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  • Our vision, mission and values

    Published 25/11/24

    We’ve been spending some time as a team delving into our renewed vision, mission and values.

    In this blog post, we’ll explore what they mean to us at HISP multi-academy trust…

    Our vision

    Courageous, transformative education for all is what drives our vision. We want to create and promote supportive environments that eliminate barriers to education and empower individuals. 

    Our mission

    Quite simply, our mission is to create one trust, our trust, through careful growth and sustainable school improvement. This will involve:

    • Developing and embedding a professional continuum 

    • Attracting high-quality trainees to our initial teacher training Inspiring Future Teachers (IFT) programme

    • Nurturing talent and delivering high-quality development for all, ensuring we grow our own inspirational school leaders. 

    Our values

    Our six values are fundamental to how we work at HISP. Our values are…

    Courage: We embrace challenges with bravery and resilience, empowering our pupils and our people to take bold steps toward growth and social mobility.

    Ambition: We cultivate high aspirations for all, striving relentlessly to unlock the full potential of every child and individual in our community.

    Excellence: We commit to the highest standards in teaching, learning, and leadership, ensuring exceptional outcomes and opportunities for every pupil.

    Sustainability: We build a future-focused, sustainable environment that nurtures long-term growth, well-being, and success for our pupils and the wider community.

    Equity: We champion fairness and inclusion, ensuring every pupil has the support and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their background.

    Pupils First: We put pupils at the heart of everything we do, guiding every decision and action with their best interests in mind, ensuring they thrive academically and personally.

    With a busy academic year ahead of us, our vision, mission and values will be the driving force behind the partnerships we have with both our current and prospective schools.

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  • HISP Teaching School Hub becomes a member of Chartered College of Teaching

    Published 15/10/24

    The HISP Teaching School Hub has achieved Institutional Member status with the Chartered College of Teaching!

    The hub's membership recognises its work to empower local teaching workforces with professional development and qualifications. 

    As part of the hub’s membership, it will benefit from access to a network of like-minded professionals, cutting-edge research and innovative teaching practices to strengthen the hub’s offering.

    The College aims to champion high standards in education and provide teachers with a voice in shaping the future of the profession.

    Deputy Director of HISP Teaching School Hub David Higginbottom said the hub’s partnership with the College is an investment in teaching workforces across the region.

    He added: “The College works hard to elevate the status and expertise of educators across the UK. I am immensely proud of our membership - it will significantly enhance the professional development opportunities we deliver to local teachers and the HISP TSH team.

    “We always encourage pupils to never stop learning, and the same is true for teachers at any stage of their career. Our offering is driven by the latest research and best practice, fostering a culture of continuous improvement where we always stay ahead of the curve.”

    The HISP Teaching School Hub is part of HISP Multi-Academy Trust and offers high-quality education, resources and support for teachers. You can find out more here.

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  • Exciting building work during the summer holidays!

    Published 04/10/24

    During the summer holidays, there have been lots of exciting building projects going on across our schools to give sites a new breath of life.

    Here’s just a snippet of some of the brilliant work that’s been going on…

    Head of Estates and Health & Safety Yvonne Dunning said: “So much work was completed over the summer - it was such an amazing show of teamwork and I am so proud of our school teams. It’s a pleasure to see projects starting to come to life, and it’s even better to see staff and pupils enjoying the upgraded and new spaces.”

    It’s vital our schools have access to modern facilities that both staff and pupils can feel proud of, giving them an environment where they feel empowered to strive for excellence in all that they do. 

    Thank you to our colleagues and partners for your hard work improving our schools’ sites.

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  • Test Valley becomes Danebury School!

    Published 03/09/24

    One of our schools, Test Valley near Longstock in Stockbridge, has taken on a brand new name and look!

    Test Valley School has transitioned to become Danebury School, with pupils returning in new colours this September. 

    Since partnering with HISP, the school has undergone a significant number of changes: strengthening the leadership team, teaching staff, pastoral team and non-teaching staff in a bid to create a more supportive and challenging culture where all pupils can thrive.

