“What makes Whitefield School so special?” I am often asked that question. Well, let’s embark on a journey to uncover the story of this school.
Whitefield School is a secondary school with a sixth form. It is located in the London Borough of Barnet. The school converted to academy status in 2011.
The location of Whitefield School is quite interesting. It sits in Cricklewood, south of the North Circular Road. It is also conveniently west of the A41 Hendon Way. The nearest tube station is Brent Cross West. The nearest bus station is Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
Let’s step back in time. Whitefield School was built between 1953 and 1954. It was built on the site of the disused Hendon Metropolitan water treatment works. This area was originally part of Clitterhouse Farm. The school was initially a Secondary Modern School. It opened in autumn 1954. The opening was later than planned. Pupils enjoyed an extra three weeks of summer holiday because of the delay. At the time, there were seven first-year classes with thirty to forty students in each. Classes 1 and 2 included French or German in their curriculum. This was unusual for the time.
In 1954, the school grounds only extended to Clitterhouse Brook. Later, the grounds expanded east beyond the brook to Hendon Way. This area used to be the settling ponds of the old water treatment works. These ponds were transformed into playing fields. Later, the playing field area west of Hendon Way was used for the development of a Tesco superstore and Hendon Leisure Centre. The eastern boundary became Clitterhouse Brook again.
Mr. Haley was the first headmaster. He had previously been headmaster at Bell Lane school. Mr. Brenig Lewis joined the school on opening day. He was an assistant head and science teacher. He became Headmaster in 1971. He remained in that role until his retirement in 1989.
Whitefield School has a strong history curriculum. The curriculum promotes a love of history. It also encourages intellectual curiosity. The goal is to nurture well-rounded thinkers. The curriculum is academically rigorous and engaging. It aims to provide students with the powerful knowledge they need.
The school enriches students’ cultural capital. It broadens their world knowledge through various topics. These topics include the British Empire, the British Civil Rights Movement and Migration to Britain. More traditional topics are also taught. These include the Norman Conquest, the Reformation, and the World Wars. Trips and enrichment opportunities enhance students’ learning. For example, students visit the Imperial War Museum’s Holocaust exhibition. They also visit the Houses of Parliament.
Whitefield School has received positive feedback from Ofsted. In December 2022, Ofsted inspected the school. The inspectors found that students receive leadership opportunities. They also benefit from a rich range of visits and activities. The curriculum is carefully considered and free from disruption. Inspectors noted that Whitefield School students are motivated to learn. They are also polite and considerate.
The inspectors were impressed by the school leaders’ ambition for pupils’ learning. They recognized teachers’ strong subject knowledge and presentational skills. The Ofsted report mentioned that students achieve great grades. They also develop strong character. Students’ voices are heard. Teachers have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour.
Whitefield School continues to strive for the highest standards and performance. It has developed an aspirational and ambitious culture. It prepares students to be active global citizens. They gain an understanding of how the past has shaped the world. Whitefield School equips students for a wide range of careers through the development of transferable skills.