Deputy Head Teacher

Leaders have put an ambitious curriculum in place. Their expectations for pupils’ achievement are high, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils work hard and do well in public examinations. Ofsted 2022

Fortismere is a high-attaining, mixed foundation secondary school in the heart of Muswell Hill, North London.  The school is highly regarded by the local community and beyond, appearing in The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2022 Top 30 best state secondary schools in London. The school is oversubscribed with the vast majority of students coming from the immediate local community. The school is set in twenty acres, allowing students the advantage of an unusually spacious site and supporting Fortismere’s sporting excellence.

At Fortismere we believe in the transformative power of education. Our students receive an education that enhances their life chances and transforms lives, based on high expectations and positive relationships. With a strong focus on progress, our vision champions  high aspirations whilst ensuring that we all contribute to raising achievement of students, whatever their starting point. Fortismere students enjoy a broad, innovative curriculum where traditional academic subjects are enriched by a strong emphasis on the creative arts. All our students access a curriculum pathway that motivates, involves and inspires them.  Our teachers deliver exciting, challenging and engaging lessons which instill a lifelong love of learning.   Approaches are personalised, with an emphasis on the achievement of the individual which reflects the school’s inclusive ethos.

We have the highest expectations of behaviour, commitment to learning, character and values. Fortismere students leave school with a reputation for resilience, ambition and confidence complemented by a concern for others. Through the curriculum we also foster empathy, kindness and moral responsibility, actively encouraging students to support themselves, each other and become increasingly engaged in the world around them. Our extra-curricular activities meet the interests and aspirations of our school community and provide experiences that are accessible and enriching for all.

This rigorous pursuit of transformative learning enhances the educational experience of all our students, embracing diversity and different needs, and unites our school and its wider community behind our aims.

Outstanding outcomes are achieved by constantly challenging and raising aspirations and by insisting that good behaviour enables great learning. Traditional values of tolerance, courtesy and respect are important at Fortismere. We also believe in a holistic educational package that is more than just academic success.

Curriculum
KS3 and KS4

Students learn in mixed ability or set teaching groups with an emphasis on outstanding teaching and learning. Students are able to study a wide range of subjects at KS3, with 40% opting for a second language, Mandarin is very popular. Students have the opportunity to study three separate Sciences, range of courses in the Humanities, Arts and Technologies, as well vocational courses. Student progress is monitored and challenging targets are set at all stages to encourage aspirational achievement.

The Sixth Form

Our Sixth Form is oversubscribed with both internal and external students wanting to continue their studies with us. There is a wide range of subjects including all of the traditional A Level choices as well as Further Mathematics, Economics, Classical Civilisation and a highly successful vocational BTEC course in Creative Digital Media.  All students are encouraged to complete an EPQ, enabling them to develop the research and presentation skills that will be essential at University and in the workplace. Academic progress is strongly supported by target setting and monitoring. There is an excellent further education programme where students visit a wide variety of intuitions, are mentored individually and in groups to apply for the Oxbridge, Russell Group and Ivy League universities. There is a substantial and thorough preparation programme for students applying to Oxbridge or for medical courses. Many of our students gain places to read subjects from a wide range of disciplines. In the last three years over 50 students have taken up places at Oxbridge and Medical School.

The Sixth Form is housed in a separate building and an imaginative pastoral curriculum ensures that students have the skills they need to be successful, are well-informed about key issues and well-prepared for the next stage of their life. Student leadership is strong, with students taking on leadership roles in both Year 12 and Year 13, and a broad range of thriving student-led societies take place. A broad enrichment offer enables students to develop their skills and experience beyond the classroom.

Support for Students

Students are organised in year groups with Heads of Years and Tutors providing a high level of pastoral care, and supporting students to ensure they can perform to the best of their abilities in a safe and stimulating environment. All students also belong to a House made up of about 270 students from Years 7-11. A Head and Deputy Head of College support the students to be actively involved in student leadership and student voice, charitable work and sporting events and competitions across the school. Our college system helps to promote positive attitudes, kindness, social inclusion and community cohesion.

Parental Involvement

Parents and Carers are actively involved; there are subject evenings for each year group, as well as termly reports to inform progress. Emphasis is place on ‘partnership’ between school and home to enable students to reach their full potential. An active parent group, FSA supports the students’ education by raising significant amount of money each year. A weekly newsletter is sent home weekly and can be found on the schools website.

Extra-curricular and Enrichment

Our extra-curricular activities are designed and organised to meet the interests and aspirations of our students and to provide experiences that are accessible for and enriching for all.  There is a comprehensive offer of extra-curricular and enrichment activities across the whole age range and activities provide a good balance between the creative arts, sports, academic and interest-led clubs.  Our staff’s commitment to this provision is outstanding. Opportunities and activities such as trips, workshops and external speakers are offered by departments to enable students to develop and extend their subject specific skills and knowledge.

Fortismere has a strong commitment to providing students with sporting opportunities and there is an extensive extra-curricular and competitive fixtures programme across a wide range of different sports. Many students also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. There is a strong tradition of participation in music, art and drama and students take part  in concerts and productions both in and out of school. STEM activities are also strong and students across the years participate in clubs and national competitions.