Welcome from our Headteacher

A very warm welcome to Carleton High School, part of Pontefract Academies Trust.

The purpose of our school is simple, to improve life chances for our young people. Students are the heartbeat of our school, they are our pride and joy. Regardless of their background or starting points, each student has the right to aim and achieve high and it is our moral purpose to get them there. As a parent myself, I whole heartedly understand what a parent or carers’ dreams and wishes are for their child’s education. A school where they will be safe, will excel, will be loved and pushed beyond their potential. I can confidently say Carleton High is that school.

Carleton High school has been on a great journey, and I am delighted to have been a part of this journey as Deputy Headteacher and now as Headteacher. Carleton High School is officially an Ofsted ‘Good’ school, we are firmly on track to becoming ‘Outstanding.’

Year 11, 2022-23 obtained the best results the school has ever achieved, the progress our students made was in the top 7% of schools nationally, and I am certain that these successes will continue even further. Carleton High School is an award-winning school, with our success being recognised with the award and accolade of being named 'Most improved Secondary school in the North of England' in 2020.

We live and breathe our student values of respect, responsibility, determination, and excellence to ensure our students develop into well rounded, kind people, who are prepared for the next steps in life. We are passionate about the impact that activities outside the curriculum have on our students and encourage everyone to immerse themselves in the full life of the school. We provide students with valuable opportunities for character development, leadership, educational visits in the UK and various locations around the world, extra-curricular clubs and so much more!

There is a certain warmth within our school, where each student is valued and cherished. We treat each child as an individual, celebrate their successes, appreciate, and empathise with their challenges. I hope that when you visit the school for yourself, you’ll sense the feeling of warmth and energy whilst in the building and talking to our amazing students and staff.

Our outstanding team of support and teaching staff are here to guide you, your children, and our community to ensure you all gain the best from education. Education has the power not only in the moment, but it change the course of a life path.

We are proud of our school, we are proud of our students, and we are proud to be a part of the Pontefract community.

Mrs S Shariff

Headteacher