Care, Guidance and Support

From the moment they arrive at the Academy we want our pupils to feel welcomed, safe and cared for. We want them to settle down quickly so they can make full use of what is on offer. We will have a culture of mutual respect between pupils and staff - and zero tolerance of bullying in any form.

Knowing someone cares and is there for you lies at the heart of the Academy's vision for pupils, parents and carers, and staff. The system of Tutor Groups is the central tenet of the Academy's pastoral care. Pupils are encouraged to do their best through a rigorous tracking and monitoring system and sharply focussed interventions.

On arrival all pupils are placed in small tutor groups and the Form Tutor will be the first point of contact for parents and carers. In addition to the Form Tutors, each year group has a dedicated Pastoral Manager who, working with pupils, their parents and carers, teaching staff and occassionally external agencies, provides support to pupils within their year groups. Parents and carers are informed through regular progress reports and there will be opportunities for contact between the Academy and home whenever and wherever it is needed. Working together with parents and carers is of paramount importance for the Academy.

In addition to this, a breakfast club and a homework club gives pupils the opportunity to study, have extra tuition and do homework in a comfortable, supervised setting with access to technology and advice.

A highly skilled Learning Support Unit co-ordinates a range of programmes to support those with Special Educational Needs, including enhanced tutorial support, assigned learning assistant hours, increased access to technology and access to specialist professional support for those with very specific learning problems.

The team also targets and supports those gifted and talented pupils who need access to enrichment programmes, or may benefit from fast-track entry to examinations.