    The school is nestled in the heart of the beautiful countryside and is just a stone’s throw from the famous Danebury Iron Age Hill Fort. After consultations with all stakeholders, the Danebury School name was chosen because of its local relevance within the community.

    Uniforms have shifted from green to navy blue - reflecting HISP’s blue colours and the school's partnership with the trust. Pupils have enjoyed being involved in choosing a more practical, comfortable and affordable uniform.

    Head of School Nicky Goodridge said she was looking forward to welcoming this exciting new change.

    Nicky added: “As a team we are very excited to be embarking on this new chapter in our school’s history. These changes reflect a reinvigorated commitment to achieving our vision - to build an ambitious learning environment where high expectations promote excellent learning habits and success is experienced by all.

    “We are proud of the school’s heritage and will hold tight the nuances which make the school so unique. We are passionate about our values of kindness, excellence, resilience and empowerment. They underpin our culture and will not change. We look forward to building an even brighter future together as Danebury School.”

    Executive Headteacher Jo McKeown said: “We’ve been working with Danebury School over the past 18 months, and we have supported the school to rapidly make some key improvements.

    “As Danebury School moves forward to the bright future which lies ahead, it will be doing so with a new character and a new look that really puts it on the map.” 

    She went on to say that: “Children at the school have been involved in our transition to Danebury school. Their next step is to co-create the ‘houses’ that will be part of our school.”

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  • HISP Teaching School Hub visit Education Fest

    Published 06/08/24

    Teaching and Learning Leads from across HISP Multi Academy trust recently headed to this year’s Education Fest at Wellington College. 

    This two-day festival brought together educators from the UK and beyond. Packed to the brim with professional development, networking and learning opportunities, it gave the team the chance to uncover new ideas and ways of working. 

    The team got to hear from a range of inspiring speakers covering a number of hot topics from school governance to rethinking SEND support.

    Here are Deputy Director of the HISP Teaching School Hub David Higginbottom’s three key takeaways from his visit…

    Our key takeaways from Education Fest

    Needs, not labels

    When it comes to rethinking SEND support in schools, we need to start thinking about a pupil’s individual needs rather than the label we attach to a pupil. It may be easier to build SEND support into day-to-day routines by taking this approach, reducing teachers’ cognitive load.

    Capturing the joy of teaching

    We have the ability to influence the teaching profession’s future workforce, supporting working environments where teachers always feel respected. We need to focus on reducing barriers into the profession and work towards raising the status of teaching. 

    Less is more

    What is effective trust-led school improvement? What does it look like? Rather than introducing more and more practices, dump the ineffective ones! It’s vital to recognise when something is more of a hindrance than a help.

    Read More
  • Thornden School hosts its very first Iftar meal

    Published 19/03/24

    Last week, Thornden School welcomed its parent and pupil community to enjoy an Iftar Ramadan meal together - a traditional community meal for Muslims to break their fast after sunset during the Ramadan period. 

    The school’s Muslim students and their families came together to break their fast with dates and a drink followed by prayer. After this, all guests sat down to enjoy a lentil curry with bread and samosas provided by local community groups. 

    The meal was an opportunity for the whole school community to come together and celebrate Ramadan. Invites were sent out to all students - regardless of their cultural background. 

    Headteacher at Thornden School Caroline Lowing has said she was thrilled to see so many guests at the meal. 

    Caroline added: “This meal means so much to our students - one student came to thank me and said she just couldn’t believe that this was happening at her school.

    “Thornden is a really diverse school with a range of students from different backgrounds and cultures. We want students to be able to bring their whole authentic selves to school.

    “The meal was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community. In the future, we want to plan a whole calendar of events like this one to bring together our parent and pupil communities.”

    Read More
  • Happy World Book Day!

    Published 07/03/24

    It’s World Book Day today, and we’re reminded just how important it is to foster a love of reading in our pupils and help them to find the stories they will cherish forever. 

    Pupils and staff from across our schools have been busy celebrating by dressing up as their favourite book characters. We’re so pleased to see everyone getting involved in such a special day for school children across the country. 

    We asked the heads of our schools about the books they enjoyed as children and why…

    Simon Harrison, Crofton School: “Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock. I read this when I was 14, and remember being gripped by how it blended history and myth with real life. I’d never read anything like it, and it led me into a lifetime of enjoying Fantasy and Historical novels.”

