Values and Ethos

Our philosophy is to educate the whole person; we want pupils to enjoy vibrant learning within the beautiful and historic surroundings of our school and we have high expectations for their exciting academic, creative and social progress. Team spirit and friendliness is very much part of the ethos here, and there are high expectations of all staff, students and parents to work cooperatively in a secure environment, to make a positive and exciting contribution to the life of the school and to give their best. There is a focused commitment on 'Teaching and Learning' and we are proud of what we do. There is an emphasis on mutual support through which we develop our shared professionalism and passion for teaching. We are reflective and adaptive in our practice. We are happy to try out new ideas, because we want to ensure that every student succeeds.

'Proud tradition. Innovation. Together. To be the best I can be.'

Our educational philosophy is based around eight areas of learning for all pupils from Year 7 to Year 11.  Based upon brain research and common sense our exciting curriculum is delivered through what could be called "enlightened traditionalism".  We fully embrace traditional standards of behaviour and dress with the emphasis on the pursuit of excellence in a secure and caring but disciplined community.  We incorporate the latest technology into lessons and expect all of our pupils to become electronically fluent.  Innovation sits alongside tried and trusted teaching techniques to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to over-perform.

We aim to excite, motivate and cultivate intellectual curiosity through our exciting curriculum, develop our pupils’ awareness and understanding as well as leadership and communication skills.  We want all our students to be good, friendly citizens as well as good companions and to have fun!  We encourage and expect high standards of behaviour and presentation and nurture strong character values in a secure and vibrant environment.  We believe that all young people will respond to challenge as long as that challenge is relevant to their individual needs and aspirations.  We have developed a curriculum that meets the needs, sparks the imagination, and brings the best out of each individual student according to his or her ambition, aspirations, ability, interests and learning styles.

We have five clear values that underpin all that we do at Humphreys and these set the tone and ethos of the school.

Our Values 

• Child Focus – We put children and their families at the centre of all that we do.
• World-Class Learners – We do what is necessary to develop world-class learners.
• Honesty, Integrity and Professionalism – We act with honesty, integrity and professionalism at all times.
• Serving Others – We work together to realise our full potential.
• No Ceiling – We believe there is ‘no ceiling to achievement’ for individuals 

Every student belongs to a Tutor Group. The Tutor is a key adult for every student who helps support and guide them throughout their time at Humphreys.  We have Tutor time every day to build and maintain that relationship. 

Celebrating genuine success is an important aspect of building self confidence and developing a sense of pride and ambition. There are many ways in which we highlight achievement, from HP Award badges in assembly to photos around the site.  All students are expected to celebrate the success of others.