Section 4: Islington’s schools
Highbury Fields School
Highbury Fields is a unique 11-18 girls’ school where every child is truly known and recognised as an individual. Ours is a culturally rich environment within which every girl succeeds. Highbury Fields’ students are highly aspirational and have positive attitudes to their learning and attainment. We are commited to optimising the academic achievements of every student.
High expectations and a clear focus on developing the knowledge and skills students need to move on to the next level of attainment were key features of the learning observed in lessons.
Ofsted, 2012
Results are consistently above local and national averages, whilst progression rates to university are also exceptionally high. The school recognises the importance of helping each student to develop their resilience and personal growth, so that they are sufficiently prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of this rapidly changing world. At Highbury Fields, there is a steadfast belief that every child can succeed, because we think there are no limits to a student’s achievements. We believe the rich diversity of our school community develops students’ cultural respect and understanding.
The high levels of tolerance and respect that students show each other and staff is an exemplary feature of the school.
Ofsted, 2012
Teaching and learning
High expectations of students and their good habits for learning make a strong contribution to progress.
Ofsted, 2012
Fact File
Head Teacher: Gladys Berry
Address: Highbury Hill, N5 1AR (main site) 34 Aberdeen Park, N5 2BL Map reference: 3 Tel: 020 7288 1888 Fax: 020 7288 2121 Email: [email protected] Website: www.highburyfields.islington.sch.uk
Published Admission Number for Year 7: 140
Type of school: Girls Community
Age range: 11-18
Number of students: 747
DFE code: 206 4307
Nearest stations: Drayton Park, Arsenal, and Highbury and Islington
Bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 43, 43x, 236, 271, 277, 279, 341
Specialism: Science College
Sixth Form: Islington Sixth Form Consortium (IC6) www.ic6.co.uk
School start and finish times:
8.50am - 3.20pm
Open evening:
Thursday 24 September, 5.30-7.30pm
Students value the high quality of support they receive from teachers and the additional study and revision clubs provided for them.
Ofsted, 2012
Curriculum and homework
The curriculum provides valuable opportunities for students to interact and work together, which support their good spiritual, social and moral and cultural development.
Ofsted, 2012
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum which emphasises the importance of English, maths and science. Art, music, drama and technology are also great strengths of the school. History, geography and modern foreign languages prove to be popular choices with students. Across Key Stage 3, teaching focuses on developing skills so that students choose subjects that they enjoy and succeed in. Homework is extremely important in bringing about the high rates of progress seen at Highbury Fields. At Key Stage 4, there is a strong programme of after school classes and study facilities.
Good guidance is provided for students when they transfer from primary school, when they choose their options at the end of Years 9 and 11 and 12 and for their future choices when they leave school.
Ofsted, 2012 Sixth Form
Highbury Fields School forms part of the Islington Sixth Form Consortium (IC6), providing ‘Outstanding’ post-16 education. Exam results in 2014 proved this with a 100% A-Level pass rate, of which a remarkable 81% of grades were A* - C. Historically, all students who apply to university get a place on one of their desired courses; this includes offers from prestigious Russell Group universities. The “Future Success” enrichment
programme, fully equips students with the necessary skills to progress to university and the work place. A range of A-Level courses are available to study at Highbury Fields and our partner schools; for further information please visit www.ic6.co.uk.
Communication
We recognise that making the transition between primary and secondary school can be an anxious time for students and their parents. At Highbury Fields School, we invest in this process and, as a result, build good relationships with families. Your daughter’s education is a precious thing which is
enhanced by good partnerships between school and home.
Extra school activities
The school believes in ensuring that all students have access to a wide range of enrichment activities. There is a rich programme of after school clubs and activities which include theatre visits, sports competitions and clubs, rehearsals, performances and debating clubs. A large number of students have instrument tuition. There is a thriving orchestra, choir and collection of ensemble groups including the Highbury Fields Big Band which is frequently invited to perform at local community events.
Admission arrangements
Places at Highbury Fields School are administrered differently throughout the year. Please see the information below for your required year group.
How to apply for a place in Year 7
Apply online by going to www.islington.gov.uk/ admissions and click on the link to the London eAdmissions system.
How to apply for a place in years 8-11 September-December: Apply online by going to
www.islington.gov.uk/admissions and click on the link to the London eAdmissions system.
January-July: Highbury Fields School administer places; please complete the online www.islington.gov.uk/ services/schools-learning/5-16/admissions/Pages/ inyearadmissions.aspx?extra=10
How to apply for a place in year 12
Contact Islington Sixth Form Consortium (IC6) for information.
If you have any queries relation to Admissions, please contact Ms O’Hara on 0207 288 2100.