We are ecstatic to announce that Holcombe Grammar School has been accredited as an Advanced Thinking School by the University of Exeter.
As part of the Trust, we take pride in our unique and effective approach to learning and education. We provide our students with the skillset and tools they need to think in a variety of ways and become lifelong learners. These transferable Thinking Tools prepare our children for a range of situations, dilemmas and circumstances that they may face later in life as part of modern society.
Thinking Schools @ Exeter leads the way in research in Metacognition, Thinking Skills, Creativity and Dialogue in Education – providing a structure for schools to become recognised Thinking Schools. Holcombe Grammar School started their Thinking Journey back in 2019, we they were awarded Level 1, Thinking School status. In order to achieve Level 2 Thinking accreditation to become an Advanced Thinking School, the school was assessed on; Dissemination of Practice, Evaluative Research, Professional Development, Differentiation, and Whole School Assessment. These areas identify the school’s continued work to support lifelong learning and holistic growth for all students, no matter their starting points.
The school has fully embedded Thinking Skills into the school’s teaching, assessment, evaluation, and staff development which was recognised throughout the school’s review, as the University of Exeter documented, “Thinking Skills are fully embedded in the culture of the school such that Holcombe is a collaborative educational community. The dissemination of best practice across the school and beyond positions [the school] as a beacon of metacognitive excellence where best practice is nurtured so that children develop as holistic lifelong learners. The focus on the professional growth of staff is exceptional.”
The report from Thinking Schools @ Exeter praised the school for its high aspiration and achievement for students stating “What sets Holcombe aside from many schools, is its emphasis on how this is achieved. […] the school seeks to make learning active by developing children as creative, adaptable, and resilient thinkers so that they become committed lifelong learners.”
Principal of Holcombe Grammar School, Lee Preston, says “The staff at Holcombe work tirelessly to transform the life chances of our students, support their progress and develop their thinking. I couldn’t be prouder that the University of Exeter’s School of Education recognises the commitment we have for our young people and awarded us the Advanced Thinking School accreditation. Thank you to everyone involved who worked so hard to achieve this award.”
“We are delighted to have been awarded the Advanced Thinking School accreditation, in recognition of all the brilliant work our staff do to offer our children the best possible cognitive education. Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to achieve this award!” so says Mandy Gage, Director of Education.
This is a proud moment for Holcombe and is the result of the continued hard work staff and students put into understanding and applying the Thinking School ethos to all aspects of school life. “Thinking Skills approaches are continually evaluated throughout the school and staff are routinely asked to reflect on their use of Thinking Tools.” The school will continue to grow through staff development and training and embedding cognitive education, supporting our children to become skilled, independent, and reflective learners.
Dr Dave Walter from Thinking Schools @ Exeter concluded the report saying “the application has provided compelling and comprehensive evidence for [Advanced] accreditation, […] Congratulations to Holcombe Grammar School for an exceptional achievement!”
