Withernsea High School

Staggered start 

Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd September 
TRAINING DAYS - SCHOOL CLOSED TO ALL STUDENTS

Wednesday 3rd September 
YEAR 7 ONLY

Thursday 4th September 
YEARS 7, 10 and 11 ONLY

Friday 5th September 
ALL YEARS 

Uniform

A reminder that minor adjustments to our uniform policy take effect from September:

JEWELLERY: Students are only permitted to wear one small pair of stud earrings. No other jewellery should be worn and valuable items should not be brought to school. 

TIES: We have begun introducing different coloured ties to distinguish between year groups. From September, this will only affect students joining the school in Year 7. Existing ties will remain the same for all other year groups. A different coloured stripe will be introduced for each new intake of Year 7 students over the following four years, until all year groups have been assigned their own stripe colour. 



Basic school uniform

• Plain black blazer bearing the school logo.

• Plain black trousers.

• Plain white shirt with a collar.

• School tie.

• Full black shoe that can be polished.

• Optional black Withernsea High School jumper.

• Coat.


PE and Dance uniform  

• Navy blue sports top with school logo.

• Navy blue shorts with school logo OR plain navy blue tracksuit trousers OR plain navy blue leggings.


Equipment:

Students must attend school every day with the following equipment: 

• Pen

• Pencil

• Ruler

• Eraser

• Highlighter

• Pencil case

• Bag

• Student handbook (provided by the school)

• Mini whiteboard (provided by the school)

• Plastic folder (provided by the school)

 

Attendance

Our aim for every student is that they attend 100% of their lessons. Gaps in learning caused by days off school are a drag on any student’s achievement and, whilst we understand that there are some circumstances where absence is unavoidable, you should do everything to ensure your child’s attendance is as close to 100% as possible. Our successful attendance incentives programme will resume in September, with prizes available to students who demonstrate improved, or maintain strong, attendance.  

