Withernsea High School

Withernsea High School’s sustained commitment to active travel has received national recognition, after it was named Regional Secondary School of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber and progressed to the finals of the Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards in London. 

Modeshift, the organisation behind the STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) programme, supports schools in developing long-term strategies to reduce car use and increase active travel. 

The awards, held recently at The Royal Society, brought together representatives from education, business and healthcare sectors to celebrate excellence in sustainable travel. Representing Withernsea were Year 10 students Deborah W and Charles G, both Active Travel Ambassadors and members of the student-led ‘Board for Change’ - a group which plays an active role in the life of the school by working collectively to help make meaningful changes for the benefit of their peers.

Reflecting on the significance of the national recognition, Nick Richmond, leader of the school’s Board for Change, said: “Out of 24,500 schools in England, 1,101 achieved STARS Education accreditation in 2024/25. From those, just 20 schools were invited to this event and we were ranked among the top five secondary schools. Being part of that group was a significant achievement.

“Watching Deborah and Charles present in front of an audience of more than 200 people filled me with immense pride. Their presentation was focused, powerful and extremely well received. It reflected the journey we have been on over the past three and a half years, not only embedding meaningful change through active travel, but transforming students into confident young leaders ready to represent their school on a national stage.”

The presentation was delivered before an audience that included MPs and senior figures from national road safety and cycling organisations, as well as peers from other schools. Nick added: “The National Travel Awards provided a valuable platform to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to showcase the measurable impact of our student-led initiatives to other schools and key stakeholders.

“Everything we have done with active travel has built towards this moment. Our whole-school survey data shows a consistent increase in active travel among both students and staff. It was an opportunity to recognise that sustained impact and to highlight the positive difference active travel has made for our whole school community.”

Student ambassador Deborah W said: “The work we have collectively done has had a positive impact on attitudes towards active travel and on how it is perceived by students and staff at the school.”

Jason McAleese, Modeshift STARS programme officer (education), said the school’s national recognition reflected the dedication of both staff and students: “Reaching the national finals as a regional winner is a significant accomplishment, and the commitment shown by the students and staff at Withernsea High has been clear throughout. We look forward to seeing how the school continues to build on this success.” 

The students’ achievements were further acknowledged by Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart, who visited The Royal Society to congratulate them in person. “It was fantastic to meet students and staff from Withernsea High School at the awards ceremony in London and congratulate them on this well-earned success. We all know the roads outside schools can be far too busy, so it is encouraging to see more students walking and cycling to school. That means safer journeys, healthier habits and families saving money. Students told me more are cycling to school and the car park is quieter too. That is a record of real results and a real credit to everyone involved.”

Reflecting on the students’ experience, headteacher Mark Crofts said the national awards provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate the work of the school’s ambassador programme. “It was an honour for us to be represented at the travel awards. Deborah and Charles left Withernsea eager to share with other participants what made our school’s travel plan successful. They were excellent ambassadors for the school, delivering their presentation with confidence and showcasing the ambition and creativity of our students. Their engagement with MPs and delegates highlighted the wider impact of our Active Travel programme and the opportunities it provides for student leadership. Seeing our students recognised on a national stage is proof of the ambition and dedication that runs through our school community.” 

Now in its sixteenth year within education settings, and backed by funding from the Department for Transport and Active Travel England, Modeshift STARS has approved over 9,000 accreditation applications since its inception.

Nick Butler, chief operating officer for Modeshift, said: “STARS delivers measurable real-world impact. Accredited sites achieve meaningful modal shift, generating thousands of additional walking, wheeling and cycling journeys each day. These changes support healthier routines, safer streets, reduced congestion and lower carbon emissions. The STARS National Travel Awards celebrate this collective achievement, recognising excellence and inspiring continued action to enhance everyday journeys across England.”

Withernsea High School’s place at the travel awards followed its recognition in October 2025 as Regional Secondary School of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber. Although narrowly missing out on the national title, the shortlisting reflected more than three years of sustained, evidence-based progress in promoting active travel and achieving measurable changes in travel behaviour.

The regional award built on earlier success in summer 2025, when the school became one of only three in England to receive an ‘outstanding’ accreditation through the STARS initiative - a scheme that supports schools in designing, delivering and evaluating strategies that encourage active travel. The outstanding accreditation is awarded to schools in recognition of a minimum of three years sustained progress in reducing car use and embedding active travel within the school community.  

At Withernsea High, data shows that increased walking and car sharing have resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in school-run car journeys. Staff have also contributed by using public transport, car sharing and active commuting options, leading to a 35 per cent reduction in regular car use.
Jason McAleese said: “Thanks to the commitment of the whole school community, Withernsea High has seen a clear modal shift, with fewer car journeys and increased uptake in active travel. This, alongside the school’s wider efforts to promote sustainable travel, resulted in their well-deserved outstanding accreditation. The scheme has been a success thanks to collaboration between the school, Modeshift, the East Riding Sustainable Transport Team and Active Withernsea - demonstrating that partnership working is key to meaningful change.”

