child, it’s a remarkable school.”

The School is best known for its outstanding academic achievements, but there is so much more to an education here than securing great results. Alongside excellence, we prize respect, empathy, curiosity and individuality. These shared values shape us as a community and drive decision-making for staff and students alike. We value each child as an individual, equipping them to face life’s challenges through our new wellbeing centre. Our mind-bending array of activities sparks lifelong passions and develops the allimportant soft skills to succeed in life.

Nottingham High School is a stimulating and welcoming community. Your child’s individual character and contributions will be appreciated; they will be stretched and supported by superb teachers and inspired to be the best they can be. We will stimulate their curiosity. Don’t just take our word for it, though; come and visit us and experience it for yourself. It would be my pleasure to welcome you to Nottingham High School

ADMISSIONS

ENGLISH PAPER: (60 MINUTES)

Given our strong academic reputation, you would be forgiven for thinking that your child must be a genius to get into Nottingham High School. Although our results are remarkable, our entry standards are modest. This school is so much more than academics. Your child will be cared for as an individual, be exposed to co-curricular activities galore and develop into a decent human being, grounded and thoughtful.

If your child is bright, intellectually curious and eager to learn, we would encourage you to apply.

The examination paper is in two sections, Reading and Writing. In the ‘Reading’ section, your child is given a short extract or extracts, followed by several questions. These questions will test their comprehension of the passage, and their ability to comment on the author’s language or other techniques. In the ‘Writing’ section, your child is given a choice of tasks: having chosen one, they should produce approximately one page of writing. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate your child’s writing skills – their ability to generate and organise ideas, their ability to write interesting and engaging pieces, and their spelling, punctuation and grammar skills.

MATHEMATICS PAPER: (50 MINUTES)

WATCH

Click to watch Head of Admissions Ruth Boxer talk about the admissions process.

This contains approximately 25 questions. The first 15 concentrate on arithmetic and the final 10 involve solving problems and questions on shape and space. There will be a few questions towards the end of the exam that are harder than the rest. The mathematical knowledge required for most of the questions on the paper is at what would be appropriate for a good school mathematician in year 5 or 6.

REASONING (1 HOUR)

This test includes Verbal Reasoning and some Non-Verbal Reasoning questions. The NonVerbal Reasoning questions use shape, images, and mathematical questions. We regret that we are unable, because of the copyright restrictions imposed by the suppliers of these tests, to provide sample tests. However, it is possible to buy copies of similar test questions online. The Reasoning test is carried out using a computer. Before children start answering the test questions, they will have the opportunity to do practice exercises.

If your child has a recognised condition (for which an Educational Psychologist’s report includes standardised scores below 85 and an evidenced standard method of working which supports the award of extra time or rest breaks), they may be awarded these in the Maths and English entrance assessments. This will always be assessed on an individual basis at the time of the Entrance assessment.

AFTER THE EXAM

The examination papers are marked very quickly after the event and it is our normal practice to call approximately 100 candidates for interview. Whilst this process is time-consuming, we feel that it is vital because we know that your child is far more than just an examination mark. In addition to general questions, the interview includes a review of some of the Mathematics and English questions from the examination and some general problem-solving questions. We have approximately 80 places available for external candidates with approximately 40/50 pupils moving up from our Junior School.

Although we always have many candidates, we do not feel we can offer a meaningful interview to more than 100. After the interviews have been held, we make our final selection for bursaries and fee-playing places.

DEPOSITS

If your child is accepted for a fee-paying place, you will be asked to pay a deposit of £800 within 14 days of notification. If your child is awarded a bursary, you will be asked to pay a deposit of £200 (unless your child is awarded full fee remission, in which case no deposit is payable) within 14 days of notification.

If we do not receive your deposit and/or written acceptance within the stipulated time frame, the offer of a place will be withdrawn. Your deposit is retained until the point at which your child leaves the school when it is returned, less any outstanding balances owed to the school. Should your child not take up the place, the deposit will only be returnable under special circumstances at the discretion of the Headmaster and Governors. A small number of pupils will be placed on a waiting list for places and will receive offers if and when vacancies occur.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships of a fixed sum may be awarded to pupils at the end of Year 7. The award is based on academic progress and performance throughout your child’s first year with us at Nottingham High School. The Scholarship is not linked to parental finances and will normally continue throughout your child’s school career. You do not need to apply for part-scholarships as these are awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster.

INSTRUMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS

We award up to four Instrumental Scholarships covering free tuition on one instrument (including voice) during Year 7, and the scholarship will stand until the end of Year 11.

As a guide, your child should be Grade 4 standard or higher on their principal instrument, although they need not have taken the examination. If successful, your child will be expected to participate fully in the musical life of the School, which normally includes membership of a choir. You will be emailed information about the audition process in the September that your child joins us. To apply, you complete an application form and submit a recording of one performance piece, which should be at least Grade 4 standard. Shortlisted applicants are then invited for interview. This takes place before October half-term, and comprises a short sightreading test, musicianship tests and general questions about your child’s current musical activities.

If you have any enquiries about the Instrumental Scholarships or any other aspect of the musical life of Nottingham High School, please do not hesitate to contact music@nottinghamhigh.co.uk.

Any award (Part-Scholarship or Bursary) may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Governors and Headmaster if a child’s conduct or academic performance proves unsatisfactory.

There are a limited number of Nottingham High School means tested, full and partial, bursaries available. Bursaries are only awarded to pupils entering the Senior School in Year 7. The bursary level awarded is dependent on parental income and assets and the bursary level may change annually when these are reassessed. If you wish your child to be considered for assistance, you must be prepared to provide confidential information concerning your financial situation.

All bursaries will be awarded at the Headmaster’s discretion and will normally continue until your child leaves the School unless your financial circumstances improve. Once a bursary has been awarded, it will then be renewed annually; you will be required to submit details of your finances each spring/summer when contacted by the Finance Team.

Bursaries may be up to 105% of the full published fees, to cover school meals, uniform and travel costs. However, most parents benefiting from a bursary contribution will have to pay for school meals, uniform and other necessary clothing, travel costs, and any other additional charges incurred during the academic year. You may be eligible for bursaries for two or more children simultaneously, in which case the same level of bursary will be awarded to each child.

If you have any queries about bursaries, please telephone the Financial Controller on 0115 845 2209 for clarification.

WATCH

Click to watch Finance & Operations Director Harriet

Avison talk about Fees, Bursaries and Scholarships

We enable students from diverse backgrounds to flourish in an academic, compassionate environment engaging and inspiring every pupil to maximise their potential and enjoyment. We nurture quietly confident and happy children who are intellectually curious and cared for as individuals.

MISSION

We have high aspirations and pursue excellence across all areas of our provision. We nurture individual pupils to achieve their highest potential and make a positive impact in the world.

We value each child and member of staff as an individual and embrace diversity in all its forms. We create the conditions in which our staff and children can be happy and flourish.

We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse community. We value kindness, integrity and modesty. We champion a culture of respect and understanding between all in the school community.

All of our provision is underpinned by empathy and tolerance. We seek to build resilience and empower children to make a difference in the world.

We value intellectual curiosity and creativity. We want every child to develop a love of learning. We embrace taking risks to enhance pupil development both academically and as people.

VALUES

REPUTATION ANDAWARDS

Nottingham High School has a strong reputation for academic success, yet as you get to know us, you will discover so much more: genuine cocurricular opportunity and real care of the individual.

We were delighted to be named East Midlands Independent School of the Year 2023, East Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Decade 2021 and to be ranked first for academic results in the East Midlands 2022, all awarded by The Sunday Times Independent Schools Guide. The Independent School of the Year awards named us the Coeducational School of the year in 2022, and awarded us a healthy eating award in 2020. Every bit as important to us though is the feedback from our parents. We are proud that pastoral care is consistently the highest-rated feature in our regular parental surveys.

However ready your child is for the next educational stage, starting Senior School can be daunting. Unfamiliar routines and people, new subjects, larger campus, greater independence, once again being the youngest in school.

Nottingham High School, we put a lot of time and thought into making the transition successful. It matters greatly to us that your child is happy here and feels that all-important sense of safety and belonging.

