At Heston, we have a very active student council that meets regularly and is part of shaping the school community that we want not just for ourselves but also for Heston in the future. Being a part of the Student Council has bridged the gap between students and members of staff, creating a more involved school environment where students feel that their voice is being listened to and actioned. When representing our peers, a sense of collaboration is felt as we translate the perspectives of our peers and the Full Student Council into meaningful conversations with Mr O'Hagan. This discussion allows us to share concerns and ideas; he advises what actions the school can take and gives us reasonable explanations for why certain requests may not be actioned at this time. This transparency builds trust and empowers student leaders to take an active role in shaping our school experience. 

In our meetings, Mr O'Hagan actively asked for our opinions on important topics such as uniform and equipment – two things that directly impact our daily experience as students. By involving us in such discussions, it showed that student input plays a role in shaping our school’s policies. This process of consultation on such matters reinforces the idea that the student voice is an acknowledged and important part of our school. Furthermore, it allows staff to gain insightful feedback on the decisions taken such as changes to the Behaviour Policy. The Student Council were listened to and were an important part of shaping some of the changes made to this policy and we are very proud of our role in this really significant change to our school culture.

While being a part of the Student Council, we have achieved several meaningful outcomes. One of our proudest accomplishments was running a successful cleaner school campaign where a poster competition was held amongst the school where three winners were chosen: Ayla Besic [7B], Zara Sultana [8P] and Amanjot Chana [7P]. Their posters will be put up around the school highlighting the shared responsibility of ensuring a cleaner school - serving as a constant reminder to take pride in our environment. In addition, due to the Student Council raising the issue of better distribution of seating across both fields, the School quickly remedied this by adding more benches and removing the container that was on the field to make more space for seats. These achievements emphasise the positive impact the Student Council makes on school life and our community.

Neda Noorzai [Head Girl] [12D]

On June 20, Sixth Form students staged a Cultural Day to raise funds for the charity, Teens Unite, which has provided invaluable support to the family of one of our very own.   Both Sixth Form students and teachers participated in our

On Friday, 20 June, just hours after our Biology students put their pens down on their final exams, Heston Sixth Form welcomed its Year 13 students for our annual Leavers Barbecue.  

It was an emotion filled but joyous occasion, as our students sat down in our Sixth Form Centre one last time to hear from their tutors and myself before moving to the field for a relaxing barbecue in the sun. It was important for me to revisit the place where they started, two years ago, and to highlight how far they had come. I am incredibly proud of the resilience they have shown, of the obstacles they have overcome and of the individuals they have become.  

Albert Einstein once said “Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work”. Each of our students has spent countless hours poring over books, going over notes and discussing targets and progress with their teachers, and as they leave us, we are confident they are on the path to professional success. 

However, school is about more than academic success. Our Sixth Form’s aim is also to develop students as well-rounded, happy and ambitious individuals. Over the past two years, we have seen fantastic demonstrations of ambition, both in and outside of school. Our students have attended Science workshops in Cambridge, trained for half-marathons, secured degree apprenticeships, been recognised for their kindness on national news, completed work experienced in American universities and become kind, intelligent, thoughtful and interesting young adults. There is so much to be said about the perseverance students displayed and I am excited to see where their journey takes them next. 

Miss Forrest [Y3 Learning Coordinator]

From our students: 

“Enjoy your school years, they go faster than you think.” 

“I have enjoyed the last seven years and I am excited to go to uni now!” 

“It was really nice to see all our teachers one last time today; I’ll definitely be back to visit!” 

“Mr Naqvi’s video was really funny and it was nice to see many of our teachers take part.” 

    

  

  

During our school trip to Bristol and Bath, I had the opportunity to explore a range of historic architecture, which deeply inspired me as an aspiring architecture student. One highlight was visiting Bristol Cathedral. I was fascinated by the way 18th-century architects were able to construct such a majestic and spiritual space for worship. The scale, symmetry, and intricate detailing showcased an incredible level of craftsmanship that continues to influence architectural design today.

This experience reinforced my passion for architecture and my desire to study it at university. Observing the historical and artistic significance of these buildings in person gave me a deeper appreciation of how architecture combines creativity, technical skill, and cultural meaning. 

