Frequently Asked Questions
What time does my son/daughter need to be in school?
- Every second in school is precious and so students must arrive to school and all lessons on time. School begins with students lining up at 8.25am
- Year 7 Back of the new build
- Year 8 MUGA
- Year 9 Back field
- Year 10 Front of school – Quad 1
- Year 11 Front of school – Quad 2
- If a student arrives late to school without an appropriate reason (for example a medical appointment supported by a letter or appointment card) they will be expected to serve a 15-minute breaktime detention. If the student does not attend this detention, it will be escalated to B2, 30-detention same day detention afterschool.
- If a student arrives late to a lesson without an appropriate reason (for example a medical appointment supported by a letter or appointment card) minutes will be accumulated and parents informed by letter each Friday.
What should my son/daughter do if they arrive late to school but before the end of the tutorial session?
If students arrive after 8.25am but before 9.00am, they must go to their tutor room where they will be marked as being late by their tutor.
What should my son/daughter do if they arrive late to school after 9.00am?
If students arrive after 9.00am they should sign in with student support.
What number do I ring if my son/daughter is ill?
Please use the Arbor app by 9.00am on the first day your son/daughter is ill and again for any subsequent day’s absence.
What should my son/daughter do if they feel ill during the school day?
They should tell their teacher straightaway. They may be sent to First Aid, where a trained first aider will take care of them. If they are too ill to remain at school or if hospital treatment is necessary then parents/carers will be contacted to make suitable arrangements. It is essential we have a minimum of two emergency contact numbers that are up to date. Under no circumstances should students leave the school, contact their parents/carers themselves on a mobile phone or go home without permission.
Who do I write to if I need to take my son/daughter out of school for medical reasons?
Please send a note to your son/daughter’s form tutor requesting absence for medical/dental appointments at least 48 hours in advance.
Who should my son/daughter see if they have to leave school for an appointment?
Your son/daughter needs to request a pass from either their head of year or year team lead.
The pass must be handed in at student support before students leave school for an appointment.
Can my son/daughter bring medicines to school?
Please refer to the ‘Supporting pupils with medical conditions’ policy on our website. ‘
Who should I contact if my personal details change?
If your personal details change, please inform you son/daughter’s head of year, deputy year team lead or year team lead. Alternatively, you can update your personal details using the Arbor app.
Who should I make contact with if I want to discuss a pastoral issue (for example a confidential matter?)
Please telephone the reception desk at 0121 556 1351 and request to speak to the relevant head of year, deputy year team lead or year team lead. A message will be sent to the relevant member of staff. Alternatively, you can use the contact form on our website.
Who should I contact if I want to discuss my son/daughter’s progress in a subject?
Please use the contact form on our website, the pastoral team will direct the email to the relevant department subject lead, who will deal with the issue and direct to the most appropriate person to contact you within 2 working days.
Who should I contact if I have an issue about my son/daughter’s education or an issue with the school?
Please make an appointment to discuss the issue with the relevant member of staff. Please use the contact form on our school website. We strongly advise that any concerns or issues are not discuss on social media as this could be potentially damaging for our students. As a school, we discourage the use of social media to criticise and make unsubstantiated comments.
How quickly should I expect a response when contacting the school?
We aim to respond to all queries, questions and concerns from parents/carers within 2 working days and resolve them within 5 working days. Full details can be found on the school website.
What if I need to pass on an urgent message to my son/daughter?
Please contact the school switchboard (0121 556 1351) and we will pass the message on immediately.
Can my son/daughter bring valuables to school?
For reasons of security, valuables and large sums of money must not be brought into school. The school does not accept any payment by cash or cheque. No items of value should be left in bags or pockets in changing rooms during PE lessons. The school is not responsible, or insured for, student loss, theft etc.
The school cannot accept any responsibility for theft, loss, damage or health effects (potential or actual) relating to mobile devices, nor for theft, loss or damage to any other valuable item, or for the theft or loss of money. It is the responsibility of parents/carers and students to ensure mobile phones and other valuables are insured.