On behalf of Henley Bank High School, I want to say a huge welcome to the Henley Bank family. We can’t wait for you to join us in September to begin your journey and to start creating your Legacy. Here at the school we have 5 core values that we believe help you to develop your character into something amazing in the future: Ambition, Confidence, Creativity, Determination and Respect. All of these values are ones that will be shown as you begin this transition journey so you’re already well on your way to becoming a Henley Bank member! I know that transition can be scary (or exciting), please know that all the feelings that you have about leaving Primary School and joining Big School are completely normal. We will be on hand every step of the way, talking to your teachers, you, your parents and carers before you join us and then encouraging you to join Clubs, helping you make friends and assisting you in your lessons to ensure that when you leave us in Year 11, the world is at your feet.
What is your favourite thing about working at HBHS?
"My favourite thing about Henley Bank High School is the team and community spirit. I love that we can all work together to achieve a common goal. As an avid reader, I also love starting and ending my day getting to read."
Mrs Benfield (Assistant Headteacher)
"I have been at Henley Bank High School for five years. During this time, I have been Head of Year for different year 7, 8 and 9 year groups. I have enjoyed working with these groups, getting to know the students, spending social times with them, and going on school trips. In addition to being Head of Year, I am a History teacher. My favourite time period to learn and teach about is the Ancient period. Before I became a teacher, I studied Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations, specialising in the Roman Empire and their social history."
What is your favourite thing about working at HBHS?
"My favourite thing about working at Henley Bank High School is strong community feel, and the friendliness of the staff."
Miss Lothian (Head of Year 7)
My Name is Mrs French and I have been Catering Manager here at Henley Bank since January 2020. I live in rural Worcestershire with my husband, dogs Fred & Jakey & 15 chickens.
My Catering & Hospitality background started in London where I studied, and I have used my love of cooking to travel & was lucky enough to work in many exotic places.
I have many years of experience in the Education sector and hope I bring my love & knowledge of food to the menus here at Henley, where all our food is cooked fresh and locally sourced wherever possible.
Please speak to me directly if you have any questions, or need advice on allergies, dietary requirements or information.
Mrs French (Catering Manager)
"I've been a SENCo for 25 years now and I still strongly believe that it's the best job in teaching. I get to work with wonderful young people and families to ensure that the children at Henley Bank High School get the support they need, when they need it.
I'm a mum of two wonderful young people, both of whom have struggled with anxiety but with the appropriate support and reasonable adjustments, have thrived and are now embarking on their own exciting careers. Outside of school, I love being amongst nature, walking my dog or gardening. I'm an enthusiastic potter and love knitting"
What is your favourite thing about working at HBHS?
"The people - I've never worked in a school where the whole staff body work collectively as a team with unerring foci on improving the lives of our young people. There is something intrinsically special about HBHS, my own son thrived here, and I love watching our young people do the same as they grow up through the school."
Ms Williams (SENCO)
"Prior to working at Henley Bank High School, I worked at another secondary school setting, within the Wellbeing Department, providing counselling services to Students."
What is your favourite thing about working at HBHS?
"I like working with parents, carers and students and helping students to improve their attendance and experience at Henley Bank High School"
Miss S Dobson (Attendance Officer)
"Before teaching, I worked in the fashion industry as a visual merchandising manager and stylist. I loved designing and building spaces so I made the leap to teach DT."
What is your favourite thing about working at HBHS?
"Every day is different! I also really enjoy getting to know the students really well and being a person they feel comfortable coming to if they have an issue."
Mrs Kay (Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead)
"My first job after I finished university was as a Student Wellbeing Advisor and DDSL in a 6th form college. I then worked with a charity organisation as a Victim Advocate, supporting children and young people who had been victims of domestic abuse. I joined Henley Bank in November 2024 as their Education Welfare Officer. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to the mental health difficulties that young people face as well as adverse childhood experiences."
What is your favourite thing about working at HBHS?
"Getting to work with students and their families to improve their view of school and to help them feel like they have a sense of belonging at Henley Bank"
Miss Williams (Educational Welfare Officer)
