Heckmondwike Grammar School

SEND provision is continually developed for diverse individual learning needs, with additional support available during students' school journeys.

“We are continually developing our SEND provision to respond to an increasingly diverse range of individual learning needs and to close the attainment gap. We recognise that some children may need additional support at different points in their school journey, and we work closely with students, families, staff and the local authority to ensure individual needs are understood and met.”

The school uses early identification, inclusive teaching, reasonable adjustments and relevant interventions to support SEND needs.

“We are committed to the early identification of SEND so that appropriate support can be provided through high-quality inclusive teaching. Reasonable adjustments and relevant interventions can also be implemented to support the emerging needs of students.”

Students experiencing personal issues can seek support first from their form tutor and also from their head of year.

“If students have any personal issues that need support, the first person to speak to is the form tutor. Students can also see their head of year for help, support and guidance.”

The deputy safeguarding team includes the Head of Years 12 and 13.

“Mrs H Lenski, Head of Years 12 and 13.”

The school reports strong GCSE attainment, with 100% securing at least five good grades and large majorities attaining multiple grades at 7 or above.

“As well as some overall excellent results for the school, with 100% of our Year 11 students securing at least five good GCSE grades, 91% of our students achieved five or more GCSEs at grade 7 or above. In addition, 78% of our Year 11 students secured an impressive eight or more GCSEs at grade 7 or above.”

Students can participate in an accessible programme of inter-house sports, arts and academic contests.

“The Lees Cup provides the opportunity to engage in extra-curricular life in a way which is accessible to all students. We offer a wide range of sporting events including swimming, football, hockey, rugby, netball, rounders, cricket and athletics, as well as contests in drama, music, spelling, debating, chess and maths.”

Students across all levels, including the Sixth Form, organise house events to develop leadership, responsibility and cross-year collaboration.

“Students at all levels of HGS organise house events, allowing them to develop leadership skills and to take on increasing levels of responsibility. They are responsible for, and enjoy, sustaining the friendly but competitive rivalry underpinning the house system. This also promotes collaboration between students in different year groups across the school, including the Sixth Form.”

The school motto is 'Nil Sine Labore' ('nothing without work') and is said to embody its approach.

“Our school motto 'Nil Sine Labore' – nothing without work – embodies everything we do and how we do it at HGS.”

The school emphasizes lasting mutual support, ensuring every child matters and no student is left behind.

“We have a philosophy based on over 125 years of tradition – once a Heckmondwike student, always a Heckmondwike student – and our mutual support can stretch way beyond school years into adulthood. Every child really does matter and we work hard to ensure that no student is left behind.”

The curriculum offers a range of academic A levels shaped around students' needs, aspirations, and strengths.

“Our Sixth Form curriculum is shaped around the needs, aspirations and strengths of our students, and offers a range of academic A levels.”

The school publishes admissions policies covering Sixth Form entry and its admission criteria.

“Download and read our admissions policies for Year 7 and Sixth Form entry which have full details of the criteria for admission.”

Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics each require at least Grade 7.

“Please note that we have updated the subject-specific entrance requirements for Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics to a minimum of Grade 7 in each subject.”

The application window for September 2026 sixth-form entry is closed.

“The application window for entry to Sixth Form in September 2026 entry has now closed.”

Three percent of students secured Oxford or Cambridge places, which the school says was well above the national average.

“An extremely impressive 3% of students secured places at Oxford or Cambridge, a result well above the national average.”

Six students secured degree apprenticeships with named major employers.

“Six students (3%) secured degree apprenticeships, gaining employment at Coca Cola, KPMG, Airbus, Mott Macdonald, and Turner & Townsend.”

In 2025, 85% of A-level results were grade C or better, and 80% of those grades were A*, A or B.

“85% of A level results were at grade C or better, and 80% of these grades were either A\*, A or B.”

The 2025 GCSE results included 766 grade 9s; 116 students achieved at least ten grades 7–9, 160 achieved at least eight, and 187 achieved at least five.

“- 766 grades awarded were grade 9. - 116 students achieved ten or more GCSE at grades 7-9 - 160 students achieved eight or more GCSEs at grades 7-9 - 187 students achieved five or more GCSEs at grades 7-9.”