High Tunstall College of Science has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Giving Back to the Community
High Tunstall College of Science is truly comprehensive and serves a diverse community. Due to the raft of support in place, and a Headteacher and a team who go the extra mile to meet need, the school is a first choice for parents across the Borough. Giving back to the community is an important driver for the Headteacher who holds roles of governance across several schools and charity organisations. The investment in school facilities is not solely for the needs of students but for the wider community. Plans are well underway as the assessor saw during a visit across the vast school grounds, to develop outdoor learning areas and a running track which will be used by local primary schools. The introduction of a ‘coffee pod’ demonstrates the Headteacher’s mission to make the school a hub of the community where visitors on an evening and weekend can enjoy the facilities.
Leadership has evolved and is a clear strength. The governance of the school is strong and Governors have an impact as they know what is happening at the school at every level through their access to data and the openness of the Headteacher. The Governing body is large with representation from different areas of industry. The Chair of Governors challenges the Headteacher and senior leaders to think, “what is next?” Governors have experience of the school as parents, and one Governor spoke of their journey into the role after experiencing the support and systemic changes that had taken place to support their child’s needs. Governors who work in the primary sector praised the school for its ability to support students to transition successfully and continue to flourish.
Leaders are Confident
Leaders across the school are confident not only in their areas but in each other’s areas. There is a true sense of collaboration and partnership. Everyone is working together to achieve the best for the students. During the visit, our assessor met with staff from across all areas of the school. Every staff member is valued and plays a role within the ‘family.’ There is progression for staff interested in developing their areas further, this was evident when staff met with academic mentors who had progressed into the role.
Students’ personal development thrives at High Tunstall College of Science. The opportunities available are open to all. It is not about being the best at something. The school recognises student effort and provides all students, regardless of additional need the opportunity to take part in activities, leadership roles and worldly experiences that help them to grow into future adults. From the leadership academy to the ‘Tunny Times’ all students have a wealth of opportunity at High Tunstall. Inter-house competitions are a highlight throughout the year. Heads of Houses garner momentum through assemblies campaigning to be the winning house. The assessor visited the sports hall where a volleyball inter-house competition was in full swing. Students were fully engaged and genuinely happy to be representing their house.
Opportunities on Offer
Our assessor was fortunate enough to talk with a student who had recently transferred to the school. The student talked about the opportunities on offer at High Tunstall and how it was more than they had experienced at their previous school. Another student was open about their difficulties throughout primary and secondary school and that the underlying reason for some of their behaviour was their inability to read. The student, who is now in their final year, was proud to tell our assessor that after the work and support they received from staff, they are now onto their second book and have found a love for reading. The assessor witnesses the strong relationships staff have with students. During a Year 9 Dance lesson, our assessor saw how staff supported students to feel a sense of belonging from the moment they entered the classroom. Staff genuinely care for students and make it a priority to get to know them.
Students and staff are supported by leaders through their Mental Health and Wellbeing Toolkit. The Toolkit ties in with the school’s motto to Inspire, Support and Achieve and is based upon Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Leaders know that without support for physiological safety and social and emotional fulfilment, students will struggle to reach their full protentional. Staff, students, parents and carers are all able to refer themselves or someone they are concerned about to services both in school and outside of school. Everyone cares deeply for one another at High Tunstall.
Students talked with excitement about their lessons – particularly History where one student said, “they bring the past to life!” During the learning walk the expertise of staff could be seen across the Technology Department where students were fully engaged in the staff member’s modelling of what was expected. It was also a joy to see girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) being given a focus with a trip to a local university taking place for Year 8 girls.
Students say they are “excited to come to school” as there is so much on offer. Students across all year groups talked about having lots to choose from. Students were enthusiastic about their learning, and about the staff who they described as supportive and understanding. Students told the assessor that the school lives and breathes its motto: Inspire, Support, Achieve. Students believe in themselves because they are told on their first day they can be anything they want to be.
A School for All
Leaders know their school and what their priorities are moving forward. The investment in staff development to ensure they are well-rounded educators provides quality teaching experiences. The Headteacher’s investment in staff is driven by the need for inclusion, ensuring High Tunstall is a school for all.
The mission to be truly inclusive has led to heavy investment and development of high-quality provisions providing bespoke learning and a broad and balanced offer to students who would otherwise not be able to access mainstream education provision. This investment in provision has proved successful, and the school has continued to be recommended to parents, carers and local authorities looking to ensure a rich and supportive education for the young people of Hartlepool.
Staff, students, stakeholders, parents and carers are fully invested in the school. Students have been inspired by the school to lead extra-curricular activities. Students want to support one another and have developed their own clubs and support networks to ensure that no one feels alone. Staff commented that they are proud to work at High Tunstall. Staff turnover is low, and as a result of positive leadership, the school do not need supply. This consistency in staffing means that students can build strong, positive relationships with adults in school.
Agency working is positive. Outside agencies commented that High Tunstall is always open to offers of support. The staff want the children to experience everything and so they go out of their way to build strong relationships with outside agencies. The School Nurse takes a key role and delivers lessons to students creatively and imaginatively.
The school has gone from strength to strength over the years through the Headteacher’s passion for inclusion. If there is a need the Headteacher’s attitude is “we will meet it!” Putting inclusion above all other measures the staff and students are proud of their school and will not waiver from their mission to continue to be a school for all.
Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award
If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:
028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: admin@iqmaward.com for further details.
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