Transition – Key staff

Welcome to all future York High School pupils. We want all our pupils to be proud of your school before you arrive, when you are here and for many years after you leave. If I have one piece of advice it is to always learn from your mistakes and smile.

My role in school is to ensure that all students with additional needs receive appropriate support. Additional support could be required as a result of a learning difficulty, physical disability or social, emotional or mental health difficulty. We have a talented team of Teaching Assistants within school who offer support to children with special educational needs through support in class and additional intervention groups. We also have access to Specialist Teachers through the Specialist Teaching Team at the City of York, who are skilled in supporting pupils with autism and physical disabilities.

Even though transition is different this year, the level of support offered when your child begins school will not change. I am already in communication with SENCos at primary schools, gathering information on what works to help your child. Parents of children with additional needs will be contacted directly by myself during the first half term and I will also be available at the ‘Meet the Tutor’ evening if you wish to speak to me.

Hello! 

My name is Mrs Kershaw and I am Pastoral Leader for Year 7 students here at York High. 

I joined York High in November last year, but have worked as a teacher and Head of Year at a school in Barnsley since 2012. I have recently moved back to North Yorkshire and am excited to be bringing my experience to this role whilst welcoming our new cohort and the YHS ‘Class of 2030’! 

My role is to support all of you from a pastoral perspective; this includes supporting Year 7 with any additional needs they may have through collaborating with several different departments and staff members in school.  I will be a visible presence for you all in school, so if you have any worries you know who to speak to! I will also ensure that the new Year 7 cohort uphold the very highest standards of behaviour, so that you ALL have every opportunity to be the very best version of yourselves and have the best school experience that you can. 

 I will be here for you every step of your YHS journey and I am very much looking forward to welcoming you all and getting to know each of you as individuals.