Welcome from the Headteacher

As Headteacher of Chipping Sodbury School, I warmly welcome you to our website and thank you for taking the time to learn about our fantastic community.

Here at Chipping Sodbury School, we are united in ensuring each and every young person achieves their very best, whatever this might mean for them personally. We do this by having high expectations of student achievement, being committed to providing high quality learning that challenges, and by providing support and reassurance so students feel confident to step out of their comfort zones.

Our culture and ethos are built on four core values of respect, integrity, responsibility and aspiration. We aim to inspire our young people to achieve beyond their expectations in all aspects of life and to aim high in everything they do. Academically, this means our students are motivated to push themselves to some great post 16 destinations (including our own Cotswold Edge Sixth Form) and indeed some truly impressive destinations for Further Education. But education at Chipping Sodbury School is focused on far more than just academic outcomes. We have an excellent personal development curriculum delivered through LIFE lessons and we are passionate about providing students with a wealth of enrichment opportunities both in and out of the classroom that build character and develop them as individuals. Whether it’s taking on a role of student leadership in our senate; representing their house in the many competitions we run, or taking on the challenge of our long-established Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards; our students are encouraged to push themselves outside of the classroom too.

Student support structures here at Chipping Sodbury School focus on empathy and understanding the young people we work with. Our commitment to strong relationships, knowing our students well and working closely with parents and carers allows our young people to feel confident in taking risks and trying things they might find difficult both in and out of the classroom. We know that when our young people find the courage to push themselves, they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Every young person is entitled to learn in a calm, stimulating and inclusive environment and therefore we have high expectations of behaviour and engagement in learning. Our clear systems, our fair, consistent approach and the value we place on kindness and respect for all, ensure that our students are supported in making the right choices in their approach to learning and conduct around the school.

We place huge value on collaborating with stakeholders beyond the school. By working with our partners in the Athelstan Trust, our Governors, the local community and partner agencies we ensure that the provision for the young people we cater for is continually being shaped to best serve their needs. For example, our collaborative partnership with Brimsham Green School provides a broad and exciting Post 16 offer to young people in the local community and continues to develop as the partnership evolves.

I am immensely proud of our school, the commitment of our staff and our fantastic students. Should you wish to experience Chipping Sodbury School for yourself, please contact us to arrange a visit.

Rob Skipp

Headteacher