PROSPECTUS 2022/23
Welcome from the Principal It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Houlton School and to our Houlton Family. Our brand-new school is a beacon of excellence for the community where everyone feels safe, valued, included and proud. We strive to inspire pupils through the delivery of an innovative and inclusive curriculum where we nurture every learner’s natural curiosity, providing them with lifeenriching opportunities to develop socially, academically and morally. Our values of kindness, courage, tenacity, loyalty and excellence underpin our ethos in order to ensure our pupils become confident, resilient, and respectful of others; equipped with a lifelong love of learning in preparation for becoming well-rounded global citizens of the future. Houlton School has the privilege of being based in the renovated Grade II historic listed buildings which previously housed Rugby
International Radio Station. Inspired by our heritage, we have our very own Communications Centre, fully resourced with a library, radio and television broadcasting station, allowing us to continue the historic legacy of our buildings. Our brand-new facilities on campus include a purpose-built Sport England compliant Sports Centre, dance, acting, science and computing facilities. Our pupils will also have access to incredible art classrooms with a photography dark room and kiln room for those children who like to be creative and a wonderful ‘Power Hall Refectory’ that pupils can use at break and lunchtimes.
aspects of behaviour and attitudes and pupils will be expected to always do their very best. We expect our pupils to always try to model our values and will support them in all aspects of school life, providing them with the very best teachers, facilities and opportunities to explore their interests.
Our £39m, 20 acre campus provides a truly exceptional school experience for our pupils: an inspirational setting for them to learn and grow. At Houlton School we have the highest expectations of our pupils: excellence is expected in all
Michael McCulley Principal
Values and Ethos Mission Statement:
Innovation, Aspiration and Excellence
‘To prepare pupils for the challenges and opportunities of their future lives through a world class curriculum, transformational learning experiences and the promotion of innovation, aspiration and excellence in all aspects of the school experience: once they have joined our Houlton family, pupils will enjoy the proud legacy of being members of our community for life.’
Strategic Aims for all that we do: Our Houlton family aims to be:
1. Excellent in our provision of transformational learning experiences; 2. Excellent in our expectations for, and from, every pupil; 3. Excellent in the tending of our Houlton family relationships; 4. Excellent in our attention to detail in all that we do; and 5. Excellent in our recognition and celebration of all that our Houlton family does well.
We will seek innovative ways of creating compelling learning experiences so that pupils and staff alike have the highest aspirations towards excellence in all that we do at Houlton.
Proud to be part of the Transforming Lives Educational Trust
The Transforming Lives Educational Trust (TLET) believes in the transformative power of learning and its singular ability to broaden horizons, deepen perspectives and extend potential. Our family of academies will be recognised as the most forward-thinking and innovative organisations within the communities they serve, providing a springboard for our children, young people and staff so that they become exemplary citizens who strive to stretch their potential and become transformers in a diverse and ever-changing world. We are:
TRANSFORMING TOMORROW, TODAY Our Standards One team, one goal We are totally united and committed to improve life chances. Best daily deal, everyday We have the highest expectations for all, in all, from all, always. No excuses We see it, own it, sort it. Community First If it’s important to you, it’s important to us – we care.
Our Values
T R U S T
Our Academies
end the team
listening to, sharing with and learning from others so that we nurture the potential of all (loyalty)
each for excellence
only comparing ourselves to the best – seeking to match and then surpass it (excellence)
tilise innovation
seeking forefront thinking and creativity, and leading the change (courage)
eize success
holding onto our vision and building on our achievements (tenacity)
hank as you go - recognising the contribution of others to the Trust’s successes (kindness)
Our Team Without exception, everyone is deeply committed to the very highest outcomes, regardless of their role, recognising the strength of collective contribution and effort.
