Welcome On behalf of all the staff, governors and students, I would like to welcome you to Hutton Church of England Grammar School and Sixth Form. Hutton has an outstanding reputation as a provider of quality education. Our students, past and present, are excellent ambassadors for the school and are proud to be Huttonians. The traditions of our school are a strong foundation for learning, personal achievement and success. I hope that prospective students and parents are keen to continue these traditions and take their place as part of our school community.
A Faith School Hutton is a Voluntary-Aided Church of England school within the Diocese of Blackburn family of schools. The composition of the governing body and the foundation trustees reflects this status and Christian values are implicit in the work of the school. As Head Teacher, my own Christian faith is central to my aims and ambitions for this community. I believe very strongly that if young people are to develop into happy and fulfilled adults, they need a clear set of values on which to base their lives. Above all, our students learn the importance of respect, both for themselves and for others. This is essential for individual and collective well-being, and it lies at the heart of our ethos. I like to think that our students will leave Hutton accomplished, yet with humility. The real virtue in developing skills and aptitudes ourselves is that they enable us to give service to others. This, I believe, is the nature of true fulfilment.
The Best of All Worlds Hutton is a unique school with a long heritage. This is evident in the life and culture of the school, which are built on traditional values and the pursuit of excellence. The accommodation and facilities have been enhanced and supplemented over recent years to support a remarkable standard of provision. Thus Hutton really does offer the best of everything. The co-educational Sixth Form, which is housed in an exciting modern building, strengthens the whole school community by providing leadership and an example for the younger students to aspire and progress to. There is nowhere quite like Hutton, and I hope very much that you are attracted by what we have to offer. Mr D P Pearson – Head Teacher
Aims and Values Hutton is a place for boys to develop confidence in their academic and social abilities. Our students are ambitious and proud of who they are. They have high self-esteem and always push themselves to achieve. Individual success is encouraged and celebrated. Our students are independent thinkers who are never afraid to express their point of view or take on new challenges.
“Hutton Grammar is an outstanding school.” Ofsted
“Students are respectful, considerate and approachable.” Parent
Above average achievement at Key Stage 4 shows that students at Hutton work hard to achieve their personal targets. We set high expectations and challenging targets to teach students that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in your own ability. This provides our students with a great foundation for the demands of further and higher education and gives them the skills to succeed in their chosen career.
Parents have an important role to play in our community too. Learning continues beyond the classroom and we encourage parents to be involved in their child’s education. All Hutton parents are also automatically part of our Parent Teacher Association; the Hutton Grammar School Association. The organisation helps to provide much valued support through fundraising activities and assistance at school events.
School should be a place where all students feel safe and happy and we work hard to create an atmosphere in which all students can enjoy learning and play an active part in the life of the school, whatever their individual skills, interests and abilities. There is a strong sense of community at the school and our students are proud to be part of this community and are keen to represent their school.
At Hutton, students are encouraged to become responsible citizens who take the values they have learned at school out into the wider community, setting a good example for others. We prepare students for their future through a wide range of opportunities and experiences, both as part of the curriculum and through extra-curricular activities. By the time they leave Hutton, our students are mature, well-rounded individuals with strong moral values, a determination to succeed and a respect for themselves and others.
Curriculum Teaching & Learning Hutton offers a broad range of learning opportunities which extend beyond the timetabled daily curriculum. The whole package offered by the Hutton experience gives our students the chance to develop into capable, confident and reflective individuals with an awareness of the needs of others.
The subjects students study during Key Stage 3 include: Art, Citizenship, Classics, Drama, English, French, Geography, German, History, ICT, Mathematics, Music, Personal Development, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Science and Technology. During Key Stage 3, students are grouped according to their ability in English, Maths and Science.
Core Learning Hutton may not be a selective grammar school any more, but our emphasis on developing skills and understanding in English, Mathematics and Science reflects the heritage of the school. The extended core, including languages, humanities and Computing, is also firmly embedded in the heart of the curriculum. Built around these elements is a wide range of learning opportunities supported by excellent facilities.
Physical Development Hutton has a reputation nationally and beyond for competitive prowess in traditional sports such as rugby, cricket and athletics. This is supported by a remarkable range of facilities including a state of the art sports hall, a swimming pool and extensive outdoor facilities. However, physical education at Hutton is not just about developing individual excellence. The aim is to give all students an appetite for building and sustaining physical activity as part of a healthy and happy life.
