The Heathland Whitefriars Federation is a converter multi-academy trust comprising Heathland and Whitefriars Schools in Harrow. The trust has a single Executive Headteacher, Leadership Team and Board of Directors. It is a company limited by public guarantee and a Registered Charity.

Whitefriars primary section and nursery is popular and expanding. The Department for Education has placed the school in the top 100 out of 17,000 schools nationally for pupil progress over three years from 2012 to 2015.

In recognition of the Federation’s outstanding leadership (OFSTED 2010, 2012, 2014) and high performance, the government funded a new £16 million pound building with state-of-the-art facilities so that Whitefriars could launch a secondary section in 2015 and expand to be a
3 to 19 through-school with sixth form.

Heathland is a popular 3-11 primary school with nursery. It was judged to be outstanding by OFSTED in 2010 and 2014. Heathland is a UNICEF accredited Rights Respecting School and national accredited ‘Thinking School’ and ‘Eco-School’. It has performance in the top 1.5% of schools nationally.

The Heathland Learning Trust brings together our role as an accredited Knowledge Centre and Teaching School partner with our work with universities in our region to offer professional development, support and training for UK teachers and school leaders.

Values

Our schools are underpinned by a values-based ethos that helps us to work together co-operatively and with mutual respect. We learn the importance of love, friendship and unity; how to approach life with positivity and hope. As recognised UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools, we promote harmony through dialogue and reflection. As a result, behaviour is outstanding and minor problems are quickly resolved.

Learning

From the early years to the secondary stages of education we offer an active curriculum that is designed to engage and excite all our learners. We take an individualised ‘next steps’ approach on the journey to master English and mathematics skills so that we can ensure all our pupils are making outstanding progress. We offer all the subjects of the National Curriculum, brought to life with an innovative programme of trips, visitors and resources, including class-leading technology.

Beyond the Curriculum

A wide variety of extra-curricular clubs ensures that children can discover new interests and skills. We actively promote competitive sports and creative activities that help our young people develop their confidence and character. From orchestra to gymnastics, cookery to football, there are over fifty clubs a year that aim to offer something for everyone. We run a TV station and radio station you can tune in to on the internet.

Working with parents

Our highly visible, responsive leadership team and teaching staff will always find time to talk to parents and carers about their child’s needs. We formally report to parents about their child’s progress three times a year. These written reports detail achievements and next steps together with guidance about how to help children at home. Parents are well represented on our Stakeholder Council.

Heathland Learning Trust

The Federation runs ‘The Heathland Learning Trust’, bringing together our work as an accredited Knowledge Centre and Teaching School partner to offer training and professional development to UK teachers and school leaders through a programme of courses and consultancy. The Trust works in partnership with universities and other organisations.