Academic Excellence for All
At Houlton School, our staff have a shared vision: to nurture a love of learning in all our pupils, and in doing so, to enable all pupils to reach their full academic potential. We believe in developing a curriculum which not only allows the flexibility to meet the needs of each child, but also ensures that no-one gets left behind. In Year 7, literacy and numeracy skills are developed as a priority, alongside ensuring our pupils have exposure to a broad range of subjects. We encourage each individual to extend their academic potential by placing particular emphasis on challenge, teamwork, independence, creativity and enjoyment through a world class community of learning, ensuring pupils understand their place in the world as global citizens. Our purpose-built facilities also mean that we are in a unique position, allowing us to provide first class provision for pupils with a focus on personalisation to ensure each individual can flourish.
“We provide a first class provision for pupils with a focus on personalisation to ensure each individual can flourish.”
“ Every pupil is encouraged to commit to one enrichment option as a minimum per week.”
Outstanding Opportunities
As part of tending our Houlton family, we believe it is important that all pupils’ skills and interests are nurtured and developed – whatever they may be. With a wealth of opportunities to explore, time is dedicated within the curriculum to a wide range of co-curricular subjects as well as careers information, advice and guidance. In addition, every pupil is encouraged to commit to one enrichment option as a minimum per week, and to participate in an extensive range of clubs and activities. Pupils are actively encouraged to engage in Pupil Leadership and have the chance to gain accreditation through the PiXLEdge Leadership programme and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Trips and visits are also a fantastic way of bringing learning to life, and all pupils have the opportunity to engage in a number of local, residential and overseas trips to complement their studies.
Preparing for Tomorrow’s World
Preparing our pupils for tomorrow’s world is a crucial part of our role as educators, so it is no surprise that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is at the centre of our curriculum here at Houlton. Alongside teaching fundamental skills for future work and life, our STEM provision also nurtures critical thinking skills, fostering curiosity and instilling a passion for innovation. Our purpose-built STEM building offers state-ofthe-art science laboratories, a Design Technology Suite as well as specialist accommodation for Food Preparation and Nutrition, Computing and Mathematics. Pupils also have the chance to participate in a host of inspiring STEM opportunities, some examples include the CREST awards, Royal Society courses and Women in Physics conferences.
“Our purpose-built STEM building offers state-of-the-art science laboratories.”
“ Our impressive professional grade Radio Studio also offers an opportunity for our pupils to develop their broadcasting skills.”
Being Creative
Our Creative and Performing Arts provision is a vibrant and exciting part of our offer. Every Key Stage 3 pupil takes part in timetabled Acting, Art, Photography and Dance lessons each term, with many more opportunities to showcase creative skills and talents during productions, competitions and performances throughout the year. In our dedicated Creative Arts hub, our facilities include a double-height, specialist Dance and Activity studio with mirrored wall, barre and specialist flooring, which is complemented by a separate, fully equipped Performing Arts and Acting Studio. Four bright and airy specialist Art, Design and Photography studios also include a brand-new kiln and dark-room facilities. Honouring our campus’ heritage as a global centre for communication, our impressive professional grade Radio Studio also offers an opportunity for our pupils to develop their broadcasting skills throughout their time with us.
Living an Active Life
At Houlton School we are proud to offer a wide range of sports opportunities for our pupils to participate in, encouraging them to develop a life-long commitment to living an active and healthy life. From team sports to individual sporting specialisms, we encourage our pupils to participate in a range of sporting opportunities each week through the curriculum and beyond. Our Sport England Compliant Sports Centre features a large, professional standard sports hall, equipment to support pupils’ health and fitness and a venue for competitive sports. As well as an outdoor floodlit multi-use games area and extensive playing fields for our pupils to enjoy.
“We encourage pupils to develop a life-long commitment to living an active and healthy life.”
“ We encourage our pupils to work together as a team, developing a sense of belonging and friendship.”
Our College System
Positive Behaviour and Rewards
Our College System is an integral part of school life, creating healthy competition and providing support for younger pupils as they join us each year.
Pupils at Houlton School are expected to model excellence in their behaviour and to take pride in the way they conduct themselves every day.
The six College themes are inspired by the history of our buildings. Each College has a ‘communication’ link and, like our buildings, each has the added ‘wow’ factor of being unique, as we have focused on pioneers of change, invention and innovation in the communication field. Through our Colleges, we encourage our pupils to work together as a team, developing a sense of belonging and friendship, as well as offering a platform for: competition, sports, rewards, charity and community work, Pupil Voice, Pupil Leadership and personal development.
