- Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School

The virtual prospectus of Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School

headteacher’s welcome

I am very proud of our school, our Christian Ethos, strong values and high academic standards, all of which support the very highest expectations we have of our students. OFSTED judged us as ‘Good’ school in October 2021 and we are very proud of the positive trajectory we have in terms of our young people succeeding, achieving and thriving within our Boteler Family.

Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School was founded in 1526 and we became a Voluntary Aided Church of England High School in 2002. We serve the Diocese of Liverpool and Chester and have a Christian Ethos founded upon Anglican beliefs and practices. We are nationally recognised for putting our Christian values into action. We are a founder member of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) and lead on Faith, Ethics, Vision and Values across the Trust. We formally became an academy in June 2017.

We place our young people at the centre in all we do, investing in them so they feel encouraged and motivated to excel, through our belief in ‘High Expectations, High Aspirations, High Standards – You will succeed’.

Our vision, values and ethos underpin our Boteler Family and all aspects of school life because ‘Through God, We Care’. Our whole school community is relentless in the pursuit of excellence and is committed to raising standards so that every student reaches their full potential.

As ‘The Boteler family’ we cast all our care on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Inspired by the God of Hope, guided by the Compassion of Christ and empowered by the Endurance of the Holy Spirit, we aim to provide all our community with an outstanding educational provision in a supportive and inclusive Christian environment.

The strong moral purpose at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is to develop the whole child, both academically and pastorally. We equip students with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed for lifelong learning in an ever-changing society. We will inspire, support and challenge our students, ensuring they attain academic excellence.

Choosing the right school for your child is extremely important, and we hope that this virtual prospectus gives you an insight into our vibrant school community. More information, recent news and details of school events can be found on our website. Our door is always open, so please come and visit us during a working school day, as this is when you will be able to see us in action and to make an informed decision.

Together we will succeed.

Mrs Beverley Scott-Herron, Headteacher

Our mission statement: ‘through God, we care’

The School’s Distinctive Christian Character

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we aim to provide all our students with outstanding educational provision in a supportive and inclusive environment underpinned by our Christian Values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance. Students are at the heart of everything we do and no child will ever be left behind or forgotten.

All students receive an inspiring and balanced learning experience, which is delivered by dedicated and committed staff who go above and beyond to secure the best outcomes for each student.

Our school’s ethos is firmly based upon Christian beliefs, values and practices and this underpins all that we do. Each day there is an act of collective worship, which is Christian in nature and promotes spiritual and moral understanding. Religious Studies focuses on Christianity and the Anglican faith, but students also learn about other major world religions and we recognise and respect other faith groups within our community.

As part of the RS curriculum, students have the opportunity to take part in the nationally recognised Archbishop of York award scheme, which was founded here at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. Students following this course learn about what Jesus taught and will have the opportunity to put faith into practice through practical projects that aim to improve the lives of others.

The Curriculum

The fundamental aim of Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is to transform the life chances of our young people by focussing on removing barriers to learning and raising standards, particularly the basic life skills of literacy and numeracy as well as employability skills so that all of our students have the best possible start in life. We do this in an environment where students know they are loved and cared for. Our students are developed both academically and spiritually as we adopt a nurturing, supportive and bespoke approach to each individual child.

Our school mission statement of ‘Through God, We Care’ underpins every aspect of school life alongside our mantra of ‘High Expectations, High Aspirations and High Standards – You Will Succeed’.

Our curriculum model is the heart of our school and it enables each student to receive an integrated, coherent learning experience that contributes towards their personal, academic and professional development. We have an unrelenting desire to ensure our students achieve the results they need to succeed, instilling ambition to see students realise their potential and progress into their chosen career or next stage of education. It is also important that our students are well-rounded individuals and sensitive to the needs of others, responding positively in any way they can as good citizens. Our Christian values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance are fundamental to everything we do and we firmly believe that, if these are applied to all aspects of learning, our young people will have a strong moral compass which will serve them well in the future.

At Key Stage 3 our curriculum intent is to ensure that our students have the opportunity to develop a rich and full knowledge base which will act as a stepping stone, benefitting them in later years. The delivery of content in each subject area is carefully considered and sequenced to ensure that our students can know more and remember more. The implementation is based on the most recent research findings of cognitive science. Students will be exposed to the events, practices, research and characters that have shaped both their subjects studied and our society and beyond. This foundation of knowledge is the platform for gaining deeper, more fluent knowledge and application of skills in preparation for the challenge of Key Stage 4. We want our students to be lifelong learners and we will continually explore how our students learn best, to ensure they retain knowledge through the most effective teaching strategies.

