It is a great privilege to be the Headteacher of such an inspirational school. St Laurence is a thriving and successful comprehensive academy where great and equal value is placed on both academic excellence and developing the whole person. We work hard to create opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential and have the best possible preparation for adult life. In the words of our mission statement: we care, we inspire, we succeed. As one visitor commented, “a school with head and heart working together”.

We benefit from a dual foundation status. One of these is the Diocese of Salisbury, meaning that we are a Church of England school. While we are fully inclusive, welcoming students of all faiths and none, we believe that our Christian foundation provides a context within which to foster a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on our beliefs. We are proud to have the Lord Fitzmaurice Educational Trust as the other part of our foundation. The Trust links us firmly to our community, and Lord Fitzmaurice’s vision of creating opportunities for all local young people through education is very much alive today at St Laurence.

Over several years, GCSE exam results remain excellent, with student attainment well above the national average. We have a strong and successful sixth form, with a very high proportion moving on to university including Oxbridge. Following their visit Ofsted inspectors commented on our commitment to high standards: 

“Pupils enjoy attending St Laurence School. Leaders have high expectations of pupils. As a result, pupils say this helps them to learn. Leaders plan carefully for pupils’ learning as they move through each stage at the school. This means pupils are well prepared. Pupils feel safe in school and behave well. A team of well-trained staff promote pupils’ wellbeing and mental health. Pupils recognise this and feel well supported by them. Students in the sixth form feel academically challenged and well supported. Leaders prioritise pupils’ wider development.”

Our relentless commitment to ensuring that our young people thrive and achieve their best is prevalent and apparent in the school.

We have a great reputation for the many opportunities for personal development. Our students enjoy: superb Performing Arts productions, a huge programme of clubs, sport, overseas expeditions, exchange programmes and residential “challenge” trips. In all of these, the development of confidence, enjoyment and leadership are as important to us as high levels of performance and achievement.

As a Headteacher, I am aware that the years our young people spend in secondary school are extremely precious. We are not a start or an end point; we are one part of the journey that a young person takes to become the best they can be. I believe secondary schools are in the business of opening doors. Whether that be by ensuring that young people gain the best qualifications they can to move on to their next step or by building their character and opening their minds to new opportunities.

My staff work with huge commitment, professionalism and passion to make this a reality for all our youngsters. If you would like to be a part of that team, we would be happy to receive your application.

Tim Farrer

Headteacher

Our Christian vision is to develop young people with active and creative minds. Within the context of our Christian and civic foundations we aim to foster a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on our beliefs.

St Laurence strives to be an outstanding school, offering a broad and challenging education to meet the needs of all students. We are committed to inspiring students to achieve the highest standards of intellectual and personal development through a stimulating and comprehensive curriculum.

Within a caring, respectful, inclusive community, we cultivate a desire to learn, take risks and accept challenges. We want our students to be resilient and adaptable, equipped with the knowledge, skills and curiosity to continue their education and become fulfilled, confident, socially responsible adults.

Our Vision and Values are rooted in our Christian foundations and follow that of the Church of England, as expressed in the 2016 Church Of England Vision For Education. This publication can be download at the bottom of the page.

We care. We inspire. We succeed.

If you're searching for your next post, why not contact us now? You'll be working at a great school and be part of a friendly, helpful team. We're always interested to hear from enthusiastic, committed individuals - send us your CV now via our School Talent Pool and say what sort of role you're looking for. By joining our School Talent Pool we'll know you're interested in working here when a future vacancy occurs.