Mr Neil Renton will join Harrogate Grammar School in September as Deputy Headteacher – Head of Sixth Form, from his current post as Assistant Headteacher – Head of Sixth Form at Heckmondwike Grammar School. Having led a Sixth Form of over 550 students to 18th position in the Daily Telegraph ‘Top 100 Schools for A Levels’, he will bring a wealth of experience to the school.
A First Class graduate of the London School of Economics, Mr Renton completed his PGCE at the Institute of Education before teaching at Colchester Sixth Form College. At the age of 25 he was appointed Head of Sociology and Psychology at Ilkley Grammar School where he himself had studied. During his five years at the school, he published a teaching guide, a revision book and an A Level textbook whilst also working as Senior Examiner for a leading exam board. His department was awarded the Good Schools Award for outstanding achievement and he developed a model of teaching to prepare students for university study. He has published an article on this model and led training for other schools.
Over four years at Heckmondwike Grammar School, Mr Renton has successfully led a large team of tutors in the pastoral care of students. Throughout his time at the school he simplified and organised support strategies, developed systems to increase communication between pastoral support and subject departments and worked tirelessly to ensure that this outstanding Sixth Form maximised the life chances for all its students.
Recently released figures from Ofsted rank the Sixth Form as being in the top 3.5% nationally, an impressive position for a non-selective school. The Sixth Form is currently undergoing further improvement with more classrooms being built in addition to the new Sixth Form Bistro last year and the existing fantastic facilities.
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Mr Renton aims to continue our work of providing the very best pastoral support and learning environment for students. His significant post-16 experience demonstrates his commitment to ‘Excellence for All’ and determination to make Harrogate Grammar School truly world class.
Mr Renton said:
It means a great deal being appointed to Head of Sixth Form at Harrogate Grammar School.
This is a significant opportunity for me to join an inclusive and pioneering Teaching School at a time of significant change in Post-16 Education. The end of January exams, changes in Sixth Form funding, raising of the school leaving age and the introduction of new A Levels for first teaching in 2015, pose new challenges for Sixth Forms.
I am committed to providing the very best opportunities, guidance and support for young people and look forward to meeting and working with students, parents and staff at the school.