“The sports department do an excellent job in promoting respectful competition, teamwork and excellent attitudes.� Ofsted
Creative & Cultural Development Our Performing Arts centre, housed partly in the old Head Teacher’s house, is a dynamic centre of learning within the school, used for a wide range of curricular and extra-curricular activities in Drama, Music and Dance. The visual arts are also a significant part of our provision, demonstrated by the excellent Art and Design work on display throughout the school.
“The school offers a rich and diverse curriculum and many extra-curricular opportunities.” Parent Most subjects are also taught at A Level in our Sixth Form and our staff have a keen awareness of how learning progresses at higher levels. Another advantage is that our Sixth Form students support the learning of younger students in various ways. The school Library is a place that supports learning, giving students access to extensive resources to carry out research during lessons and for homework. It also acts as a quiet place for study or personal reading. Sixth Form students have their own study area with a Library of books and resources relevant to A Level courses. Our approach to learning sets every student the challenge to achieve, whatever their ability. All students have individual needs and so a personalised approach is at the heart of our teaching and learning. Able, Gifted and Talented students are identified and nurtured, giving them the opportunity to develop their knowledge and reach their true potential. The school also
has valuable support in place for students with Special Educational Needs. These students are set challenging personal targets which they are able to achieve with the help and support of staff and their parents. Our SENCO and team of Teaching Assistants provide in class support for the students that need it as well as extra help and activities outside of timetabled lessons such as a homework club and nurture group. All students are made aware of their targets and how to achieve them and the progress they make is communicated to parents through assessments and a yearly school report. A Parents’ Evening is also held once a year, giving an opportunity to speak to individual subject teachers about progress. All students are encouraged to take part in enrichment and extra curricular activities to enhance their learning. A wide range of activities and educational visits are offered every year, with something to suit everyone’s interests.
“Teachers try their utmost to deliver high quality teaching and I feel they really care about my son’s progress.” Parent
Pastoral Care & Guidance Every child matters at Hutton, whatever their strengths. All students play a part in making our school community a better place through their efforts in class, their good behaviour, their participation in clubs, teams and organisations and the friendships they develop with others. The school operates a house system and students are members of the same house throughout their time at Hutton. Students are encouraged to take pride in representing their house and Interhouse competitions take place throughout the year involving academic, sporting and musical challenges and activities. The system helps to promote team work and allows students to develop friendships that will last throughout their time at the school and beyond.
Care and guidance is excellent, ensuring that students and parents get the support they need. Each student is part of a form group and their form tutor acts as a first point of contact for any problems or concerns. The tutor is backed up by a Learning Co-ordinator, our SENCO and a Deputy Head Teacher with responsibility for pastoral care. Staff are happy to make themselves available to discuss your concerns. We believe in working with students and parents to solve problems, promote good behaviour and ensure that our school is a safe and happy environment for everyone. Students at Hutton are encouraged to respect each other and the school. This positive approach results in outstanding behaviour both in and out of the classroom, which in turn provides the perfect environment for students to learn and develop.
“Alongside academic progress I am hugely impressed and grateful for the wider support given to students, developing confidence and humility. Thank you.� Parent
A Christian Community “Great community feel and connection with the church.” Parent Our school is a caring Christian community. Students are taught to respect the views and opinions of others and treat people how they would like to be treated themselves. Although we are a faith school, we do not assume that all students will necessarily see themselves as belonging to the Christian faith, or to any faith group. However, faith forms the context in which we encourage students to consider the fundamental issues we face as human beings, and to develop their own ethical and moral standards. Our Personal Development programme encourages students to think about important
issues relating to health, welfare, culture, faith and identity. This is delivered through a timetabled lesson each week in Year 7 and a variety of enrichment activities which take place throughout the year for other students. Each day begins with collective worship which takes place either in assembly or in form groups. There is a theme each week which is used to promote discussion and reflection. Students in Years 7-9 also have a timetabled lesson each week which is used to deliver a Personal Development programme. There are groups which meet in the chapel in order to reflect on faith and discuss key issues. These groups welcome students from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.
