Headteacher's Welcome

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to New Mills School.

Our school has a proud history at the heart of the High Peak community and an ambitious future built on our commitment to ensuring that every student is inspired, challenged, and supported to achieve their very best.

At New Mills, we believe education should open doors and we set ambitious aspirations for all of our students so that they achieve the qualifications and skills they need for their next steps in life. Alongside this, we place equal importance on developing character, resilience, and confidence, so that our young people leave us not only with strong results, but also as well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We are relentless in our drive for excellence. High expectations underpin everything we do, from the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom to the way our students conduct themselves as representatives of our school. Our talented staff team delivers a broad and balanced curriculum, alongside a wealth of enrichment opportunities, so that every child can discover their strengths and passions. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do.

Most importantly, our work is shaped by three simple but powerful values:

  • Think Big – we encourage ambition, curiosity, and a belief that every student can achieve more than they thought possible.

  • Do the Right Thing – we promote respect, integrity, and responsibility in learning, behaviour, and relationships.

  • Team Spirit – we foster kindness, cooperation, and collective responsibility so that no student is ever left behind.

These values are lived out every day by our students and staff. They reflect the kind of community we are: inclusive, aspirational, and united by a shared purpose.

I hope this website gives you a sense of our school’s energy, ambition, and care. If you are considering New Mills School for your child, I warmly encourage you to come and see us in action. You will find a school where children are valued, inspired, and challenged to become the very best versions of themselves — both academically and personally.

Mrs Heather Watts
Headteacher