Join us in warmly welcoming Andrew Holman, our new Headmaster.

I could hardly be more excited at being given the honour of leading Nottingham High School. Unlike many newcomers, I have the benefit of already knowing a lot about it, which only adds to the sense of privilege I feel at joining such a welcoming, dynamic community.

I’ve now spent over 30 years in independent education; this is my sixth role and fifth school, and for two decades I’ve immersed myself in the value and values of co-education – ever since, in fact, my first stint at the High School came to end. I’ve always been impressed by how young people throw themselves into so much, and I’ve done my utmost to be involved with everything they do, in order to have a better understanding of how to help them get the most out of themselves and develop their thinking on where they might go in life.

This chimes perfectly with Nottingham. The deep foundations borne of its heritage and values enable the students to recognise their own privilege, and appreciate not only that the vast array of opportunities laid out in front of them give them genuine choice about what they do, but enable them to develop into confident and considerate people who see their own worth and that of others, so that they are both individual and inclusive. We are not preparing the students for something; we’re helping them to prepare themselves for anything.

The High School is rightly renowned for the students’ academic achievements, but it is far from an exam factory or academic hothouse. Make no mistake – what happens in the classroom is truly exceptional, but the children here also learn new skills from the pitch to the mountain; they are creative from the stage to the studio; they develop the ability to think for themselves but also work in teams.

Very little of this would be possible without the dedication and expertise of the staff. There is a genuine sense of vocation here, and a desire to ensure that every action and every decision is done with the children’s best interests at its heart. Alongside the students’ successes, the staff are always mindful that life for a young person today is complex and challenging; their wellbeing and welfare are paramount, and it is only through nurturing happy children that we can hope to achieve our aims. There is a web of support around each child, and the importance of the parent-pupil-school triangle should not be understated. In addition to this, our students benefit from the School’s connections to its alumni and to its partners in the local community.

We are living through volatile and uncertain times. Nottingham High School is in an excellent position to use its experience to guide our students to be leaders of tomorrow, who will shape not only their futures but that of the world. I invite everyone to come and take a look at what it is that makes this school so special.