    Tony Head, Portswood Primary School: “My favourite book as a very young child was The Tiger That Came To Tea by Judith Kerr. It was the first book that I can remember my parents reading to me at bed time 50 years ago, and it has been one that I have enjoyed reading to my children and now grandchildren 50 years later.”

    Ingrid Dowse, Tanners Brook Primary School: “I must have read so many Enid Blyton books as a child - especially the Malory Towers series.  I used to imagine what it would be like to go to a boarding school and have such exciting adventures!  They really fired up my imagination and led to my lifelong love of reading.”

    Caroline Lowing, Thornden School: “My favourite book was Alice in Wonderland because it was so otherworldly!”

    Find out more about World Book Day here: https://www.worldbookday.com/

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  • Celebrating National School Governors' Day

    Published 28/02/24

    National School Governors’ Awareness Day has been created to raise awareness of governance in our schools and celebrate the contribution that governors and trustees make. It’s a vital role to help schools to overcome challenges, set clear targets and build an improvement strategy that works. 

    A few members of our central team have chosen to act as school governors. Here’s what they had to say about their role and what they’ve gained from it…

    Why did you choose to be a school governor?

    David Higginbottom: “I really wanted to make a difference to a school within our local community and utilise my skills, lived experiences and expertise to help shape the school's strategic direction.”

    Kelly Robinson: “I first became involved as a governor as a parent. I thought it would help me understand what the school was offering my children. I understood how schools work, the challenges within the sector and how I can help my child at home as a parent. Four years later, when my youngest child went on to secondary school, I wasn't ready to give up my governance role, so when a governor vacancy came up at the secondary school - I applied and became a parent governor there as well for a further eight years!”

    Georgina Crooks: “I have been a school governor for six years and enjoy supporting the school with its strategic development to ensure it can offer the very best possible experience for its pupils. I am Chair of the Education committee and Safeguarding Link governor. Not only do I enjoy working alongside school leaders, but I value talking to pupils and staff and the wider community on school visits and at stakeholder forums. They give you invaluable insight into how to support and challenge the school, moving its development forward.”

    Why is the role so important? 

    David Higginbottom: “The primary role of a school governor is to hold the Head and school leadership to account, ensuring the strategic direction of the school, along with ethos and values, but in a supportive way. This external support and challenge is essential for every school. It ensures that the school is being well managed and that decisions are being made in the best interest of its pupils.”

    Kelly Robinson: “The pace of a school environment is like no other - often there is no time for the operational leaders to take a step back and see what strategic impact you're having on a day to day basis because you're tasked with running the school and the myriad of daily challenges that brings.  Governance provides support and challenge to school leaders when effective, a critical friend to help the wood be seen from the trees and help shape the strategy. Giving something back to the community is very important and has a lasting impact on young people - the fact that it's so rewarding is an added bonus.”

    Georgina Crooks: “I think the role of governor is important as it is a unique opportunity to contribute to the local community, support educational excellence and influence the direction and success of the school.”

    How has the role supported your development and what opportunities has it offered you?

    David Higginbottom: “The role has given me an insight into the management side of a school, developing and enhancing my own leadership skills. It has given me the opportunity to be involved in headteacher appraisal, data analysis and has developed my understanding of school finance and budget management.”

    Kelly Robinson: “I chaired the finance committee as a governor. As an accountant and with a sound understanding of school finance, I found it's brought an extra layer to my role that others may not have. It's not all about the finance, but instead the impact every decision has on the learners in our Trust. I have been able to provide internal governance to the organisation, as well as the training courses I attended as a governor providing sector oversight not normally experienced in my role. Plus anyone that works in education will know there are about one million acronyms, so this gave me a head start when I first started working within the education sector!”

    Georgina Crooks: “Being a governor has enabled me to refine my leadership skills as I have been part of strategic planning and setting the school's priorities as well as shaping its vision and values. Ultimately, being a governor gives me the opportunity to have a positive impact on children's education and their future prospects by helping shape the environment in which they learn and develop.”

