Withernsea High School

Congratulations to Rebecca McKee, a teacher of upper strings with the East Riding Schools’ Music Service, who has been named Classic FM’s ‘Visiting Music Teacher of the Year’.

This national award celebrates her dedication to teaching, her inclusive approach to learning, and her outstanding contribution to the local music community.

Rebecca has a long association with Withernsea High School and continues to visit weekly to lead violin and viola lessons for students in years 7 to 11.

Rebecca said: “I am truly honoured and completely blown away to have received this award and I think it's amazing to be acknowledged. I absolutely love my job and feel very lucky to be able to provide children with opportunities to engage in music. I would like to thank Mr Fryer, teacher of music at the school, for all his support when I’m there. He’s honestly been like my rock at times.”

Year 11 student Olivia, who is currently taught by Mrs McKee, said: “Her award win is very impressive and I’m really proud of her. She has taught me violin for around seven years, starting in primary school and continuing through high school. As a teacher, she’s excellent. She’s very sweet and helpful, but also constructively critical when she needs to be.”

Now in her sixteenth year of formal teaching, Rebecca’s career began at Withernsea High School almost twenty years ago. After leaving university with a teaching career in mind, she worked at the school as a dedicated supply teacher to test the waters of secondary teaching, before completing her qualification at Hull’s St Mary’s College.

Withernsea High School’s newest learners have taken part in a workshop designed to develop confident communication skills, support their transition to secondary school, and prepare them for further education and future employment.

Led by trainers from oracy intervention specialists Talk The Talk, the two-and-a-half-hour session encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, meet new people within their year group and discuss their experiences of starting a new school.

Students worked in small groups to set personal goals for the year ahead, identifying the opportunities and challenges they expect to face. As part of this task, they were also invited to share strategies and solutions to help themselves and one another overcome any concerns. Meanwhile, peer interviews allowed students to get to know one another while practising the skills of questioning, listening and responding.

Form tutors also joined the sessions, providing support and helping to strengthen relationships within their new tutor groups. Dr Emma Finer, a member of the Year 7 tutor team, said: “The oracy workshop gave students the opportunity to get to know each other and engage in meaningful conversations. It encouraged them to reflect on their transition to secondary school, including what they enjoy most and the challenges that they face.

“From a tutor’s perspective, I found the session particularly helpful in identifying students who may need additional support as they continue to settle into their new routines. There were also several encouraging moments when quieter students, who might not usually volunteer to speak in front of a large group of people, confidently presented to their peers in a clear and engaging manner. It was a pleasure to watch their confidence grow throughout the session.

“The skills delivered in the workshop are both valuable and transferable, and the trainers highlighted how they will support students not only in their current and future studies but also in the workplace.”

Reflecting on the experience, one Year 7 student said: “Learning how to communicate with new people was really fun. As the day went on, I could feel myself becoming more confident. I’m glad I did this with my tutor group because I was with some friends but also got to know people I hadn’t spoken to before. Speaking in front of everyone was scary at first, but I really enjoyed it in the end. It made me feel proud of myself.”

Our Year 5 and 6 Open Evening takes place on Thursday 9th October, between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

The event will provide a great opportunity to tour our school, meet our staff and explore the state-of-the-art facilities that your child could benefit from.

We look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Secondary Admissions Round - September 2026

East Riding of Yorkshire Council are now beginning the admissions round preparations for those pupils starting Year 7 in September 2026. 

You should, by now, have received detailed information directly from East Riding of Yorkshire Council regarding the high school application process and the steps required to ensure your child secures a place.

Remember, enrolment is NOT automatic and places must be applied for by parents/carers.

Applications can be made via the ERYC Citizen Portal: https://emsonline.eastriding.gov.uk/CitizenPortal_LIVE/en  

The closing date for secondary applications is Friday, 31st October 2025. Once this date has passed, please contact the School Admissions team with any queries.

EMAIL: schooladmissions@eastriding.gov.uk 

PHONE: 01482 392100

POST: School Admissions Team, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Beverley, HU17 9BA.

The deadline for all applications is Friday, 31st October 2025.

Notification about the outcome of application will be sent out on Monday, 2nd March 2026.

We would like to update you on some minor changes to school transport arrangements effective from this term.

Following staff training days on Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd September, students return on a staggered start for the new academic year.