HSL ranked as one of the happiest schools in England and Wales by The Sunday Times!
Out of 1,934 secondary schools across England and Wales, HSL has been placed joint 15th—a truly outstanding achievement. This ranking is based on five years (2020-2025) of ‘Parent View’ data, gathered from surveys that parents complete on Ofsted’s website. These surveys assess various aspects of school life, including how happy children feel at school.
We are incredibly proud that 98% of parents who responded to the survey said their child was happy at HSL. With only 14 schools in the entire country achieving a higher score (99%), and the national average standing at 83%, this is a testament to the positive environment we strive to create for our students every day.
At HSL, we believe that positive, respectful relationships form the foundation of a happy school. Our commitment to being a Rights Respecting School has helped us shape a culture where kindness, fairness, and integrity guide our expectations for pupil behaviour. We encourage our students to speak out against injustice and to treat one another with respect, fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere where every child can thrive. Beyond the classroom, we place great importance on student leadership opportunities and offering an extensive range of extracurricular activities. With over 90 clubs running each week, we are dedicated to providing enriching experiences that help students forge friendships, develop new skills, and feel more connected to our school community.
We are incredibly grateful to our passionate and dedicated staff, who go above and beyond to offer such inspiring and inclusive opportunities. Schools are happiest when they reflect the values of the communities they serve, and we are fortunate to have such a strong, supportive network of parents, friends, and local partners.
