Our school motto is “Everybody matters” and we achieve this vision by providing an environment in which all of our students flourish and are enabled to achieve to their optimum level. A highly developed and embedded culture of learning is at the heart of everything we do supported by first rate pastoral care. When they join us, and throughout their experience at Highgate Wood School, our students find a supportive and friendly environment where high standards of discipline and behaviour are expected and maintained. We provide a safe and structured working environment where every individual is encouraged to strive for excellence.
Our students study a predominantly traditional curriculum with a focus on the core subjects of English, maths and science. At Key Stage 4 academic achievement is high, see our Exam Results. Our aim is to ensure that all of our students make excellent progress from the point at which they arrive with us in Year 7.
Our latest Ofsted Inspection from November 2016 notes that:
‘teaching is good and improving’. . . ‘Teachers plan lessons well, stretching the most able and targeting pupils’ needs. . . pupils’ performance overall is good and improving at GCSE and A level’
‘Staff and pupils’ actions and interactions demonstrate a strong culture of safeguarding’
See the Full Ofsted Report.
Why work at Highgate Wood School?
Salary
Although Haringey is defined as an outer London borough, we pay our teachers on the Inner London pay scale. Newly qualified teachers earn a minimum of £28098. This makes teaching at Highgate Wood School financially rewarding compared with other outer London boroughs who do not pay the Inner London pay scale.
Salary scale for qualified teachers in Inner London (other than leadership group members and ASTs) from 1 September 2016:
| Spine |
M1 |
M2 |
M3 |
M4 |
M5 |
M6 |
| Salary |
£29,664 |
£31,210 |
£32,836 |
£34,547 |
£37,205 |
£40,372 |
Qualified teachers who reach the top of the main pay scale may apply to be assessed against the post-threshold standards. If they meet the standards, they cross the ‘threshold’ to the first point on the three point upper scale.
Progression on the upper pay scale is performance based. Governing bodies make decisions based on recommendations from heads. Teachers will not normally move through the upper pay scale more frequently than every two years.
Training and Development
Our training doesn’t stop once you reach a certain level or learn a certain skill – staff members working at HWS are supported throughout their whole career, from new staff inductions, NQT year, right up to completing NPQML, NPQSL and NPQH qualifications where appropriate.
Bespoke Training
Our school develops and delivers its own training sessions to staff members working at HWS, which are responsive to need, these range from weekly 15 minute forms focusing on best practice in the school to our bespoke Leaders for the Future programme for aspiring middle leaders.
House and Travel
- Teachers who are employed by the Local Authority are eligible to apply for housing via the Teachers Housing Association.
- Teachers and support staff may also be eligible for housing options via First Steps London.
- Interest free season ticket loans for travelling to work are also available as part of the Haringey loan scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme – loan a bike and safety equipment as a tax free benefit by paying no VAT and saving on tax and NI.
Health & Leisure
As a Haringey employee staff may be eligible for staff discounts or corporate membership fees at some of the leisure centers in Haringey. Staff working at HWS, may also be eligible for other health benefits and discounts eg: eyecare, health screening, occupational health, Simply Health. Occupational health offer free checks including blood pressure and cholesterol for staff, additional services/workshops are also available to all Haringey employees.
Teacher support network
Teaching and support staff working at HWS have access to the Teacher Support Network. This is a national charity providing practical and emotional support in the UK. Staffed by trained counsellors with the education expertise, the service is 24 hour, free and confidential.