Since 2023, Withernsea High has been one of several East Riding schools to recruit student ambassadors to promote active travel. The ambassadors guided the school through the STARS accreditation process and have led a wide range of initiatives, including road safety assemblies, bike health checks, equipment giveaways and support for primary school pupils with cycling activities.

Last year, 150 students took part in an immersive reality training experience designed to build confidence in on-road cycling. Delivered by East Riding Council’s Road Safety Team, the programme used tablet technology and 360-degree cyclist-perspective footage to simulate real-life road scenarios within the classroom.

Cycling has also been added to the PE curriculum, making Withernsea one of the first schools nationally to offer cycling as part of timetabled lessons. Funding from East Riding Council’s Sustainable Travel Team and Sport England enabled the purchase of 25 mountain bikes and secure storage facilities. Further support has included free bike servicing from cycle charity R-evolution, alongside lights and locks giveaways and helmet replacement initiatives to improve safety.

More recently, an ambassador presentation at County Hall in Beverley secured £350 to support the continuation of the school’s Active Travel Day - an annual event to reduce congestion around the school gates while promoting healthier and more sustainable travel choices. To date, ambassadors have secured £2,270 in funding from organisations including Modeshift and East Riding Council to help fund incentives and prizes to encourage and reward participation.  

This year’s event will take place during National School Sports Week, which launches on Monday July 6. Nick Richmond said: “We are looking forward to returning with our Active Travel Day in the summer term. The funding we have secured will support the continued success of the event, which has already contributed to an increase in sustainable travel across the school community.

“Last year, the event attracted around 200 participants, with more than 25 prizes awarded to those who walked, cycled, scooted, skated, car-shared or took part in ‘park and stride’. Students travelling by bus were also able to participate by demonstrating their sustainable journey to the bus stop. This year, we hope to build on that success and increase participation even further.”

A reminder that students return for the start of the summer term on Tuesday, 14th April.

Students must attend in full uniform: blazer, white shirt (tucked in), school tie, plain black trousers, and black polishable shoes. Optional school jumper may be worn under the blazer only. Coats are for outdoor use only.

Students must also have: pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, highlighter, pencil case, bag, plus their school-issued handbook.

Contact your child’s Head of Year if there are any issues with uniform or equipment. Students not meeting the expectations will not be in lessons until the issues have been resolved between school and home.

The East Riding Mental Health Support Team is hosting three upcoming workshops for parents and carers, offering practical advice and support to help children and young people with anxiety and key school transitions.

The first session, Understanding Anxiety, will take place face-to-face at Rosedale Community Centre (Preston Road, Hull) on 23rd April from 9.30am to 11.30am. This workshop will provide practical insights into recognising and managing anxiety in children and young people, along with strategies that parents and carers can use at home.

A second Understanding Anxiety workshop will be delivered online on 30th April from 5pm to 7pm, offering the same helpful guidance and practical tools in a virtual format.

The final session, the Parent Transition Workshop, will be held online on 21st May from 9.30am to 11am. This workshop will explore how school transitions, such as moving to a new year group or starting secondary school, can affect children’s wellbeing, and will provide practical advice on how to support them through periods of change.

All sessions are free to attend and open to parents and carers.

To book a place:

•    Understanding Anxiety: Face-to-Face (23rd April): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-anxiety-a-parentcarer-workshop-tickets-1983871347605?aff=oddtdtcreator 

•    Understanding Anxiety: Online (30th April): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-anxiety-a-parentcarer-workshop-tickets-1984613252663?aff=oddtdtcreator 

•    Parent Transition Workshop: Online (21st May): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985734734044?aff=oddtdtcreator 

For more information, contact the Mental Health Support Team on 01482 205205 or email hnf-tr.eymhst@nhs.net.

On Tuesday 24th March, eleven Key Stage 3 pupils (Years 7-9) competed in the East Riding Schools Swimming Gala at Beverley Leisure Centre.

The team performed exceptionally well, finishing 5th overall out of 12 competing schools - a fantastic achievement in a strong field of competitors.

There were several notable individual performances. Amelia H won her backstroke heat and progressed to the final, where she secured an impressive 3rd place overall out of 24 swimmers. Hayley B finished 3rd in her breaststroke heat before achieving 4th place overall in the final. Florence P enjoyed success in two events, front crawl and freestyle, reaching the finals in both and finishing 4th overall in each event.

There was also excellent team success in the girls’ freestyle relay. Isla, Caitlyn, Bessie and Amelia worked superbly together to secure 3rd place overall out of 12 teams.

Congratulations to all swimmers for their commitment, determination and exemplary conduct throughout the event. They represented Withernsea High School to a very high standard.

Eight students represented the school at the Humber Panathlon finals at Haltemprice Leisure Centre, earning bronze medals after an outstanding team performance.

Competing against schools from across Hull and the East Riding, the team secured third place overall. With the two higher-placed teams both from Hull, the students can also celebrate finishing as the top East Riding school at the finals.

The team qualified for the event after winning an earlier round hosted by Bridlington’s Headlands School in January.

