The TCAT Annual Staff Awards Evening took place on Thursday and, as always, it was a fantastic event. The awards presented were based around the 4 Trust values of Aspiration, Respect, Integrity, and Responsibility. An outline of each nominee’s achievements was read out and I have to say, it was a real privilege to listen to what is taking place in all our schools, and the level of dedication. I am very proud to inform you that the following colleagues from Hessle received an award: 

• Mr Compton  (Maths Teacher) 

• Mr Worrall    (Site Team) 

• Mr Willson   (Senior Leader) 

• Mrs Lancaster (Student Services) 

Our Hessle colleagues were all recognised for going above and beyond the already high expectations that we have.  

We now have our new student council groups, and a staff working group, so a task for them over the coming weeks is to review our local procedures for behaviour including rewards and sanctions. In addition, I will be discussing with them our school values. At present we have 6 values for the main school, 4 values for the Houses and 3 values for the Sixth Form College. It is too many and quite confusing. The intention is to have one set of values for the main school that incorporates our Sixth Form values of Ambition, Collaboration and Excellence, as a number of our Hessle High students stay on to attend our Sixth Form. I will update you in a few weeks.  

For the new year 7 intake for September 2026, the school is oversubscribed with over 50 on the waiting list and very recently, there was a full day of appeals. The culture of our school is a strong one and certainly passes the litmus of ‘would I send my own child to this school ‘? as a large number of staff do. Of course, there is still a lot to improve but we have covered a lot of ground since January, which bodes well for the future. 

During my visits to lessons this week, I have seen some excellent work being produced, especially in some of the lower year groups. We also look at books in our Senior Leadership Team meetings. Interestingly, today in the break time dining hall queue, one student asked me what I thought of his exercise books which I thought was impressive as it shows how much they cared.  

Again, our students’ approach to exams has been impressive, as has been your support as parents and carers. Monday is the last exam for year 11 and on Tuesday they are having a non-uniform farewell morning where we will be celebrating their time at Hessle. More detailed communication has gone out to the parents and carers of year 11. It doesn’t stop there though, as Year 12 mock exams have been running since this time last week and Year 10 mocks start Monday.  

I have attached again, the link to request the use of our SLT surgery which is for parents and carers who feel that a complaint or issue already raised has not been dealt with quickly enough. 

Hessle High School SLT Surgery  – Fill in form 

Have a great weekend.  

Mr Nixon

Headteacher

The trust arranges regular external safeguarding reviews for all its’ schools and ours took place yesterday. The review involved a wide range of activities including speaking with students at social time. There were a few things that were mentioned that I was particularly pleased to hear including: 

• That the culture of the school was very positive.  

• The calm atmosphere in the dining hall, which was very busy due to heavy rain, was highlighted as a strength and how well our students self-regulate. 

• That students appreciate the care shown by staff and that they were very positive about their school.  

• That the school premises are well-managed, and that they are safe and secure. 

On a small but very important example of our school culture happened at lunchtime when a group of year 11 students sang “happy birthday” to one of their friends followed by the cutting of the birthday cake they had made for her. I felt very privileged to be called over to join in on the celebrations.   

We are also proud to be recognised as a CyberFirst Silver School by the National Cyber Security Centre. This places us among the top 4% of UK secondary schools for cyber education, reflecting our strong commitment to high-quality computing, cyber awareness, and preparing students with essential digital skills. 

Cassio charitiy day was a success despite the poor weather. My thanks to the team for all the hard work and thinking that went into the activities, especially given it was confined to the main hall. So far, they have raised £348.66

I realise that the exam season is tiring for students but there are still a few to go. Year 11 have done brilliantly so far and whilst they will no doubt be looking forward to the end of them, with that also comes the end of their era at Hessle High School for a number of them. I am really pleased though that so many have chosen to stay in the Sixth Form. I’ve said before that I have only known them a very short time, but I will really miss them as a year group. Having said that, our current Year 10 are working hard and also have a very positive culture which bodes well for next year. On Tuesday 16 June, the day after the final exam, year 11 are invited to come into school in non-uniform and enjoy a morning of celebrations. 

Have a great weekend. 

Mr Nixon

Headteacher