Headlands School Review 2026: Coastal Community Hub

Headlands School sits on the northern edge of Bridlington and serves as a central pillar for the local coastal community. This large comprehensive school caters for over 1,400 students and prides itself on being an inclusive hub where vocational pathways are valued just as highly as academic ones. While national league tables place the school in the lower bands for raw attainment, locally it stands as the highest-ranking secondary provider in Bridlington.

The school operates with a clear moral purpose driven by the executive leadership of Mrs Sarah Bone. Her tenure has seen the school solidify its status, securing a Good rating from Ofsted in October 2021. The campus is bustling and functional; it blends older blocks with modern additions like the dedicated sports facilities and the student-focused 'Hangout' area. It is a school that understands its context deeply. High employment rates among leavers suggest a pragmatic approach to education that prepares young people for the realities of the local and regional economy rather than simply chasing examination statistics.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a diverse mix of students streaming in from across Bridlington and the surrounding villages. The atmosphere is energetic but grounded. This is not a hushed academic hothouse but a vibrant community school where social interaction is brisk and friendly. The uniformed staff presence at the gates sets a tone of orderly conduct from the start of the day.

The school ethos is encapsulated in 'The Headlands Way' which is built on four core values: Determination, Aspiration, Respect, and Equality (DARE). These are not merely decorative words painted in the reception area; they form the basis of the behaviour policy and the rewards system. Students speak about earning points for demonstrating these values, and the language of 'DARE' is woven into assemblies and tutor time. This explicit focus on character education is necessary and effective in creating a cohesive culture in a large school.

Mrs Sarah Bone has led the school for over a decade and provides stability in a region that has faced educational challenges. Her leadership is characterised by a visible presence and a firm belief that every student deserves high-quality provision regardless of background. The staff body is a mix of long-serving local teachers who know the families well and newer entrants to the profession. Relationships between staff and students are generally warm, and Ofsted inspectors noted that students feel safe and well-cared for.

In 2024, the school's results reflect its inclusive intake and comprehensive nature. The school ranks 3,248th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among secondary schools in Bridlington. While the national ranking places performance in the lower 40% of schools in England (national lower band), the local ranking highlights Headlands as the strongest performing state option within the town itself.

The average Attainment 8 score of 40.3 sits below the England average of roughly 46. The Progress 8 score of -0.35 indicates that, on average, students make less progress from their primary school starting points than their peers nationally. However, looking deeper at the data reveals pockets of strength. The percentage of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths provides a solid foundation for further study even if it trails the national average.

It is important to view these results through the lens of the school's curriculum breadth. Headlands maintains a commitment to arts, technology, and vocational subjects which may not always carry the same weight in government performance metrics but are vital for student engagement.

The curriculum at Headlands is designed to keep doors open. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students follow a broad programme that includes substantial time for creative arts, technology, and physical education alongside the core academic subjects. The school has resisted the trend to narrow the curriculum too early and ensures that students have three full years to explore their interests before selecting options.

Teaching quality is rated as Good. Lessons are structured and purposeful; they typically follow a clear pattern of retrieval practice to check prior learning followed by new content delivery. In the strongest departments, teachers use expert subject knowledge to question students deeply and check understanding before moving on. In practical subjects like Food Technology and Engineering, facilities are well-used and students engage enthusiastically with 'hands-on' learning.

Assessment is regular, with 'checkpoints' used to track progress. Parents receive regular updates, and the school uses online platforms to share homework and resources. Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a priority. Teaching assistants are deployed effectively in classrooms and often work with small groups to ensure access to the curriculum.

The Sixth Form is a distinct strength of the school and offers a wide range of A-Level and BTEC qualifications. Ranked 1,884th in England and 1st in Bridlington for post-16 outcomes, the Sixth Form performance sits in the national lower band but remains the top choice locally.

In 2024, A-Level students achieved an A*-B rate of 40% compared to the England average of 47%. While the proportion of top grades (A*-A) at 8.5% is lower than the national figure, the pass rate remains robust. The true value of the Sixth Form lies in its vocational performance and the progression support provided to students.

Small class sizes in Year 12 and 13 allow for personalised support that is not always possible in larger colleges. Students describe the Sixth Form centre as a supportive environment where staff treat them as young adults. The curriculum offer includes both traditional academic subjects like Mathematics and English Literature alongside robust vocational courses in Health and Social Care, Sport, and Business.

