Founded 1932.
Age range. 2+ to 18 years. Co-educational.
Number of pupils. 518.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £3,700–£5,590, excluding VAT.
Location. The School is situated on three sites on the main road (A5127) between Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham. The Senior Department and Sixth Form are on direct train and bus routes from Birmingham city centre, Tamworth, Lichfield and Walsall as well as being serviced by our own buses. There are two preparatory schools, known as Highclare Preparatory School: Woodfield and Highclare Preparatory School: St Paul’s. Wraparound care operates from 7.30 am until 6.00 pm for the parents who require it. Holiday cover is available for Pre-School only. The ethos of the school lies in the fulfilment of potential for each pupil, outstanding pastoral care and a belief in the education of the ‘whole person’. Our latest ISI inspection report (April 2023) stated ‘The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent’ and ‘The quality of the pupils’ personal developments is excellent.’
Organisation. Four departments:
Pre-Preparatory Department (age 2+ to 4 years, co-educational). An educational setting, with qualified teachers, integrated into the School, it has the support of facilities and resources of the Preparatory School. MFL, dance and music are taught from Pre-Prep 2.
Preparatory Departments (age 4+ to 11 years, two co-educational departments). The Preparatory School, with classes of up to a maximum of 22 pupils, follows National Curriculum guidelines. Pupils also have the benefit of specialist tuition in MFL, PE/games, music and science. Other foundation subjects are taught by subject and by class teachers. Entry by School’s own assessment procedure.
Senior Department (age 11 to 16, co-educational). The full curriculum is covered at KS3. At GCSE all students study English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science or separate sciences, and most study a modern foreign language (French, German or Spanish), with a wide choice of options. In addition, PSHCE, Physical Education, Music and Performing Arts form an important part of the curriculum. Through a wide programme of enrichment activities every child has the opportunity to enjoy activities beyond the academic. Entry by School’s own assessment procedure.
Sixth Form (age 16+). The Sixth Form is co-educational and accepts external candidates as well as pupils transferring from Highclare Senior School. A wide range of A level subjects is available for study alongside the Extended Project Qualification. Excellent pastoral, higher education and careers guidance is also offered and timetables are structured to meet the individual requirements of each student.
All parts of the School participate in extensive lunchtime and after-school activities.
The School is multi-denominational. Further information may be obtained from the School or the website and prospective parents are always welcome to visit. Open mornings are held throughout the year including school-in-action weeks on all three sites.
Charitable status. Highclare School is a Registered Charity, number 528940.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of Governors: Mrs L Flowith
School Leadership Team:
Head: Miss Francine Smith, BSc Hons, PGCE, FRSA
Head of Preparatory School: Mrs P Bennett, BA Hons, PGCE Liverpool
Business Manager: Mrs M P A McGoldrick, BA Hons, MSc Manchester, MAAT, AInstAM Dip
Deputy Head of Senior School Pastoral: Mrs S Cassell, BA Hons Oxon, PGCE Keele
Deputy Head of Senior School Academic: Mr Matthew Coles, BSc Hons Warwick, PGCE Bristol
Deputy Head of Preparatory School: Mrs J Griffiths, BA Hons, QTS York, MA Wolverhampton
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs S Cassell, BA Hons Oxon, PGCE Keele
Senior School Staff:
Assistant Head of Senior School: Mrs H Bate, BSc Hons Bimingham
KS5 Coordinator: Mrs M Sharman-Everton, BA Hons Birmingham QTS
KS4 Coordinator: Mrs A Green, BSc Econ Aberystwyth, PGCE Warwick
KS3 Coordinator: Mr R Linfield, BA Hons, PGCE Birmingham
Heads of Departments:
Art: Mrs K Stott, BA Hons, PGCE Birmingham, QTS
Business Studies: Mrs A Green, BSc Econ Aberystwyth, PGCE Warwick
Design & Technology: Mrs H Good, BEd Hons Worcester
Drama: Mrs M Sharman-Everton, BA Hons Birmingham QTS
English: Mrs K J Dawson, BA Hons Exeter, PGCE Oxon
Geography & Religious Studies: Mrs J Palmer, BSc Hons Open, PGCE Birmingham
History: Miss M Watson, BA Hons Durham, MA Warwick, PGCE Glos
Food & Nutrition: Mrs S Williamson, BA Hons Liverpool, PGCE Birmingham
Information Technology/Computing: Mr L Sneary, BSc Hons, PGCE Brunel
Law: Ms J Campbell, LLB Law Sheffield, CertEd Greenwich
Mathematics: Mr S Parkinson, BSc Hons Southampton, PGCE Birmingham
Modern Languages: Mrs A Pupino, PGCE Nottingham, BA Hons Manchester
Music: Mr E Smith, BMus Hons University of Central England, PGCE Open, QTS
Psychology: Miss K Stanley, BSc Hons, PGCE Worcester
Physical Education: Mr R Linfield, BA Hons, PGCE Birmingham
Science: Mr W Murray-Smith, BSc, MA Warwick, QTS Nottingham Trent
Sociology: Dr D Edwards, BA Hons Liverpool, PGCE Leics, MA, PhD Manchester
Posts of Additional Responsibility (Senior):
Learning Support Coordinator: Mrs C Roberts, BA Hons, PGCE Hull
Preparatory School Staff:
Head of Preparatory School: Mrs P Bennett, BA Hons, PGCE Liverpool
Deputy Head of Preparatory School: Mrs J Griffiths, BA Hons, QTS York, MA Wolverhampton
Highclare Preparatory School, St Paul’s:
Assistant Head and KS2 Coordinator: Mrs J O Quigley, BA Hons Birmingham, PGCE UCB
KS1 Coordinator: Mrs J Gilks, BA Hons Leicester
EYFS Coordinators:
Mrs T Tweedie, MA Hons Edinburgh, PGCE Leeds
Mrs P Mitchell, BEd Hons Wolverhampton
Highclare Preparatory School, Woodfield:
Assistant Head and KS2 Coordinator: Mr P Greenfield, BSc Hons Manchester, PGCE Cumbria
KS1 Coordinator: Miss N Dempster, BA Hons Cardiff, PGCE Bristol
EYFS Coordinators:
Mrs T Tweedie, MA Hons Edinburgh, PGCE Leeds
Mrs P Mitchell, BEd Hons Wolverhampton