Our staff are trained in positive behaviour management strategies and the use of restorative approaches to ensure that pupils can learn in a safe, kind and nurturing environment. Rewards and recognition play a vital part in encouraging pupils to fulfil their potential and to demonstrate a love of learning. As a result, rewards are given to pupils for consistent and improved levels of achievement, both academically and for contributions to the life of the school.
Pupil Support
Inclusion
Our pupils are the heart of our Houlton Houlton School is non-selective and is Family. In addition to ensuring our proud to be fully inclusive. pupils make outstanding progress, Our Inclusion Faculty helps to identify and support pupils who have a particular need whether it be we also aim to provide the support social, emotional, physical or to help them overcome they need physically, socially and any barriers to their learning. Equally, should your child have a particular aptitude or talent we’ll nurture emotionally. Our experienced team of tutors and pastoral staff will always be on hand to provide support and a listening ear when pupils need someone to talk to. We also value working closely with parents and carers, providing a personalised approach to allow every individual to flourish.
and challenge that in them too.
All pupils have access to additional support where required and our SEND provision ensures that all pupils make good progress throughout their time with us. At Houlton School we provide a safe space for pupils to be themselves, to celebrate difference and yet to feel a strong sense of belonging as members of our Houlton family, so that they thrive in all aspects of school life. Pupils are encouraged to celebrate diversity and to model excellence in their conduct towards others. We expect all our pupils to be kind and accepting of others and are proud to have both the Stonewall mark and to be part of the Diana Award scheme for preventing bullying.
“Tutors and pastoral staff will always be on hand to provide support and a listening ear when pupils need someone to talk to.”
“ Students will also have a wide-ranging enrichment and careers programme.”
Sixth Form
As our school grows over the coming years, we will launch our Sixth Form in September 2026. Situated within the ‘penthouse suite’ of the Transmission Hall, our dedicated Sixth Form Centre will feature large social and study areas with aerial views of the surrounding countryside. Students will be offered a diverse range of subjects, including A Level options, BTEC and T Level vocational options to specialise in. Alongside their academic studies, students will also have a wideranging enrichment and careers programme offering more diverse access routes into traditional higher education, further education, employment and vocational training.
Our Heritage
At Houlton School we are incredibly proud of the heritage of our unique and inspirational location.
“When pupils join our school, they join our family for life.”
Based on the site of the former Rugby Radio Station, we have gone to great lengths to preserve the stunning architecture of our Grade II listed buildings - the Power Hall, Transmission Hall and Water Tower - making them the heart of our school community. We also believe it is our duty to share our iconic history with our pupils and to maintain the legacy of the station by creating our very own vibrant communications hub.
About Rugby Radio Station
Operating since the 1920s, Rugby Radio Station was once renowned as the world’s largest radio transmitting station and home to the first transatlantic radio broadcast as well as the first transatlantic phone call to Houlton Receiving Station in Maine, USA. After becoming the World’s Telephone Exchange in the 1930s, the station also contributed to top secret operations in World War II and the Cold War before continuing to provide a valuable communications service until the site was finally decommissioned in 2007. Perhaps most memorable to many local people are Rugby Radio Station’s 820ft high transmitter masts, which were for many years a striking feature of the Midlands landscape and visible for miles around.
How to Apply
We hope you like what you see and make Houlton School your first choice. When pupils join our school, they join our family for life – we will actively seek to engage with them beyond their formal time with us and celebrate the rich successes of our alumni to inspire future generations of the Houlton family. We want our Academy to serve local children and have places for 180 pupils in Year 7. Applications for a place at Houlton School can be made through Warwickshire County Council School Admissions. For further information about Houlton School and to book a tour visit www.houltonschool.org.uk
Houlton School Signal Drive, Houlton, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 1ED Telephone: 01788 593 300 Email: hello@houltonschool.org.uk www.houltonschool.org.uk
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