Highlands School

⭐ My Recent Experience of Highlands School
I was initially very impressed with Highlands School, but unfortunately, since entering Year 8, that impression has fallen short of what I expected.
I chose Highlands because I was told that it was a good school for children with disabilities and that the SENCO department was supportive and effective. Our transition into the school started reasonably well. There were a few bumps during Year 7 involving my child's peers, but at the time I did not feel that these issues were detrimental.
However, Year 8 has raised much more serious concerns for me.
My child is on the SEND register and has an EHCP. One of the areas identified as a difficulty is understanding social cues — recognising and interpreting signals from other people's words, behaviour, facial expressions and body language, and understanding what is appropriate in different situations.
Because of this, I expected the school and SENCO team to have a strong understanding of my child's individual needs and to make sure the provisions outlined in the EHCP were properly considered and put into practice.
Unfortunately, I am now questioning whether enough attention is being given to the needs of vulnerable students and young people with learning difficulties.
Highlands appears to have very strong systems and procedures around preventing students from bringing smart mobile phones into school, and this is something the school seems to take seriously. However, I am deeply concerned about whether the same level of attention is being given to the safeguarding risks surrounding weapons and other inappropriate items being brought onto school premises.
What concerns me most is the possibility of vulnerable students being deliberately placed in situations where other students could manipulate them, involve them in inappropriate behaviour, or potentially use them as a means of avoiding responsibility themselves.
That is extremely worrying to me.
Schools rightly provide assemblies about online safety, personal safety and making responsible choices outside of school. But I believe there also needs to be much more targeted safeguarding education for vulnerable students — particularly those with SEND and learning difficulties — about manipulation, peer pressure, recognising unsafe situations, understanding when someone is trying to involve them in something inappropriate, and knowing who they can immediately go to for help.
These young people can have additional difficulties recognising social cues and understanding the intentions of others. That should not make them easier targets.
I also believe families need clear communication when safeguarding concerns arise that could particularly affect vulnerable students.
My concern is not about blaming every student or suggesting that every incident is intentional. My concern is about whether enough is being done to protect vulnerable young people from being manipulated or placed in situations that they may not fully understand.
I would like to see Highlands place greater emphasis on its SENCO and safeguarding responsibilities, including targeted assemblies or workshops specifically designed for vulnerable students, stronger communication with families, and a clear focus on preventing vulnerable students from becoming involved in situations created by the actions of others.
I chose Highlands because I believed it would provide a supportive environment for a child with additional needs. I still hope the school can demonstrate that it takes the safeguarding of its most vulnerable students as seriously as it takes every other aspect of school safety.

I'm thoroughly impressed with Highlands School. My daughter has thrived since joining in Year 7 and I love the emphasis on Respect, Equality and Determination. The facilities are excellent too - the playing fields and sports centre are fantastic. We've never had any issues with bullying and the teachers are always available to talk.

My son attended Highlands School from Year 9 to Year 13 and I couldn't be prouder of the young man he's become. The school's values of Respect, Equality and Determination really do make a difference and the teachers are passionate and dedicated. The sixth form is excellent too - my son got into his first choice university and is doing well.

My daughter is still new to Highlands School but I'm generally pleased with the experience so far. The facilities are great and the teachers seem friendly and approachable. However, I have noticed that the school's website could be improved - it's sometimes hard to find the information I need. Also, my daughter's homework is sometimes too much, but I'm sure this will settle down as she gets used to the school.