Holcombe Grammar School has proudly secured reaccreditation as an Advanced Thinking School by the University of Exeter.
This prestigious recognition celebrates the school’s unwavering commitment to nurturing reflective, resilient, and creative learners through a deeply embedded culture of cognitive education.
The accreditation report, compiled by Thinking Schools @Exeter, commended Holcombe Grammar School for its proactive and ambitious ethos, describing it as “a wonderfully inclusive and evidence-informed holistic educational growth stance.”
The school’s mission, ‘transforming life chances through Mastery, Endeavour, and Thinking’ is not just a statement but a lived reality, visible in every aspect of its curriculum and community.
Holcombe’s approach to thinking and metacognition is effectively embedded in school life. From the use of Thinking Maps and Habits of Mind to the integration of the Be Your Best Self (BYBS) agenda, students are consistently encouraged to explore their individuality and develop autonomy in learning. The report praised this, noting that “life chances are truly transformed such that students develop their cultural capital.”
Staff development is another cornerstone of Holcombe’s success. Every member of staff receives comprehensive training in Thinking Tools and pedagogy, supported by a rich programme of professional growth opportunities. The school’s collaborative ethos fosters a culture of shared learning and innovation, with staff regularly engaging in research, reflective practice, and trust-wide initiatives. The report highlighted this as “highly influential in promoting professional dialogue, skill mastery, and collaboration.”
“Students are encouraged to find meaning in a variety of thinking approaches such that they see the relevance and point of developing them.”
- Advanced Thinking School Reaccreditation Report 2025
Holcombe Grammar School’s influence extends far beyond its own classrooms. As a core member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, the school plays a pivotal role in shaping educational practice and is “highly influential locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.” With partnerships in countries such as Lithuania, Canada, and Spain, Holcombe shares its expertise and vision with educators around the world. The Headteacher and senior leaders have presented at national conferences, further cementing the school’s reputation as a thought leader in education.
Inclusivity remains at the heart of Holcombe’s provision. The school’s Whole School Provision Map and Holcombe Learning Blueprint ensure that every student, regardless of background or need, is supported to thrive.
This commitment has earned Holcombe the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award and the Artsmark Silver Award, recognising excellence in both pastoral care and creative learning.
Assessment practices at Holcombe are equally forward-thinking. Students and staff engage in reflective processes that prioritise personal growth and meaningful learning. The use of BYBS Reflective Journals, Student Voice Carousels, and innovative feedback tools ensures that assessment serves the curriculum, not the other way around. As the report states, “Assessment at Holcombe Grammar School certainly puts children first.”
Lee Preston, Headteacher of Holcombe Grammar School, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been re-accredited as an Advanced Thinking School. This award reflects the dedication of our staff, the ambition of our students, and the strength of our community. “At Holcombe, we believe in transforming life chances through a culture of mastery, endeavour, and thinking, and this achievement affirms our commitment to delivering an education that is both inclusive and inspiring”
Lee Preston, Headteacher of Holcombe Grammar School, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have been re-accredited as an Advanced Thinking School. This award reflects the dedication of our staff, the ambition of our students, and the strength of our community.
“At Holcombe, we believe in transforming life chances through a culture of mastery, endeavour, and thinking, and this achievement affirms our commitment to delivering an education that is both inclusive and inspiring”
In its concluding remarks, the University of Exeter described Holcombe Grammar School as “an inspirational beacon of inclusive metacognitive educational excellence.”
This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the entire school community and a celebration of the transformative power of thinking in education.
Aimee Banks, Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning, led the reaccreditation application and reflected: “Being awarded Advanced Thinking School status once again is a moment of real pride for our whole community. Coordinating the application has allowed us to reflect on how far we’ve come as a thinking community and to showcase the incredible work happening across the school. “This recognition is a testament to the creativity, care, and commitment of our staff and students, and I’m proud that Holcombe continues to be a place where thinking is at the heart of everything we do.”
Aimee Banks, Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning, led the reaccreditation application and reflected:
“Being awarded Advanced Thinking School status once again is a moment of real pride for our whole community. Coordinating the application has allowed us to reflect on how far we’ve come as a thinking community and to showcase the incredible work happening across the school.
“This recognition is a testament to the creativity, care, and commitment of our staff and students, and I’m proud that Holcombe continues to be a place where thinking is at the heart of everything we do.”