Principal's welcome
A warm welcome to our wonderful school.
Dear families,
It is with great pride and genuine excitement that I welcome you to Thornhill. As Principal, it is both an honour and a privilege to lead a school that means so much to me personally. I am deeply passionate about Thornhill, and I care enormously about the young people of Sunderland, their futures, their potential, and the opportunities they deserve.
Thornhill is a place where students are not just educated, they are known, valued, and championed. We are a family-sized school, and in this family children are known by their name. We are proud to be home to the hardest-working children in Sunderland, and everything we do is rooted in our belief that effort, fairness, and kindness shape not only great learners but great people.
Our approach is centred on world-class basics. That means focusing relentlessly on the foundations of excellent teaching, strong routines, and high expectations. We make every minute count, and we are unapologetically ambitious - pushing further than many schools will, because our children deserve nothing less. We go the extra mile and we use the last second of every day to make a difference.
At Thornhill, we believe in the power of community. We are not just a school - we are a family. In this family, every child is known by name, and every success is celebrated. We foster an environment where young people feel safe to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and discover who they are and who they can become.
Our mission is clear: to prepare every student to attend a top university or follow a suitable, fulfilling career path. We want our young people to leave Thornhill equipped not just with excellent qualifications, but with strong values, high aspirations, and the resilience to succeed in whatever they choose to pursue. We are not sorry for dreaming big. Our children are the future. Who knows what they will go on to do? They may become plumbers, nurses, doctors, teachers, builders, lawyers, actors - whatever their ambition, we will ensure they have every chance of success.
Learning at Thornhill goes far beyond the classroom. We provide a rich range of extracurricular opportunities to help students build friendships, develop leadership skills, and broaden their horizons. These experiences are underpinned by our shared values, where effort is expected, fairness is practised, and kindness is shown every day.
To our families: your partnership matters. We know that strong relationships between school and home are the foundation of success. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, our doors are always open.
I am excited about what lies ahead. Together, let’s make this a year of learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences - a year where we continue to build something truly special, here at Thornhill.
Welcome to our school - where you belong, you are known, and you are capable of achieving something extraordinary.
Speak soon,
Liam Clark.
