IN NOVITATE VITAE

Dear Parent Many of you are facing a difficult decision regarding the next phase in your childs education. In order to help you, the information within this prospectus may give you a flavour of what St. Bedes has to offer parents who seek for their child an excellent academic education based on Christian values, within a thriving community. St. Bedes is led by forward thinking people with traditional values, committed to preparing pupils well for adult life. At the heart of our College is the belief in the good news of the Gospels, as expressed through the Church. St. Bedes is a worshipping community where the Eucharist, prayer and liturgies offer the chance for pupils and staff to express feelings of thanksgiving, petition, rejoicing, hope and reflection based on a shared faith in Christ. It provides an education which is as concerned with formation as it is with information.

Catherine Hughes Principal

his is an outstanding school where pupils achievement is excellent and where their personal development and well-being are of the highest order. Spiritual and moral development lies at the heart of the schools ethos and is a major strength. Ofsted

his is an outstanding Catholic school where Gospel values are explicitly promoted and practised and which underpin all aspects of school life. Relationships are based on respect and shared values. Teaching and learning is outstanding overall. Diocesan Inspection

St. Bedes which was judged by Ofsted and the Diocese to be an Outstanding School, has an excellent reputation locally, within the Diocese and Nationally. Our specialist subjects are those of Science and Sports and the excellent standards achieved by pupils have now resulted in the College being awarded High Performing Specialist School and Leading Edge Status and recognition as a National Support School for the National College for School Leadership. St. Bedes provides a calm and industrious environment in which all children are valued, stimulated and challenged to develop their talents to the full, whatever their ability. We expect high standards from and for our pupils. They are encouraged to strive for excellence in all their activities. Achievement and effort are valued and celebrated and personal development and well-being are of the highest order. Within and outside the classroom there are numerous opportunities for pupils to develop their self-worth, esteem, confidence and independence. I hope what you read in this prospectus encourages you to find out more about our College. If what you want for your child is an outstanding education based on Christian values, within a vibrant community, you will be pleased with what you find at St. Bedes.

C Hughes Principal

COLLEGE AIMS
In striving to be a great place of learning our aims are to:
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ADMISSIONS
St. Bedes is a Catholic Voluntary Aided College in which the Governing Body is in charge of admissions. Children baptised into the Roman Catholic faith will have the right of admission in accordance with the criteria outlined in the admissions policy enclosed with this prospectus. Children who are not Catholic but whose parents wish for them to receive their education in a Catholic community will be admitted if space is available.

Promote Catholic values. Secure and celebrate achievement. Develop high self-esteem and confidence in all pupils. Provide learning opportunities which will prepare pupils for their future.

he Principal has secured a shared vision that every pupil should achieve highly and be nurtured in a supportive but challenging environment. This vision has inspired and driven school improvement to focus on learning. Ofsted

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STAFF WILL AIM TO

PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Pupils transfer to St. Bedes from the Catholic partner primary schools of St. Bernards, St. Bonaventures, St. Marys, St. Nicholas, SS Peter & Paul, St. Teresas, Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Francis, Holy Family, St. Josephs and Corpus Christi. Catholic children from St. Augustine in Downend and St. Pauls in Yate for whom St. Bedes is the closest Catholic secondary school also have right of admission under priority one. Some Catholic children will transfer from non-partner primary schools. Strong pastoral and curriculum links exist between St. Bedes and our partner schools.

Keep Christian principles at the heart of our work in which the well-being of the child is central. Provide good leadership and management. Work together to provide a great education for pupils. Offer opportunities for learning which encourage all pupils to give of their best and strive for excellence. Provide enrichment within and beyond the curriculum. Enhance pupils self-esteem and self-respect. Celebrate success. Foster a culture of respect and tolerance. Develop themselves professionally. Promote lifelong learning.

PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOLS are located in the following areas

PUPILS ARE ENTITLED TO

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An excellent education which supports and challenges them. Enjoy their learning and achieve their potential. Be respected as individuals. Experience Catholic Religious Education and Formation. Participate in Catholic observances, prayer and worship as an integral part of their College life. Learn how to be safe and healthy. Make a positive contribution to the life of the College and the wider community.

elationships between teachers and pupils are excellent and are further enhanced by first class behaviour management within a learning environment where all can learn. Diocesan Inspection

SIXTH FORM
Pupils may stay on to study at our sixth form which is St. Brendans @ St. Bedes. The course on offer at present is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with plans to develop AS and A level provision over the coming years. The IB is a challenging two year programme of international repute and is excellent preparation for university study. Pupils who wish for a change in environment may progress to St. Brendans Sixth Form College or one of the many post-16 institutions within the region. The majority of our pupils, 94%, stay in further education and most of the others find work related learning or employment.

