Sacred Heart High School
Sacred Heart High School
Nearest underground station: Hammersmith
Provides a Catholic education for girls from 11-16 years of age. We work together to bring all within its community to an awareness of the fullness and meaning of life rooted in the love of God, through the excellence of its education and by a respect for the uniqueness, worth and development of each individual, regardless of gender, race, social background or ability, in order to enable each one to make her contribution in society with dignity and faith.
Great emphasis is placed upon religious education. It is taught to all students. At main assemblies, celebrations of the Eucharist, school Masses for special occasions and feast days, the school comes together as a community of faith.
The school offers a broad-based curriculum within a strong academic tradition for students from year 7 to 11.
The school's good practice in curriculum development and teaching has been recognised by the government, which has awarded the school beacon and training college status.
In January 2005 Sacred Heart High was also awarded the status of specialist school for maths and computing - enabling improvements to the curriculum, staffing and facilities.
In the past, the majority of students have been entered for an average of nine GCSEs and the overall pass rate is well above the national average.
In years 7, 8 and 9, students are divided into five mixed ability classes, though in a number of subjects they are taught in sets according to their ability. Smaller groups exist in practical subjects. The mixed ability classes remain students' social and register groupings until year 11.
Those wishing to follow sixth form courses have the opportunity of attending St Charles Sixth Form College, which caters for students from Catholic schools in west London. The college provides excellent opportunities for pupils to follow courses which will take them on to university, other colleges or into jobs.
Sacred Heart High Schoolplaces great emphasis on the welfare and support of individual pupils. Each student has a form tutor and a year head. All encourage personal responsibility and self-discipline. The school looks to parents for support in maintaining high standards of behaviour. All students are expected to complete homework, which is set regularly. It usually involves the continuation and development of work undertaken in classes or preparation for work to follow. Each student's abilities, needs and progress are constantly monitored and catered for by the school. Those with learning difficulties receive extra attention and support. At the same time able and well-motivated pupils are given the opportunity to attain their highest potential.
All girls are expected to wear school uniform.
The school is proud of its beautiful Victorian building, designed by John Francis Bentley, the architect of Westminster Cathedral. In 1993 the school celebrated its 100th anniversary with a Mass celebrated in the school grounds by the late Cardinal Basil Hume.