    Find out more about National School Governors' Awareness Day here: https://web.strictlyeducation.co.uk/nsgad

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  • The what, who, and why of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)

    Published 19/02/24

    It’s really important as an educational practitioner to be searching for ways to expand your knowledge and expertise. We want our pupils to be the very best they can be and never stop learning - and the same applies to us!

    The National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are a national, voluntary suite of recognised professional qualifications - but what are they, who can take part in them and why are they so valuable?

    What?

    NPQs are part of a wider set of DFE reforms to teacher development. They offer opportunities to undertake continuous professional development (CPD) and earn a nationally recognised qualification at the end of the programme. 

    As part of the ‘golden thread’ of teacher development, NPQs offer high-quality, evidence-informed teacher development opportunities which span the entirety of a teacher’s career. 

    Who?

    NPQs are designed for teachers, leaders and aspiring leaders. The HISP Teaching School Hub works with two NPQ lead training providers: Education Development Trust (EDT) and Best Practice Network (home of Outstanding Leaders Partnership) (BPN).

    If you’re interested in undertaking an NPQ, you can explore the different options available to you here

    Why?

    There’s a wide range of NPQ courses available to you, covering topics such as literacy, headship, behaviour and culture, and more. They’re a way of earning a qualification, giving you the confidence you need to take on new responsibilities and challenges and take the next steps in your career. 

    Find out more about how the HISP Teaching School Hub can support you to undertake an NPQ here.

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  • Our second trust-wide inset day

    Published 08/02/24

    Colleagues from across our schools came together for a day of learning, collaboration and discussion about how we can work together to shape a curriculum which challenges, inspires and nurtures each and every one of our pupils.

    We were also delighted to welcome guest speakers Bennie Kara and Marc Rowland who shared some valuable insights into how we can best support disadvantaged learners and build a more diverse curriculum.

    Bennie Kara is an experienced teacher and the co-founder of Diverse Educators, a training company championing diversity, equity and inclusion in the education sector. Marc Rowland has worked with the Department for Education, numerous local authorities and over 500 individual schools to support their inclusion strategies. 

    We’re so pleased to be able to welcome such inspiring speakers for our inset day, and we hope everyone who attended took away lots of valuable new insights. 

    Thank you to all of our colleagues for your hard work organising the day!

    Read More
  • Test Valley School joins HISP!

    Published 01/02/24
    Test Valley School in Longstock joined the HISP MAT family of schools today! Test Valley School has partnered with us to benefit from our extensive school improvement networks, resources, and collaboration of the latest learning practices.&nb
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  • The what, who, and why of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)

    Published 23/01/24

    It’s really important as an educational practitioner to be searching for ways to expand your knowledge and expertise. We want our pupils to be the very best they can be and never stop learning - and the same applies to us!

    The National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are a national, voluntary suite of recognised professional qualifications - but what are they, who can take part in them, and why are they so valuable?

    What?

    NPQs are part of a wider set of DFE reforms to teacher development. They offer opportunities to undertake continuous professional development (CPD) and earn a nationally recognised qualification at the end of the programme. 

    As part of the ‘golden thread’ of teacher development, NPQs offer high-quality, evidence-informed teacher development opportunities which span the entirety of a teacher’s career. 

    Who?

    NPQs are designed for teachers, leaders and aspiring leaders. The HISP Teaching School Hub works with two NPQ lead training providers: Education Development Trust (EDT) and Best Practice Network (home of Outstanding Leaders Partnership) (BPN).

    If you’re interested in undertaking an NPQ, you can explore the different options available to you here

    Why?

    There’s a wide range of NPQ courses available to you, covering topics such as literacy, headship, behaviour and culture, and more. They’re a way of earning a qualification, giving you the confidence you need to take on new responsibilities and challenges and take the next steps in your career. 

    Find out more about how the HISP Teaching School Hub can support you to undertake an NPQ here.

    Read More
  • Preparing for a teaching interview

    Published 06/12/23
    If you’re applying for an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme, interviews are the first hurdle to overcome.  In our latest blog post, Deputy Director of the HISP Teaching School Hub David Higginbottom gives his top three tips for p
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  • Celebrating at the 25th Pearson National Teaching Awards Ceremony

    Published 28/11/23

    Jo, Emma, David and Helen from our central team all headed to London at the weekend to celebrate our silver win in the ‘Impact Through Partnership’ category at the Pearson National Teaching Awards Ceremony. 

