Advice & Guidance for Students

Pupils are arranged in Vertical Tutor Groups (this means that in each tutor group there are students from Year 7 right through to Year 13. Each tutor group belongs to one of four houses and each House is under the care of the Director of Learning. The Tutor is responsible for overseeing both the academic and social progress of pupils in their group. Academic grades are collected at key points during the year and interventions made where pupils are working below expectations. Each child has an entitlement to mentoring in support of their progress. Each year the school arranges an Academic Review Day where parents, tutors and children meet to review progress and agree targets for improvement.

Advice and guidance is given at key points of transition between key stages, at the start of Key Stage 4 and Post16 study. Curriculum booklets are published on the website to ensure that parents and pupils are aware of the expected course requirements. Parents are invited to option evenings and may take up the offer of an individual meeting at each stage. The careers and Connexions service are integrated within this process and offer targeted support. Our connections with The University of Kent mean that students" awareness of Higher education is enhanced. Students who are at risk of underachievement are identified through our monitoring processes and given access to an experienced mentor to help them achieve. Peer mentors are trained and deployed to provide additional support. Additional mentors have also been organised and trained within each tutor group to further enhance academic and pastoral support.

Pastoral support is available through the Tutor, Director of Learning and Assistant Headteacher responsible for each House. Additional targeted support is available through the School Counsellor and services provided through our Inclusion Zone manager. A group of Peer Mediators are trained each year to help pupils resolve conflict issues.

The Head of House is responsible for the charity work of each house - ensuring over £10000 per year is raised for our four chosen charities. The Head of House also encourages participation in competitions and events as well as attendance at after school clubs and classes to ensure students are involved in the life of the school and also that their House wins the House Cup!

Ofsted inspectors described the care and guidance for pupils as 'exceptional'.