The High Potential Achiever (HPA) Programme was established in 2020 with the aim of realising the potential of our more academically attuned pupils. In the Senior School, they are given the opportunity to work alongside an academic specialist to mentor them in their favourite subject. The aim is to enable them to build a deeper understanding of the subject, beyond what is covered in the syllabus. 

This year, the High Potential Achiever (HPA) Programme has seen some phenomenal successes, with a student-pupil mentoring scheme, as well as an Oxbridge Pathway, well underway for our most academically able. We will also soon be launching a Magazine to showcase these successes to the wider community.

So far, HPA has only been offered to Years 9 and 10, as well as Lower Sixth. In September 2021, we are launching the HPA Programme to our younger pupils, so that they are better prepared for Year 9 Scholarships. This is the Dunbar Project Qualification (DPQ).

Jack Sims, Head of the HPA programme explains: "The DPQ will combine both scholarship preparation for the core subjects as well as elements of the International Baccalaureate, whereby students will be asked to complete a project as well as extra Theory of Knowledge lessons. However, the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the DPQ is a 3,000 word project that will be completed over the course of a pupil’s time in Dunbar." 

"We are looking forward to launching DPQ for our incoming Year 7 pupils in September"