    The team enjoyed dinner and drinks whilst the gold winners were announced at the glitzy black-tie event. 

    Whilst we didn’t win, we were thrilled to be a part of the awards and hear about the inspirational projects, initiatives and individuals championing great education. 

    Deputy Director of the HISP Teaching School Hub David Higginbottom said: “It was fantastic to celebrate with Jo, Emma and Helen. We’ve achieved so much through partnership and teamwork over the years, and our silver award is a recognition of that.

    “Hearing about the work our educators are doing is truly inspiring. The awards were a reminder of how passionate our teaching workforce is about overcoming barriers to learning and making a difference to the lives of our pupils.”

    Congratulations to all of the incredible winners and those shortlisted!

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  • Our guide to acronyms in education

    Published 26/10/23

    Anyone who works in education will know there are a lot of acronyms to get to grips with. If you’re just starting out in your career, they might get a little confusing.

    We’ve put together a handy guide which defines all the different acronyms you may hear. 

    AB - Appropriate Body

    An AB is any educational organisation which monitors and quality-assures the two-year induction every teacher must undergo. All early career teachers must be registered with an appropriate body before they begin their induction. 

    CPD - Continuous Professional Development

    CPD refers to any task someone undergoes to develop their skills and knowledge. It is essential for improving pupil outcomes and ensuring teachers can progress towards higher roles during their careers. 

    ECF - Early Career Framework

    The ECF is a government-funded initiative which entitles early career teachers to access high-quality professional development and training. The initiative was created to improve teacher support and retention.

    ECT - Early Career Teacher

    Previously known as newly qualified teachers (NQT), early career teachers refer to anyone in their first two years of teaching. During this two year period, ECTs receive support via the ECF to prepare them for their future careers. 

    ITT - Initial Teacher Training

    ITT is a requirement for becoming a qualified teacher in the UK. Once a teacher has completed this initial teacher training, they will earn qualified teacher status (QTS). 

    NPQ - National Professional Qualification

    An NPQ is a qualification available to teachers and educational leaders to improve their knowledge, support progression to higher roles and help schools achieve better outcomes. 

    MAT - Multi-Academy Trust

    MATs are not-for-profit companies which look after multiple academies by supporting staff, facilities and administration duties. 

    PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

    A PGCE is a qualification completed after graduating from university which will help someone achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). These qualifications are usually achieved through a combination of academic work and a placement in a school. 

    QTS - Qualified Teacher Status

    QTS is a legal requirement to teach in maintained primary, secondary and special schools in the UK. Most courses, such as PGCEs or teacher training courses, will lead to achieving this status but some do not. 

    SEND - Special Educational Needs and Disability

    SEND refers to any condition a pupil may have which affects their ability to learn. SEN support can be given to pupils with SEND to make sure they can achieve the same as their peers during their time at school. 

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  • How can you get into teaching?

    Published 10/10/23

    Teaching is a hugely rewarding career choice. We’ve explored the avenues you can take towards a career in teaching. If you’re interested in working in education, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

    Inspiring Future Teachers (IFT) is a new postgraduate programme for aspiring teachers. It offers all the benefits of being part of a large national programme, offering locally-delivered school based training in either a primary or secondary school. In this blog post, we’ll explore what IFT is and how you can apply. 

    What is Inspiring Future Teachers (IFT)?

    Inspiring Future Teachers is a national provider of school-centred initial teacher training. It offers a one-year postgraduate route to achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is an essential accreditation you’ll need to work as a teacher in the UK. 

    IFT is a great option for building your experience as a teacher from day one. By combining practical experience with evidence-based training, IFT gives aspiring teachers the strongest start possible. 

    Why choose IFT?

    There are lots of key benefits for those who chose IFT as their post-graduate route, including:

    • Covers a wide range of regions - take a look at our list of hubs to see what’s available near you.

