Queen’s College Taunton is celebrating the achievements of five dedicated teachers across its Prep and Senior Schools, who have gained new qualifications in High Performance Learning (HPL), recognising their commitment to helping pupils develop confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning.

The achievements reflect the College’s belief that ability is not fixed or predetermined. With the right teaching, encouragement and challenge, every pupil can make meaningful progress and develop the skills needed to succeed, both in school and beyond.

Recognising Excellence in Teaching Across Queen’s College

In the Senior School, Mrs Miriam Litton, Mr Andy Bussell and Mrs Laura Davey have all achieved HPL Expert Teacher status, with Mrs Litton also qualifying as an HPL Teacher Leader.

In the Prep School, Mrs Libby Swanson has qualified as an HPL Teacher, while Mrs Ruth Hyland has achieved HPL Expert Teacher status.

These qualifications recognise the teachers’ dedication to embedding High Performance Learning principles into their everyday teaching, creating classrooms where pupils are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, embrace challenges and take an active role in their learning.

Achieving these qualifications requires commitment to professional development and a thoughtful approach to helping young people learn. For Queen’s, they are an opportunity to celebrate the people who make a difference to pupils every day.

What Is High Performance Learning at Queen’s College?

High Performance Learning (HPL) is a research-informed educational philosophy built around the belief that intelligence and ability can be developed through effective teaching, effort and the right learning environment.

At Queen’s College, HPL supports pupils from ages 3 to 18, helping them develop not only academic knowledge but also the habits and attitudes that enable them to approach new experiences with confidence.

This includes learning to think critically, solve problems, work collaboratively, persevere when things become difficult and reflect on their own progress.

These are skills that matter far beyond the classroom.

HPL is an important part of life at Queen’s, influencing teaching and learning alongside pastoral care, boarding, co-curricular opportunities and preparation for future education.

It reflects the College’s commitment to Learn for Life, ensuring that pupils leave Queen’s with more than qualifications. They develop the confidence, resilience and independence to navigate whatever comes next.

Why High Performance Learning Matters

At the heart of High Performance Learning is the relationship between teachers and pupils.

When teachers understand how a child learns, recognise their individual strengths and know when to offer encouragement or challenge, they can help that child make progress in ways that are meaningful to them.

For younger pupils in the Prep School, this might mean developing the confidence to try something unfamiliar, ask a question or keep going when a task feels difficult.

In the Senior School, it might involve taking greater responsibility for learning, exploring different approaches to a problem or developing the independence needed for GCSEs, Sixth Form and life beyond school.

The approach is consistent throughout Queen’s: pupils are known as individuals, supported in their development and encouraged to recognise what they are capable of achieving through effort and perseverance.

Celebrating the People Behind Pupil Progress

While academic outcomes are important, Queen’s recognises that a successful education is about much more than examination results.

Confidence, curiosity, kindness, creativity and resilience all play an important role in preparing young people for the future.

The achievements of Mrs Litton, Mr Bussell, Mrs Davey, Mrs Swanson and Mrs Hyland demonstrate the commitment of Queen’s teachers to making these qualities part of everyday learning.

Their dedication to professional development helps strengthen a school community where pupils feel supported, challenged and encouraged to grow.

Congratulations to all five teachers on their well-deserved achievements. Their commitment to teaching and learning is something the whole Queen’s College community can be proud of.

Discover High Performance Learning at Queen’s College

At Queen’s College Taunton, we believe that children succeed because they belong. Through strong relationships, inspiring teaching and opportunities to grow, we help pupils develop the confidence and character to embrace the future.

Discover more about Queen’s College and arrange a visit to experience our approach to learning for yourself.

Senior High Performance Learning teachers

Prep High Performance Learning teachers