ASPIRE
On behalf of all the children and staff at West Craven High School, I am delighted to welcome you to our website. We hope it will give you a taste of our school which is at the heart of the local community.
As part of Pendle Education Trust and with help and guidance from Nelson and Colne College, the future of our school is bright. We are working hard to ensure we are raising academic achievement and giving students an exceptional educational experience.






Our core values of ASPIRE: Ambition, Supportive, Positivity, Independence, Resilience and Equality underpin all that we do in school. Selected by students, our core values promote our high expectations and aspirations, balanced with our highest level of care and support.
Our core values of ASPIRE: Ambition, Supportive, Positivity, Independence, Resilience and Equality underpin all that we do in school. Selected by students, our core values promote our high expectations and aspirations, balanced with our highest level of care and support.
Our core values of ASPIRE: Ambition, Supportive, Positivity, Independence, Resilience and Equality underpin all that we do in school. Selected by students, our core values promote our high expectations and aspirations, balanced with our highest level of care and support.
Our core values of ASPIRE: Ambition, Supportive, Positivity, Independence, Resilience and Equality underpin all that we do in school. Selected by students, our core values promote our high expectations and aspirations, balanced with our highest level of care and support.
Our core values of ASPIRE: Ambition, Supportive, Positivity, Independence, Resilience and Equality underpin all that we do in school. Selected by students, our core values promote our high expectations and aspirations, balanced with our highest level of care and support.

Year 7 Rounders Team Shines in Pendle Tournament On Tuesday evening, our Year 7 rounders team delivered an impressive performance at a tournament featuring five other schools across the Pendle Borough. From the very first game, the girls showed confidence, teamwork, and determination, setting the tone for a fantastic evening of sport. The team got off to an outstanding start, securing three consecutive victories against Park High School, Primet Academy, and Marsden Heights. Each match showcased the girls' growing confidence and skill, with strong batting, sharp fielding, and excellent communication on display throughout. Their toughest challenge came against Fisher More, whose exceptional batting proved difficult to contain. Despite a spirited effort and continued determination, our team narrowly missed out on the win in this final fixture. Overall, West Craven finished in an impressive second place a remarkable achievement that reflects both the talent and hard work of the entire squad. The girls should be incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented the school. Well done to everyone involved!
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Under-15s Claim Convincing Victory at Haslingden West Craven Under-15s delivered an impressive all-round performance on the road today, securing a comprehensive victory over Haslingden. Chasing a competitive target of 81, the visitors made light work of the total, reaching it in just 13 overs with a confident and composed display. Captain Leo won the toss and opted to bowl firsta decision that quickly paid dividends. Although Haslingden made a solid start, their momentum was halted when Kian removed the hosts' key batter. That breakthrough set the tone for the innings, with West Craven applying consistent pressure from that point onwards. Lucas then played a crucial role with the ball, producing an excellent spell of off-spin bowling. Not only did he claim two wickets, but he also maintained tight control to limit Haslingden's scoring opportunities. Supported by disciplined bowling across the team and a sharp fielding effort, West Craven restricted the hosts to 81 from their allotted 16 overs. In reply, Leo and Ely set about the chase in confident fashion. The opening pair took advantage of any loose deliveries, playing positively and putting the Haslingden bowlers under immediate pressure. Their approach saw both batters retire not out, having laid a strong foundation for victory. With the target well within reach, Kian and George calmly guided the team home, completing the chase with ease and ensuring a convincing win for West Craven. It was a superb team performance, showcasing strength with both bat and ball as well as excellent work in the field. Congratulations to all the players involved, and thanks to Haslingden Cricket Club for their hospitality.
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West Craven High School Art Exhibition & Summer Concert West Craven High School is delighted to invite families, friends, and the wider community to an inspiring evening celebrating student creativity and talent. Date: Tuesday 7th July 2026 Venue: West Craven High School Main Hall Entry: Free The evening will begin with our Art Exhibition at 5:00pm, showcasing a diverse and exciting selection of student work, including: GCSE pieces from Art, Photography, and 3D Design Creative work from Key Stage 3 students Outstanding entries from our Primary School Art Competition winners Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a vibrant display of artistic talent across a range of mediums and styles. At 6:00pm, the celebrations continue with our Summer Concert, featuring a variety of musical performances from our talented students. This promises to be a wonderful evening highlighting the creativity, dedication, and achievements of our students across both the visual and performing arts. We look forward to welcoming you!
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An Unforgettable London Adventure Students recently enjoyed an amazing trip to London, packed with culture, history, entertainment and unforgettable experiences. The visit included inspiring trips to the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum, where students had the opportunity to explore world-famous collections and exhibits. They also experienced the magic of London's West End, watching the spectacular productions of Hercules and Wicked, which were enjoyed by all. As part of their visit, students took in some of the capital's most iconic landmarks during a sightseeing tour, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Covent Garden. The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, learn more about the UK's rich history and culture, and create lasting memories with their friends. Mrs Whittle would like to extend her sincere thanks to Mrs Swinscoe, Mr Wilson, Mr Fryer and Mrs Harper for their support throughout the trip, as well as to all of the wonderful students whose excellent behaviour and enthusiasm made the experience so enjoyable. We are sure the memories made during this fantastic London adventure will last a lifetime.