    • The opportunity to network with other aspiring teachers - you and your fellow trainees will come together as a cohort on a weekly basis.

    • Intensive and varied training - you’ll learn through a variety of placements, discussions, research projects and live practice. 

    Who is it for?

    IFT is a postgraduate route, meaning you’ll need to have a degree to enrol on the programme. If you’re still studying when you make your application, you’ll need to provide a grade prediction from your course tutor. Find out more about specific entry requirements here.

    You can start the IFT programme no matter which background you come from. Whether you’re undergoing a career change or have just left university, the IFT programme is suitable for anyone with a passion for education.

    How do I apply?

    Visit the Inspiring Future Teachers’ website here for more information about the regions it covers, FAQs and how to apply. 

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  • HISP Teaching School Hub celebrates its ‘Class of 2023’ trainee teachers

    Published 25/07/23
    HISP Teaching School Hub’s cohort of trainee teachers has achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) after completing a year-long teacher training programme.  27 trainees from teacher training provider Hampshire SCITT, finished their train
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  • Tanners Brook says farewell to Mrs O'Driscoll as she embarks on a new journey

    Published 21/07/23
    Tanners Brook has said farewell to a beloved Year Five teacher after she has dedicated 36 years to teaching at the school.  Marie O’Driscoll said goodbye on Friday 21st July to enjoy her retirement. After almost four decades of teaching
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  • Celebrating aboard the Glass Room

    Published 10/07/23

    David Higginbottom and Georgina Crooks from HISP Teaching School Hub spent an afternoon aboard the Glass Room cruise to celebrate silver win at the Pearson Teaching School Awards. 

    We were thrilled to discover we had been awarded silver in the ‘Impact Through Partnership’ category. The award means we will now be shortlisted to win one of Pearson’s 16 Gold awards in November. 

    David and Georgina enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea with fellow silver winners and learnt about the inspirational stories behind their achievements, all whilst sailing down the River Thames.

    David said: “It was a lovely afternoon celebrating on The Thames. You get to see so much more of London from the river!”

    “I am so proud of the partnerships we have formed. Our ethos is one of collaboration and being greater together. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributes to our partnership work.”

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  • Transforming IT across our schools

    Published 04/07/23
    Over the past 12 months, we’ve rolled out eight new IT suite refurbishments across our schools in a bid to improve facilities and enhance education across the region. We’ve refurbished six IT suites at Thornden School and repurposed t
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  • We're hiring!

    Published 28/06/23

    If you are passionate about making a difference to our pupils, parents and communities, we want to hear from you!

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  • Georgina Masters OBE

    Published 28/06/23
    We'd like to say an enormous 'congratulations' to our Regional Delivery Partner Georgina Masters for being listed in the King's Honours! George has been awarded her OBE for services to education and her dedication to improving ed
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  • Su Whelan to leave HISP Multi Academy Trust

    Published 28/06/23

    Su Whelan, the founding Chief Executive Officer of the HISP Multi-Academy Trust, has announced that she is to leave the Trust.

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  • Parent Trustee

    Published 26/05/23
    Dear Parent/Carer As a Trustee, you will play a strategic role, ensuring we have a clear vision, ethos and development plans that are being delivered against. You will help set goals for the schools; monitor progress, supporting and challengin
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  • Tanners Brook children open new ALDI store

    Published 11/04/23

    Pupils from Tanners Brook primary school were invited to officially mark the opening of a new ALDI store which opened on Thursday 30 March. 

    Seven pupils from Tanners Brook launched the opening of ALDI in Auckland Road, Millbrook. The opening was marked by pupils cutting the ribbon alongside paralympic gold medallist Aaron Phipps. 

    A year five pupil said: “It was so much fun cutting the ribbon with Aaron Phipps.” 

    Headteacher Ingrid Dowse said she loves seeing the pupils get involved in a vibrant community. 

    She added: “It was lovely to have had a handful of our students invited to the opening of the ALDI launch. As a school we feel it's important to be at the forefront of the community. 

    “Encouraging our pupils to engage in their local community is a really key part of their development. It builds confidence and improves their social skills.” 

    The inspirational Paralympian later visited the school to meet the children during an assembly. 

