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  • EHCPs - what are they and do we need them?

    Published 21/10/25, by Pippa McPherson

    Since taking on the role of SENCO in 2023, I’ve tried to make it my mission to “demystify” SEND at Prince Henry's, so staff, students and parents can all feel confident in how to navigate the special needs landscape in a mainstream secondary school setting. The trouble is, it feels like the system is stacked against us; you’ll likely have seen the national news articles crying out about the lack of funding, lack of staffing and potential major overhauls to SEND policy in the incoming government white paper. It often feels like, despite a better national and cultural understanding of the importance of special needs support in schools, the way to get to more timely and effective provision is still a mystery.

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  • Head Students reflect on the year...

    Published 12/05/25, by Lou Wordie

    Head Students Sam Petrie and Lily Rollinson take time to reflect on their year in the role.  This is what they had to say...

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  • A (special) day in the life of a Headteacher

    Published 10/02/25, by Pippa McPherson

    I frequently get asked by students (and sometimes even staff or parents) what it is like to be the Headteacher at PHGS, and my response is always the same. A privilege. However, no two days are the same and you cannot predict what will be thrown your way, where you will need to be, or how best to respond dynamically often in very challenging circumstances.

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  • Teaching, Learning and Cognitive Science - how we use evidence-based practice to ensure that students achieve exceptional outcomes

    Published 23/10/24, by Pippa McPherson

    Whilst much of the news in education over the past decade has involved teacher shortages, SEND needs and changes to qualifications, there has also been a steady body of research in cognitive science, which in recent years has shaped the way that we teach. This short blog takes a look at the latest research on how children learn, and how we implement this here at Prince Henry's.

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  • Behind the scenes on residential trips

    Published 23/10/24, by Pippa McPherson

    The final half term of the year is traditionally the busiest in terms of trips and visits at Prince Henry's. Large numbers of students from Key Stage 3 will experience trips to Germany, France and Spain. These will complement the many local day trips for work to support studies in lessons. All of this on the back of trips to the Belgian and French Battlefields, Iceland, Italy, The Gambia, South Africa ....

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  • Attendance - the post-pandemic landscape

    Published 23/10/24, by Pippa McPherson
    Navigating the Post-Pandemic Educational Landscape: National Concerns Surrounding School Attendance and Absence Rates
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  • A shared understanding of our Vision and Values

    Published 23/10/24, by Pippa McPherson

    In September 2023 we launched our refreshed 'Vision and Values' statement and graphic. In this post, we consider why we need a shared understanding of what is important to us as a school. We also explain how we went about agreeing on just nine words to sum up all that we stand for.

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  • A response to the recent parent/ carer survey around behaviour

    Published 21/10/24, by Pippa McPherson

    Last month we asked parents and carers to share their understanding and experience of our behaviour system, known in school as Positive Discipline (PD). The responses to this survey were reassuring, enlightening and at times thought-provoking to read. All the feedback was useful, and this will be considered as we move forward with PD over the next year.

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