<![CDATA[Highdown School & Sixth Form Centre News Feed - Latest News]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk%2Flatest%2Dnews Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Wed, 7 Jan 2026 14:09:37 GMT Wed, 7 Jan 2026 14:09:37 GMT <![CDATA[ Regional Winners in National Youth Monologue Competition ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=417 Highdown School is celebrating an outstanding achievement at the National Youth Monologue Competition, delivered in partnership with the Ambassador Theatre Group and the Federation of Drama Schools. 

]]> Wed, 7 Jan 2026 14:09:37 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=417 <![CDATA[ Headteacher Meets Prime Minister ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=416 Tue, 6 Jan 2026 14:48:10 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=416 <![CDATA[ Fire and Smiles as Caversham Primary School's Year 5 join us in the Highdown Science Labs ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=415 Mon, 2 Dec 2024 13:06:23 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=415 <![CDATA[ Highdown School Joins GLF ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=414 We are delighted to confirm that our school has successfully joined GLF Schools on 1 October, as previously communicated.

Many parents will know that Highdown School has been working closely with GLF for a number of years.

We are very excited about the benefits that this transfer will bring to Highdown and all the schools within GLF.

Julian Drinkall, CEO for GLF Schools said, “It is great news that Highdown is now formally part of GLF, though we have been working closely with the schools’ Governors and leaders over the past 12 months to bring this to fruition, particularly in the recent Headteacher recruitment process. I am delighted that Laura Matthews will be joining us in January and thank Matthew Grantham for his continued work as Acting Headteacher to ensure a smooth transfer to GLF”.

Matthew Grantham added, “The staff team at Highdown are looking forward to working with the GLF team, and this will bring greater opportunities for our students over time”.

]]> Tue, 1 Oct 2024 08:39:08 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=414 <![CDATA[ Headteacher Appointment ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=413 We are delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Mathews as the new Headteacher of Highdown School. With over 14 years of experience in education, including a decade in leadership, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the school, as well as an impressive record of powerful impact on the lives and learning experiences of students. Laura will be joining us in January, following the Highdown’s move to GLF Schools in October. We would like to give our continued thanks to Matthew Grantham, who will remain Acting Headteacher for the remainder of this term and will ensure a comprehensive transition of leadership with Laura when she joins us. After this, Matthew will revert to his Deputy Headteacher position.

Presently serving as Senior Deputy Head at Kennet School, Laura has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to enhancing the quality of education. Her leadership in curriculum development and school improvement has been judged as outstanding by Ofsted in May of this year, as was her leadership of whole school professional development and performance management.

Laura also has significant experience in personal and pastoral development, including her role as Assistant Headteacher, here at Highdown, where she successfully redesigned house and student leadership systems. Prior to her work with us she also served as the designated lead teacher for safeguarding and child protection at West London Free School as well as running the school Initial Teacher Training Programme. This breadth of experience has resulted in Laura leading and making significant impact across all areas of school life, and in a range of different educational contexts.

Laura is also an active contributor to the wider educational community. She has presented at national education and research conferences and has led peer-reviewed teaching projects with the Schools, Students and Teachers Network. She also serves on local advisory boards and is a governor for a local college which supports children with special educational needs.

Laura holds a degree from Durham University in Classics, and a MA in Educational Leadership. As a committed lifelong learner she is also embarking on a PhD in Education as well as currently completing her NPQH. Laura has remarked “I am hugely excited to be joining Highdown School and GLF. As a former Senior Leader at Highdown, I am aware of the huge potential of both staff and students, as well as the strong support from parents and governors of the school. I am really looking forward to meeting you all in January.”

We are excited to welcome Laura as Headteacher. Her personal belief in the profound importance of the impact of schools to both the individual student and society as a whole is a value shared with both Highdown School and GLF.

 

Arttu Rajantie                                                    Julian Drinkall                  Lynne O’Reilly

Chair of Trustees, Highdown                      CEO, GLF                             Chair of Trustees, GLF

]]> Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:59:43 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=413 <![CDATA[ GCSE Results 2024 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=412 We are celebrating today with our GCSE students who achieved outstanding outcomes. These are the best set of results for Highdowners at GCSE and a step forward in those achieving 5+ good passes (5+) (61%).  Over 80% achieved 5+ passes.  The positive progress from students’ starting points at secondary school is a testament to the students' and teacher’s hard work. 