    Tanners Brook Primary School is part of our family of schools across the wider Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth. 

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  • HISP Teaching School Hub improves learning for special educational needs pupils

    Published 17/03/23

    Our teaching school hub has widened the support offered to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by launching a ‘professional development programme’ for SENCos, Inclusion Leads and School Leaders.

    The two-year programme, ‘Supporting pupils with SEND in Mainstream Schools’, aims to close the attainment gap between SEND pupils and their peers. 

    The new programme comes at a time when the government has unveiled plans to reform support for SEND pupils.

    More funding and resources are needed to support SEND children across the country - the government’s plans include opening 33 ‘desperately needed’ special schools and £4.8m worth of funding granted to specialists in SEND support.

    The programme has developed SENCos and school leaders’ understanding about inclusive teaching and has equipped them with key strategies for supporting pupils with SEND.

    We have been working in partnership with educational organisations to ensure SEND pupils receive the same learning opportunities as their peers, including;

    • Whole School SEND

    • Education Endowment Foundation 

    • Research School’s Network

    • Teaching School Hub Network across the south east and south London region 

    Deputy Director of our teaching school hub David Higginbottom said the programme will be a huge step towards improving the support offered to children across the south with special educational needs. 

    David added: “The number of SEND pupils is increasing in mainstream schools so we are ensuring that SENCos and school leaders are equipped to meet pupil needs.

    “Using government guidance and education research to develop the programme, it gives our teachers and schools the tools they need to provide tailored support and learning to every child. 

    “Ensuring all pupils have equal opportunities is at the heart of HISP Teaching School Hub and HISP Multi Academy Trust’s ethos.”

    For more information about HISP Teaching School Hub: https://www.hispteachingschoolhub.org/

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  • Parent Trustee Vacancy

    Published 21/02/23

    We currently have a vacancy for a Parent Trustee. We are seeking a high-calibre, dynamic and committed individual to strengthen our Trust.

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  • HISP Inset Day No.1

    Published 09/02/23

    This week we hosted our first HISP wide Inset Day at Thornden School. 

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  • Thornden School's Winter Production a great success

    Published 09/02/23

    Last week, over 120 students successfully took part in Thornden School's latest production ‘The Jungle Book’ 

    We hear from Miss McGreal the Director

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  • Tanners Brook Primary School launches brand new computer suite

    Published 25/11/22

    Tanners Brook Primary School has opened the doors of a brand new computer and IT suite in a bid to offer a wider range of opportunities to its pupils. 

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  • Paediatric First Aid Course

    Published 02/11/22

    Sign up to our Paediatric First Aid Course

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  • Highcliffe Joins HISP Multi Academy Trust

    Published 31/10/22

    Highcliffe school joins HISP Multi Academy Trust

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  • New and Exciting Breakfast and After School Club at Portswood

    Published 21/10/22

    Creative Kidz Childcare Ltd - Opening 31 October 2022

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  • Inspiring Future Teachers

    Published 10/10/22

    Collaborative partnership receives national teacher training accreditation

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  • Welcome to the team

    Published 26/09/22

    The team have been busy recruiting over the past few weeks and subsequently there have been a number of changes across the central team.

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  • Teaching Internship Programme

    Published 14/07/22
    We were very pleased to be selected to host five university undergraduate students at Thornden over the last three weeks as part of the DfE's Teaching Internship Programme. The aim of the national internship programme is to enable undergradu
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  • Fun Run at Portswood Primary

    Published 18/05/22
    On Friday 13 May, Portswood Primary School held a day of Musical Fun Runs to raise money for their Year 5 and 6 performance. We are delighted to say they raised £510 and so their performance this year will be Mary Poppins Jnr.&nb
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  • Nursery Spaces Available at Portswood Primary

    Published 11/05/22

    We are now accepting applications for an Autumn 2022 start

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  • Thornden School - GCSE Certificate Presentation Evening

    Published 04/05/22
    On Thursday 28 April, Thornden welcomed ex-students, parents and carers to Thornden Hall to attend a rearranged (and long awaited!) certificate presentation evening.  The event was an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of the Ye
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  • New Management Information System

    Published 27/04/22

    HISP Multi Academy Trust has recently transferred to a new Management Information System - Arbor

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  • Thornden Music Department's Spring Concert

    Published 06/04/22
    Thornden Hall was the venue for the music department's annual Spring Concert on 23rd March in the evening. The programme featured all the extra-curricular ensembles that rehearse weekly in the music department, and over 100 performers took to the
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  • Effective Learning Behaviours

    Published 30/03/22

    Free twilight webinars for teachers, delivered by HISP Research School.