“Students’ spirituality is enhanced by their exploration of meaning, purpose and belief across the curriculum. They have a clear sense of right and wrong. Their very good behaviour enhances the harmonious relationships, calm atmosphere and ethos of mutual respect in the school.” SIAMS (Church School Inspection) Report
Transition From the moment your son is offered a place at Hutton you are part of our school community. Starting secondary school can be a difficult time for both students and parents and our job is to make that transition as easy as possible. Many students start secondary school worrying about getting lost, making new friends and settling in but they soon overcome these fears. Our Year 7 Learning Co-ordinator liaises with primary school staff to make sure we understand the needs of every child starting in Year 7 and a taster day gives the boys a chance to experience what a typical day at Hutton is like. This taster day, along with events such as rugby training during the summer and our start of term service will give your son a chance to meet new friends and get involved.
“I found the staff friendly and enjoyed the taster day!” Year 7 student “I loved the traditional feeling of the school - I was made to feel very welcome by everyone.” Year 7 student “The support structure for children making the transition from primary school has been fantastic.” Parent “My son started Hutton Grammar not knowing anybody and he has gone from strength to strength. He has great respect for his teachers and feels he could approach them regarding his school work or other matters. Any concerns (no matter how small) have been dealt with straight away.” Parent
“The school was really helpful when my son moved from his primary school. It was a big step and change but my son had huge support.” Year 7 parent
Post-16 Hutton’s reputation as a provider of quality education continues post16. We welcome determined and motivated individuals who want to further their knowledge and add to their achievements at GCSE into our co-educational Sixth Form. The provision of 11-18 education is an important feature of the school and many of our Year 11 students return to the Sixth Form but students also join us from a number of local high schools. We believe that our Sixth Form provides a unique opportunity in the area. Students have access to state of the art facilities, excellent guidance and support and subject specialist teachers. Most teaching groups are relatively small and students are able to take advantage of a more personalised style of teaching and learning. Our students achieve excellent A Level results and the majority choose to further their development at university.
“Class sizes are small in the sixth form and each child gets individual attention.” Parent “Students readily take on roles and responsibilities, raise funds for charitable causes and contribute to the school council. Students are exceptionally well prepared for their future lives.” Ofsted
Success Stories Once you become part of our school community, you are a Huttonian for life. Students past and present are proud of their association with the school and we, in turn, are proud of their achievements and the contributions they make to their communities. “I remember my years at Hutton Grammar School with great affection. I was privileged to receive a first-class education in every respect... in the class room, on the sports fields and in the wide variety of extra-curricular activities. The school engendered an ethos of high achievement and respect for others which has been the bedrock of my professional life.” Michael Anson Hutton Grammar School 1967-1974 One of Her Majesty’s Judges since 2004
“Hutton Grammar School gave me a great start. It was, without doubt, the most enjoyable period of my life. The strong academic commitment combined with superb sporting opportunities allowed me to pass through to Liverpool Medical School and also play rugby; ultimately captaining the English Universities team. I am now able to combine my academic and sporting passion as a Consultant Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon with a special interest in sports injuries. Without Hutton I know that none of this would have been possible.” Mike Hayton Hutton Grammar School 1979-1986 Consultant Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon
“Self-discipline, motivation and a drive to succeed. I have Hutton to thank for all of these.” Mr Iain Bruce MD, FRCS (ORL-HNS) Hutton Grammar School 1984-1991 Honorary Lecturer, University of Manchester Consultant Paediatric and Adult Otoloryngologist (Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary)
“My years spent at Hutton were a hugely enjoyable experience. The values and ethos which I will always be grateful to have been exposed to during my time there include the importance of honesty and discipline to achieve your full potential; the value of hard work; the courage to dream big and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity. I have so many great memories of the school and I have created life-long friendships. Most importantly, every student who goes to Hutton is supported to be the best they can be, rewarded for their hard work and leaves the school a person of exceptionally high quality.” Steven Borthwick Hutton Grammar School 1991-1998 England Rugby International
“Our School is a caring Christian community. Within this environment we aim to develop individuals of character who can achieve their full potential; can think for themselves; will want to continue learning; and will become responsible members of society.”
Liverpool Road, Hutton, Preston, PR4 5SN Telephone: 01772 613112 Further information, including policy documents, is available on request from the school office. Information can also be accessed on the school website at www.huttongrammar.org
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