We are delighted that we will be welcoming these students back to the Highdown Sixth Form in the majority of cases. To those taking up college or apprenticeship places, we wish you the very best on the next stage of your journey.  

Some extraordinary achievements are listed below, but there are many more! 

Thomas Busby – 9 x grade 9, 1 x grade 8, and 9 in further maths. 

Ellie Bloxam – 8 x grade 9, 1 x grade 8, 1 x grade 7 and grade 9 in further maths.  

Eloise Hackett - 8 x grade 9, 2 x grade 8 and grade 9 in further maths.

Natalie Hung – 7 x grade 9, 2 x grade 8, 1 x grade 7 and grade 9 in further maths. 

Ellie Perkins – 7 x grade 9, 2 x grade 8, 1 x grade 7. 

Jake Ng – 7 x grade 9, 1 x grade 8, 1 x grade 7 and grade 9 in further maths. 

Hannah Chandler – 6 x grade 9, 4 x grade 8 and a grade 9 in further maths. 

Paulina Miskufova – 6 x grade 9, 3 x grade 8, 1 x grade 7 and a 9 in further maths. 

Noah Greenfield – 6 x grade 9, 2 x grade 7, 2 x grade 6 and a 7 in further maths. 

Ella Martin – 6 x grade 9, 2 x grade 8 and 2 x grade 7. 

Ms Rachel Cave 

Headteacher  

22nd August 2024 

]]> Thu, 22 Aug 2024 11:49:26 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=412 <![CDATA[ A-LEVEL RESULTS 2024 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=411 We are so proud of the hard-working Highdowners picking up their results today. Over 20% of all grades are at A*/A level. 

]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:31:03 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=411 <![CDATA[ A Message from the Chair of Governors April 2024 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=410 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:48:39 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=410 <![CDATA[ House Cup Winners 2022-23 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/house-cup-winners-2023 Caversham - House Cup Winners 2022-23 ]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:05:33 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/house-cup-winners-2023 <![CDATA[ Year 11 Results 2023 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=407 Congratulations to all our Year 11 students receiving their results today. Please see below for our press release.

]]> Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:01:54 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=407 <![CDATA[ Post-16 Results 2023 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=406 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:15:03 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=406 <![CDATA[ NHS Nurse Newsletter July 2023 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/nurse-newsletter-jul-2023 NHS Nurse Newsletter July 2023

]]> Thu, 6 Jul 2023 11:32:45 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/nurse-newsletter-jul-2023 <![CDATA[ Dr Love Wins Biology Teacher of The Year Award ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/andy-love-rsb Dr Andy Lovehas won this year's RSB School Biology Teacher of the Year Award.

]]> Thu, 6 Jul 2023 11:37:30 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/andy-love-rsb <![CDATA[ Over The Rainbow ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/over-the-rainbow-concert Over The Rainbow: A Concert for Charlie was a huge success last Saturday, the 24th!

]]> Wed, 5 Jul 2023 11:56:55 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/over-the-rainbow-concert <![CDATA[ LSA Open Coffee Morning ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/lsa-open-morning We are holding an open coffee morning on Monday 10th July from 9:30am to 11:30am for people wishing to get into LSA Roles here at Highdown. During the morning you will be guided by Mrs Joanna Arnold, SENDCo Leader.

]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:28:18 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/lsa-open-morning <![CDATA[ Financial Education for Young People ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/financial-education Reading council’s children and young people’s wellbeing project co-ordinator is working with an organisation called Untold which is offering holiday activities based around financial education for disadvantaged communities. They are looking to extend their offer to schools and youth groups. Please see the attached leaflet for more information.

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:15:59 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/financial-education <![CDATA[ SEND Short Breaks Summer Holiday ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/summer-send-short-breaks Summer Holidays SEND short break offers from around the Reading area have come in from Brighter Futures for Children. Booking as well as contact details and RSVP can be found on this article:

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:15:59 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/summer-send-short-breaks <![CDATA[ What Does It Mean to Be a Cover Supervisor? ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/cover-supervisor Hear from our Cover Supervisors on what their role here is like day-to-day, and the experience they had before coming to join us at Highdown. 

