🌿 Innovative About Innovation
It was wonderful to see Talk Education highlight Holmewood House School’s continued excellence in innovative learning. Recognition is always appreciated, but what matters most is the intention behind it — and the impact it has on the children in our care.
After being named the top school in the county for Innovation in Education, we haven’t stood still. The world is shifting quickly, and our responsibility is to ensure our pupils are equipped not just to keep up, but to thrive. That means a curriculum that adapts, evolves, and remains rooted in what truly matters.
At Holmewood, innovation isn’t about shiny gadgets or chasing trends. It’s about using technology purposefully, while still championing the great outdoors, maintaining an intentional phone‑free environment, and protecting the values that help children grow into grounded, empathetic young people. Our award‑winning inclusive sports programme is a perfect example — modern thinking, traditional values, working hand in hand.
Recent highlights include achieving Good Future Foundation AI Quality Bronze Award — something only a handful of schools have managed so far — and a brilliant Safer Internet Day led by our dynamic Head of Digital Learning & Innovation, Peter M.. His creative approach (including transforming members of SLT into babies for an online safety video – see the pic attached) made an important message land with humour and impact. We were also fortunate to have welcomed nationally recognised online safety expert Karl Hopwood, who delivered powerful sessions for both staff and parents on seperate occasions.
I’m proud to be part of a school that stays on the front foot in a world where the goalposts are constantly moving. Innovation, when done well, enhances childhood. When done poorly, it risks eroding the very qualities — empathy, kindness, self‑control, modesty — that help young people flourish.
Holmewood is showing that you can embrace the future without losing sight of what makes childhood precious. That balance is where true innovation lives.
Simon Porter, Assistant Head – Pastoral & Wellbeing
