About Us

Saffron Walden County High School is committed to providing education of exceptional quality for its local community. That we have been successful in this goal is shown by our examination results, our University successes, by our drama and musical performances, by our sporting activity, by the many and varied activities our pupils are involved in.

We are a big school - on the outside. It is that which allows us to provide an exceptional range of skills, expertise and resources for your children's benefit. But we are small - on the inside. We do not lose sight of the individual. A staff dedicated to supporting individuals in all they do ensures that our pupils are happy and secure in their time with us, so that they achieve their full potential.

We are a Specialist school - one of the first Technology Colleges. But our ambition as a school of exceptional quality is to be as good as a Language College in Languages, as good as an Arts College in the Arts, as good as a Sports College in Sports - in short, we aspire to be as good as the best.

Visit us and see our pupils at work. Experience the sense of purpose evident in our classrooms. You will understand why we are a Local School of Exceptional Quality.

Welcome to the Saffron Walden County High Sixth Form web pages. Our Sixth Formers are enthusiastic and intelligent students who have chosen to be here following successful completion of five years of compulsory education at this school, or have been welcomed from other schools. We are renowned, both locally and nationally, for the outstanding post-16 education we provide.

Sixth Form students at Saffron Walden County High School are expected to strive to achieve academic excellence and to engage in the diverse opportunities provided for personal development. In short, students in our Sixth Form 'work hard and play hard'. This web site is intended to give you more insight into the essential character and ethos of our Sixth Form; we hope that you will want to be part of it.

Key Stage 3 is completed over 2 years in Year 7 and Year 8, following which students begin GCSE courses in Year 9.

Key Stage 4 courses will be of two or three years in duration, depending upon the ability of the student in each subject. If a student completes a course by the end of Year 10, they will be offered a choice of new subjects in Year 11; these could be a new AS course, a new GCSE or enrichment opportunities.

The school's brochure shows how its character and practice create the "exceptional quality" which is our purpose.  To help make an informed choice of school, parents will wish to know something of our beliefs and expectations.

Governors and staff believe that academic achievement to the highest level to which each individual can aspire is what most parents will value.  This will enable the majority of children to aspire to university entrance standards, including those of the most prestigious universities.  Staff will seek to challenge all pupils regardless of their ability, and provide them with opportunities to fulfil their potential.

In consequence, the school emphasises the prime importance of teaching and learning.  Our staff place great value on academic work and are continually seeking to improve classroom practice. 

We are also clear that this central purpose is most likely to be achieved within a framework of traditional values such as discipline, respect and acceptance of school procedures.

In a large school it is necessary for all pupils, parents and staff to share an understanding that all pupils will:

~Work hard to achieve their full academic potential
~Respond to the many opportunities present both in and beyond the classroom
~Respect fellow pupils and staff
~Attend regularly, except when ill
~Complete homework and coursework by set deadlines
~Comply with instructions from staff
~When at fault, accept correction without argument
~Wear uniform as intended
~Seek to achieve their personal best

Parents who share these values will find their children get the most out of Saffron Walden County High School.  Those with different priorities may wish to consider alternatives for their children's secondary education.

The wearing of the school's uniform is expected of pupils in Years 7-11 inclusive. This is essential for the maintenance of high standards in all aspects of school life and considerably enhances the school's image and standing in the community. Special items of school uniform, such as tie, kilt, girls' trousers and badge can be bought at Gray Palmers (High Street, Saffron Walden). The approved garments and their colours are listed below.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT

Pupils are expected to wear regulation kit for all PE lessons, for games and for extra-curricular PE activities. Kit may be purchased at Gray Palmers in Saffron Walden. It is strongly recommended that students have a gum shield and shin pads for use when playing in competitive football, hockey and rugby matches. These are readily available from sports shops or your own dentist.