If you have an interest in this role at Highdown after reading, apply to become a Cover Supervisor here: https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/support-staff-vacancies

]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:16:31 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/cover-supervisor <![CDATA[ Elevate Careers Summer Fair ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/elevate-careers-summer-fair Brighter Futures for Children are running a careers fair for young people aged 16-19 (up to 25 with a current ECHP) to come and meet local providers, and get help finding a college course, apprenticeship, or employment.

]]> Mon, 5 Jun 2023 09:50:25 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/elevate-careers-summer-fair <![CDATA[ Berkshire Maestros Newsletter May 2023 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/berkshire-maestros-newsletter-may-2023 Berkshire Maestros' most recent newsletter for parents, from May 2023.

]]> Mon, 5 Jun 2023 09:20:46 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/berkshire-maestros-newsletter-may-2023 <![CDATA[ Brighter Futures for Children's First Employment Forum Meeting ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/bffc-sen-employment-forum Information from Brighter Futures for Children on their first employment forum meeting. Taking place Wednesday 14th June between 4pm and 6pm at Barista & Beyond, 5 Alfred Street, Reading, RG1 7AT.

]]> Mon, 22 May 2023 09:06:19 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/bffc-sen-employment-forum <![CDATA[ SEND Short Breaks May/June Half Term 2023 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/may-june-half-term-send-offers May/June half-term SEND short break offers from around the Reading area have come in from Brighter Futures for Children. Booking as well as contact details and RSVP can be found on this article:

]]> Wed, 17 May 2023 14:56:18 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/may-june-half-term-send-offers <![CDATA[ Special United Meeting - 9th May ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/special-united-meeting-9th-may News and details on the next Special United meeting.

]]> Tue, 9 May 2023 09:28:25 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/special-united-meeting-9th-may <![CDATA[ Somewhere Over the Rainbow: A Concert for Charlie ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/concert-for-charlie A family concert, hosted at Highdown, raising money for Team Charlie, a charity set up in memory of 13-year-old Charlie Ilsley, who died of a brain tumour in December 2020. The charity raises money to provide grants to offer respite, gifts, create positive experiences, and help make memories for families of children with brain tumours in Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

]]> Wed, 7 Jun 2023 09:09:34 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/concert-for-charlie <![CDATA[ Berkshire Maestros Newsletter - March 2023 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/berkshire-maestros-newsletter Berkshire Maestros' latest parent newsletter, from March 2023.

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:12:53 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/berkshire-maestros-newsletter <![CDATA[ Performing Arts Level 3 Showcase ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/performing-arts-level-3-showcase This Performing Arts showcase will take place on Friday 19th May, 7pm, in DR2.

]]> Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:19:34 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/performing-arts-level-3-showcase <![CDATA[ Delivering Better Value for Children Parent/Carer Survey ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/bffc-parent-carer-survey BFfC (Brighter Futures for Children) is part of the Delivering Better Value for Children (DBV) project being run by the Department for Education to improve outcomes for children and families.

]]> Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:30:56 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/bffc-parent-carer-survey <![CDATA[ BFfC - Little People Big Feelings ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/bffc-little-people-big-feelings 19th April, in the morning, at 09:30 to 12:00. The session will discuss the Understanding of emotional wellbeing and emotional regulation in pre-school children.

]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:05:06 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/bffc-little-people-big-feelings <![CDATA[ SEND Local Offer Newsletter - Spring 2023 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=387 Please find attached the Spring 2023 (Issue 31) of the SEND Local Offer Newsletter Spring 2023.

]]> Thu, 16 Mar 2023 09:50:19 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=387 <![CDATA[ UKESF - Girls into Electronics ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=386 Ticket registration is open for the Girls into Electronics events

]]> Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:20:17 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=386 <![CDATA[ Level 3 Performing Arts Workshop ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/level-3-performing-arts-workshop Our Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Performing Arts qualifications help your students to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives, whether that’s higher education, an apprenticeship or employment.

The qualification includes specific pathways for all performing arts specialisms: music, acting, dance, musical theatre, and theatre production, at Highdown we teach to the students’ talents and disciplines and develop skills in all three main disciplines.