THE CURRICULUM

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he curriculum is outstanding because it matches the needs, ambitions and interests of pupils very well. It is an important contributory factor to the pupils outstanding achievements. Ofsted
In the Lower School pupils are grouped in broad bands of ability for most subjects based on information received about previous performance, cognitive ability test results and known potential. Movement may take place between bands where this is seen to be of benefit to the pupil. A number of Creative and Technology subjects are taught in mixed ability teaching groups at Key Stage 3. In Year Nine pupils are set according to ability within a number of subjects and this follows through into Key Stage 4. Most pupils study nine GCSEs. The opportunity exists to extend or moderate this, depending on ability. St. Bedes is a Science College in recognition of our expertise in this area of the curriculum. All pupils must study at least 2 GCSE Science subjects and Psychology is also available at GCSE. Significant numbers study all three sciences Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with excellent results. A residential field trip investigating coastal ecology is available for triple scientists. All pupils study English and Mathematics to GCSE. The most able pupils study the iGCSE in English and may study modules of the Additional Mathematics specification. Both History and Geography are taught from Year Seven with opportunities for pupils to entertain interesting speakers, carry out field work and participate in trips related to their study including one to the Normandy Battlefields and another to Auschwitz Birkenau. Pupils are strongly advised to sudy at least one of these subjects to GCSE. All pupils study aspects of Philosophy to assist in the development of enquiring minds and thinking skills. A well-structured Staff Development Programme enables teachers to keep up-to-date with changes within their subjects and with teaching and learning strategies. St. Bedes is the training school for the Outstanding Teacher Programme and has been awarded permanently Investor in People standard in recognition of a shared vision about the mission of the College and the provision of good training for all staff.

RELIGIOUS FORMATION
We have our own Chapel which is used for private prayer, reflection, liturgical services and staff masses. As well as voluntary masses for all, we have termly house masses. Morning prayer takes place in tutor groups with a thought for the day. Weekly assemblies are held and a number of pupils and staff are commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers and engage in chaplaincy activities organised by the lay Chaplin. In addition to the prayer and worship experiences available, all pupils follow the Religious Education programme throughout their five years leading to the GCSE examination. The course covers a broad range of topics exploring the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Pupils study the teachings of Jesus, the Christian response to poverty in the modern world, the authority of the Bible, marriage and family life. Our most able pupils sit GCSE in Year Ten and study AS level Philosophy and Ethics in Year Eleven. On entry to sixth form they may then choose to take A2 in Year Twelve, thus completing the A level one year early. During the course of the year we seek to provide either a day of reflection or a residential retreat experience at Kintbury for pupils.
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Although in law parents may withdraw their child from participating in Religious Education, Governors are confident that those parents who choose a Catholic College would want their children to be fully integrated into its culture, ethos and character.

upils feel secure and valued. They are enthusiastic about the opportunities offered to them to grow in their faith and develop their religious understanding. Prayer and liturgy are an integral part of the life of the school. Diocesan Inspection

ART AND DESIGN

Pupils develop skills and knowledge in both two and three dimensional art. Many pupils study Art and Design or Textiles at GCSE, a number of whom reach significantly high standards, producing quality products which form the annual exhibition for parents and the community.

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY - e learning

Information Communication Technology supports learning. In addition to the ICT suite, many faculties have their own facilities including tablet hand held PCs, iMacs, digital projectors and interactive whiteboards. All pupils follow a discrete ICT course and many leave with highly developed capability. eSafety is of immense importance and as well as the work we do with pupils, parents are given guidance in how their children may be protected from e-abuse.

DRAMA AND THEATRE ARTS

Alongside their English lessons all pupils study Drama and Theatre Arts in Years Seven and Eight and many take part in performances. The GCSE course which starts in Year Nine offers an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Theatre Arts.