Pavandeep Sandhu [12C]

Visiting the University of Bath on our school trip was both exciting and eye-opening. The campus was buzzing with energy, and it was fascinating to see what university life is really like. We got to explore the sports facilities where famous British athletes come to train, student facilities, and even speak to some current students who shared their experiences and advice regarding A-levels. It was inspiring to learn about the wide range of courses and opportunities available, and it made many of us start thinking seriously about our futures. Later, our visit to the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol was just as memorable. Standing on the bridge and looking out over the Avon Gorge was breathtaking, and learning about its history and engineering made it even more impressive. It’s one thing to read about famous landmarks, but being there in person gave us a whole new appreciation for the creativity and effort behind them. Exploring the city and seeing what Bristol is known for its street art, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere was a great way to connect with the culture and history of the area. Overall, the trip was the perfect mix of fun and learning, and it left us with memories we’ll never forget.

Saavi Sahni [12F]

The Bristol and Bath trip was truly memorable and enjoyable. There were lots of exciting activities, from visiting museums to exploring landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and even a fun round of mini golf at the end. I can honestly say this was one of the most unforgettable experiences. The time I spent with my teachers, and most importantly my friends, was amazing. This trip has to be one of my favourite highlights of sixth form. It was truly exceptional, and I really appreciate the level of independence and trust our teachers gave us. It allowed us the opportunity to explore a new environment and step outside our comfort zones. A massive thank you to all the teachers who took part and made it possible.

Ilwad Ahmed [12B]

I was surprised by how much history Bristol has to offer. One of the most fascinating parts of the trip was visiting the site where the statue of Edward Colston was pulled down. We had some eye-opening discussions about the legacy of historical figures and the naming of landmarks in the city, such as Cabot Tower.

As someone who loves History, I found these conversations really engaging. They challenged me to think more deeply about how we remember the past and how history shapes the places we live in today.

Tanveer Singh [12B]

 

Heston staff had their Annual Bake Sale on Wednesday, 02 July.  The event was a roaring success once again with staff donating a range of savoury and sweet treats to raise money for a local food bank.  It was a lovely opportunity to indulge whilst doing a good deed.  Heston staff did themselves proud with many staff baking cakes and even frying pakoras to share. We raised £150 from the event.

Year 7 & 8 Borough Athletics On a hot, sunny day filled with energy and enthusiasm, Year 7 and 8 students took to the track & field to compete in a thrilling athletics event — and what a fantastic display of talent, effort, and determination it was! The event was a true testament to the talent and spirit of our students. Whether placing in events or simply giving their all on the day, every athlete should be proud of their achievements. A big congratulations to all our competitors for representing the school with pride and passion! We look forward to even greater success in future events! For Enver, Andrie and Alana they will now compete in the next round of the competition where they will represent Heston at the Middlesex Athletics Event later this year.  Sonia Arora [8W] Girls: Alana: wasn’t far behind, also taking 2nd place in her Y7 Discus event with a throw of 15m Sonia: delivered an excellent run in the Y8 1500m, earning a 3rd place finish in a tough field. In the Hurdles, Ema: just missed out on third place in Y8 Hurdles securing a strong 4th place Sonia, Ema, Aariya, and Holly: Y8 Girls' Relay put in a strong performance to finish 4th place Holly: rounded off the individual field performances for Year 8 with a solid 4th place in the Javelin. On the sprints Dunya: gave a strong performance in Y7 800m, finishing just outside the top three in 4th place after a courageous run. Boys: Enver: led the way with an outstanding 1st place in Y8 Javelin, throwing over 30m Andrie: impressed in the Y8 Discus, earning 2nd place, with a throw of 17m Osman: leapt his way to a 3rd place in Y8 Triple Jump Osman, Roshan, Zakariya, and Taziyah: Y8 boys' Relay a well-earned 3rd place in their heats Royal: had a good performance in the Y7 100m, narrowly missing out on a place in the finals Harris: threw well in the Y7 Shot Putt, finishing in 4th place Joel Stefan-Dentah: who showed incredible grit in the Y7 1500m leading for most of the race but unable to finish in the top 5.