]]> Tue, 7 Mar 2023 12:47:46 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/article/level-3-performing-arts-workshop <![CDATA[ SEND February Half Term Short Breaks ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=384 SEND February half-term short break offers from around the Reading area have come in from the local charities. Booking as well as contact details and RSVP can be found on this article:

]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:18:20 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=384 <![CDATA[ Special United 26th Jan 2023 Meeting ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=383 The next Special United meet up will be on the 26th January 2023. With talks from Abbi Chambers from Reading Mencap, Allison Bradshaw, the Project Manager for CAMHS, and the Reading Local Offer Team.

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:08:53 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=383 <![CDATA[ Back to School Online Safety ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=382 National Online Safety have provided some useful tips and information for students about how to stay safe online.

]]> Wed, 4 Jan 2023 11:31:03 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=382 <![CDATA[ Open Morning for LSA and HLTA Roles ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=381 We are holding an open morning from 10am - 12pm on the 18th January for people wishing to get into LSA and HLTA Roles here at Highdown. During the morning you will be guided by Mrs Joanna Arnold, SENDCo Leader.

]]> Wed, 4 Jan 2023 12:19:29 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=381 <![CDATA[ Year 7 Creative Careers Winners ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=380 The art department is pleased to announce the winners of the creative careers competition.

]]> Thu, 5 Jan 2023 14:15:56 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=380 <![CDATA[ Increase in Scarlet Fever ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=379 The UKHSA have put out an information letter to parents about the recent national increase in notifications of scarlet fever, above seasonal expected levels.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:15:24 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=379 <![CDATA[ Former Student in Need of Help ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=378 We are looking for people from the age of 17-55 to help a former student diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia.

]]> Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:39:24 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=378 <![CDATA[ Winter Holidays 2022 Family Services and SEND Local Offer ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=377 Reading Borough Council's Family Information Service (FIS)/SEND Local Offers for parents and carers during the winter holidays 2022. Including a page for food, clothing and warm spaces and holiday activities for children.

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:40:54 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=377 <![CDATA[ Ice Safety Info. From RBFRS ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=376 Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued an ice safety information be publicised across Berkshire in order to help keep young people and their families as safe as possible during the winter period.

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 09:48:31 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=376 <![CDATA[ Christmas Jumper Day ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=375 Christmas Jumper Day 2022 - Tuesday 20th December

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:32:03 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=375 <![CDATA[ SCHOOL ALERT 12/22 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=374 Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:35:21 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=374 <![CDATA[ YR 11 12/12/22 ALERT ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=373 IMPORTANT ALERT FOR YR 11 12/12/22

]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2022 09:02:35 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=373 <![CDATA[ Careers Fair November 2022 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=372 We are delighted to announce the return of our annual Careers Fair!

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:32:32 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=372 <![CDATA[ GCSE and Technical Results Day ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=370 Congratulations to all students receiving their results today!

]]> Thu, 25 Aug 2022 12:33:32 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=370 <![CDATA[ Post-16 Results Day ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=369 Congratulations to all students receiving results today!

]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2022 11:01:13 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=369 <![CDATA[ Year 11 Prom 2022 ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=367 Highdown Year 11 Prom 2022! 

]]> Fri, 8 Jul 2022 15:29:33 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=367 <![CDATA[ Our 50th Anniversary event ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=365 Our Highdown 50th Anniversary Celebration was a brilliant event. The atmosphere was perfect and people came along with a smile on their face and reminisced about the 'old days'. The exact number that visited was not counted but over a thousand stakeholders, new and old, came on site. They enjoyed a number of fantastic performances, some lovely food treats, some fun games created by our Houses and enjoyed looking around some local community stalls.

We hope you enjoyed the day! 

]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2022 13:59:12 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=365 <![CDATA[ Zebra Careers Event ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=360 Highdown's visit to Zebra Technologies. 

]]> Fri, 20 May 2022 08:47:14 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=360 <![CDATA[ Teaching Training Provision ]]> https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=357 Fri, 8 Apr 2022 09:45:32 GMT https://www.highdown.reading.sch.uk/news/?pid=42&nid=1&storyid=357