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  • An afternoon with Marc Rowland

    Published 24/03/22

    Find out more and book tickets...

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  • The biggest PSHE conference in the UK!

    Published 07/03/22

    This conference is designed to bring together PSHE Leads and Personal Development Leads across primary and secondary schools in our area and beyond. For too long, PSHE/ PD Leads have worked in isolation or small groups with little support despite their work being so completely vital to the safety and wellbeing of young people!

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  • Portswood School - Year 3 Greek Week

    Published 02/03/22

    The Greeks arrived in Year 3!

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  • Thornden School Grease Performance

    Published 16/02/22

    An electrifyin' experience at Thornden Hall!

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  • Thornden School

    Published 08/02/22

    Quarter-finals! ESFA Girls U14 Schools' Cup

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  • Tanners Brook Primary

    Published 02/02/22

    Amazing librarians!

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  • Portswood Primary

    Published 28/01/22

    Year 1 - Trip to Milestones Museum

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  • Become a Parent Trustee

    Published 20/01/22

    We currently have two vacancies for Parent Trustees

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  • Tanners Brook Primary

    Published 12/01/22

    Year 4s Ancient Egypt museum

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  • Thornden Secondary

    Published 12/01/22

    Outstanding Results at the Hampshire County Cross Country Competition

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  • Congratulations!

    Published 04/01/22

    Amanda Parry OBE

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  • Thornden Secondary

    Published 13/12/21

    Feeling festive

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  • Tanners Brook Primary

    Published 13/12/21

    Here lies the body of King Tutankhamun!

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  • Portswood Primary

    Published 29/11/21

    Year 6 have been looking at the United States of America

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  • Tanners Brook Primary

    Published 29/11/21

    Trip to Stonehenge

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  • Thornden PE and Sport

    Published 29/11/21

    Congratulations to our U12 girls football team

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  • Become a HISP MAT Governor

    Published 19/11/21

    Are you interested in helping young people across the south coast fulfil their potential? 

    Share your skills, experience and insight to make schools successful for everyone … Become a school governor within HISP Multi-Academy Trust

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  • Thornden Hall Re-opens!

    Published 22/09/21

    Thornden Hall reopened on Friday 17th September after a 3-year closure due to a large structural beam failing in the roof. Here's what Hellen Smith (Head of Performing Arts) & Su Whelan (CEO of the HISP Multi Academy Trust & Exec Head of Thornden School) had to say about the evening.

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  • Visit to Testwood Lakes

    Published 20/09/21

    Unicorns had a brilliant day on 16 November: orienteering, map reading, birdwatching and walking at beautiful Testwood Lakes!

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  • Tanners Brook Primary 'Castle Day'

    Published 21/07/21

    This half term, in Year 2, the children have really enjoyed our topic about Castles.

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  • Portswood Primary 'Engineering Week'

    Published 21/07/21

    Last week, Year 5 held their annual Engineering Week which was a raging success. We started the week by thinking about 'Do we have the power to change the world?'

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  • Thornden School gets an online masterclass from Southampton FC

    Published 28/04/21

    Our students & staff loved getting an insight into the academy and what a privilege to watch how the players train. (& getting to ask a question to James Ward-Prowse!) Well done to our year 7s- you did brilliantly!

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  • New Teaching School Hubs!

    Published 25/02/21

    HISP Multi Academy Trust has two schools that have been designated as national teaching School Hubs. 

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  • A challenging & successful year for the SCITT program

    Published 25/06/20

    The Hampshire SCITT Partnership's 2019-2020 cohort of secondary trainees has just completed their training and they have been recommended to the DfE for Qualified Teacher Status. 

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