More than ninety students independently sourced and secured their own placements across a wide range of industries, where they were able to apply their classroom learning in practical settings. The experience provided a meaningful insight into the world of work, helping students to understand the expectations of professional environments and the contrasts between school and employment. Viki Foster, school careers leader, said: “Work experience is an important part of our careers programme. It plays a vital role in students’ development, helping to deepen their understanding of potential career routes and the options available to them. “Taking part increases their awareness of the local labour market and the opportunities for employment in our area. It’s also a chance for them to explore job roles, ask meaningful questions, and learn about the skills and qualifications required by different employers. “I was deeply impressed by how proactive our students were in securing their own placements. The ongoing support of local employers remains invaluable as it not only benefits our students, it also allows businesses to engage with future talent and raise their profile within the community. We are extremely grateful to those who hosted placements this year and to the many already offering their support for the future.” Students embraced the opportunity to engage with employers, securing placements across a variety of sectors including education, retail, legal services, hospitality, tourism, and agriculture. Participating employers included Centrica Energy Storage+, British Transport Police, Holderness Health, and Porsche Centre Hull. While some chose placements aligned with their future career ambitions, others took the opportunity to explore working environments unrelated to their current interests. Among those keen to use work experience week as an opportunity to develop a wider understanding of the world of work was Meredith - a student with aspirations for a future career in law. Keen to learn how small businesses operate, she secured a placement at artisan gift shop and gallery, The Black Sheep and Dog. Reflecting on her experience at the Patrington-based business, Meredith said: “I enjoyed learning about how the shop is run, including the various taxes and exemptions involved, and the effort it takes to make a small business successful. I did some research on business ownership and found that marketing is essential because if you don’t promote a product effectively, it won’t reach the right people. “Although I’m aiming to become a lawyer, this experience helped me understand how businesses function, which will be useful when I’m studying business law. It also demonstrated the value of transferable skills and how the things we learn in school can apply in real-life situations.” Helen McCreath, owner of The Black Sheep and Dog, said: “Although retail is not a career path that Meredith intends to pursue, she took a keen interest in understanding the logistics and operational structures involved in running a small business. She developed a business plan outlining how she would establish a retail space, which included a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. She researched this framework to better understand its purpose. “In addition, Meredith created a marketing strategy detailing how to launch and promote the business. She made media content using video, photography, and appropriate soundtracks, to engage with our customer base. We discussed how incorporating images of other retail spaces in the village not only supported our shared economic interests, but also helped introduce our community to a wider audience. “Meredith also carried out research on all of the shop’s stockists and produced a presentation for each one. This included the pros and cons of what she felt worked well for the sellers and the shop. Overall, I believe Meredith left with a clear understanding of what goes on behind the scenes to run a small business in a rural village and community like ours.” In advance of their placements, all participating students attended a preparation session where school careers leader Viki Foster outlined expectations for behaviour and engagement in the workplace. Students each received a handbook and key information about their placement, including a bespoke risk assessment. Further support came from Education 2 Work, a work experience facilitator that links schools with employers and carries out vital health, safety and safeguarding checks ahead of placements. The school’s work experience programme aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, a national framework of eight guidelines to improve the delivery of careers education in schools and colleges across England. The Benchmarks recommend that all students should have first-hand experience of the workplace, including visits, shadowing, and placements, to help broaden their career awareness and develop professional networks. This is reinforced by recently updated government guidance which recommends that all students have at least ten experiences of the workplace between Years 7 and 11 (ages 11 to 16). These measures reflect a growing recognition of the valuable role that work experience plays in helping students to shape their futures. During a visit to the school in March, Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart expressed his support for expanding work experience opportunities for young people in Holderness, while school careers ambassador Darcy L spoke in the House of Lords to advocate for more work placements within the NHS. Viki Foster said: “Thanks to Darcy’s voice being heard in the House of Lords, and the support of Graham Stuart, I’m proud that the significance of work experience is being recognised at such a high level. Their backing underscores how vital such opportunities are in helping our students gain meaningful insight into the working world and develop skills that will shape their futures.” Meanwhile, around 50 students not on external placements also benefitted from career-focused activities throughout work experience week. Among the opportunities offered was engagement with the NHS ‘Step into Healthcare’ programme at Hull College, a trip that was led by head of personal development, Andrea Monaghan, and organised by the Humber and East Yorkshire Careers Hub. Representatives from Hull University Teaching Hospitals, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, and City Health Care Partnership hosted a carousel of sessions which explored the wide range of roles within the healthcare sector. Another group of students visited the York Chocolate Story, where they explored the history of York’s chocolate industry before taking part in a hands-on workshop. The session tasked students with designing, creating, and marketing their own chocolate brands which provided an insight into product development, pricing strategies, branding, target audiences, and creative marketing. Among those on the trip was Darcey W who said: "We learned about the history of chocolate, different brands, and how they’re made. We took part in a workshop where we created and marketed our own chocolate products and we got to try a lot of samples too, which was great! I hadn’t realised that different families and companies were behind the big-name brands we know today. “It really opened my eyes to the business side of things; how it’s not just about making the chocolate, it’s about how you brand it, who you market it to, and how you sell it. Even though chocolate-making isn’t the career I want to pursue, I could see how the skills we used, like teamwork, creativity and thinking commercially, are useful in any job. It made me realise how different industries are still connected by the same skills." In addition to workplace visits, students were invited to attend a college taster day at East Riding College’s Beverley campus, where they explored a variety of vocational subjects including construction, music, and health and social care. Earlier in the term, similar visits to Wilberforce College and Bishop Burton College allowed students to sample subjects not typically offered in school, such as criminology and animal management. Viki Foster said: “With post-16 applications for colleges and apprenticeships opening in the autumn term, college taster events offer a valuable introduction to providers and the wide range of subjects available for our students after Year 11, some of which they may not have previously considered. It is clear from the feedback received that the students really benefited from these visits, sparking many positive conversations in the weeks since.” As the cohort prepares to return in September as the new Year 11, attention will turn to an important academic year that will see them sit their final GCSE exams and take their next steps towards further education, employment or training. Throughout the year, they will continue to receive one-to-one careers interviews and personalised guidance to support informed post-16 choices. They will also participate in activities designed to develop the key skills needed for successful applications and interviews. This builds on an application support day, held in June, where students were introduced to Logon Moveon – an online platform that supports young people through the post-16 application process. During the session, students created personal profiles and drafted personal statements, building on work that had previously been completed in English lessons. These early preparations will help streamline the application process when it opens in October and ensure that students are well equipped to make confident and informed choices about their next steps.   Workplace learning 01: Meredith W on placement at The Black Sheep and Dog. Meredith is holding her work experience handbook, a diary and information booklet issued to all students on placements where they can record their learning. [Photo Credit: Viki Foster] Workplace learning 02: The Black Sheet and Dog, artisan gift shop and gallery in Patrington. [Photo Credit: Viki Foster] Workplace learning 03: Joe W gets hands-on while on placement at Mike Wilson Butchers Ltd. [Photo Credit: Viki Foster] Workplace learning 04: James G was one of three students who secured a placement at Martin Williams (Hull) Ltd - one of the UK's leading providers of commercial and specialist vehicle services. [Photo Credit: Martin Williams (Hull) Ltd.] Workplace learning 05: Darcey W and Nevaeh F were among the Year 10 students who enjoyed a trip to the York Chocolate Story. [Photo Credit: Viki Foster]   Article by Tim Nuttall July 2025  

The STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) initiative, led by sustainable travel organisation Modeshift, supports schools in designing, delivering and evaluating strategies that encourage Active Travel. At their core, Active Travel initiatives promote walking and cycling as ways to improve physical wellbeing while simultaneously reducing the number of journeys made by car. This approach supports a broader cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles and more sustainable methods of transport.   The STARS accreditation recognises schools that have achieved measurable changes in travel habits over a three-year period. At Withernsea High, data shows that increased walking and car sharing have led to a 50 per cent reduction in school-run car journeys. Staff have also contributed by using public transport, car sharing, and choosing active options for commuting, resulting in a 35 per cent reduction in regular car usage. Jason McAleese, Active Travel Ambassador coordinator at Modeshift, said: “Thanks to the commitment of the whole school community, Withernsea High has seen a modal shift, with fewer car journeys and an uptake in Active Travel. This shift, along with the school’s wider efforts to promote sustainable travel, has resulted in their well-deserved ‘outstanding’ accreditation. “I would like to congratulate the students and staff on their efforts. The scheme has been a huge success thanks to collaboration between the school, Modeshift, the East Riding Sustainable Transport Team, and Active Withernsea – proving that teamwork is key to meaningful change. The school has embedded Active Travel through regular events and campaigns, supported by truly outstanding travel ambassadors who are an inspiring part of ‘Team Modeshift’.” Since 2023, Withernsea High has been one of several schools in the East Riding to recruit student ambassadors to help promote Active Travel in their community. The ambassadors guided the school through STARS’ five-step accreditation process. This began with setting clear aims and objectives for a travel plan, followed by a site audit and survey to assess existing travel habits. From this, they established targets and delivered an action plan to encourage Active Travel.  Jason added: “The accreditation scheme empowers organisations to improve everyday journeys. In schools, this means making daily travel safer, healthier and more enjoyable. There are five levels of accreditation, ranging from ‘approved’ to ‘outstanding’. To progress through the levels, schools must deliver initiatives that encourage long-term behavioural change.” Withernsea’s Active Travel Ambassadors (ATAs) were presented with their award during a celebration day hosted at the school. The event brought together more than 100 students from seven secondary schools and two primary schools in the ATA programme to showcase their campaigns and share impact reports. Schools in attendance included Holderness Academy, Cottingham High School, Wolfreton School, Market Weighton School, Howden School, Headlands School, Mount Pleasant C of E Junior School, and Penshurst Primary School. The celebration featured a variety of hands-on activities, including a road safety ‘codebreaker’ challenge. Students were also given opportunities to race on a grass track and test their skills on a pump circuit, where riders generate speed through up-and-down body movements instead of pedalling. A number of unusual bikes were also available for students to try, including penny farthings, tandems and KMX Karts - a tricycle combining elements of a go-kart, BMX and mountain bike, ridden in a reclined position. A seven-seater conference bike, where all riders are encouraged to pedal together, proved to be a particular highlight of the event. Reflecting on the impact of the day, Jason said: “It was a great opportunity for us to showcase what is possible. All ATA schools in the East Riding were invited, with seven of the fourteen able to attend, along with two primary schools who are excelling in their Modeshift STARS travel plan accreditations. “The event was a great success, with all the ATAs throwing themselves into the activities. It also provided an opportunity for Modeshift and the East Riding Sustainable Transport team to give something back in recognition of the schools’ hard work. It wasn’t all play though, as the ATAs presented their campaign impact reports during a networking lunch, giving them the opportunity to showcase their achievements and learn from each other. At Modeshift, we are all about sharing best practice and a good idea shared can be become a great idea.” Nick Richmond, a teacher of PE who leads Withernsea High’s Active Travel programme, said: “It was a pleasure for us to host an event of this scale and to give our students the chance to share the many positive things that have taken place throughout the academic year. It was also a valuable opportunity to learn how Active Travel plans are working in other school communities. “The event marked the end of another successful year, with the ‘outstanding’ accreditation the cherry on the cake. Our ambassadors have worked tirelessly and are now reaping the rewards of their efforts. I am extremely proud that we have created a genuine modal shift and are travelling more actively as a school community. Seeing this change, and having the data to back it up, is truly impressive. I would like to thank Modeshift and the East Riding Road Safety and Sustainability teams for their encouragement, support and guidance.” The celebration event and accreditation came at the end of a busy year for the school’s ATAs, who have organised a wide range of activities to further their Active Travel ambitions. These have included road safety assemblies, bike health checks, equipment giveaways, and support for primary school pupils in the wider community with their own cycling activities. In February, 150 Year 8 students expanded their road safety knowledge through an immersive reality experience designed to build confidence in on-road cycling. Using tablet technology with pre-loaded 360-degree videos filmed from a cyclist’s perspective, the virtual training allowed up to 30 students at a time to experience the reality of cycling – all without leaving the