Welcome from the Headteacher
Highlands School is a high-performing, mixed comprehensive school serving the west side of Enfield. The school opened in 2000 in brand new buildings surrounded by landscaped outdoor spaces and playing fields. The school is proud to serve its local community and is very popular, with more families choosing us as their first or second choice secondary school than any other in Enfield. The sixth form is also thriving, with nearly 200 students starting year 12 each year, joining us both from Highlands and from other secondary schools across north London. Highlands has been judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in all five categories, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and the sixth form. Students at the school outperform students nationally both in terms of attainment and progress.
Our success is built upon our school values and overall ethos: determination, aspiration, respect and equality (DARE).
Our curriculum is broad and academically challenging in order to prepare students for the rigours of further study or work. We are not, however, a school that thinks only of results; Highlands promotes the performing arts, sports and extracurricular activities. We also support learning and raise aspirations outside the school setting through our promotion of programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and through our fantastic range of visits, which have recently included trips to Zambia, Morrocco, Berlin, Madrid, New York and skiing.
We are an inclusive school. We welcome students from a range of backgrounds, and we have a commitment to nurturing and supporting each and every student that joins us. We chose ‘equality’ as one of our core values because we are a school that celebrates diversity.
At Highlands, we also place emphasis on good behaviour and character. Excellent learning is underpinned by excellent behaviour. We expect our students to show respect when interacting with other members of our school community and to uphold the reputation of the school in the local area. By helping our students develop a calm, hard-working and determined approach to learning, they will be well-placed to achieve highly when they leave our school.
Vincent McInerney
Headteacher
Our key school values are:
Determination
Aspiration
Respect
Equality
Video transcript
At Highland School, we believe education is about more than what happens in the classroom.
It's about discovering who you are, what you can achieve, and having the confidence to aim high.
Judged 'Outstanding' in all five areas by Ofsted. We are a school built on high expectations, opportunity, and a commitment to helping every student achieve their very best.
At the heart of everything we do is our motto, Dare to flourish. It reflects our commitment to encouraging every student to challenge themselves, embrace opportunities, and become the best version of themselves.
We show determination by developing the resilience to overcome challenges, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.
We encourage aspiration by inspiring our students to think big, set ambitious goals, and believe in what they can achieve.
We lead with respect, creating a community where kindness matters, differences are valued, and everyone has a voice.
That ambition continues into our sixth form where we support our students to achieve exceptional outcomes and prepare for their next steps. Our dedicated teachers, tutors, and pastoral staff support, encourage, and challenge our students throughout their time with us.
Because at Highlands, we know success isn't about following one path. It's about giving every young person the confidence, opportunities, and support to find their way.
Last year, we celebrated 25 years in the history of Highland School. The school's never been in a better place in terms of the destinations of our students, the experience they're having when they're here, and the results they're getting when they leave. We very much hope you will be joining us in the next stage of your children's journey next September.
Be ambitious.
Take opportunities.
Believe in yourself
Dare to flourish.