Chair of Governors
On behalf of Highworth’s Governing Body, may l welcome you to the Highworth Grammar School website.
Our priority is, and will always remain, the delivery of a high quality education for all students and to equip them for a life beyond school that allows them to realise their ambitions and to live successful and productive lives. We pride ourselves on the provision of a safe, nurturing and supportive environment that allows all students to gain confidence and realise their full potential.
As a school, we consistently achieve excellent results at both GCSE and A Level public examinations. Despite our successes, we continuously strive to improve our outcomes through close scrutiny of results and doing our utmost to address any perceived deficits in a timely manner. This activity is led by Duncan Beer and his Senior Leadership Team and the Governing Board is routinely appraised of progress and challenges in this respect.
Highworth Grammar School maintained its standards as an ‘Outstanding’ school following the last Ofsted visit in 2013. In particular, the school was praised for the quality of teaching, excellent results, exemplary Sixth Form leadership, an inclusive atmosphere and strong Senior Leadership Team.
The Governors and the school’s Leadership Team operate in an open and transparent manner and this is evidenced by the depth and regularity of meetings and communication that occurs formally and informally through the existing Board and supporting committee structures. From the Headteacher, there is very much an ‘open door’ policy for students, staff and governors alike to express any concerns or views.
The students' opinions are always important to us and our Student Governors have continued to play an important role on our committees and Board. They often express views and positions that only they are fully aware of, being at the sharp end of what the school endeavours to achieve. They don’t hold back!
From a financial perspective, Highworth remains in a healthy position despite challenging times. Our robust financial planning, supported by an excellent finance team, allows us to forecast our cash position over a four year period and this facilitates informed decision making relating to expenditure and future commitments. Our Auditors, who act for a large number of academies, have consistently noted and documented that Highworth’s accounts and the related infrastructure are of the highest quality and accuracy with no material control deficits. The efforts of our Finance Manager, Lynn Wilson and her team, have played a major role in this outstanding achievement.
As a Governing Board, we are fortunate to enjoy the input of a wide range of professional skills. The Board works extremely well to both challenge and support the Head and his Senior Leadership Team in ensuring effective governance and oversight of the school. A blend of maturity and pragmatism, underpinned by transparency and responsiveness, mean the Governing Board are well placed to meet and discharge the significant responsibilities assigned to it.
On a personal note, my children have had the privilege of passing through Highworth in completing their education. My long-term association with the school as both a parent and a governor has given me a first-hand opportunity to appreciate the support and nurturing environment that Highworth has always provided, underpinned by academic excellence. I remain dedicated to Highworth in every respect and enjoy working with all of the governors, staff and management team. Above all, I have had the pleasure to work closely with some of the students who have needed occasional support, from time to time, and they continue to be my main priority. That is my driving passion at Highworth.
Amer Khalil, Chair of Governors
To contact the Chair of Governors, please email Mrs C Kuit - Clerk to the Governors: