Dear Parents/Carers 

Yet another good couple of days at Hessle where I continue to be impressed by how friendly and welcoming everyone has been. On a very personal note, what I am really enjoying is being back in a school with a sixth form as they add such a positive and academic dimension to a school. What also makes a difference is that some lessons are in the main school building, so they are role models for all our other students. Even the complexity of the language they use as they walk to lessons will be picked up by younger students to become part of their everyday vocabulary. Tranby House, where Sixth form is based, is a lovely environment as are the facilities and the quality of education both here and when they go to Wolfreton. It is a very effective partnership. 

What I would like to highlight is that our progress outcomes in the Sixth Form are well above national, something that I am keen to celebrate and publicise. This is down to a number of factors, not least high-quality teaching. The aspirations of our students are high, for example four students were accepted into medical school last year (four applied) and we also had a student who was accepted into Oxford University. This year we have four strong applications for Oxbridge alongside students moving on to a wide variety of destinations including degree apprenticeships. Our approach of providing individualised support for students has resulted in higher than national averages for destinations and retention and a large number of very happy former sixth form students, all of whom have a personal tutor throughout their time with us. 

We also have a campus culture which helps students develop the independence they need to thrive post-Sixth Form, an aspect I consider to be crucial for future success. What I have observed is a real sense of pride and a willingness to volunteer and represent the sixth form. Our student council is led by Sixth Form students, and I have been impressed when watching them in action in Tuesday morning meetings. There is a strong sense of loyalty amongst the students not only in our current cohort but those former sixth formers who come back to speak about their experiences. 

In short, in conjunction with Wolfreton, we are extremely proud of our sixth form and their achievements. It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Hessle School and Sixth Form with such fantastic students and staff. 

I hope you have a good weekend. 

Mr Nixon

Headteacher