What Makes You Exceptional?

Published by Halliford School on Friday 7th of March 2025

Halliford School is an independent day school for boys 11-18 and girls 16-18, based in Shepperton Surrey. A smaller school in stature, our warm-hearted environment and strong family values ensures that every student is known as an individual, every achievement is celebrated, and any hardship embraced. Led by Mr James Davies, whose every thought and action epitomises the message that, everything we do, we do for the students, staff are empowered to encourage our students to flourish and become the best version of themselves.

Halliford’s values of respect, community and aspirations enable us to welcome students with a range of academic abilities as we foster an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual is encouraged to thrive. Our commitment to maintaining the uniqueness of the individual ensures that we recognise and nurture strength and talents whilst providing structured support to help them achieve their full potential. Our diversity enriches our school community, encouraging collaboration, resilience and a greater respect for different perspectives.

The Exceptional Performers Programme: A Dual Pathway to Success

We believe that every student who walks through our door has the potential to achieve their aspirations given the right tools, and we actively encourage them to reach beyond the ‘norm’, to develop their understanding of a range of topics and interests and to think outside the box in regard to their futures. Part of this support, especially for our most able students, (although any student can request to be included) is our Exceptional Performers Programme, which plays a vital role in supporting the students as they prepare for evolving university courses and job markets, to ensure they have the skills and knowledge they require to achieve their aspirations.

We have already seen some incredible speakers visiting the school to contribute to our Senior EPP, and talks have ranged from a heart transplant recipient to a cancer biologist and economists, giving excellent insight to their journeys beyond school and the opportunities open to our students as they approach the end of their school careers. Through the workshops, guest speakers, university preparation, and real-world experiences, students gain insight into competitive industries and develop the resilience and ambition needed for success. By fostering excellence and encouraging students to push beyond their limits, the programme ensures they are well-prepared for the challenges of the future job market, helping them stand out and thrive in their chosen careers.

Lower EPP: Cultivating Curiosity and Analytical Thinking

The Lower EPP (Year 7-9) have investigated topics beyond the curriculum in Science, Maths, Languages, and code-breaking, as well as investigating the dystopian ideas in Alice in Wonderland and making links between literature and artists such as Dali. Culminating in an end of year project to ‘become an expert’ in an unknown field and present their findings to peers and parents, this gives our younger students an excellent opportunity to develop their research and analysis skills earlier, which will provide them with an excellent foundation moving into their future studies.

Supporting Talent Beyond the Classroom

However, it isn’t all about academics, due to the range of talents within our student-body, including academics, sports, music, drama, and other fields, the EPP provides tailored mentoring alongside a support network, between the Head of Futures and Exceptional Performers and the sports department, for our most able sportsmen to ensure they are able to successfully continue with their studies whilst performing at an incredible athletic level, whilst also benefitting from enrichment opportunities.

Aspiring for the Best: The Oxbridge Programme

Aspiration is the key aspect of what Halliford School is trying to achieve with the Exceptional Performers programme, encouraging our young people to strive to achieve their greatest wish. Therefore, running concurrently alongside the EPP, the Oxbridge Programme supports Sixth Form applicants through bespoke subject mentoring and group application skills development, as well as extension opportunities outside the classroom.

‘Come as you are. Go as all you can be’

All in all, Halliford School is committed to the future development of our students, who will likely end up in careers that may not yet exist, by developing their ability to think outside the restrictions of curricula, dive deeper into the unknown without fear, be confident in their support network as alumni and, ultimately, ‘Go as all they can be’.

For more information about Halliford School and our Exceptional Performers Programme, please visit www.hallifordschool.co.uk