Assessment and Reporting

Formal assessments (knows a Working At (WA) assessments) take place three times a year towards the end of each term and assess students’ knowledge and understanding. The outcomes of these assessments are reported home. Key pieces of work are completed more frequently after each topic, in line with curriculum assessment maps, where students are actively involved in responding to teacher feedback.

A dedicated feedback lesson called a RAP lesson (Reflect, Act, and Progress) immediately follows the lesson when the key piece of work was assessed. It is important that the students themselves know how they are doing in relation to expectations and what steps are needed to progress to the next level.

In Years 10 and 11 our students complete formal assessments under examination conditions. Year 11 sit mock examinations in January and March, which are full GCSE examination papers. This helps our students to be fully prepared for the real GCSE examinations in the summer, which span over four weeks. Year 10 students sit sections of GCSE examination papers, building up to students sitting mock examinations at the end of the academic year in June. All mock exams are graded using mark schemes and published grade boundaries.

Special Educational Needs and disabilities

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we are deeply committed to inclusion and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Our highly inclusive approach is rooted in removing barriers to learning and providing tailored support so that all young people can achieve their full potential.

We are proud of our reputation for innovation and excellence in supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our team works closely with families to co-produce personalised support programmes that are not only carefully planned but have a meaningful impact on progress, wellbeing, and personal development.

Our popular parent and carer groups provide a vital network of shared experience and mutual support. These are often led by highly knowledgeable parents and are further enriched by input from a wide range of external professionals, including Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Specialist Nurses (covering areas such as ASD, ADHD and SpLD).

Our team of dedicated Teaching Assistants offers invaluable support across the school, delivering both in-class assistance and targeted small-group or one-to-one interventions. These include social skills groups, literacy and numeracy interventions, speech and language programmes, and bespoke support according to individual student needs.

This work is underpinned by rigorous ongoing assessment and monitoring, led by our Specialist SEND Teacher/Assessor, Links Manager, and our SENDCo, who is also a Specialist SpLD Teacher/Assessor.

In addition to our internal expertise, we work in close partnership with a range of external agencies such as Social Services and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Our pastoral team—widely recognised for its effectiveness—is supported by our CAMHS link worker, a Senior Mental Health and Systemic Family Practitioner, who plays a crucial role in supporting students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Together, this joined-up approach ensures that every child at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is seen, known, value and given the support they need to flourish.

designated provision for Cognition and Learning

Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School has a Local Authority Key Stage 3 and 4 Designated Provision for children with Cognition and Learning Needs. All of the students within the Designated Provision have an Education and Health Care Plan.

The students are taught in a calm, nurturing and welcoming self-contained environment. The students are incredibly proud of their workspace and would encourage you to visit us.

Within the Designated Provision the students follow a heavily tailored curriculum, personalised to support their specific needs. Key Stage 4 students where possible follow a GCSE/BTEC route (again this is based upon the individual capabilities of each student), whilst also working towards a range of Entry Level Certificates. The group as a cohort are regularly presented with AQA certificates, which celebrate both academic and life skills. We also follow the ASDAN programme where a range of invaluable life skills are worked upon, including teamwork, independent learning, coping with problems, and using maths, English and IT. We aim to challenge the children academically and, where possible, encourage students to access mainstream lessons. Our Year 11 students have all gone on to coallege and university, studying a variety of courses from plumbing, sport, cooking horticulture and animal management and games design.

There is a specific focus within the Designated Provision on speech and language development, social skills development and independence.

We have a very successful working relationship with Warrington Wolves. Their Ability Team joins the Designated Provision each week to work on team building skills, effective communication and problem solving.

tHE pASTORAL sYSTEM

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that outstanding personal development and academic achievement go hand in hand and that every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported throughout their school journey.

Our pastoral system is built on the foundation of strong, respectful relationships between students, staff, and families. We are proud of the compassionate and responsive care we provide, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, is known as an individual and supported to thrive. We actively remove barriers to learning and wellbeing so that all students have the opportunity to succeed and flourish.