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Our latest school newsletter is now available! This week's edition is packed with exciting news and celebrations from across our school community, including: Stars of the Week Maths curriculum updates Creative learning in Food and Art Pendle Education Trust Athletics Competition 2026 Our school core values Year 11 Leavers' Assembly highlights High-achiever celebration displays Year 10 pastoral updates Information about our upcoming production of The Addams Family ...and much more! Take a few minutes to catch up on all the fantastic things happening in school and celebrate the achievements of our students. Read the full newsletter here: https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westcraven.co.uk%2Fpage%2F%3Ftitle%3DParent%2BE-Bulletin%26pid%3D103&data=05%7C02%7CJEvetts%40pendleeducationtrust.co.uk%7Cd8947e8284344bf7879d08dece14abb1%7Cc8ec4827694a4de2bbb52f88b87d8de5%7C0%7C0%7C639174785324469351%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C4000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mmceYbr22pOYN%2BHOwSsGZAX8khGqJVV9KxrHN5foXpA%3D&reserved=0
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Year 5 Swimming Gala Makes a Splash! What a fantastic afternoon we enjoyed at the West Craven High School Year 5 Swimming Gala, held at West Craven Sports Centre and proudly supported by Pendle Leisure. The event brought together pupils from our local primary schools for an afternoon of exciting competition, teamwork and sportsmanship. The children gave their all in every race, demonstrating incredible determination, enthusiasm and effort throughout the gala. It was wonderful to see so many young swimmers challenging themselves, cheering on their teammates and enjoying the experience. After a series of closely contested races, the overall results were: 1st Place – Salterforth Primary School 2nd Place – Coates Lane Primary School 3rd Place – Gisburn Road Primary School 4th Place – Barnoldswick Church of England Primary School Congratulations to all of the pupils who took part. Every swimmer should be incredibly proud of their achievements and the positive attitude they showed throughout the afternoon. A huge thank you to Pendle Leisure, West Craven Sports Centre, the participating schools, staff and supporters who helped make the event such a success. We are already looking forward to next year's gala!
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Each year, we take pride in celebrating our Year 11 High Achievers. Their stories of hard work and success are captured in individual case studies, proudly displayed around the school corridors for everyone to see. Here's a glimpse of some of the inspiring courses and pathways our students are pursuing, demonstrating the amazing possibilities that lie ahead after West Craven High School. 'Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form
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Today, we said a fond farewell to our Year 11 students as they completed their journey at West Craven High School. The morning began with a special leavers' assembly, celebrating the many memories, achievements and milestones of the Class of 2026. Students enjoyed looking back at photographs from their first days with us in Year 7 and reflecting on how much they have grown and developed over the past five years. The assembly also highlighted the resilience, determination and commitment they have shown throughout their GCSE examinations. Awards were presented to both students and staff, recognising achievements, contributions and the positive impact they have made during their time at West Craven. It was a heartfelt and emotional occasion, filled with pride, laughter and reflection as students and staff celebrated the end of an important chapter. Following the assembly, students spent time together sharing memories, taking photographs and signing each other's school shirts – a long-standing tradition and a fitting way to mark the end of their secondary school journey. We are incredibly proud of everything our Year 11 students have achieved during their time at West Craven High School. As they move on to the next stage of their education, training or employment, we wish them every success and happiness for the future. We now look forward to celebrating with them once more at their Prom next Thursday and giving them the send-off they truly deserve. Good luck, Class of 2026 – your West Craven journey may be ending, but your future is only just beginning.
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Out of School Achievement A big well done to Imogen for her fantastic efforts over the weekend! Imogen volunteered with the Burnley and Pendleside Rotary Club alongside her dad, supporting a pub walk event that raised thousands of pounds for Pendleside Hospice. During the event, Imogen walked part of the route, warmly greeted participants, and helped to keep the countryside clean. We are incredibly proud of her positive attitude and commitment to supporting such an important local cause, well done, Imogen!
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This Week's Parent Newsletter is Now Live! There's plenty to catch up on in this week's edition, including: Stars of the Week Computing curriculum update Information for students interested in becoming a pilot Highlights from this week's Pendle Schools Festival at The Muni Cricket updates and sporting successes Eco-Fashion news Craven College Open Evenings Careers information with Rolls-Royce How to book tickets for The Addams Family experience Year 9 pastoral update Nelson and Colne College New Student Day information Prom updates, including how to pre-order photographs Details of our Young Writers Competition ...plus lots, lots more! Be sure to take a look and stay up to date with all the fantastic opportunities, achievements and events taking place across our school. https://www.westcraven.co.uk/page/?title=Parent+E%2DBulletin&pid=103
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Cricket Trip to Headingley Students had a fantastic opportunity to take part in a specialist cricket coaching day at Yorkshire County Cricket Club's indoor centre at Headingley. We were kindly invited by Yorkshire CCC, giving our students the chance to train in a professional environment and learn from expert coaches. After a quick warm-up, students began with batting practice using a range of bowling machines, each designed to challenge and develop different aspects of their technique. They then tested their skills against the 'Merlyn machine', which simulates spin bowling, as well as fast-paced deliveries to improve reaction time. A tennis ball machine added another layer of challenge, helping students practise their pull and hook shots. Following lunch, students took part in an exciting bowling competition. Working in four teams, they rotated through a range of skill-based challenges and were scored on their performance. These included bowling to both left- and right-handed batters, delivering Yorkers, and maintaining a consistent line and length. The trip was a great success, with students fully engaging in the sessions and making the most of the high-quality coaching on offer. We are very grateful to Yorkshire CCC for hosting us once again and hope this will continue as an annual opportunity for our students.
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