HIGHCREST Academy will have a comprehensive intake of mixed ability pupils in September, its delighted headteacher says.
Shena Moynihan thought it would take Highcrest “two to three years to get to this stage” after implementing a controversial new non-verbal reasoning test and admissions criteria for prospective pupils.
Ms Moynihan said all September starters live within three miles of the academy in Hatters Lane, with results to the NVR test ranging from the 140 top mark to a score of 70.
She said: “It’s incredible to think of the journey we have been on, when you think all those years ago we were a failing school, with no sixth form and no-one wanted to come here.
“It’s certainly going to be a different school now, it’s a comprehensive all ability school. We have children with aspirations of becoming lawyers, as well as those who want to prepare for the world of work.
“It’s about providing the appropriate education for each child, that’s something we are now in a position to do and it shows that parents have faith in this school. It’s the next step in Highcrest’s journey.”
451 children sat Highcrest’s test before those that applied for a place at the school were placed into four bands based on their results.
35 children from each band were offered a place based on Highcrest’s admission policy - which prioritises youngsters who live closest or have siblings already at the academy - by Buckinghamshire County Council.
Once pupils start at the school, they will not be stuck in their band group. They will move subject sets based on their progression and ability.
Ms Moynihan said: “Unfortunately there will be disappointed parents and children who didn’t get a place here, but that’s because we are popular and a lot of people want to come here now.
“There’s nothing I can do about it, if I had a bigger school with more places available, we’d be able to take more children.”