Students benefit from a traditional horizontal pastoral system, where they are placed in year-based tutor groups supported by a dedicated Form Tutor and Head of Year. This is further strengthened by a highly experienced wider team, including our Attendance Officer, Safeguarding Officer, and the specialist staff in our Progress Hub.

Careful attention is given to transition, particularly as students join us in Year 7. Our comprehensive transition programme includes workshops, taster lessons, Summer Camp experiences, and tailored pastoral support to ensure new students feel confident, settled, and ready to learn from day one.

Pastoral care at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School goes beyond immediate needs, it plays a central role in shaping students into confident, resilient, and respectful young people. Through targeted interventions, mentoring, and consistent encouragement, we nurture character, leadership, and emotional literacy.

Students are also members of one of our six Houses:
Honoris (Honour), Molitiam (Resilience), Virtus (Courage), Veritas (Truth), Viribus (Strength), and Arbitrium (Determination).
This House system fosters a strong sense of identity, teamwork, and pride. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to represent their House in a variety of events—from academic competitions to Sports Day—encouraging healthy competition, collaboration, and school spirit.

Through this comprehensive and values-led pastoral system, we ensure that every student is supported to grow, not just academically but as a whole person, ready to contribute confidently and positively to their community and the wider world.

homework and independent learning

Homework is an important part of school life. It helps to make learning more effective, encourages students to work independently and provides opportunities for learning to be further embedded in the long term memory. The use of student independent study packs containing all subject Knowledge Organisers are key in all supporting all aspects of Homework.

Homework is set using SAM Learning for all subjects other than Maths who use ‘Sparx Maths’. Students will be shown how to access SAM learning in their first ICT lesson in September. Students will be shown how to create a shortcut link on their phones /devices to enable them to access the SAM Learning platform. Parents/Carers will also be able to access the SAM Learning platform the same way.

Students have many opportunities to use facilities in school to do homework. There is a breakfast club before school and the school library is open every lunchtime. Our Progress Hub provision may provide a more nurturing support environment if required.

Your Child’s Safety

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, safeguarding is a shared responsibility and the foundation upon which all aspects of school life are built. There is nothing more important to us than the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every child in our care.

We are committed to:

Taking timely and appropriate action to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students.
Ensuring every member of staff fully understands their statutory safeguarding responsibilities.
Providing ongoing, high-quality training to help staff identify and respond to safeguarding concerns confidently and effectively.
Delivering a comprehensive Personal Development curriculum that empowers students to stay safe, healthy, and resilient, both online and offline.

Our safeguarding policies and practices are regularly reviewed and recognised as examples of best practice. Parents and carers consistently report that their children feel safe in school, and students tell us they trust the adults around them to support and protect them. Our experienced safeguarding team includes a Designated Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Safeguarding Lead, and a dedicated Safeguarding Officer. We also maintain strong communication with students and families through regular surveys and feedback opportunities, ensuring that any concerns are heard and acted upon swiftly.

Child Protection
In accordance with statutory guidance, the school will always take proportionate and appropriate action to ensure the safety of every child. Where there is reason to believe that a student may be at risk of harm, neglect, or abuse, staff follow established Child Protection procedures and work closely with Social Services and other professional agencies. We act in the best interests of the child at all times and without delay.

Anti-Bullying
Bullying in any form is not tolerated at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. Through our Personal Development programme, assemblies, and whole-school ethos, we actively promote a culture of kindness, inclusion, and mutual respect. We encourage all students and families to report any concerns immediately, so that they can be addressed swiftly and effectively.

On the rare occasions where it does occur, students know exactly who to turn to and are confident it will be taken seriously. Our proactive anti-bullying work has received national recognition, and we are proud to have trained student ambassadors who lead by example and support their peers.

Online Safety
In an increasingly digital world, online safety is a vital part of our safeguarding work. We provide all students with a safe and secure online learning environment, supported by advanced monitoring and filtering systems that detect and block inappropriate content.

Online safety is taught through the curriculum, assemblies, and targeted workshops. Students are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely, respectfully, and responsibly. Misuse of technology is taken seriously, and clear sanctions are in place to uphold the safety of all.