Destinations data for Headlands School paints a picture of a school that prepares students for the workplace exceptionally well. In 2024, 51% of leavers progressed to university. This figure demonstrates academic ambition is alive and well. While the number of Oxbridge acceptances is low, with no offers recorded in the most recent cycle, the school successfully supports applications to a range of universities across the North and beyond.

Notably, 26% of leavers moved directly into employment. This figure is significantly higher than the national average and reflects the school's strong links with local industry and its emphasis on employability skills. A further 7% secured apprenticeships to take advantage of the growing number of vocational training opportunities in the East Riding.

For the cohort progressing to university, popular destinations often include Hull, York St John, and Leeds Beckett. Students frequently pursue degrees in nursing, teaching, engineering, and the creative arts. The careers advice programme is comprehensive; it begins in Year 7 and intensifies in Key Stage 4 to ensure that no student leaves without a clear plan.

Admission to Headlands School is coordinated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The school is a popular choice and is currently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake for Year 7, the school received 217 applications for its 210 places (based on standard intake models), resulting in a subscription ratio of approximately 1.16.

The oversubscription criteria follow standard local authority protocols. Priority is given first to 'Looked After Children' and then to those with siblings already at the school. Remaining places are allocated based on distance from the school. This means that families living in the immediate catchment area of Sewerby and northern Bridlington are well-placed to secure a spot.

Families apply via the East Riding Common Application Form (CAF) with a deadline of 31 October for entry the following September. National Offer Day falls on 1 March. Given the oversubscription status, parents outside the immediate catchment area should verify their distance and consider their preferences carefully.

Pastoral care is structured around a Year Group system led by Heads of Year and supported by non-teaching Pastoral Managers. This structure ensures that there is always someone available to deal with day-to-day issues without interrupting lessons. The 'Hangout' provides a safe social space for students during breaks and helps to manage the energy of a large student body.

The school takes bullying seriously and uses a restorative approach to resolve conflicts. Students report that while incidents happen, as in any large school, staff generally deal with them quickly. The emphasis on the 'Respect' aspect of the DARE values creates a framework for expectations.

Mental health support is available through internal mentoring and links with external agencies. The school has worked hard to create a culture where students feel able to talk about their wellbeing, and designated staff are trained to support those facing emotional difficulties.

The extracurricular offer at Headlands is broad with a particular strength in sport and performing arts. The school site boasts impressive facilities including a modern Sports Hall, a fitness suite, and a floodlit 3G pitch which is a hub for community sport as well as school fixtures.

Sport

Rugby and football are major pillars of the sporting calendar, and teams are fielded across all year groups. The school competes regularly in East Riding competitions. The fitness suite allows older students to develop personal training regimes and fosters a culture of healthy living. Athletics in the summer term takes advantage of the expansive playing fields.

Creative Arts

The performing arts department is vibrant. The annual school production is a highlight of the calendar and involves dozens of students in acting, technical support, and set design. Music practice rooms are available, and the school choir performs at local community events to strengthen the link between the school and the town.

Clubs & Societies

Beyond the traditional, the school offers a range of clubs to suit different interests. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a notable feature; it offers students opportunities to develop leadership and resilience through military-themed activities. Other active groups include the Eco-Club, which works on sustainability projects around the site, and a coding club for digital enthusiasts. Trips are frequent and range from geography field trips to the Holderness coast to ski trips abroad and cultural visits to London.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. The site is located on Sewerby Road, making it easily accessible for students in the northern part of Bridlington. For those travelling from further afield, dedicated school buses serve the surrounding villages.

The uniform is strict but standard: a black blazer with the school logo, white shirt, and house tie. The school enforces this policy rigorously as part of its drive for high standards.

Results context. While Headlands is the top-performing school in Bridlington, its raw attainment and progress scores are below the England average. Families with highly academic children may need to ensure they are placed in top sets and take advantage of all extension opportunities to reach top grades.

Coastal location. The school serves a coastal community which brings specific challenges and opportunities. The focus on employment and local economy is a strength for many, but families seeking a purely traditional academic hothouse might find the atmosphere different to schools in affluent commuter belts.

Size and scale. With nearly 1,500 students, Headlands is a large secondary school. While pastoral care is good, the sheer scale can be daunting for quieter children. The House and Year system aims to break this down, but students need to be ready to navigate a busy environment.

Headlands School is a robust, community-focused comprehensive that serves Bridlington well. It offers a safe, grounded, and values-driven education with particular strengths in vocational preparation and Sixth Form support. Best suited to local families seeking a well-rounded education where employment skills and character development sit alongside academic study. The main challenge is the below-average progress data, though for motivated students, the opportunities are there.