classroom. Delivered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Road Safety Team, the immersive training aims to inspire young people to cycle more by highlighting its benefits while preparing them for on-road experiences. It caters for all ability levels, from complete beginners to those who have already completed ‘Bikeability’, the government’s national cycle training programme, at Levels 1 and 2. Cycling has recently gained greater prominence at the school after being added to the PE curriculum – making it one of the first in the country to offer cycling as part of timetabled lessons. This was made possible through funding from East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Sustainable Travel Team and Sport England, which enabled the purchase of 25 mountain bikes and secure storage facilities. To date, every Year 7 and 8 student has had at least one opportunity to cycle in a PE lesson, with further cycling opportunities made available in an extra-curricular club. In addition, trained technicians from cycle charity R-evolution have provided free bike servicing, including brake and gear adjustments and basic tyre inflation, for the school’s regular cyclists. The Sustainable Travel Team has also organised lights and locks giveaways to improve safety and security, while helmet amnesties have replaced old or unsafe helmets with brand-new ones. Following a successful presentation at County Hall in March this year, the ATAs were awarded £450 to support their ongoing efforts to promote walking and cycling to school. At the heart of their pitch was the continuation of the school’s annual Active Travel Day – a dedicated day of incentives and activities which, since 2023, has aimed to ease congestion at the school gates by rewarding those who travel to school more sustainably. To date, the ambassadors have secured a total of £1,920 in funding from organisations including Modeshift, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Active Withernsea to support their plans.   The third such event was held towards the end of the summer term and attracted participation from around 150 students and 50 staff members. Each individual was given a raffle ticket for entry into a draw for the chance to win prizes such as skateboards, bike lights, table tennis sets, footballs, rugby balls, frisbees and Amazon vouchers. More than 25 prizes were awarded in recognition of the community’s efforts to walk, cycle, scoot, or skate to school. Those who car shared or took part in a ‘park and stride’, which involves driving part of the way and walking the remainder of the journey, were also rewarded. Students who travelled by bus from the wider catchment area were invited to take part by sharing a photograph evidencing their sustainable journey to the bus stop.   Nick Richmond said: “Thanks to the continuing success of our now-annual Active Travel Day and incentives scheme, we have once again seen an increase in Active Travel. Under the banner of our Board for Change, our ATAs are part of a broader student-led campaign to bring meaningful change. They are incredible advocates for both sustainable travel and for our school. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to them, and to everyone who took part in our Active Travel Day, for helping us to continue working towards our aim of making a healthier, happier and more active Withernsea.” As a reward for their work throughout the year, the school’s 11 ATAs were treated to a cycling experience day in Dalby Forest. There, they learned how to navigate corners at speed, tackle rocky terrain and negotiate ramps and obstacles on the forest’s demanding ‘red route’ mountain bike trail. Meanwhile, with Active Travel remaining a national priority, efforts will continue into the next academic year and beyond at Withernsea High, with its ATAs playing a key role in educating and inspiring their school community. Funding has already been secured for several initiatives launching from September. These include the installation of a bike maintenance station, equipped with a pump and tools for everyday repairs, as well as the continuation of immersive cycle training sessions. In addition, a ‘golden lock’ scheme will reward students who choose sustainable travel by placing a gold bike lock on a randomly selected bike or scooter in the school’s bike sheds. The owner of the chosen vehicle will win a prize. The scheme will run each half term alongside the school’s existing Active Travel reward initiatives. Through these projects, Withernsea High aims to build on the success of its ‘outstanding’ accreditation by empowering more students and staff to embrace Active Travel, ensuring the school continues to lead the way in promoting healthier, more sustainable journeys. ABOVE: The school’s ATAs were presented with their ‘outstanding’ accreditation during an Active Travel celebration event held in July. Pictured with the ambassadors is Nick Richmond, teacher of PE and leader of the school’s Board for Change, who oversees the school’s Active Travel programme.  School earns 02 and 03: A racetrack and obstacle course were among the practical activities on offer during the celebration event. [Photo Credit: Withernsea High School] School earns 04 and 05: Among the specialist bikes available to try was a seven-seater conference bike, which required all riders to work as a team. [Photo Credit: Withernsea High School] School earns 06: Year 8 students were among some of the first in the East Riding to be given an opportunity to use immersive reality technology to improve their on-road cycling skills. [Photo Credit Tim Nuttall] School earns 07: The school’s Active Travel Ambassadors, pictured at County Hall, Beverley, where they successfully secured £450 towards the promotion of Active Travel. Pictured with the students are members of the judging panel (back left to right) Emily Cherry from the Bikeability Trust, Rob Atkin from Living Streets, Gavin Wood from Active Travel England, and presenter David Eliot from Histrionics. [Photo Credit Nick Richmond] School earns 08 and 09: As a reward for all their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the academic year, the school’s ATAs were treated to a mountain biking adventure day at Dalby Forest. [Photo Credit: Withernsea High School]

