We are delighted to announce that Tormead has been awarded a Gold Quality Mark from the Historical Association in recognition of the excellence of our teaching and learning in the subject.  The Historical Association is the major charity in the UK that promotes the learning, teaching and enjoyment of history, and the award is very prestigious: it is held for three years, with only thirteen schools in the UK receiving such an award since 2020. Tormead is one of only five schools to receive the award this year.  

To prepare, we worked with specialist academics from the Historical Association for 15 months, and in the final assessment we were thrilled to be awarded the top ‘Gold’ level in all five areas of the assessment: teaching and learning, curriculum, enrichment, assessment and student achievement. The final assessor’s report commented particularly on the extensive range of extension and enrichment opportunities, the enthusiasm and interest of the students, and the high levels of pedagogy demonstrated in lessons. 

“Tormead’s vibrant committed history department demonstrates a strong desire to become a centre of excellence for the transformation of history education and they, and the school’s senior leaders, have been thoroughly positive in embracing change.  Their pedagogical and curricular work has much to offer other [History] departments, in both state and private sectors, and they should be encouraged to share their work widely.  The staff and students were exceptionally hospitable and engaging throughout the work on the Quality Mark … They thoroughly deserve their gold standard,” said Dr. Robin Whitburn, a Fellow of the Historical Association and lecturer at UCL, in his report.

The History department would like to thank all the staff, students and parents who have supported the department, and we look forward to building on this success further.

Dr. Helen Carrel, Head of History