Principal's Welcome
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I am delighted to welcome you to Darwen Vale High School's website.
As you will see, Darwen Vale is a growing 11 – 16 academy situated in Blackburn with Darwen. We also provide A-Level teaching for students across Darwen as part of our collaborative D6 provision with DAES and DACA. We opened in our new state of-the-art building in 2012, and our facilities are second to none. We currently have 1200 students in total in Years 7 - 12.
Our vision at Darwen Vale is to ensure that all students achieve, both academically and socially, beyond personal expectations and prior attainment, that they experience an outstanding and enjoyable education and are able to sustain the life of their choice whilst making a positive contribution to their communities.
We will achieve this ambitious vision through addressing three key areas; firstly, by continually striving to improve outcomes for all young people; secondly maintaining a relentless focus on 2 Principal’s Welcome 3 improving the quality of teaching and learning; and finally, by continuing to develop high standards of behaviour, life skills and an entrepreneurial spirit in all our students that will equip them for their future after leaving Darwen Vale.
Darwen Vale is a school which has the very highest standards – both in terms of academic teaching and life beyond the classroom. Our staff work tirelessly to ensure students are happy at school and committed to being the best they can be. We demand a lot, setting high standards for students and staff, with a ‘no excuses’ approach to attitude, work and discipline. At the same time, we also provide considerable support for our staff and students.
We have a strong and lengthy tradition of providing high quality education to the people of Blackburn with Darwen. Our predecessor school: Darwen Grammar school was built on the Blackburn Road site in 1938. As such, we see ourselves as being at the heart of our local community. We have built partnerships with a number of local employers including specialists in engineering, sport and the arts. We are part of the Aldridge family of schools, and we are able to access the significant support and expertise that Aldridge Education can provide as a national multi academy trust.
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With best wishes,
Matthew Little
Principal
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An Aldridge Update
An Aldridge update – 27 February 2025
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We wanted to let you know that after a great eight years as the Principal at Darwen Vale High School, Mr Matthew Little has decided to move on to a new Principal position at Great Academy Ashton, in Greater Manchester. He will leave Darwen Vale at the end of the academic year (summer 2025).
Everyone at Aldridge would like to thank Mr Little for all his hard work and dedication during his time at Darwen Vale; under his leadership, we've seen rapid improvements for learners and the school has gone from strength to strength. As you might remember, we were all very proud when the school was awarded an Ofsted Good rating last year; it is a real testament to both Mr Little and the team at Darwen Vale that the school has moved so positively forward.
While Mr Little isn’t leaving just yet, remaining in post until the end of the summer term, we do need to begin the search for his successor, to continue all the great work happening at Darwen Vale. This means we’ll be launching the national recruitment process next week. We’ll keep you informed as the process progresses and of course when we have any news regarding an appointment.
In the meantime, we’ want to reassure you that our focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition for our staff and students, and on making sure that the vision and values of Team Vale are retained and nurtured.
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