Mental Health and Wellbeing
The mental health and emotional wellbeing of our students is central to our mission of providing a nurturing, inclusive and high-achieving environment. We believe that all young people deserve to feel heard, supported, and equipped to manage life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

Our offer includes:

A dedicated CAMHS Link Worker who is a qualified Senior Mental Health and Systemic Family Practitioner.
Close partnership with local mental health services and early help teams.
Targeted interventions and one-to-one support for students facing emotional or psychological difficulties.
A Personal Development curriculum that addresses mental health, emotional literacy, and strategies for self-care.
Pastoral staff trained in mental health first aid and trauma-informed approaches.
Student wellbeing ambassadors who promote positive mental health and peer support across the school.

We aim to remove stigma, build awareness, and empower students to seek help when needed. Our commitment is to walk alongside each young person on their journey, providing consistent care, guidance and hope.

Attendance and Safeguarding
Excellent attendance is not only linked to achievement, it is also a safeguarding priority. We know that absence from school can be a sign that something is wrong, and we are proactive in addressing this.

We prioritise:

Daily attendance monitoring and follow-up on unexplained absences.
Early intervention when patterns of low attendance emerge.
A dedicated Attendance Officer working closely with pastoral staff and families.
Bespoke support plans to remove barriers to attendance, including mental health, SEND or family-based challenges.

We are committed to ensuring that every student is present, safe, and ready to learn.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we are committed to promoting equality, advancing diversity, and fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and belonging for all. Our Christian values guide us in creating a school community where every individual is valued as a unique child of God and is supported to flourish.

We uphold and actively promote the principles of the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that no member of our school community is discriminated against or treated less favourably because of their age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Our school:

Provides a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can develop their strengths, talents, and aspirations to their full potential.
Celebrates the richness of a diverse school community and teaches students that difference is not only to be respected, but valued.
Challenges all forms of discrimination, including racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, through education, role-modelling, and swift intervention.
Ensures equality of opportunity in every aspect of school life, from access to the curriculum, leadership roles, and enrichment activities to everyday social interactions.

Through our curriculum, assemblies, and Personal Development programme, we raise awareness of all strands of diversity and promote mutual understanding. Students are taught to think critically, act compassionately, and contribute positively to society.

We work closely with staff, students, families and external partners to:

Eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment.
Advance equality of opportunity between different groups.
Foster good relations and respectful dialogue among all those who learn and work with us.

Our inclusive culture means that every student, regardless of background, can feel proud of their identity and fully participate in school life. As a Church of England school, we believe that “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10) is only truly possible when every individual is known, loved, and empowered to thrive.

Lunch Arrangements and free school meals

The school offers an extensive cafeteria menu and the opportunity to dine in pleasant surroundings, both inside and within the outside quad area. The menu offers a range of healthy options and we encourage sensible choices to promote healthy eating.

Our menu is displayed in the dining room and on the website. We operate a biometric ‘cashless’ system in the canteen to ensure our students are served efficiently. Parents and carers can use our ‘Ipay’ system to credit the account of their child. This will also give them the option of seeing what food is being purchased. We also use this system to pay for school visits and anything else that requires a payment to the school. Those students entitled to Free School Meals have their account credited automatically to ensure discretion.

There are facilities available to those young people who opt to bring a packed lunch. Students are not allowed to go home or off-site during lunchtime.

Free School Meals

If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, it is very important to register, not just to save money but to benefit the school too. Each child registered for Free School Meals brings more funding into the school. This funding is called the Pupil Premium.

Another advantage is that the school operates a scheme where we provide vouchers for the parents/carers of students registered for Free School Meals. The aim of the scheme is to make sure that these young people are not disadvantaged when it comes to their education. For example, the voucher can be used to buy revision guides, uniform and to pay for educational visits. Application forms are available from Warrington Borough Council’s Education Department or from the school’s Main Office, where staff will be happy to give help and advice.

student voice and leadership

Student Leadership at our school is exceptional. We respect and value the views and opinions of all our young people, and we create a range of opportunities for them to make a difference to the school community and the lives of others.

Students can be part of a vibrant, effective and democratically elected School Council, Eco Council, Ethos Council, LGBTQ+ Council, International Council Wellbeing Council and TCAT Parliament, as well as being a House Captain. These are all led by our effective Student Leadership Body. All play an active part in policy making, fundraising and many other aspects of school life. Our student leaders have gained recognition at local, regional and national events.