How do we do this? We get to know your child as an individual - what makes them tick, how best to motivate, encourage and help them, what they need to be happy and flourish. We build support network around your child, with their tutor at the heart, invested in their progress academically and as a person.

Like you, we hope that your child will navigate adolescence smoothly, yet the teenage years bring significant challenges. Your child’s ability to succeed at school is intrinsically linked heir wellbeing, which is where our sector-leading Wellbeing Centre comes in. Home to our school nurse, counselling rooms, the learning support team and staff able to help with recovery from sporting injuries, for example, it integrates all wellbeing services under one roof. Think of it as a holistic sanctuary, designed to provide empathetic and joined-up support for you and your child through any difficulties. WATCH Click

When your child joins our community, they are paired with a Tutor who encourages and supports them throughout their first four years at school. A key and consistent figure in your child’s care, the Tutor is also your first port of call as a parent.

The Tutor helps your child develop intellectually and socially, ensuring that they meet their undoubted potential. Tutors use a coaching model designed to empower your child and build a healthy and productive relationship, founded on mutual respect over time.

Initially, the Tutor’s focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition to life at Nottingham High. Whether that involves navigating the building or devising a new homework timetable, the approach is always bespoke and guided by your child’s needs.

TUTOR SYSTEM

Academically, the Tutor helps to ensure that your child organises their work and meets deadlines set by the class teachers. Tutors check your child’s understanding by discussing the strengths and areas for improvement that teachers have identified in their work. They review your child’s academic reports with them, helping them to set targets to facilitate further progress.

The Tutor’s input extends way beyond the academic; your child’s Tutor will ensure that they are making the most of all the cocurricular opportunities at school. If your child meets a bump in the road, their Tutor will help them navigate this successfully. Whatever your child faces, they never face it alone.

Senior Tutors provide an additional layer of support, sharing their experience and expertise with Tutors to ensure that your child’s experience of life at Nottingham High School is excellent.

This is a school that is contemporary in its thinking and its spaces. Facilities are purpose-built with learning in mind: our Science labs are being fully modernised to facilitate both theory and practical work in the same space, we have recently invested in new Food Technology suites, and we continue to develop our more traditional classroom spaces for modern teaching styles. ICT is plentiful and accessible throughout the School. Alongside our whole school ICT rooms and purpose built Sixth Form ICT space the school operates a fully BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programme where students can use their devices at any time during lessons.

The library is open daily from 8am to 4:30pm for independent research or reading novels, journals and newspapers. Lecture theatres provide enrichment via visiting speakers or student presentations. Learning support is widely available for anyone who needs it. Your child will be able to pick up revision tips, hone study skills, access on-going help for any learning need or simply find out more about his or her personal learning style. Teachers are always on hand to offer extra help whenever it’s needed, while Sixth Formers mentor younger pupils through buddying schemes for Maths and Reading.

OURCURRICULUM

YEAR 7 AND 8

Your child will study a breadth of subjects across these years to build an idea of what subjects they may wish to follow later. Students select two languages from French, German and Spanish when they enter the School and follow these languages as they progress through the school. Each subject is allocated at least one hour per week, with more time given to Maths and English.

YEAR 9

This is a transition year for your child as they start to focus on their subject choices. Students maintain a core curriculum of Maths, English, Sciences and Humanities but reduce the number of languages and creative subjects to allow more time to be spent on prospective (i)GCSE subjects. Latin can be selected for the first time at this point. All subjects now have at least 1.5 hours per week, with more time allowed for Maths and English.

YEAR 10 AND 11

During these years, your child will study for their (i)GCSEs. Students study Maths (those in the higher sets will do the FSMQ), English Language and Literature and seven further subjects (which must include two Sciences and a MFL), making a total of ten subjects. Your child must select subjects studied in Year 9 to allow the material to be built on in preparation for external exams at the end of Year 11. All subjects have at least four hours per fortnight, with more time allowed for Maths and English.