MUSIC
The Music department enjoys extensive well resourced accommodation with the most up-to-date technology. Specialist instrumental and voice lessons are available and pupils may join the choir or one of the school bands. Opportunities to perform in concerts, workshops and assemblies are widely available and standards of performances at examination level are excellent. A music summer school is attended by many of our musicians.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND DANCE

St. Bedes is a Sports College and pupils love their Physical Education. They are involved in numerous intraCollege competitions between Houses, inter school, local and regional friendly, league and tournament competitions. All pupils follow a Physical Education and sport programme which includes the development of skills in aerobics, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, crosscountry, football, hockey, netball, orienteering, rugby, tennis, trampolining and volleyball. Opportunities to participate in swimming, climbing, golf, ice skating, boxing, fencing and karate are available. Visiting sports people are invited in as coaches to encourage further participation and interest. The College facilities include a gymnasium, dance studio, sports hall, multi-use games area, all weather football pitch, running track, basket ball practice nets and extensive playing fields. The fitness suite is extensively equipped with running machines, weight training facilities and cycling machines and is extremely popular. All pupils follow an accredited course at Key Stage 4 in Physical Education.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Pupils are taught to develop their Design Technology capability through combining designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to make and market products, some of which can be of exceptional quality. Resistant Materials, Graphics, Product Design and Food form part of the Lower School programme and all subjects are offered at GCSE. Enrichment opportunities include lunchtime clubs, design competitions and problem solving exercises.

MODERN LANGUAGES
Pupils study either French or Spanish from Year Seven and these, as well as Italian are offered at GSCE. Foreign travel opportunities including the Bristol-Bordeaux exchange, Barcelona and Paris trips give enrichment to the curriculum.

utstanding leadership and management are successfully improving the quality of provision, raising standards and providing an environment where pupils thrive. Ofsted

PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral care is fundamental to the success of our College and is seen as the responsibility of every member of staff. Pupils on entry will be placed in one of three Houses named after the famous scientists Dame Bell Burnell, Descartes and Pasteur. Within Year Seven pupils will meet regularly as a year group until they are completely established within College. Tutor groups are made up of pupils of the same age and from Year Eight, pupils meet for assemblies and other activities in House groups. St. Bedes values the close liaison between Heads of House and parents and the support given to the College in all matters relating to pupil care. Parents are our partners in the education of their children, the more closely we work together, the greater the benefit to the child. We welcome parental involvement and we ask for their cooperation in maintaining high standards of work and behaviour. Whenever concerns arise we ask that parents talk with us as this is the most effective way to resolve difficulties.

he school is extremely successful in developing the whole person not just academic potential. Opportunities for personal development including leadership are legion. Ofsted
Enrichment opportunities are many and varied including language visits to France and Spain, European History trips to the battlefields and Auschwitz, a skiing holiday, an adventure watersports holiday and the Bordeaux Exchange. Other enrichment activities include trips to the theatre, exhibitions, museums and art galleries; science and music residentials, competitions, retreats, public speaking and debating opportunities. Lunch-time or after school clubs including Art, Drama, Dance, Ceramics, Environmental Awareness, Film Club, Information Communication Technology, Media, Italian, Music and Sports. St. Bedes has been nationally recognised as an Eco School in acknowledgement of our work at promoting a culture of recycling and developing a sustainable lifestyle.

PRAISE

ENRICHMENT

PERSONAL SOCIAL HEALTH AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

As a Catholic College, St. Bedes recognises the uniqueness of each individual as created by God. In acknowledging and exercising its pastoral role, staff share responsibility for ensuring pupils are prepared well for life after College. The social and emotional aspects of learning permeate our work. Pupils have a daily tutorial period and one additional hour per fortnight during which time they follow a discrete personal, social, health and citizenship education programme or attend assemblies. The aims of this programme are to:
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We see praise as an effective way of encouraging pupils to perform to the best of their ability, striving for success and building on their previous best performance. It is crucial that pupils develop good self-esteem and confidence. A system of merits and commendations is used to recognise and reward academic work and contributions to enhancing community life. Through our communication with them, parents are encouraged to share in their childrens successes. Each faculty has its own postcard and these are sent home in celebration of good work. Our annual prize-giving event enables many pupils the opportunity to share their successes within our wider community. At our ceremony this year, our principal guest was Mr Mike Norton, the editor of the Evening Post who, together with Governors Fr. McAndrew and Fr. Finnegan presented the awards.

