Rebrand brings about pupil ‘sea change’

The head of Kirkby High School has welcomed a ‘sea change’ in pupil behaviour following a rebrand which has seen students create their own code of conduct.

Bill Leyland says placing the decision process into the hands of pupils has made them feel a greater sense of belonging to not only the code but also the school as a whole.

Formerly known as Kirkby Sports College, Kirkby High School has undergone a wholesale rebrand which has seen it adapt not just a new name and website, but also uniform and wider ethos across the campus in Southdene.

Called ‘The Kirkby Code’, it was drawn up in full consultation with the school’s form representatives who gathered the opinions of pupils in their classes and fed back to teachers.

The developments follow the school’s record GCSE results in the summer which saw five or more GCSE grades A* – C (including English and maths) rising by 8.7pc to 43.3pc.

Mr Leyland, who has been in post since the start of 2013, said: “It has been really positive to see the pupils adapt so wholeheartedly their Kirkby Code which was undertaken as part of our rebrand.

“At its core is behaviour and respect – for teachers, fellow pupils and the wider community. The improved levels of both these qualities tell me that the code and rebrand have been fully worth it. This will ultimately prepare pupils more fully for the wider world and crucially the world of work”.