Academic Success at Harper Bell School

The Harper Bell Adventist School, named after the Headmaster of the first Adventist school established in Battle Creek Michigan, celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. It has an enrolment of 106 students and has consistently lived up to its motto “A more Excellent way,” by providing an excellent and well rounded education to its students over the years of its existence. The school’s Ofstead reports have consistently recognised its delivery of excellence in education way above the national average. This year 50% of the year six students who sat entry examinations to local Grammar schools have achieved success and will be starting school in September.

The School roll is presently at full capacity and with many of the local Adventist and community children unable to attend due to the limitations of space and parental financial circumstances, attempts have been made to increase the level of service provision to a wider section of the community by seeking Voluntary Aided Status. This new status would permit all children irrespective of  financial ability and religious background who so desire to benefit from the excellent social and educational provision delivered by the school.

The Birmingham Local Education Authority supports this application but has also recommended that the school takes steps to improve the physical quality of the school’s plant facilities. As happened when the school was to be first opened, the Governors are seeking the support of the local church community to make this a reality. A meeting with local leaders has been called, where Churches and individuals will be asked to sponsor/fund the cost of improving the facilities. They will be asked to fund the cost of replacing windows, decorating class rooms and the main hall and other facilities.

All those who are committed to Christian education and desire to contribute to this project are invited to contact the Principal Mr Solomon Senessie on 0121 693 7742 or at harperbellsdaschool@hotmail.co.uk.