Promote self-esteem, confidence, a sense of identity, security and stability. Develop thinking skills, decision-making ability, communication skills, study methods and problem solving. Explore attitudes and values which encourage respect for self, others, property and the environment. Provide relevant knowledge and information so that pupils make healthy and informed decisions. Encourage active citizenship within society.

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The programme at Key Stage 4 addresses relationships, social and health related issues, citizenship, careers guidance, drug awareness, personal finance and first aid.

great strength of the school is the pupils personal development and well-being, including their outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This is a result of the care and commitment of the staff and the schools highly inclusive approach. They rightly feel safe and highly valued as individuals. Ofsted

utstanding leadership by the Principal and the governors enables the whole community to thrive within a well ordered calm environment where behaviour is excellent. Diocesan Inspection

BEHAVIOUR

St. Bedes is a calm, industrious College where there is reciprocity of respect between teachers and pupils. We have high expectations of ourselves and all those who work within our community. Pupils are encouraged to work hard, to help each other, to be courteous in their relationships and to show respect for property. They are reminded that these high expectations extend beyond the school day, including their journeys to and from College. Pupils may not leave the premises during the day without permission. Smart uniform and good standards of appearance are expected at all times. Pupils are encouraged at an early stage to take responsibility for themselves, their actions and their possessions and to understand the consequences of decisions they make. Most pupils easily meet these high expectations. The HMI wrote to the pupils after the inspection and told them their behaviour was superb.

EDUCATION FOR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Education for Personal Relationships including Sex Education is taught in Religious Formation, Science and within the tutorial programme. Education in Sexuality is about biology and how the reproductive system functions as well as learning about ones own sexuality, feelings, relationships, behaviours and moral issues. The programme which is developmental reflects the Catholic Churchs understanding of what it means to be human. The tutorial programme at Key Stage 4, in recognition of the greater maturity of the pupils, addresses issues such as Personal Relationships, Sex Education, HIV, AIDS, Personal Safety and Family Planning within the framework of Church teaching.

MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT

Regular reviews are carried out throughout the year on pupils and these enable staff to identify under-performance or concerns regarding attitude or behaviour at an early stage. Parents are involved when issues are highlighted so that they too might support their children in developing a more focused approach to study. A member of staff has overall responsibility for monitoring pupil achievement and a senior leader is assigned as an academic tutor to each house. They keep parents informed when issues arise due to underachievement and indeed to celebrate good performance. Pupils in all years have annual examinations and formative assessments, the results of which are shared with parents in the annual report. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their progress and to set targets for future performance.

Usual sanctions are used in response to incidents of poor behaviour including written impositions, detentions, referral to senior staff, internal exclusion from lessons, removal from enrichment or exclusion from College, depending on the issue and circumstance. We do try to be proactive and our pupil support programme can often address difficulties at an early stage, avoiding exclusions where possible. Support of parents is essential when problems with behaviour and discipline start to surface. When the home and College work together, pupils realise the very best from their experience at St. Bedes. The Governors aim to provide a happy and safe learning environment for pupils and will respond when the safety of personnel is put at risk. The College Code of Conduct which has been drawn up by staff, pupils and parents and endorsed by Governors is displayed in classrooms and in the homework journal and outlines our expectations of pupils. The discipline policy is available from the College, upon request.

LEARNING SUPPORT
Pupils with Special Educational Needs entering St. Bedes are integrated into the mainstream, with support. Every effort is made at an early stage to identify the particular needs of these individuals so that a remediation programme can be put in place. Small teaching groups enable a number of these pupils to develop essential skills which support them in their learning. We have experienced and trained learning support staff who assist in the classroom and use external support services and agencies as appropriate to assess and help pupils. St. Bedes has close links with Kingsweston School and we share in the teaching of a number of pupils who benefit from dual placement at special and mainstream schools.

hildren and young should helped to Cdevelopqualities... Aspeoplegrow olderbethey should harmoniously their physical, moral and intellectual they

receive a positive and prudent education in matters relating to sex... Children and young people have the right to be stimulated to make sound moral judgements based on a well-formed conscience and to put them into practice with a sense of personal commitment. Vatican Council Declaration on Christian Education

are, guidance and support are superb. Vulnerable pupils, including those with learning difficulties or disabilities, make outstanding progress as a result of the high quality support and guidance provided. Ofsted

EXAMINATION SUCCESS
The Governors are delighted with the many achievements of our pupils and in particular the examination results which are consistently well above national averages. Results at GCSE have steadily improved over time and this past year we celebrated our best ever pupil performance when 99% of them achieved at least five good grades at A*-C. Details of these are in the back of this prospectus. Each year individuals demonstrate exceptional talent and this year a number of them achieved all A*/A grades in their examinations. Pupils of all abilities perform well, achieving results which often exceed their greatest expectations.