At an event attended by staff, friends, and family members, students marked the culmination of five years of study and celebrated results that will open doors to further education, training and employment. Many students are now preparing to embark on a diverse range of college courses. These include traditional subjects such as geography, maths, and the sciences, alongside more specialist options such as digital music production, land-based engineering, forensics, criminology, patisserie, and bricklaying. These courses will be studied at a variety of post-16 providers, with places secured at destinations including Wilberforce College, Wyke College, Bishop Burton College and St Mary’s Sixth Form College. A large number of students have also been successful in securing apprenticeships in a broad range of in-demand trades including hydrocarbon production (Perenco), renewable energy (RWE), social care (Shores Homecare), and manufacturing and joinery (Howden’s), either directly with employers or through providers such as HETA (Humberside Engineering and Training Association). Headteacher Mark Crofts said: “We are immensely proud of our Year 11 students, who have worked with determination and focus to achieve results to be proud of. These achievements open the doors to exciting new opportunities, whether continuing their studies at college, pursuing apprenticeships, or beginning training and employment. “It was a pleasure to welcome Year 11 back to school, many joined by family and friends, to share in this important milestone. Results day is always a special occasion and it was wonderful to see students celebrating their hard work alongside those who have supported them throughout their journey. “I would also like to thank our dedicated staff, parents, carers, and families for the invaluable encouragement and support they have given our students throughout their time with us. Our Year 11s have shown resilience and commitment and they leave not only with strong qualifications, but also with the skills, experiences, and confidence to thrive in the next chapter of their lives. “We look forward to hearing about all they go on to achieve, and they will always remain an important part of the Withernsea High School community.” Alongside their curriculum studies, the Year 11 cohort has benefited from a comprehensive programme of careers guidance and support throughout their time at school. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), the foundations were laid for developing key employability skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These were nurtured through a wide range of activities, including enterprise days, communication workshops, workplace visits, and talks from inspirational speakers. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), students engaged in a more focused programme of activities designed to prepare them for post-16 progression and life beyond high school. College taster visits, a dedicated careers fair, further workplace visits, and a full week of work experience provided students with valuable opportunities to interact directly with employers and post-16 providers. Additional support was delivered through workshops on personal statement writing and CV development. Meanwhile, a dedicated application support day, interview skills workshop and mock interview event, all ensured that students were well prepared to present themselves with confidence. Underpinning the school’s programme of careers events are one-to-one interview sessions, led by careers leader Viki Foster. These sessions provide tailored support for every student, helping them to explore their options, understand the pathways available, and feel fully prepared and confident to pursue their chosen destinations. Viki Foster said: “Individual careers interviews give us the opportunity to focus on each student’s ambitions and provide personalised guidance to support their next steps. By helping them recognise their strengths and align these with future opportunities, we ensure they are well-equipped to make informed decisions about their post-16 pathways. I’m delighted that our students have worked hard to reach their destinations of choice and I look forward to welcoming them back in the future as part of our alumni and employer network, supporting the next generation of students.”     Photo Credit: All photos courtesy of Terry Bearpark/Holderness Gazette. 

Students are expected to collect their own results, but if for any reason they are unable to attend, they may nominate a relative or friend to collect results on their behalf.

For Data Protection purposes, we require students to notify us of any chosen nominated person. They can do this via email – using their verified school email account – or by a written and signed letter, brought to school by the nominated person on results day. Nomination emails should be sent to Mrs Mackenzie (Assistant Headteacher) at mackenziea@wscampus.net 

Anyone collecting results on behalf of a student will be required to show photographic ID to confirm their identity. Any results not collected will be held by the school for collection at a later date.