Welcome from the Headteacher

Welcome to the Priestlands School website.

Priestlands is a highly successful secondary school with very good examination results, an excellent range of extra curricular activities and a strong ethos of good behaviour.  It is a great place to learn and a great place to work.

We have five successful Ofsted reports.  In the last inspection (May 2012), under the new tougher framework, we were judged good.  Inspectors told us that Priestlands was better in every respect than in 2008, when we were judged Outstanding.  The report said several things of which I am very proud, especially the comment that: “Staff know the students very well and highly positive relationships are apparent throughout the school.  As a result, students work together in a mature fashion…  As one student told inspectors, ‘The teachers would put us first.’ Another said, ‘It’s like having a second family.’.”

We know that our students enjoy the wide range of choice offered in academic subjects and the creative and expressive areas of school life.  There are truly fantastic opportunities to specialise in all subjects and to enjoy the enrichment and extension offered across the school in Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Sport.  This is further developed by an outstanding range of extra-curricular activities and an extensive range of school trips.

The school has excellent modern facilities.  In addition to the normal features of a secondary school the school has Arts College Status, allowing particularly strong development in the arts.  We are also a Lead School for the Gifted and Talented, recognition of our work to develop provision and opportunities for our most able students.  The school also holds a number of awards, including ArtsMark Gold, Sportsmark, Healthy School and Eco School.

At Priestlands we have high expectations of all of our students.  We want all students to be happy, safe and successful.

We understand achievement in the widest sense and we value student success in all aspects of their lives.  At the same time, we are determined that students should enjoy their time at school and secure good relationships with the school as a whole, the staff and each other.

We work closely with parents, keeping them informed and involved.  Indeed, it is this partnership that is enabling the school to move from strength to strength. 

As Buzz Lightyear put it: “To infinity and beyond!” 

Chris Willsher
Headteacher

Priestlands School Senior Team

From left to right: Mr Rob Collar, Mr Chris Willsher, Miss Kerrie McAdam, Mr Richard Glenny, Mrs Donna Chipping, Mrs Julia Emmel, Mrs Carole Gibbs