Sir Harry Smith Community College in Whittlesey celebrates graduation from Behaviour Hubs Programme

A school has announced its graduation from a programme designed to support educational institutions in creating a strong and positive behaviour culture.

Sir Harry Smith Community College in Whittlesey, part of Aspire Learning Trust, has completed its Behaviour Hubs Programme – a Department for Education initiative.

Motivated by a desire to strengthen its approach to behaviour management, the school joined the programme to refine its strategies, policies, and systems.

Throughout the programme, the school has benefited from extensive support from the Department for Education, including access to expert-led training, valuable resources, and collaborative opportunities with other schools.

As part of the initiative, the school has also completely rewritten its behaviour policy, drawing on strategies from leading behaviour specialists Paul Dix and Tom Bennett.

Developed in collaboration with students, staff, parents, carers, and school governors, the new policy reflects a shared vision and a unified approach across the entire school community.

Dawn White, principal at Sir Harry Smith Community College, said the programme has transformed the school.

He said: “By focusing on the behaviour of adults first, we have created a culture where expectations are clear, fair, and built on mutual respect.

“Our students are now better supported to regulate their own behaviour, build positive relationships, and take responsibility for their actions.”

By prioritising fairness, respect, and self-regulation, the school has already seen significant improvements, strengthening relationships across the school community and creating a more inclusive, supportive learning environment. Looking ahead, the focus will turn to celebrating good behaviour and reducing exclusions.

Rachel Mason, interim CEO of Aspire Learning Trust, said she was “delighted” with the progress the college has made through the programme and “this achievement reflects the hard work of the entire school community.”