Headteacher's Welcome

Firmly established over many years, Sheldon's excellent reputation is well-deserved. It is a purposeful learning community where every individual counts.

Expectations and aspirations are high here and we are committed to developing the young people in our care, whatever their talents. Children of all abilities succeed at this school and are encouraged to develop academically, physically and spiritually, fulfilling their potential in a happy, caring environment. When Ofsted last visited, it commented: “The all-pervading caring ethos ensures that pupils are happy and able to thrive from the moment they arrive at school. Pupils are very keen to share their pleasure of being at school and went out of their way to let inspectors know.” That is every bit as true today as it was then.

Examination performance is very strong. At A level, students reach exceptional levels in a thriving Sixth Form of 350 students. Students routinely progress to Russell Group universities, including year-on-year to Oxford and Cambridge. In 2022, two students progressed to Oxford and Cambridge to read medicine, with a further moving to Oxford to study mathematics; in addition, one student is embarking on a degree in veterinary science. We are proud of the numbers of students who move on to university education, typically around 75% each year, and even more delighted in the variety of subjects that are chosen, following a rich A level experience here. Increasing numbers are also progressing to some prestigious higher-level apprenticeships, including one this year in software engineering with Lockheed Martin.

At GCSE, students also perform well, both in value-added terms and in raw attainment. As a consequence, we have large numbers moving in to our Sixth Form, complemented every year with a number of students from other schools who choose to join us for their A level programme.

Ofsted confirmed the strength in pastoral care alongside provision for purposeful learning by adding that we “have established a school that holds the academic success and emotional well-being of each pupil at its heart.” As a parent of two children myself, I am acutely aware of the increasing importance of education in today’s world and the role that we, as teachers, have to play in developing our children so that they are fully equipped to make positive contributions to society. The staff at Sheldon School are extremely committed and dedicated to ensure that this is the case and I am personally determined to see all children flourish here.

I also value enormously the links between school and home, success being built on strong partnerships with parents and ourselves. My door is always open and prospective or existing parents are very welcome to visit the school; I look forward to meeting you.

Peter Lynch
Headteacher