Holmer Green Senior School 2026 Entry
Photo of Headteacher with students
Mission and Values Welcome to Holmer Green Senior School We recognise that choosing a secondary school that suits your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. We hope that this brochure and our website helps you make an informed decision. Our mission at HGSS is to support students to become the best possible versions of themselves in every way. We have a simple motto: “Work hard, be kind, have passion" These values, as well as curiosity and the pursuit of excellence underpin everything we do as a community school: Our staff work incredibly hard at helping to transform the lives of HGSS students and ensuring they know each student as an individual in a nurturing environment. 3 Work hard, be kind, have passion
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Work Hard Resilience At HGSS we expect students to work hard as we believe the 11+ test or Key Stage 2 SATs results do not define achild’s potential, but are just a single measure at that particular time. We integrate a focus on resilience in our PSHCE curriculum n Year 7 and Year 9 as we recognise that for some, learning a concept may just take a little longer, and that to learn it a child needs to persevere. The education we deliver is not an end in itself, but the foundation for a fulfilling life. As a school we expect students to take up enrichment and extra-curricular offers and to work hard at these. We recognise students develop a range of skills from attending such events and they grow their social capital and leadership skills as a result. In taking up such opportunities, students meet a wide range of individuals and develop their speaking and presentation skills. We know that students are under pressure to produce quality work whilst leading busy, active lives, and it is tough, but nevertheless, it is an important lesson. We believe that as students push themselves in such ways, they begin to achieve what they previously only ever dreamt of.
We are impeccably respectful, kind, tolerant and serve all others regardless of their, or our background, or circumstances. We understand it takes a whole team to develop each of us https:// martinphelps.zenfolio.com/ p367678880?customize=3
By attending a mixed, non-selective school, we know all HGSS students have the benefit of meeting many other students from a wide range of backgrounds, with a diverse range of cultures and experiences. All students undertake a GCSE in Religious Education as we believe that being knowledgeable about different religions, viewpoints, lifestyles and ethics breeds greater tolerance and respect. We expect and encourage HGSS students to contribute to, and improve, our school community by displaying manners such as opening doors, being on time, smiling and so on. Our actions speak louder than our words. Students take part in weekly PSHCE sessions where they explore British values, current affairs and a broad range of topics exploring online digital footprints, drug and alcohol awareness, bullying, keeping themselves safe online, financial awareness and character. Through the above experiences we expect all HGSS students to develop the skills to thrive in a fast-paced world, to be knowledgeable about current affairs, to be ready to express a viewpoint, to be tolerant of others from all backgrounds, to act selflessly and, importantly, to have integrity so that they can identify right fromwrong. Tolerance, selflessness, integrity Be kind
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Some students will have developed life-long passions already as a consequence of hard work and curiosity in that area. Others will be on this journey and our aim is to provide a wealth of experiences for students to try in order to develop such passions. Going beyond Students are encouraged to: read widely and often; be curious and find out about topics they have learnt in school out of lesson times; push themselves hard in performing arts, the Visual Arts, sport, and so on. Other experiences students pursue include: Duke of Edinburgh; Student Council work; music; cooking; a range of sports; Robot Wars; debating; mentoring and participating in trips. Have Passion We encourage students to pursue their interests and work at moments that may seem divergent from their current paths, all with an open mind in the knowledge that this will support them to become a better version of themselves.
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Our curriculum challenges all of our learners to develop knowledge and skills across a wide range of subjects and interests. Students have a broad, mixed curriculum in Years 7 and 8, select specialist subjects for Year 9 and choose GCSE options for final study in Year 10. We offer a range of academic and vocational qualifications in our sixth form. We have a number of high performing department areas that achieve consistently strong exam results, across Key Stages 4 and 5. We have a very strong commitment to professional development to ensure our staff are themselves well supported. “No excuses” means that we expect students to have exemplary punctuality and attendance, and to be polite and courteous at all times. We have the highest expectations of behaviour as we run a calm, orderly environment. We set out our Code of Conduct clearly in our Home School Agreement that students and parents agree to sign. Non-negotiables for behaviour and lessons are clearly laid out. Poor or disruptive behaviour is not tolerated. No excuses Pursue Excellence
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Curiosity Students are taught to be curious. They are encouraged to be individuals. The school offers a range of exciting activities that encourage curiosity. Cross curricular opportunities such as the “cells” project taught in Science and Art, which encourages students to identify how subjects collide, and our work on oracy and speaking skills all developstudents’ abilities to transfer skills and knowledge between subjects. Problem solving is taught across all subjects and students are encouraged to work in teams as well as individually, preparing them for life. The school is a “hub” for the Arts, including Art, Textiles, Photography, Music and Drama. We hold the very prestigious Platinum Artsmark. Some of the staff in the Arts subjects train other teachers, and network meetings held at HGSS provide support for schools in the county. Students take part in performances and events in the Arts, and are hugely successful in local and national competitions. They benefit from visiting artists and awards events for example. We are a Microsoft Showcase school as we believe IT is a tool that unleashes tremendous learning gains and other opportunities. 10 Creativity, problem solving