GIFTED AND TALENTED

Pupils who are talented in a particular area or gifted in many are identified early by staff and a range of opportunities is made available so that they realise their full potential. Extension activities within subjects, enrichment opportunities, university summer school and accelerated programmes of study are all used as appropriate.

CAREERS EDUCATION
Each pupil will undertake a structured careers education and guidance programme with the opportunity to undertake work experience at the end of Year Ten. For most, this will consist of one week in a place of employment in the industrial, commercial or public service field.

he schools thorough monitoring of performance shows that pupils make good progress in Key Stage 3. In Key Stage 4, their progress accelerates and is outstanding. Ofsted

HOME LEARNING

Pupils are expected to study at home each evening. This is seen as vitally important to the learning experience in consolidating and deepening knowledge, extending thinking skills and developing self discipline and independent study. The amount of time pupils are expected to spend on formal learning at home varies according to the subject and year group and increases as the child progresses through the College. Not all home learning will necessarily be written work and can include art and design, creative thinking, reading, independent research or studying learning materials on Fronter, our virtual learning environment. Each pupil is provided with a homework journal in which he/she should make a note of the assignments set. Parents are asked to sign this on a weekly basis. A home learning timetable is drawn up in order to ensure a balance of assignments across the week.

pportunities for personal development, including leadership, are legion. Behaviour is excellent and pupils enjoy their education a great deal. Ofsted

UNIFORM

Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance and to adhere to the high standards of uniform laid down by Governors. Our uniform of navy and grey is simple, smart and economical and sets the tone of order and high standards within the College. It is important that full uniform is worn by all pupils without exception. We believe the St. Bedes uniform plays a special part in uniting our pupils as members of our community and parents full support is needed in maintaining the current high standards. The complete uniform list is included with this prospectus. Our Uniform Shop within College is open weekly for parents and pupils.

LIBRARY
The library is staffed and open during the school day. It is well stocked with books, careers education resources and computer facilities. Pupils may use it for quiet reading, research or a place to complete projects or homework.

maginative teaching combined with opportunities to think for themselves in depth help all pupils make excellent progress. The standards they are achieving in Key Stage 4 are exceptional as a result of the outstanding progress they are making. Ofsted

he school provides a high level of commitment to encouraging the personal development and achievement of all pupils. Ofsted

ATTENDANCE
Regular and prompt attendance is essential for a childs academic progress. If a pupil is absent, parents are asked to send a note of explanation to the tutor within 24 hours. Authorised absence is absence which has been authorised by the Principal. Unauthorised absence is absence without leave from the Principal, this includes all unexplained or unjustified absences. The following data show details of absence from September 2010 to May 2011 Attendance Percentage of sessions missed through authorised absence Percentage of sessions missed through unauthorised absence 94%

CHILD PROTECTION
Child abuse is a very sensitive issue and does impose for those involved, particularly parents, strong feelings and emotions. Whilst the Education Service does not constitute an investigation agency, day-to-day contact with individual children during term-time inevitably means that College staff have an important role to play in recognising and taking appropriate action in cases of suspected abuse. It is necessary to appreciate that staff are required to report any situation where abuse is suspected and a member of staff could be deemed to have acted improperly if he/she fails to follow the correct procedure. We will make every effort to act sensitively in all circumstances of suspected abuse.

5.8%

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CHARGING POLICY
In response to the Education Reform Act 1988, the Governors agreed a charging policy for activities both in and out of College time. A large number of activities are organised on the basis of voluntary contributions. No fees or contributions are required for any activity essential for National Curriculum or GCSE examinations. The Governors hope that parents will continue to support visits and activities through voluntary contributions. In the event of hardship, parents should contact us in confidence. A copy of the charging policy is available on request.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Governors strongly advise that parents do not take vacations during term time as a ten day holiday is the equivalent of missing in excess of 5% of a full school year. As the Governors target is to achieve 95% attendance the Principal will only grant permission for holidays in exceptional circumstances.

