2019 Prospectus

Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School

“Join us on the
journey towards
world class and
beyond!”

Headteacher’s
Welcome
It continues to be an immense privilege, as the Headteacher of Sir Henry Floyd
Grammar School to welcome prospective parents and students to our community.
It has been both a joy and an honour to be part of the journey to being ‘the best place
in the world’ as OFSTED noted in our last full inspection.
We are convinced that our students benefit academically, culturally, socially and
emotionally from studying in Aylesbury’s only coeducational grammar school: a diverse
and colourful environment. We work hard to maintain the very special atmosphere
that has come to be part of the fabric of this school. We seek to prepare them for the
professional, adult world in an environment that mirrors it, as far as possible.
We are very proud of our high standards, and they are only made possible by having
the highest of expectations of ourselves, our staff and of our students. They do not
disappoint us. They reward us with on-going and improving excellence and with the
positivity that makes working with them an absolute delight.
In recent years, we’ve grown in terms of student numbers and in square footage.
You are visiting us at a great time; we have never been more popular, but we are not
complacent. We hope that you and your child decide to join us on the journey towards
world class and beyond!
Ms Cochrane
Headteacher

Working
Together
High quality relationships between school, student and parent
are at the core of everything we do at SHFGS. The school community
benefits from positive reciprocal relationships that reward both staff
and students.
A multitude of clubs, activities and tutorials are led by senior
students. Student voice and student leadership are core elements
of our ethos. We have over 100 leadership positions for students
from Senior Student Leadership Team, Ambassadors, House
Captains, to Buddies in lower school. We are expanding our peer
support opportunities.
“Pupils relish leadership opportunities that present themselves
frequently and are keenly sought after. They understand that
contributing to the life of the school is an expectation rather than
an enrichment option.” OFSTED
Many students progress to contributing beyond school and into
the community. We are an NCS ‘Champion School’ - achieving
a Gold Award for high participation levels. We have close links with
a special school nearby and are looking for further opportunities
in our community.
“The teachers
give us trust
so we give it
back”

To
Inspire
“This is the best
place in the world”
Student quoted by OFSTED
At Sir Henry Floyd we seek to inspire:
A love of education, enquiry and independence
A sense of mutual respect in a community that embraces diversity
A sense of duty and self-development through engagement
in a wide range of academic and extra-curricular/ cultural experiences
An ambition to be the best one can be and to go into the adult
world ready for the personal and professional challenges ahead
Leadership capacity in all students
“Pupils benefit from rich experiences that help them to consider the
world around them in a mature and thoughtful way.” OFSTED

“The curriculum
affords pupils the
opportunities to
excel academically”

“I have the chance
to be challenged
and I enjoy that”

To
Challenge
Our curriculum is wide ranging - across
19 subjects in Key Stage 3 - and has
the required depth to challenge able
students. From computer programming
to poetry appreciation and from recipe
design to scientific enquiry, students
engage in learning in a variety of ways.
The broad and academic curriculum
offer, in lower school, provides an
excellent basis for success at GCSE,
A level and beyond.
We have also collaborated with students
to design a set of characteristics which
outline not only the most effective
learner but also steps towards improving
in the learner attributes. In lessons, we
aim to consciously develop character
alongside knowledge and academic skill.
Performance opportunities are prolific;
whether your child is accomplished or
wants to develop: musically, theatrically,
mathematically, in chess, debating,
recital, poetry, eco-friendliness, in
coding, socially, in leadership, speaking
Mandarin, in enterprise and business,
cookery or feminism.
Our sports participation and profile
has risen dramatically in recent years.
We compete successfully in traditional
sports – football, rugby, netball, hockey,
cricket, tennis and athletics. However,
our students also achieve in a wide
range of other sports/activities: show
jumping, skiing, fencing and yoga.
Invariably a significant number of
students rise to the challenge of making
a difference in the local community,
wider society and on the global stage
through: volunteering to work with
students in a local special needs school,
Duke of Edinburgh, charity fundraisers
and World Challenge Expeditions.
Enrichment Week, at the end of each
year, offers even more opportunity
for residential, cultural, sporting or
vocational opportunities to students in
all year groups.

To
Achieve
Our examination results are excellent. This is a testament to the
hard work and caring environment created by our staff, working in
close partnership with students and their supportive parents.
“A winning
combination
of education
and guidance”
‘I know that I could not have achieved
my ambition to go to Oxford without the
support and dedication of my teachers.’
Most of our students proceed to the most competitive, selective and
popular universities and a growing number choose to go straight
into employment through prestigious trainee/apprenticeship
positions with large organisations, like the big four accountancy
firms. Our careers guidance seeks to find the right pathway for
each individual.
We’ve recently won: the Southern Region Premier Final of a
national dance competition; our footballers have won the District
Cup; our netballers have won the district netball tournament.
Winning equestrians compete at national level. We have players
of badminton, football, netball, rugby, athletics, basketball and
swimmers who also represent their county. We continue to have
students gaining Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold
Awards. Our Young Enterprisers are frequently successful and
have recently won the ‘best company’ award at the Aylesbury Vale
final and product awards for innovation and sustainability at the
Buckinghamshire County Final.

What our parents are
Saying...
“I am very happy with the young adult that my child is turning
out to be and that is hugely influenced by her time at SHFGS.
She is confident, articulate, opinionated and very balanced -
thank you!”
“My son has only attended the 6th form, but he has been very
happy and rediscovered his interest in learning. Thank you!”
“Consistently fantastic co-curricular activities”
“Our daughter started this school feeling unsure about herself,
no self-confidence and unhappy because she felt different. This
school has taught her that different is unique.....and unique too,
is a fantastic thing to be proud of. She is far more confident in
social situations and happy with who she is.”
“It is a good school because there is a vast range of subjects and
extra-curricular activities.”
“The teachers are kind and caring but also firm. The school also
feels like home and it is easy to make friends.”
“SHFGS has surpassed all my expectations, and I am proud of
the happy, intelligent, affectionate and thoughtful young man
that my son has become during his time at this wonderful
school.”

“SHFGS produces: kind, well-rounded,
happy, healthy minds and bodies...
[students] who will hopefully make
real contributions to our world.”

Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School
Oxford Road
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP21 8PE
T: 01296 424781
www.sirhenryfloyd.bucks.sch.uk
e-mail: office@sirhenryfloyd.co.uk
A member of INSIGNIS ACADEMY TRUST
Company registration no. 07657307