We are dedicated to providing positive outcomes throughout every student’s academic career and we encourage families to actively support us in this. We believe that every learner is entitled to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum.
The school’s success is built on our belief in values of respect for self and others, coupled with a positive attitude, which means that each student wants to make a positive contribution to their school community.
Our student support system is based on the role of the form tutor, who has immediate responsibility for the progress, behaviour, development and academic success of each student in their care. The form tutor is the first contact should there be any concerns about a student’s welfare.
The Student Support team have responsibility for the pastoral care of students and the Student Support Officers should be the next point of contact after the form tutor.
The school expects and maintains high standards of behaviour. This creates a safe and secure learning environment where all students can thrive. We operate a zero tolerance approach to bullying and in the rare cases where this happens, staff deal quickly and effectively with all parties. If reported, all disagreements are dealt with and followed up with home.
We support our students in having their voices heard and include the views of the students in their own teaching and learning.
We promote our students in taking on leadership roles and our School Leadership team is testament to this. Students throughout the school are encouraged to represent their form group and be involved in school decision-making.
Our Student Support Team
Mr B Richardson
Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral)
Subjects: Physical Education
As Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral), I lead on safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and student wellbeing. My aim is to ensure that every student feels safe, supported and valued, while developing the confidence, communication skills and resilience needed to succeed both in school and beyond. I am passionate about helping young people build positive friendships, enjoy their time at school and achieve their full potential. My background is in Physical Education, a subject for which I continue to have a real passion. The values that sport promotes, including teamwork, determination, leadership and respect, have shaped my approach to education and remain at the heart of my work with students every day.
Ms T Zaman
Student Support Coordinator
I joined UWS in 2014 as an LSA and thoroughly enjoyed working to support students academically but wanted to support them holistically, I am now a Student Support Officer and Cover supervisor. I feel honoured and proud to be a part of these young peoples journey, joining us as children and leaving us in year 11 as confident young adults.
Mr N Headington
Student Support Officer
I joined UWS in 2023 having moved up to the Yorkshire Dales with my family after completing thirty years public service in London, both my daughter completed their education at UWS enjoying the benefits of their own respective exam results. As a Student Support Officer, I just wanted to put something back into education by being able to draw on a varied and challenging career path by mentoring, guiding, advising, listening to the young people we have at the school and being an advocate for them when required. The ethos of the school and the passion of those working here delivering continually a very high standard of curriculum to enable our young people to become confident young individuals and successful lifelong learners.
Mrs J Laidler-Smith
SEN Inclusion Coordinator
Since joining UWS in 2013 my main aim has always been to make a difference by promoting an inclusive environment for all of our students. Our work in the Learning Support Department is pivotal in enabling students to be the best individuals they can be now and for their future pathway.
Miss L Butler
SEN Inclusion & Literacy Coordinator
I’ve worked at Upper Wharfedale School for around eight years and love being part of such a unique school and community. I’m a teacher of English and Drama by background and have worked in a range of educational settings across North Yorkshire and County Durham. I am passionate about helping young people find confidence, develop a love of reading and feel that they belong. Much of my role involves working with students, families and staff to find practical solutions when things become challenging and to celebrate what young people can do, rather than focusing only on what they find difficult. I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a school where relationships matter and where every young person is known as an individual.
Key Stage Leaders
Mrs S Newall
KS3 Leader & Subject Leader
Subjects: Art & Design
I am delighted to be teaching Art and design to all pupils at Upper Wharfedale school. I hope to share my passion of Art and the visual world through an exciting and creative curriculum. In leading the KS3 students at Upper Wharfedale, I endeavour to support Mr Chapman and the SLT team in providing a safe and supportive school environment where students strengths and successes can be celebrated and their diversity is recognised and respected.
Mr A Jackson
KS4 Leader & Subject Leader
Subjects: Geography
The geography department aims to create a positive climate in which students are given a variety of opportunities to achieve excellence. Having been at UWS since 2007, I am proud to lead such an outstanding department with consistent sustained success in both student progress and achieving the Geographical Associations award for secondary geography. I am also proud to become a Key Stage leader to support KS4 students and the wider SLT team.