The Student Leadership Body consists of a Senior Head Students, Head Students, Lead Ambassador, Head of each Council and House, Head of Music and Head of Sport. These young people have a major role to play within school and have an active voice. There is an effective prefect system, and the prefects have roles and responsibilities at break and lunchtimes.

Our popular Ambassador Programme is widely recognised and respected for the outstanding leaders it produces. Students have opportunities to develop their leadership skills and wider skills for their future through many different platforms and by taking responsible roles during our transition events.

sports and performance

The Sport and Performance department at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School prides itself on enabling students of all abilities to succeed. The department encompasses the teaching of Physical Education, Sport, Drama and Dance.

Having close links with local and national external agencies and organisations allows students to engage with performance both on and off the playing field and stage. We provide a curriculum which is both broad and ambitious, enabling the application of skills, and is enhanced by learning outside the classroom which significantly contributes to developing the holistic child. We offer exceptional quality, striving for excellence, and provide opportunities for students achieve personal best and to enhance the talents and interests of our students as well as developing resilience, physical, social and mental wellbeing.

Within Drama and Dance we have a firm philosophy founded on preparing the minds of young people to cope with the outside world as well equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to immerse themselves in stage design, performance and even script writing. Students will be provided with many external opportunities to explore, research and analyse live theatre and the roles and responsibilities of the practitioners involved in creating that theatre.

We aim for all our young people to become successful, confident learners who enjoy learning, lead healthy, active lifestyles and make a positive contribution to their local and wider community. We develop and foster teamwork, concepts of fairness, respect and of personal and social responsibility, as well as improving a wide range of skills and tactical and strategic ideas to perform successfully. Striving to succeed, developing resilience and imagination are fundamental to our practice and approach to encourage the independent learner to prepare for the next stage, whether it is further education, training or employment.

A wide variety of extra-curricular options are available in performance; sports teams train regularly and we compete in local, regional and national competitions. Look out for our very own Rowing squads. Leadership opportunities are in abundance, as well as Drama productions and Dance clubs. Drama plays a huge part in the wider community of the school, with a number of productions and shows bringing the school stage to life.

music

We are recognised nationally and locally for our Music provision and results, which are judged outstanding every year. We have a wide range of opportunities for students to enjoy and learn about music in a well-equipped, vibrant department.

There are many extra-curricular opportunities for all abilities, which include bands, choirs, ensembles, school shows, etc. We are nationally recognised for our Samba Band (Samboteler) and our World Music programme. All our performers have the chance to perform at many prestigious events and venues around the UK.

STEM: science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are hugely evolving areas that encompass skills that shape our world. STEM graduates and apprentices are massively in demand and the career opportunities in this area are vast.

We work to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they require to choose STEM careers. These skills are developed throughout our curriculum and beyond, in a range of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities across the key stages. These encourage our students to think critically, problem solve and to work collaboratively: gaining skills vital to STEM employers. All our students will feel that they are a STEM student.

With the introduction of the Gatsby benchmarks, STEM is now more important than ever. Within this, we give our students opportunities to link curriculum learning to careers through STEM days and opportunities to encounter employers through programmes such as the STEM Ambassadors scheme. Trips such as the Big Bang Fair put students at the very heart of STEM and give them the exposure to the wide range of career opportunities available to them through a STEM pathway.

Our Partnership within TCAT schools gives us excellent opportunities across the STEM curriculum. We participate in joint STEM days, which develop students’ STEM skills and gives students an awareness and insight into STEM careers. We also collaborate with STEM employers such as United Utilities in project-based learning and further education initiatives such as Oxplore to give insight and encourage our students to aspire to go on to pathways leading to STEM careers.

STEM club is an established part of the Science department where students meet weekly and work on different projects such as the CREST award – a nationally recognised certificate.

Educational Visits

It is important for students to broaden their educational experiences beyond the classroom. This helps them understand the wider community and they find out more about themselves. We have a varied menu of opportunities that students/parents/carers can select from.

Previous trips have included: Italy, Germany, Poland, The Houses of Parliament, Battlefields of WWI, New York, Iceland and skiing in Austria.

Sporting fixtures, day visits, rewards trips, career, further and higher education, fieldwork and investigations are all integral to our school life and happen at various points through the year. The sporting fixtures are weekly and we encourage students to participate fully in all the different opportunities offered.

