Letter from the Head - Friday 8th November
In this issue: Celebrating a record number of Year 7 applications, Year 11 students’ dedication in their mocks, excellent behaviour during flu vaccinations, reminders for our Student Home Zone, and an update on attendance initiatives.
Dear HP families,
I am pleased to share some highlights and updates from another fantastic week at HP. I am proud to announce that we have received a record number of Year 7 applications for September 2025. This exceptional interest from families across Gloucester is a true testament to the high-quality teaching and broad range of opportunities that our students receive. It is wonderful to know that so many parents and students are excited to join our HP community and experience the enriching education we provide.
This week also marked the first round of mock exams for our Year 11 students, and I am delighted to report that these have gone exceptionally well. Our students have shown remarkable resilience, focus, and maturity as they navigate these exams. Their approach has been commendable, and I am confident that this dedication will stand them in good stead for their final GCSEs. Well done to each and every one of them for their hard work and commitment.
High standards of behaviour and a positive attitude are central to our ethos at HP, and this week provided an excellent example. We hosted the annual flu vaccinations, and the visiting nursing team had high praise for our students. They were impressed by the students' politeness, attentiveness, and respect throughout the day. Such feedback is always heartening, as it reflects the values we uphold at HP and the respect our students show towards others.
As a reminder, our Student Home Zone is available to all students, providing an essential platform for staying on top of homework and accessing any catch-up lessons. The Student Home Zone can be accessed via https://students.hphigh.co.uk, and students will need to log in using their school email address. We encourage all students and parents to make the most of this resource.
Now, a brief update on our attendance goals. Our number one priority at HP this year is maintaining an attendance rate of 95% or higher across the school, as we know that consistent attendance is key to both happiness and academic success. We’re also excited to have launched the HP Hero Club “buy back” passport scheme for students who may have fallen just below this target. Students with an attendance rate between 90-94.9% can apply for a “buy back” passport, allowing them to complete a set of “above and beyond” activities that recognise their effort to improve. Those interested should contact Mrs Sharples by email to apply, with completed passports due by Friday 13th December. We hope that all eligible students take advantage of this unique opportunity to re-engage and set new attendance goals.
Please remember to regularly check your child’s attendance on the My Child at School (MCAS) platform and do reach out to their Head of Year if you have any concerns.
I wish you all a lovely weekend,
Mr Hudson
Headteacher