HGSS is an inclusive school that, as well as challenging our most able learners, supports our students who have special educational needs. Students’ SEND needs are met within the classroom by our experienced teachers, who will use different techniques to support and challenge students to meet our high aspirations for all learners. Outside the classroom, students with special educational needs will be supported in our SEND Department and our Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) for students with speech and language difficulties. The role of the SEND Department is to support students who have additional needs to access the mainstream curriculum. This is done by providing targeted, small group interventions for reading, literacy, numeracy, social communication and assessing for and delivering appropriate exam concessions. Students may have support from LSAs in lessons, though we do not provide this in every lesson as we aim to make students independent of support so they are prepared for work and adulthood. As a school we believe in integration not isolation. Inclusion Inclusion
12 Aspirational We are committed to providing a first class Sixth Form experience at Holmer Green, which provides every student with the best opportunity for progressing to university, an apprenticeship or the first step towards a successful career. We have high expectations for our students. Our students wear business dress and are expected to work diligently whilst approaching their studies with open and enquiring minds. We are also aware that universities and employers look for far more than academic qualifications when selecting young people for courses or work, seeking fully rounded individuals who are self reliant, resourceful and who show abundant initiative. In order to support students to develop these qualities, we provide a wide range of opportunities. Students carry out a week of career related work experience, achieve the Gold DofE Award, lead sports training for primary children, complete 1 hour of Community service supporting in classrooms every week, are MIND mentors, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity) prefects and role models to the lower school. STEAM and Visual Arts Scholarships are available for those students interested in pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Maths. Currently we have Scholars for Medicine, Engineering, Art, Computer Science and Investment Banking. These Ambassadors of our Sixth Form are tasked to inspire future students to aspire to achieve great things, whilst we support their journey. Our modern Sixth Form facilities afford students the opportunities to socialise together as well as to study independently. 17 Sixth Form
Sixth form Destinations 2025 Year 13 Class of 2025 University Destinations and subjects studied Russell Group Universities in bold Employment: A number of our students wanted to enter the world of full time employment Apprenticeships: A number of students successfully applied for degree and high level apprenticeships University: Many of our students chose to go to university and take courses that offer a year in industry • Bath Spa University: Cyber Security, Criminology • Bournemouth University: Ecology and Wildlife Conservation • Buckinghamshire New University: Film and Television Production, Global Security with Intelligence Analysis • City (City St George's, University of London): Computer Science with Cyber Security • King's College London: Psychology, Digital Media and Culture • Lancaster University: Accounting and Finance • Leeds Beckett University: Sport Marketing • Liverpool John Moores University: Product Design Engineering • Loughborough University: Fashion Design and Technology, Textile Design, Geography, Mechanical Engineering • Middlesex University: Accounting and Finance • Northumbria University, Newcastle: Law, Applied Sciences • Oxford Brookes University: Business and Marketing Management, Law, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science for Cyber Security • Royal Agricultural University: Rural Land Management • SOAS University of London: Business, Management, Economics & Law • SP Jain London School of Management: Business Administration • St Mary's University, Twickenham: Primary Education • Swansea University: Mechanical Engineering Sixth form destinations
Sixth form Destinations 2025 Year 13 Class of 2025 University Destinations and subjects studied Russell Group Universities in bold • The University of Law: Criminology, Law • University of Birmingham: Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery • University of Brighton: Economics • University of Chichester: Musical Theatre (Film Acting) • University of Exeter: Accounting and Finance, Classical Studies and English, Law with Business • University of Hertfordshire: 3D Animation and Visual Effects, Physiotherapy, Psychology • University of Huddersfield: Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree • University of Kent: Business and Management, Accounting and Finance, Finance and Investment • University of Liverpool: International Management • University of Nottingham: Law • University of Portsmouth: Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status • University of Reading: Accounting and Business - Flying Start Degree Programme, Primary Education • University of Salford: Sport Rehabilitation • University of South Wales: Civil Engineering • University of Southampton: Aeronautics and Astronautics / Spacecraft Engineering • University of Staffordshire: Musical Theatre at Wilkes Academy of Performing arts • University of Surrey: Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Economics and Finance • University of Sussex: Law with Business and Management • University of Warwick: Mechanical Engineering • University of Winchester: Primary Education with QTS • University of York: Philosophy, Politics and Economics Sixth form destinations
Sixth form Destinations 2025 Year 13 Class of 2025 University Destinations and subjects studied Russell Group Universities in bold Apprenticeships: • PWC Flying Start Degree Apprenticeship • Ernst & Young Consulting • Pinewood Studios • Simpson Engineering Degree Apprenticeship • Nursery Nurse • Quantity Surveying • Electrician Sixth form destinations
Results 2025 The performances tables can be found at https://www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables The strong partnerships of students, parents, staff and governors working together have enabled Holmer Green Senior School to produce some truly excellent results. GCSE–2025 Results Students achieving 5 GCSE grades 9-4 including English and Maths = 64% 72% of grades were 4—9 Students achieving a grade 4 or above in GCSE English = 83% Students achieving a grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths = 76% A Level –2025 Results Percentage of grades A*-A = 19% Percentage of grades A*-B = 41% Percentage of grades A*-C = 68% Average Grade for Best 3‘A’ Levels = C+ Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) percentage of grade A = 49% 21 Results
Catchment Area To see if you are in our catchment area, please visit the following link: https://schools.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/school-admissions/nearest You will be asked to enter your postcode and home address and will be presented with a list of schools, showing if you are in catchment and the distance from that school to your home address. Catchment area
Holmer Green Senior School Work Hard, Be Kind, Have Passion Holmer Green Senior School, Parish Piece, Holmer Green, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6SP Tel: 01494 712219 www.hgss.co.uk
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