Halliford School

History

The building closest to its road is the oldest, a tall-storied Georgian House set in 6 acres (2.4 ha) beside the River Thames that was once home to Emma Hart (later Emma, Lady Hamilton) when she lived with Charles Francis Greville before she married and then became Lord Nelson's mistress. The school has seen expansion since the year 2000 including the following buildings:

The fourth house was also added during this time, and additional sports fields were purchased. Following a consortium with the now-closed St David's School for Girls in Ashford, the school admits girls in its own right from the age of 16, since 2007.

Amenities and curriculum

Sports and athletics are significant throughout the year groups. Boys from the school have played sports such as rugby, cricket and basketball to the highest level. A major portion of alumni play for teams in or compete as individuals in rugby, cricket, football, badminton, rowing, athletics and/or golf at university, local or workplace clubs. The inspectorate reports students are known by the staff who all provide major support outside of the school timetable. A broad extra-curricular programme runs and ambitious, frequent overseas trips: academic, charity project based or sporting.

In early years the curriculum is broad with pupils exposed to a wide range of subject to help them acquire a sound foundation of basic skills. At GCSE students unless exceptional requirements merit different options study English language, English Literature, Mathematics, the three Sciences, a modern language and ICT. AS and A-level courses can be taken in 25 non-vocational subjects: in the arts, languages, technologies and sciences. Numerous extra-curricular and student-organised clubs and societies include:a current affairs circle, a reading circle to encourage creative writing and a stage production technicians' group. Competitions and performances are led by staff and sixth form pupils annually in junior and senior virtual investment trading, theatre and music. External distinguished speakers give talks and presentations.

Motto and houses

The school motto is "Via firma ad firmiora", which means "A firm path to firmer things". The school logo represents the bend in the Thames on the opposite side of the road facing the school's main entrance. The school is divided into 4 houses:

The house colours are red, green, blue and gold respectively, reflected in school ties and inter-house sports kit.

Financial support in the form of bursaries is provided for some of the school’s pupils.

Assessment

The school is inspected by the ISI rather than Ofsted. Inspections are carried out under Section 162A(1)(b) of the Education Act 2002 as amended by the Education Act 2005 under which the Secretary of State accredits the ISI as a qualified inspectorate body.

Considerable attention has been given to providing support for pupils with learning difficulties and for potential high achievers.

Students' achievements and the quality of their learning are good, as was apparent from their written work, in lessons and from public examination results. No differences in attainment relative to ability were noted between different groups of pupils, so that the progress over time made by those of all abilities is good.

Alumni

Former pupils of the school are known as Old Hallifordians or OHs.

Notable alumni include actor Mark Lester and Olympic Gold medalist Stephen/Steve Trapmore.