HOMEWORK

All lessons are fully supported by our homework programme. We ask you to help by providing a suitable workplace at home for your child and adequate time to fulfil their study commitments. The homework routine starts early in the Autumn Term of Year 7. Form Teachers will give your child a copy of the individual homework timetable for you to sign and return, thus confirming that you know exactly what should be done and when. All homework is published by the teaching staff on ‘Google Classroom’. Both you and your child can access this via the internet or via an app on a smartphone. It is a very easy system to use.

LEARNING SUPPORT

We have a responsibility to respond to your child’s specific learning needs. The Learning Support staff timetable fortnightly withdrawal lessons and assess progress in written reports shared with you. Following consultation with you, your child’s Tutor and the Deputy Head we may refer to outside support agencies if necessary.

CREATIVE ARTS

The creative arts develop essential skills for the workplace which is why your child will experience Music, Art and Drama within the timetable for the first two years. Alongside these lessons, they will be able to pursue any artistic interests further.

Some learn an instrument and join an orchestra, choir or band. Others participate in drama productions, on stage or behind the scenes. Your child might prefer to lay down tracks in the recording studio or help paint the annual art department mural. With excellent printing and clay facilities, SLR cameras and an ICT suite with Photoshop and Graphics Tablets, there is something for every budding artist.

There is a programme of over 30 concerts and music events through the year ranging from teatime concerts to formal concerts staged at a prestigious city venue. Plays, musicals and informal concerts are also regularly performed on campus, in our Theatre, Recital Hall and other purpose-built facilities. We encourage your child to explore the Arts and find a creative outlet.

Advances in Technology and Science are transforming our world at an incredible pace, and your child must be literate in both these areas on leaving school.

Your child will have the opportunity to learn Chemistry, Biology and Physics separately. They will learn about the subjects’ relevance and practical application to daily life and will conduct experiments on a regular basis. In Design and Technology, your child will learn to draw on intellect, creativity, and problemsolving skills as they design and make objects for everyday life.

If your child has a passion for Science and DT, Science and Young Engineers clubs are amongst the many clubs to join. Your child might enter an Olympiad competition, apply to attend a national Chemistry camp or compete in a challenge to build a robot. There will also be trips for your child to enjoy – a Spectroscopy Masterclass at Nottingham Trent University or a visit to Rolls Royce, for example.

S P O R T S

The benefits of sport are well documented: improved self-esteem and confidence, a healthy mind and a healthy body. Sport teaches us about teamwork, to be gracious in victory and resilient in defeat. It is social, a great leveller and a wholesome way to counter life’s pressures.

There are also numerous other sports to try out both within and outside of lessons, with the choice of sports broadening as your child progresses through the School.

Whether your child aspires to play for a national side or just wants to keep fit, they will find a standard of coaching and competition to match ability and interest. Your child will experience the exhilaration of playing their heart out for house or school, cheered on by friends and family.

Facilities are plentiful and enjoyed by all. The gym is used as much for decompression with friends at lunchtime as it is for team strength & conditioning sessions; the swimming pool as much for water polo and kayaking as for training and galas.

DISCOVERING NEWTALENTS

You will undoubtedly want your child to explore new and diverse experiences during their time at school; you will want them to unearth new talents and interests as well as refine existing skills and pursuits. That’s why education here extends way beyond the classroom with a compelling array of activities, clubs and societies

These cover all imaginable forms of sport and music, and span multiple spheres: Climbing, Food club, Astronomy, Beast Club, Life Drawing, Chess, TED Talks, Animation, Greek, Young Engineers, Lushtastic, Gardening club, Journalism, E-sports, Digital photography….

Your child will be offered remarkable opportunities for adventure, teamwork, leadership and outdoor pursuits through the Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our own Scout Group. The Community Action group and Eco-Schools teach of the great worth in helping others and the fulfilment that comes from contributing to wider society.

There are also many expeditions, trips and visits open to your child each year. Some join a skiing trip, sports tour or CCF camp, others might take part in an expedition which could see them building a classroom in Bolivia or scaling the peaks of the Swiss Alps.

Unearthnew talentsand interestsaswell asrefineexisting skillsandpursuits

Educationhere extendsway beyondthe classroom

There is no such thing as a typical path after Nottingham High School, for we equip each student with the skills and interests to carve their own course. We will encourage your child to explore a wide range of options including straight to work schemes, university courses in this country and abroad, and degree apprenticeships.

Every year, almost every student is successful in their chosen trajectory – an outstanding achievement. This is because of the expert guidance and support we provide, first in choosing the right subjects for their preferred direction, and then in helping them make the strongest application they can.

In the Sixth Form, your child will be connected via our alumni platform to around 1000 past pupils offering mentorship and support. Your child will have many opportunities to meet with alumni and professionals from local businesses, to gain insider perspectives on different industries or careers and explore current opportunities.

Despite their varied onward pathways, our departing Sixth Formers share a common traitconfidence. Not the brash, entitled kind, but confidence that is unassuming and grounded. Your child will leave us as a self-assured and well-educated young adult, ready to play their part in society and succeed in life, whatever direction they take.

ADAYINTHELIFE

Earliest time of arrival for students. Sport and Music Breakfast available in the Dining Hall (parents welcome)

Reception, Student Services Office, Switchboard, Library and ICT Centre open

Warning Bell to move to Form groups, Tutor set or Assembly (5 minutes)

Form groups, Tutor set or Assembly (25 minutes)

Transfer time

Period 1 (60 minutes)

Transfer time

Period 2 (60 minutes)

Break

Period 3 (60 minutes)

Lunch and Activities (70 minutes)

Period 4 (60 minutes)

Transfer time

Period 5 (60 minutes)

Snacks and drinks on sale to students in the Brasserie.

Latest time for students in Years 7 to 11 to leave if not involved in an organised after-school activity or in After School Club.

Reception and Switchboard close. Latest time for Sixth Formers to leave is 18:00, if not involved in an after-school activity

*One period each week will be either for timetabled PSHE or for Independent Study.

After School Club closes .

From September 2024

Tuition Fees

Individual Music Tuition

Instrument Hire

School Lunch

Fees are reviewed annually

£6,275 per term

£24.84 per 20 minutes

£50 per term

Pay as you go using Wisepay

The cost of stationery, exercise and text books is included in the tuition fee. Parents may wish to consider covering the School feel by means of insurance schemes. The School cannot endorse any particular scheme, but further information is available from your financial adviser Fees are due before the start of each term and are paid by Direct Debit

Deposits

Parents will be asked to pay a deposit of £800 within two weeks of an offer being made In the event of a child not taking up his or her place, the deposit will only be returnable under special circumstances at the discretion of the Nottingham High School Headmaster and Governors.

APPLICATIONS

The Entrance Examination for entry to Nottingham High School in September 2024 will be held on Saturday 20th January 2024. Year 7 applicants will need to have reached the age of 11 by 1st September 2024. The examination consists of a Reasoning test, a Mathematics paper and an English paper Parents of children eligible to take the January Entrance Assessment should complete and return the Application Form by 1st December 2023

Please note that the deadline for bursary applications is 1st November 2023, to allow enough time to complete and return the supplementary bursary application paperwork.

We require a photo of your child on the application form along with the £50 application fee. Once we have received your application we will send you an acknowledgement email. If successful a place will be offered to your child within fourteen working days of the assessment and your acceptance will then be expected within two weeks together with the deposit.

FEES

Please get in touch by emailing

RESULTS 2023

Number of Pupils

% of A* grades

% of A* and A grades

% A*, A and B grades

Number of Pupils with 3 or more A grades

Number of Pupils

% of A*/9/8 grades

% of A* and A or 7+ grades

% A*, A and B/6 grades

Number of Pupils with full set of A*/9 grades

Number of Pupils with all A*/9/8 grades

and we will send you an application form.

POLICIES

HOW TO FIND US

We are a short walk or tram journey from Nottingham Town Centre, with ‘The High School’ tram stop on the doorstep.

Directions and information on transport links can be found on our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham NG7 4ED

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

The current chairman of Governors is Mr S. Banks. He can be contacted by email at chairman@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

SCHOOL POLICIES

Our Safeguarding Policy alongside all other Policies are available on the School website: www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/policies

Hard copies of any policy are available upon request.