PARENTS SURVEY
Each year we ask parents their opinion on various aspects of College life. The most recent survey carried out in the Summer term demonstrated that our parent body is hugely satisfied with their childs education. It confirmed that pupils are happy at St. Bedes, they are intellectually challenged and stimulated and are made to feel valued members of our community. Responses from the Year Eleven and Year Nine pupil surveys mirror those of the parents. We aim to build on our many successes and continue to provide a great education for all children entrusted to our care.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
As a Christian College, we are committed to providing equality of opportunity and oppose in principle and practice, any form of discrimination. We believe that all people, regardless of gender, ethnic or cultural background, nationality, religion, ability or disability have a right to be treated with equal respect and to enjoy the same sense of personal dignity. We take very seriously any form of behaviour that seeks to undermine an individuals right to these.

HOME COLLEGE AGREEMENT

The Governors have drawn up a Home College Agreement, following consultation. Parents and pupils in Year Seven are expected to sign that they agree to this at the start of the year and a copy is then retained by the parents and the College.

ne parents succinct comments reflects the views of many: Sending my son to St. Bedes was the best decision we have made for both his educational and personal growth. One parent rightly described the school as a very special learning environment. Ofsted

his is a school which has outstanding capacity to build on current successes and to develop further. Leadership inspires all to achieve challenging targets. Diocesan Inspection

CHARITIES
St. Bedes supports a number of charities - local, national and international. Pupils are encouraged to recognise their responsibilities to others within society and, whenever possible, to work towards generating improvements for the common good. The Chaplaincy group is involved in many worthwhile activities including sandwich making for the homeless, Christmas hampers for people in need and good work within the local community. Money raised throughout the year for charity supports the Childrens Pilgrimage Trust, Catholic Aid for Overseas Development, The Mercy Sisters in South Africa and other needy groups.

COLLEGE MEALS
Meals are provided at a cafeteria. There is a set meal at the standard price and alternative meals including healthy options and sandwiches at various prices. The kitchen staff will provide meals for those on special diets, on medical advice. Children may bring packed lunches. Free meals are provided in approved cases and snacks must not be substituted in these circumstances. Staff in reception will be pleased to give details of how and where to claim. Parents are encouraged to observe our commitment to developing healthy life styles when they prepare packed lunches.

TRANSPORT

umerous opportunities are provided to enable pupils and staff to participate in many local and national charitable events. Chaplaincy provision is rich and inclusive. Diocesan Inspection

GIFT AID SCHEME

Every family is expected to contribute towards the College Gift Aid Scheme. All the maintained Catholic Schools in the Diocese are voluntary aided which means Governors are responsible for the improvement, repair and maintenance of the buildings. Our recent building was 100% Government funded through the Building Schools for the Future initiative. However all other building work at the College, whether for new classrooms, major repairs or improvements may attract a grant of 90% from the Department for Education with 10% paid by Governors. Our Gift Aid Scheme which is just over a pound a week per family is used to fund projects and cover extra resources not financed from the College budget. Our next big project is the building of the 6th form block and the financial support of parents is necessary if we are to achieve this goal.

The majority of pupils travel to St. Bedes by coach or bus from the wide catchment area of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Information on transport is enclosed in this prospectus and further details are available from the College.

PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE

A low-cost insurance scheme has been negotiated with a leading insurance broker to provide cover against any College-related accident during term-time either on site or away from the premises, including trips within the United Kingdom. Parents may wish to consider investing in their own additional accident insurance for their child.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Under the regulations of the Education Reform Act (1988) parents have the right to make representation to the College, the Governing Body, the Children and Young Peoples Services and ultimately the Secretary of State for Education, when they feel a school is not meeting the requirement of the Act with particular regard to: n n n n n n The National Curriculum Religious Education and collective worship Approved qualifications Exemptions from the National Curriculum Charging policy Provision of information to parents

FRIENDS
Membership of the Friends is open to parents, past-pupils and anyone else associated with the College. The aim of the Friends is to support pupils by fund-raising and organising various social events. An invitation is extended to all new parents to participate in the activities of the Friends advertised in the fortnightly newsletter which also highlights pupils achievements.

Details of the procedure for complaints are available from the College on request.

TOURS
We welcome visits from parents who are considering sending their children to us. Tours of the College are organised on a regular basis and parents who wish to visit should telephone in advance.

great deal of the schools success is because of the outstanding leadership of the Principal, whose vision and relentless drive for improvement permeate the work of the school. Ofsted