Question:  How much does it cost to send your child to Eton College?  What is the average cost of private school education in the UK, and what impact will the Government’s introduction of VAT on these fees have on the cost? 

For the answers, and the reason why I pose these questions, read on.... 

On Wednesday evening, I had the privilege of speaking to a large number of parents/carers of Year 11 students.  The event was our Autumn Term Success Evening and consisted of a carousel of three activities designed to provide parents with as much information as possible with which to support the students as they embark on the most important year of their educational life. 

Year 11 is a testing year for students; they have to contend with so much.  It is the second year of their GCSEs in which most external assessments take place, which includes plenty of coursework as well as up to 27 individual examinations in the summer.  There are two sets of mock exams (Autumn and Spring) and lots of learning and homework.  And then there’s the pressure of decision making – where am I going next?  Sixth Form?  College?  Apprenticeship?  That means lots of open days, careers events and hard thinking about what the student wants to do with the next stage of their education. 

It adds up to a tough year.  And one that no student can navigate alone.  Fortunately, they don’t have to.  They have access to a highly skilled and experienced and dedicated body of staff at Hessle High School, whose job it is to support students through this experience on an annual basis.  It is what they do, they’ve been doing it for years and they do it well. 

And it’s free. Doesn’t cost a thing.  The average cost of a year’s worth of education in a private school would set you back around £15,000 and, if Eton was your private school of choice, you’re looking at more than £60,000.  Per child, per year. 

I often wonder what you get for your money, since I get around £5,000 per year to provide a full and rounded education for each of our students.  It’s not as much as I think they’re worth but it's just about enough.  And it certainly buys a great team of people who do a great job every single day. 

But I digress.  My message to our students and their families this week was that there is a fantastic package of support available to help the students, and families, to navigate the tough year ahead.  And all that is required is to turn up, engage with it and to prosper.   

The fact that we had the overwhelming majority of our Year 11 families in attendance hopefully demonstrates to my staff that their work is appreciated and the support will be taken gladly.  It was a great event. 

It has been a good week for Year 11 students and those that are considering enrolling with our Sixth Form next year were also delighted to hear the ‘big reveal’ on Monday.  This is the news that all future Consortium Sixth Form students, whether studying at Hessle or Wolfreton, will be given a brand-new laptop for free.  And this is not a gimmick or a toy; it is designed to support their work, their independent study and then it will be theirs to take to university to set them up for the next stage of their educational career. 

I know that our Sixth Form staff are hugely grateful to our CEO Lizann Lowson and her team for making this resource available and I firmly believe it will add value to their Sixth Form experience. 

***  

I continue to marvel at how well our Year 7 students have settled into their new school since arriving with us in September.  I am on duty in the canteen most days and can testify to their good manners, respect for each other and courtesy to all staff in the school.  Parents and families should be very proud of them; I am. 

The arrival of a new Year 7 cohort is always something of a challenge to all the other year groups as they all shuffle up the school, taking on new responsibilities and settling into new classes and subjects.  The start of the year so far has gone very well and I am aware that this is not possible without your support, so I thank you. 

***  

The last few days has seen me hunting down tickets for Bruce Springsteen’s 2025 tour of Europe.  A couple of dates have been secured and I have my eye on a couple more.  I’m determined to wring as much enjoyment as possible from what will probably be Bruce’s final few years on the road (he’s 75) and, this time, to take my kids as well.  Whilst I don’t mind Oasis or Coldplay, neither can hold a candle to Bruce and his band so there was no debate for me when looking for concert tickets this year. 

***  

On Saturday night, I will be watching the Super League Grand Final.  As a Hull FC fan, it pains me to see Hull KR in the final but even I can grudgingly admire what they have achieved at Craven Park in recent years and so they do deserve their day in the spotlight.  That doesn’t extend to me wanting them to win and I will definitely be supporting Wigan but I do hope that their supporters, some of whom will be reading this and who attend or work at Hessle, have a good day and are proud of their club. 

Whatever you are doing this weekend, enjoy it and thank you for your support. 

Mr Groak

Headteacher