Milford Haven School

Milford Haven School is an English medium comprehensive co-educational school of 1061 students (including 6th form),[1] in Milford Haven, Wales.

Milford Haven School
Address
Steynton Road

Milford Haven
,
Pembrokeshire
,
SA73 1AE

Wales
Information
TypeSecondary school (UK)
MottoExcelsior
Established1988
Chair of GovernorsPat James
Head teacherCeri-Ann Morris (April 2018 – present)
GenderCo-educational
Age11 to 18
LanguageEnglish
Colour(s)Reflex Blue & Yellow          
Websitehttp://www.milfordhavenschool.co.uk

History and Catchment

The site of the school was the former Milford Haven Grammar School, opened in 1964. In 1988, a remodelled Comprehensive school was opened, incorporating pupils of the former Central Secondary Modern School.[2] The site had initially been the subject of some criticism of its suitability, due to both its inconvenient distance from the town centre, and also the potential danger of locating the school beside a main road.[3] Its catchment area includes the town of Milford Haven and the area extending westwards to Dale.[1] Just over 18% of pupils are eligible for free school meals compared with the Welsh average of about 15% for secondary schools. Very few pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes. Just under 2% of pupils have statements of special educational needs.[4]

Sixth Form

In October 2019, school governors wrote to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that a consultation be carried out to end sixth form provision. Falling pupil numbers, reduced curriculum options and provision not meeting the needs of learners were cited as contributory factors.[5] The announcement provoked a negative reaction in the local community, the response including an online petition and concerns that pupils would have to travel long distances for sixth form education.[6]

Accommodation and Facilities
Milford Haven School

The school is located in the northern outskirts of Milford Haven, bordering Steynton. It is surrounded by agricultural land to the north, and private housing estates to the east and west. In addition to the original buildings which comprised the grammar school, four newer blocks are integrated into this structure. Sports facilities include a multi-purpose sports hall and a gymnasium, tennis courts and an all-weather pitch with flood-lighting.[1]

Staff

There are 61 teaching staff, including the Headteacher, two Deputy Heads and two Assistant Heads.[1] Headteacher Mr Islwyn Morgan retired in December 2012, and in January 2013 was replaced by Mr Rod Francis. Rod Francis left the position in September 2017 and was replaced by Acting Headteacher, Beverley Davies. Ceri-Ann Morris took up the position permanently in April 2018.

Notable alumni

Controversy

The school became the subject of controversy in October 2013 when a pupil was punished for shaving his head to raise money for charity.[13] This led to a protest on Friday 4 October 2013[14] attended by 353 pupils, which resulted in the pupil being permitted to return.[15] A joint statement was released by Miss O'Neill (parent of the pupil) and Milford Haven School following the incident.[16] In January 2019 the school became the focus of media attention due to two alleged incidents of bullying. Police were called to the school site on 11 January, responding to an incident in which a male pupil was filmed appearing to be assaulted by a large group of children. The video was shared widely on social media.[17][18] Later in January, a fourteen year old vegan pupil at the school claimed that he was assaulted, and force fed bacon. The boy was left with post-concussion syndrome. The school's spokesman said: 'the matter has been dealt with in accordance with the Governing Body’s approved policies and procedures', but according to the pupil's mother, they still feel let down by the school.[19] In 2017, 14 year old pupil Megan Evans committed suicide at her home, after allegedly being bullied. Her parents accused the school of inaction, in spite of claiming they made it aware of the situation, contributing to her death. A coroner's decision is anticipated in 2020.[20]

References
  1. www.milfordhavenschool.co.uk Archived 5 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine School Website, Retrieved 4 October 2013
  2. Wing Commander Ken McKay A Vision Of Greatness: The History of Milford 1790-1990, Brace Harvatt Associates, 1989. ISBN 978-0-9515212-0-5
  3. The Development of Secondary Education in Milford Haven 1902 - 1964, Johnson, Barry; Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M.Ed.UCW, 1974
  4. Outcome of monitoring visit Milford Haven School 2012 Eystyn Inspection Information, Retrieved 28 December 2014
  5. Milford Haven School seeks closure of sixth form Western Telegraph article, 4 October 2019
  6. Petition fights to save Milford Haven School Sixth Form Western Telegraph article, 5 October 2019
  7. BBC Southwest Wales Retrieved 16 March 2012
  8. John Cooper Goes Into The Witness Box To Deny Four Murders Western Telegraph Article, 13 March 2011
  9. "Player profile: Andrew Salter". CricketArchive. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
  10. greatbritishlife.co.uk: George Winter Retrieved 30 January 2010
  11. Rosalyn in the running for 'kindest kid' award Milford Mercury Article, 5 November 2011
  12. Meet The Band Special: "Paper Aeroplanes' Sarah Howells Discusses Little Letters", Milford Mercury, 10 May 2013
  13. Teen Punished by School Over Charity Head Shave Western Telegraph Article, 4 October 2013
  14. Students Sing 'We Shall Not Be Moved' Outside Milford Haven School, Western Telegraph Article, 4 October 2013
  15. Milford Haven School Head Shave Teen To Be Allowed Back Into Classes on Monday, Mum Says Western Telegraph Article, 4 October 2013
  16. Joint Statement By Miss O'Neill and Milford Haven School Archived 10 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Milford Haven School Website, accessed 18 November 2013
  17. Police called to an incident at Milford Haven School Western Telegraph article, 12 January 2019
  18. Police investigating Milford Haven School fight as assault Western Telegraph article, 14 January 2019
  19. Vegan schoolboy 'headbutted and punched by bully who tried to force feed him bacon' Mirror article, 25 January 2019 at Mirror.co.uk, accessed 30 January 2019
  20. Megan Evans inquest: Milford Haven School 'could be examined', BBC News article, 1 October 2019

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