by Kerri Wilkes, Deputy Head (Professional Development)

It is increasingly evident that skills-based learning is not just a trend, it is the future of education. At Highfield and Brookham, we believe that in a rapidly changing world, it is not enough to educate children for academic success alone. We must also equip them with the essential skills they need to thrive beyond the classroom – skills that will support them in tomorrow’s workplaces, in their relationships and their wider lives.

For over 120 years, Highfield and Brookham has provided educational excellence, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the next generation. We’re proud of our heritage, but we never rest on it. Now more than ever, education must adapt. The world our children will inherit is being shaped by advances in technology, the rise of artificial intelligence and ever-shifting societal dynamics. As educators, we see it as our duty not just to keep pace, but to lead the way.

To some parents, it might seem premature to consider employment skills when a child is just starting school. But in truth, the foundations for life-long learning and personal development are laid in those early years. That is why we believe skills-based learning should be embedded in the curriculum from the very beginning. When children are taught to think critically, collaborate with peers and reflect on their growth from a young age, it transforms their understanding of education. Learning becomes more than just absorbing facts, it becomes a powerful and personal journey.

Our skills-based education is a fundamental part of how we teach. We have taken the innovative Skills Builder platform (a nationally respected programme that teaches eight core employability skills) and developed it to meet the unique needs of our pupils. The result is our bespoke Essential Skills programme: a dynamic framework that balances structure with flexibility, giving every child the opportunity to grow in their own time and in their own way.

Our Essential Skills programme aligns with the latest thinking in educational reform. The Curriculum and Assessment Review’s interim report, published in March 2025, underscores the importance of adapting the curriculum to reflect the realities of a world shaped by rapid technological and social change. It cites research from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), which found that 90% of jobs created between now and 2035 will demand higher levels of these essential skills. Skills like creativity, communication and problem-solving are no longer ‘nice to haves’, they are vital.

At Highfield and Brookham, we are using the eight core skills to form the backbone of our programme: listening, speaking, problem-solving, creativity, staying positive, aiming high, leadership and teamwork. These are complemented by our school values, Be Kind, Be Courageous and Be You – which guide every child’s personal and social development. These values are not taught passively; they are explored, discussed and practised, so that children can understand what each one looks like in action.

This is not abstract or theoretical learning. Each child is supported to set and meet skill-based goals appropriate to their age and development from Nursery to Year 8. From Year 3 progress is tracked using their personal Keys Passport. This records their journey and celebrates achievements and highlights areas for further growth, and includes an awards scheme, the Keys Diploma. Children take real pride in working toward their next milestone. It is deeply motivating and empowers them to take ownership of their learning and development.

More importantly, this approach encourages our pupils to reflect on themselves, not just what they know, but who they are becoming. They learn to recognise their strengths, acknowledge their challenges and articulate their progress with confidence. These are the foundations of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, resilience, empathy and confidence.

The ability to speak clearly about their skills, their character and their learning journey benefits our children in countless ways. It supports their academic work and social interactions, prepares them for senior school interviews and lays the groundwork for future employment. Our Essential Skills programme gives every pupil a meaningful advantage, not just academically, but as fully rounded individuals. These are skills for school, yes. But more importantly, they are skills for life.

In today’s world, where the only constant is change, education must be more than the transmission of knowledge. It must be the cultivation of capability. Our pupils will grow up in a world where automation will replace many routine tasks, where collaboration will cross global boundaries; where success will depend not only on what you know but on how you think, communicate and connect.

We are proud to be preparing our children for that world, not just by equipping them with knowledge but by nurturing the essential human skills they need to navigate it. The future starts now, and every child deserves to meet it with confidence.