Owen Mountain, Teacher of PE, said: “The students performed brilliantly throughout the event, showing fantastic effort, respect and teamwork from start to finish. Securing third place at the Humber finals is a tremendous achievement, and we are incredibly proud of them. They thoroughly deserve their bronze medals.”

Hosted by national charity The Panathlon Foundation, in partnership with the East Riding School Sports Partnership, Panathlon events aim to introduce students to new sports while encouraging the development of confidence and teamwork.

Well done to: Wyatt, Logan, Thomas, Will, James, Darren, Jensen and Tommy.

Notice is given in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 that East Riding of Yorkshire Council intends to make a prescribed alteration to: 

• Brough Primary School
• Thorngumbald Primary School
• Inmans Primary School
• Willerby Carr Lane Primary School
• Cherry Burton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
• Hornsea Community Primary School
• Hornsea School and Language College
• Withernsea High School 

It is proposed that the schools listed above will formally propose or issue a notice of prescribed alteration for an Enhanced Resource Provision and or SEN unit. The aim of the proposal is to enable the above schools to operate formally approved Enhanced Resource Provisions or SEN units, providing vital local provision for children and young people requiring additional support for specific Special Educational Needs or Disabilities beyond that of a mainstream school offer. 

Any person may object to or make comments on the proposal by sending them by email to schoolorganisation@eastriding.gov.uk  Alternatively, objections and comments can be sent by post to School Organisation Officer, Education, Schools and Inclusion, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Beverley, HU17 9BA.  Comments and objections must be received by the School Organisation Officer by Thursday 23 April 2026.

This Notice is an extract from the complete proposal.  The complete proposal can be seen on the Council’s website at:  www.eastriding.gov.uk.  A copy can also be provided by the School Organisation Officer at the address given above.

Signed:

Merlin Joseph
Publication Date:  Thursday 12 March 2026

Withernsea High School’s recent production of Matilda the Musical concluded with three well-attended evening performances in the school hall, attracting the largest audience for a school production to date and reflecting the continuing development of the school’s performing arts provision.

The musical, based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, tells the story of a gifted young girl who overcomes adversity through resilience, imagination and the support of her teacher, Miss Honey. Rehearsals began in mid-October and involved students from across all year groups, with particularly strong representation from Years 7 and 9, supported by older students in leading roles.

Head of Sport and Performance Jamie Hughes described the production as a source of pride for staff, noting the collaborative spirit shown throughout the process. She said: “The cast worked exceptionally well together as a team, supported one another throughout, sang with real commitment, acted through song and demonstrated a wide range of musical theatre skills. I am incredibly proud of them all.

“This was our sixth full-scale musical, with regular productions and performances now embedded across the academic year. We are continuing to build on the legacy of previous shows by staging performances including our faculty showcases, art exhibitions and dance shows, which is something we have been working towards for a long time.”

Among those in the audience during the show’s run was Gordon Beastall, former Head of Performing Arts, who taught drama at the school from 1974 to 2005. Reflecting on the production, he said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed Wednesday night’s performance. Every actor was fully committed, creating a real sense of ensemble throughout the show, and the singing from the principal cast was outstanding. The scene changes were seamless, and the students’ swift entrances and exits showed just how much rehearsal had gone into achieving such precision.

“From my own experience directing school productions, I know how much dedication this requires from staff. They will have invested countless hours in planning, rehearsing and encouraging the students to work collaboratively, ensuring that the story of Matilda was clearly and confidently brought to life for the audience.”

Show Director Beth Lewis, who has been involved in five previous productions, highlighted the professionalism shown by students throughout rehearsals and performances. She said: “I am so proud of every single student. They put endless effort into the whole process, which was evident across all three evenings. The performances were outstanding, and our students were professional in their approach. They listened carefully to direction and demonstrated clear progress over the rehearsal period. Drama is such an important outlet where students can express themselves in ways they may not always be able to convey in writing.”

Leading the show’s orchestra was Teacher of Music Lewis Fryer, who added: “The production was a tremendous success. The live band brought together current students, three professional string players and a former student who returned to perform, creating an aspirational and collaborative environment for our young musicians. They performed with a high level of professionalism, working seamlessly together and responding sensitively to the cast. The maturity and musical intelligence they demonstrated is something we are extremely proud of, and their contribution was integral to the overall success of the production.”

Headteacher Mark Crofts commended both cast and crew, stating that they had “absolutely surpassed themselves this year.” He said: “The production was the most spectacular I have seen at the school. There was a tangible sense of teamwork and strong engagement with character and narrative. The technical and backstage elements helped to create a slick production in which all the component parts worked seamlessly. The standard of singing was consistently high across both lead and ensemble roles, with the band complementing the vocal performances effectively.”

Following the final performance, Mr Crofts hosted a celebratory gathering for cast and crew the next morning to recognise their achievement and reflect on the experience. He said: “The breakfast celebration provided an opportunity to capture the sense of accomplishment at the culmination of months of preparation. There was a clear feeling at the end of the final evening of not wanting the experience to end, and this session allowed students to acknowledge what had been achieved and begin considering their future ambitions within the performing arts.”