Parent Information
Useful Links and Resources
Paper Copies
You may request a paper copy of any information on our website free of charge. Please contact reception on 01296 423 507
Newsletters and Notices
You can download copies of the latest letters, newsletters and forms that have been sent home, along with relevant consent forms.
The School Day
Students arrive by school transport or with parents between 9.00 – 9.15 a.m. and are greeted by friendly members of staff. They are accompanied to their classes for registration to take place.
Lunchtime is split depending on age. The younger students have lunch and playtime between 11.45 and 13.15, the older students do this between 12.30 and 14.00. Students are provided with a hot meal, or have the option of a packed lunch if they prefer.
Transport/parents arrive at the end of the school day at 3.15 p.m to take students home.
Absence
Whenever a student is off school due to sickness, it is helpful if you phone the office to let us know. Alternatively, we require a short note on their return, stating why they were absent.
For other absences e.g. appointments, please give us advance notice where possible.
If you are not able to supply us with details of any absence, this results in an unauthorised absence, which may be investigated by the Educational Welfare Officer. Please refer to the attendance policy.
When your holidays do not coincide with the school term dates, it is necessary for you to complete a Holiday Request form beforehand, to get permission from the Principal. If you wish to report an absence, please phone reception on 01296 427221 or use the Arbor App using the in-app messaging system.
Lunch Menus
Students have a choice of either a packed lunch or school dinner.
The cost of lunch is currently £3.00 per day. Payment can either be made in advance for the week (£15.00) on a Monday morning or, if you would prefer, you can pay for the whole of the half term in advance.
An administration charge of £2.00 will be made for each letter or telephone call the school has to generate to individual parents informing them of outstanding dinner money.
Payment for any meals that have been paid for and not taken due to your child being absent from school will be carried forward to the next week/half term.
Please note, your child will receive either the meat or veg option, as chosen when initially selecting to receive a school lunch. We cannot change your meat/veg option each day.
Term Dates
Term Dates 2023-24
Open on morning of | Close at end of afternoon of | |
---|---|---|
Autumn Term 2023 | Wednesday 6th September Monday 30th October |
Friday 20th October Tuesday 19th December |
Spring Term 2024 | Monday 8th January Monday 19th February |
Friday 9th February Thursday 28th March |
Summer Term 2024 | Monday 15th April Monday 3rd June |
Friday 24th May Tuesday 23rd July |
The INSET Day dates are as follows. Students do not attend school on these days:
Thursday 4th January 2024
Friday 5th January 2024
Additional dates
Friday 29th March 2024 – Good Friday
Monday 1st April 2024 – Easter Monday
Monday 6th May 2024 – Bank Holiday
Monday 27th May 2024 – Bank Holiday
Term Dates 2024-25
Open on morning of | Close at end of afternoon of | |
---|---|---|
Autumn Term 2024 | Thursday 5th September Monday 4th November |
Friday 25th October Friday 20th December |
Spring Term 2025 | Wednesday 8th January Monday 24th February |
Friday 14th February Friday 4th April |
Summer Term 2025 | Wednesday 23rd April Monday 2nd June |
Friday 23rd May Wednesday 23rd July |
The INSET Day dates are as follows. Students do not attend school on these days:
Tuesday 3rd September 2024
Wednesday 4th September 2024
Monday 6th January 2025
Tuesday 7th January 2025
Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Additional dates
Friday 18th April 2025 – Good Friday
Monday 21st April 2025 – Easter Monday
Monday 5th May 2025 – Bank Holiday
Monday 26th May 2025 – Bank Holiday
School Uniform
Uniform comprises of grey/black trousers, skirt, pinafore or plain jogging bottoms, dark green or white polo shirts and dark green sweatshirts. It is very important that all clothing is clearly and permanently marked with the child’s name.
For PE, children will need shorts, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirt, plimsolls, or trainers. For swimming children will need a towel, swimming hat and swimsuit. Pupils who swim at the Booker Park swimming pool do not need a swimming hat, but those who go out to swim at public swimming pools do.
Our school uniform policy aims to keep costs to a minimum and allow for different cultures. Where a pupil is not adhering to school uniform the school will be sensitive and act in a considerate manner.
Please see the links below for details of the uniform ordering forms, where an item is out of stock you will need to order online through the Price and Buckland website.
Plain coloured clothing without a logo may be purchased locally.
Uniform is only required to be worn by year groups 7 to 11. Sixth form students are not required to wear a uniform.
16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is money the government has given to local authorities, school, colleges and other education and training providers to give to students who need financial help to stay in education. There are various criteria an applicant has to fulfill to be eligible for this fund, please see the information below for more details and how to apply if you believe you qualify.