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

Mrs H Mukherjee
Assistant Headteacher – SENCO
Subjects: Science – PSHCE -Geography

I started working at Upper Wharfedale in September 1998 and I am very proud that this is my place of work. The school knows and values every individual, creating a safe and secure environment which ensures strong progress for all.

Mrs J Laidler-Smith
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.

Ms T Zaman
Student Support Officer & Cover Supervisor

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.

Mrs A Gorman
Student Support Officer

I am Mrs Gorman and have joined the school as Student Support Officer alongside my colleagues. I hope to contribute to the excellent team at Upper Wharfedale.

Mrs T Warner
Student Support Officer

I have joined UWS in February 2024 – As I entered the building, on my first day, I noticed a great quote by Mary Catherine Bates – “We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn.” I hope to bring the same professional curiosity and adaptability to my role as Student Support Officer. I feel really lucky to be working with such a strong team and such fantastic students.

Mrs T Zaman
Student Support Officer

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.

“When I started at Upper Wharfedale School I was shy, nervous and under-confident, but from day one the school made me feel welcome and safe, supporting me to grow in confidence and achieve consistently good results.”
Student
Year 10