Most visits will involve a charge, although students entitled to Free School Meals are eligible for a grant to offset the cost. If any parent/carer is having difficulty funding their child’s place on a trip, they are encouraged to contact the school and we will do our utmost to help.

the wider curriculum

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School we really value the wider curriculum. We believe in offering our students a deep, broad and balanced ‘whole’ curriculum that will allow them to have a wide range of academic, creative, practical, sporting and character-building experiences.

To ensure that each and every one of our students gets a complete educational experience, the wider curriculum is a substantial and vital part of the whole education of our students. The wider curriculum involves activities and learning experiences that take place beyond the formal curriculum of subjects that are taught, and in many cases take place outside the classroom – sometimes beyond the school. We see this area of the whole curriculum as being an essential part of every student’s learning entitlement, offering all our young people the opportunity to learn about life in its broadest context: its challenges and opportunities, and how to respond to its successes and occasional disappointments. Our emphasis on the wider curriculum indicates the importance that we place on extra-curricular and personal development activities within the ethos of our school, and the importance of achieving the right balance between academic focus and the development of wider knowledge, skills and qualities. We expect each and every one of our students to take an active role and to develop their skills, knowledge and qualities during their time with us.

boteler high achievement programme

The Boteler High Achievers Programme is a series of activities aimed at students in each year group, designed for them to experience new opportunities, embrace challenges and feel inspired. Instead of replacing the usual school curriculum, the Boteler High Achievers Programme aims to further enrich students through opportunities outside of the classroom, preparing them for post-16 education and beyond.

The purpose of our programme is to nurture potential in our students. We want to encourage students to develop and embrace their gifts in the company of teachers, students and other adults who share their passion and ambition.

We also seek to fully prepare students for university, including Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. Within TCAT, we work closely with Priestley College and their High Achievers Programme, working alongside both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, supporting students in preparing and applying for highly competitive courses at the Russel Group of universities. We regularly have students who move on to study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and they always offer support to this programme as Alumni.

ROAR programme

Russell Group Universities or Alternative Ready (ROAR) Programme is a project we run in school for Year 8 and Year 10 with Priestley College.

The ROAR Programme aims to introduce our students to the best possible educational opportunities available to them after 6th form/college. The hope is that by the end of the process they will be aware of the great Russell Group Universities and other alternatives but also have the belief that these futures are for them.

In Year 9, the High Achievers Programme is supported by visits to the local colleges, to participate in their programme for high attaining students.

post-16 careers learning journey

Our Post-16 Careers Learning Journey is dedicated to ensuring that all our young people choose the career which is right for them. We ensure that our young people emerge from education with the skills and knowledge that enable them to critically participate in post-compulsory education and in working life, to become the workers, leaders, entrepreneurs and citizens of the future.

Our young people receive advice and guidance that is stable and delivered by individuals with the right skills and experiences. We create opportunities for our young people that they have not experienced before and therefore develop their aspirations and horizons. They will learn about the different educational routes available and the range of occupations and sectors that make up the labour market.

We have close relationships with all post-16 education providers in the area. We always ensure that our students have the correct information, advice and guidance to help them pursue the right course at the right institution for their needs. We strive to ensure all our students succeed at the highest level and fulfil their potential.

Chaplaincy

The school benefits from the services of our own Chaplain, Youth for Christ Worker and Director of Collective Worship, who provide spiritual leadership for our collective worship programme, pastoral support for staff and students, and curriculum guidance on Christian faith and ethical issues. The school holds a weekly Eucharist service to which all students and staff are welcome. We also work in partnership with local churches where our Advent and Easter services are held and we help to prepare students for confirmation on a voluntary basis.

School Uniform and Standards

Our uniform, which includes our PE kit, creates our school identity and establishes a sense of pride and self-worth amongst the students. The uniform does not discriminate and ensures all learners have equal opportunities and shared expectations, regardless of background.

The uniform is specially selected so that students feel part of our school community. It is expected that all students will come to the school every day in full, neat, clean uniform, giving the message that our students take pride in belonging to our school. This will continue to be the case until the student leaves the school and will also apply to the public examination period for all students. Year 11 students attend all examinations and revision sessions in full uniform until their last examination. The support of parents/carers is crucial in ensuring these high expectations. Staff are required to ensure these high standards are maintained at all times.