Welcome to Eastbrook School. I am proud to be appointed as the Headteacher of our wonderful school and am very excited to be leading the us on the next stage of school improvement.

Eastbrook School has many strengths, not least the inclusive and warm ethos, as well as the very encouraging exam results this year in the primary, secondary and the sixth form.  This shows that teaching and learning is strong and rapidly improving.  The results are testament to the hard work of the students and staff across all the phases (primary, secondary and sixth form) and show that Eastbrook School is going from strength to strength. We will celebrate and maintain those things that are strengths and ensure that we quickly dentify those things we need to do better.

I am an experienced and successful headteacher, having led in good and outstanding schools in Newham and Waltham Forest.  This gives me the relevant experience, knowledge and credentials to rapidly improve our outcomes and take Eastbrook onto the next exciting stage of our journey to outstanding.  I have worked for 29 years in, and with, East London schools.  The energy, diversity and ambition of children in these settings are what motivates and drives my ambition, as I am a product of them.  Therefore, it is my vocation to relentlessly pursue excellence in providing education and support for young people to be the best version of themselves and unlock their potential.

At Eastbrook, we have all the elements necessary to give your child a first-class education.  From the exceptional facilities, the experienced teaching staff and ambitious ‘Character and Virtues’ curriculum, every child is known and supported by a passionate and dedicated staff body.  Pastoral care is exceptional, keeping your child safe and well supported.

The reason for our recent academic success is because our purpose is guided by a strong vision to develop independent learners in an inclusive community. Our principles are straightforward and create a stimulating learning environment for your child to learn:

• That excellent behaviour is the foundation of success at school – we have a small number of clear rules, and they are rigorously implemented and understood by all.
• That great teaching equals great learning – the commitment of our teachers is to deliver great lessons each day and that learning will be engaging.  Teachers are committed to continually develop themselves to improve teaching that is tailored to your child’s needs
• That developing the content of a young person’s character is just as important as guiding them to achieve excellent exam results. For that reason, we explicitly teach character education and the importance of virtuous behaviour, along with providing a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that bring out the best in our students.
• That our curriculum is broad and balanced allowing our students the chance to follow their aspirations and aim high in their chosen subjects.

This vision and values, developed by our whole school community, describe the vibrant atmosphere in our school.  The classrooms and corridors buzz with positive attitudes towards behaviour for learning and is a place where learning is in the very fabric of the buildings.

‘Pupils spoke positively about behaviour in the school…Learning is rarely disrupted’.

OFSTED DECEMBER 2021

The students are proud of their school.  Every one of them is valued for their individuality and character. They feel happy, safe and supported.  Each student’s learning journey is supported by regular monitoring and dialogue with parents/carers as they progress through their school journey. A comprehensive and strong extra-curricular programme alongside the academic curriculum ensures that your child experiences a holistic offer to develop their character and provide stimulating learning opportunities to enhance their cultural understanding to prepare her for life beyond school.

Eastbrook is a place where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated, and prejudice is challenged. My belief is that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’.  I believe that it is our job as educators and role models to help your child be the best that they can be.  This includes empowering our young people to be the leaders of the future.  The challenges, exacerbated by covid have led to myriad anxieties, isolation and insecurity.  At Eastbrook, through our strong pastoral recovery curriculum, I am confident that we can enable and support your child to be a confident young adult who feels valued and supported.

As a mother myself, I know how important parental engagement is in the education of your child. Good communication is fundamental to this, and I will be seeking opportunities to speak to the school community regularly to understand your concerns and to remove barriers so that, together, we can maximise your child’s potential. I would encourage you to actively engage with the school to enhance this partnership. As well as this website, please follow us on:

Twitter: @eastbrookschsec

Facebook:  eastbrookschoolsecondary

Instagram: eastbrookschoolsecondary

There is so much for your child to benefit from at Eastbrook and I look forward to welcoming you when you visit the school.

Avani Higgins
Headteacher