BRIGHTON Hill Community School held its first virtual open evening on Monday, September 26.

The event was aimed at prospective students and their parents, and featured various virtual talks and Q&A sessions to help attendees get to know more about the school.

Headteacher Christopher Edwards opened the evening with a welcome speech in which he “exclusively unveiled” the school’s four ‘pillars’: Commitment, Courage, Collaboration and Kindness.

“There is no team of people more committed than our team here at Brighton Hill Community School,” he said.

“I think you can learn a lot about a school by seeing the students leaving at the end of the day and when you can see they are smart, happy, enjoying themselves and behaving impeccably.”

Using the four categories, Mr Edwards told attendees about some of the things they could expect to be a part of if they chose to apply to the school.

He shared a number of testimonies from parents and pupils, and drew attention to the numerous awards and nominations won by the school in recent months including being the only school in the UK to have received a Bett award, “countless awards” won by their Young Enterprise teams, and this week receiving a Tes school award nomination for best use of technology.

“When Oftsed did come, they said that behaviour was good and disruption was rare. That was 3 years ago, and we have grown so much since then,” said Mr Edwards.

Mr Edwards outlined student leadership positions available, including ambassadors for anti-bullying, wellbeing, humanities, dance, arts, and physical education.

Other highlights included the school’s brand new app and student-created podcast series; a large selection of extra-curricular “enrichment opportunities” and trips; and involvement with community causes.

“Our students are the stars of the show and it is a pleasure to be able to reward them. We try and lay on as many wonderful opportunities as possible.”

Since Mr Edwards joined the school in 2017, the incoming cohorts have gradually increased, and there are now over 1,000 pupils in the student body, and a waiting list.

“We are here to serve the local community and we are absolutely delighted that they have put their faith in us as their local school,” said Mr Edwards.

Bringing his speech to a close and letting the attendees explore the various departmental “islands” on the virtual open evening, Mr Edwards said: “Thank you ever so much for listening in the strangest of atmosphere's we find ourselves in.

“I hope you really really enjoy it. We are available every day so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

“Until then, take very good care of yourselves, stay safe and I hope to see you very soon.”

For information on upcoming virtual open evenings, visit: www.brightonhill.hants.sch.uk