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We are proud to announce that Highgate has been shortlisted for three prestigious Independent Schools of the Year 2019 awards. These recognise Highgate’s extensive careers programme, contribution to social mobility, and the international sporting success of one Year 13 pupil.

Highgate’s Head, Adam Pettitt, said: ‘We are thrilled that the hard work by our staff and pupils has been acknowledged by the Independent Schools of the Year 2019. Our shortlisting recognises the supportive and collaborative work we do with Highgate and partner schools pupils, our academic sponsorship of the London Academy of Excellence in Tottenham, and the diverse talents of our pupils.’

Highgate’s first shortlisting is School of the Year for Student Careers Programme. This is a result of our innovative careers programme that brings together Highgate and partner school pupils, offering expertise and support to a larger number of young people, replicating diversity in the future workplace, and helping develop employability skills for life.

Highgate’s dedicated Careers and Employability Specialist, Amandeep Jaspal, explains: ‘Before joining Highgate, my background was in early careers recruitment and that has helped me give pupils a direct insight into what employers are looking for. Through our extensive programme, which includes activities like evening Q&As, practical workshops and mentoring, we look to ensure that Highgate and our partner school pupils get the advice that they need to make important decisions about their future.’

Highgate’s second shortlisting – School of the Year for Contribution to Social Mobility – also relates to our partnership work, as it recognises our sponsorship of London Academy of Excellence in Tottenham (LAET), jointly with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. An academically selective sixth form school in a ward in the country’s top 2% of highest deprivation, LAET first opened its doors in 2017. Highgate helps with governance and is lead education sponsor, seconding teachers in art, chemistry, English, geography, mathematics and physics, together with an Assistant Head and members of our support staff.

Adam adds: ‘Without Highgate – without our commitment, experience, connections (particularly with our fellow supporting independent schools across London) and resource – LAET could not have come into being or become the school it is. In August 2019, LAET’s first cohort complete their studies. This important date is another reason why we are so pleased that our work with LAET has been recognised by the Independent Schools of the Year 2019.’

Highgate’s third shortlisting of Rising Star of the Year is for Kira, a current Year 13 pupil who is also an international netball player. A hard-working and high-achieving member of our pupil body, Kira’s sporting talent has been nurtured by our Sports and Exercise Department, helping her meet and surpass every age group opportunity for a youth athlete. She has played netball for Highgate, as well county and regional levels, and performance netball at national and international levels. Last December, Kira was signed by professional squad, London Pulse.

We are currently unable to get a comment from Kira on her Rising Star of the Year shortlisting, since she is once again on summer tour with England, as part of the Under 19 netball squad in New Zealand and Australia! However her Head of House, Mr Philip Harrison, said: ‘In a school with many talented pupils, Kira is an exceptional talent. It is right that her hard work and successes are celebrated and held up as an example to others.’

The Independent Schools of the Year 2019, designed by Independent School Parent magazine, recognises and applauds the varied and imaginative ways in which independent schools prepare young people for their future lives. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in October.

Photo: Official publicity shot of Kira from London Pulse