Head's Welcome Welcome to the St Laurence website! We are a thriving and successful comprehensive academy, built on the heritage of our dual foundation (Diocese of Salisbury and Lord Fitzmaurice's Educational Foundation). St. Laurence is a friendly and caring school community where we place great value on developing the whole person through our ethos of commitment, creativity and community. We work hard to create opportunities for every student to achieve to their full potential and have the best possible preparation for adult life. In the words of our most recent Ofsted report (February 2013): "The school’s curriculum provides a broad and balanced range of learning opportunities for all. Students are offered an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. There are opportunities and experiences in sports, performing arts, visits abroad, residential visits and many other chances for wide participation. Students have positive attitudes to learning and enjoy their school experience. Relationships throughout the school are strong and further enhanced by the tutor group system, with groups including students of all different ages from across the school." Our exam results are good with student attainment above the national average. We have a strong and successful sixth form, with a very high proportion moving on to university including Oxbridge. We are proud of our Performing Arts school status which brings both excellence and wide participation in a rich variety of activities. St. Laurence, however, is a school with many outstanding features. We have a strong and growing reputation in sport, with the development of participation, enjoyment and leadership being as important to us as high levels of performance and achievement (producing a 2012 Olympic gold medallist is just one example!). The School has been awarded ‘Artsmark Gold' and ‘Sportsmark’. We have regular visits to Gambia, Belgium, India, Romania, Japan, Italy, France and Germany. As a Headteacher I am aware that the years our young people spend in secondary school are extremely precious and important. I want each of them to leave school with the best possible qualifications which will open doors for them in an increasingly complex and competitive world. But I also want them to leave as happy and confident individuals who will continue to make significant contributions to their community, wherever they find themselves. My staff work with huge commitment, professionalism and passion to make this a reality for all our youngsters. That said, we can be most successful when we work in close partnership with parents. We are committed to developing trust, openness and support so that together we can enable your children to flourish. I am always delighted to spend time with parents, whether your children are already at St. Laurence or whether you are thinking about sending them to us – you are most welcome to contact us to arrange a visit. Fergus Stewart Headteacher Powered by Frog