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2 EPB-E01-S5 Academies 2013 PULLING TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE Your free 16-page guide to Academies in the Bristol area

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Page 1: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

2EPB-E01-S5

Academies 2013

PULLING TOGETHER FORA BRIGHTER FUTUREYour free 16-page guide to Academies in the Bristol area

Page 2: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

EPB-E01-S5

EPB-

E01-

S5

2 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 3Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

academy had been an unqualifiedsuccess story.

She said: “It gives us the freedom tomove quickly and do the things weneed to do in order to provide the verybest for our pupils.”

Half of the 1,100 pupils at theacademy have English as an addi-tional language, 65 per cent of themqualify for free school meals and, dueto the multi-ethnic backgrounds ofmany children, they speak a total of44 different languages.

The former St George School wouldnot have become an academy withoutthe support of ex-Bristol City chair-man John Laycock, who became thea c a d e my ’s main sponsor, helpingwith the £2 million required to makethe change.

And the school is now directly giv-ing something back to the com-munity after forming an officialpartnership with nearby BannermanRoad Community Academy to helpimprove standards at the primary.

The school has joined up with CityAcademy by becoming a member ofthe One World Learning Trust.

The Trust is an example of one ofthe small academy sponsors in thecity which are attached to one or twos ch o o l s.

Other examples include The Olym-pus Academy Trust, The Ridings Fed-eration of Academies and theC o l s t o n’s Girls’ School Trust.

At the other end of the scale, thereare the Oasis Community LearningTrust, Cabot Learning Federationand E-Act which between them run 19schools in the Bristol area.

The chains have had differing for-tunes over the past year. Oasisschools posted much improved res-ults. Oasis Academy Brightstowe inShirehampton was named the mostimproved school in the country basedon its GCSE results in 2012 whileOasis Academy John Williams inHengrove also made strong progresswith its results.

CLF, which has the highest numberof academies in the area at 11, sawsteady progress at its schools lastyear as well as recognition for itsexecutive principal David Carter.

He was named among the educa-tion reformers of the year in Decem-ber 2012 before being knighted forservices to education in the Queen’sBirthday Honours.

E-Act, which runs 32 schools acrossthe country including three primar-ies in Bristol, hit the headlines for thewrong reasons earlier this year. Itwas issued with an official warningby the Government over serious con-cerns about the financial manage-ment of its schools.

E-Act became the first sponsor tobe issued with a “financial notice toi m p rove ” by the Education FundingAgency after the government bodyfound a string of ‘we a k n e s s e s ’ in thereporting of its schools’ a c c o u n t s.

The principals of St Ursula’s E-ACTAcademy, Ilminster Avenue E-ACTAcademy, Greenfield E-ACT PrimaryAcademy welcomed the changesbrought in to ensure the organisationgot value for money for “eve r ypound” spent.

They said pupils had not been ad-versely affected by the problems andall three academies were due to gaintheir best ever results.

The arrangements were intro-duced under The Education Act 2011.The legislation requires local author-ities to seek proposals to establish anacademy/free school where they haveidentified the need for a new school intheir area.

The council is responsible forproviding the site for the new schooland meeting all associated capitaland pre-/post-opening costs.

The addition of the three schoolswill help continue to narrow the gap

between the number of council-main-tained and academy primaries inBristol.

If you glance down a list of edu-cational establishments in the city,you will already find that council-maintained secondary schools areoutnumbered by academies.

As of last month there were 46academies, made up of 31 primaries,14 secondaries and one all-throughschool, according to the DfE. Of the46, half are “conver ter” academies –

successful schools that want to runtheir own affairs. The other half aresponsored academies, underperform-ing schools which are sponsored by achain or a stronger school.

The most recent schools to haveassumed academy status are Ban-nerman Road Community Academy,Henbury Court Primary Academy,The Kingfisher School – formerly StAnne’s Park Primary – and StokeBishop Church of England PrimaryS ch o o l .

The districts surrounding Bristolhave a smaller proportion ofacademies. In North Somerset thereare now 11 academies, with BirdwellPrimary in Long Ashton and King-shill Church School in Nailsea themost recent additions.

In South Gloucestershire there are10. Taking on academy status thisyear were Abbeywood CommunitySchool in Stoke Gifford, DownendSchool, the Castle School in Thorn-bury, Charfield Primary and Wall-

scourt Farm Academy in the newCheswick Village development inStoke Gifford.

In Bath & North East Somersetthere are 14 schools with academystatus, with Broadlands Academy inKeynsham one of the newest in thelocal authority area.

It was 10 years ago this month thatthe first academy opened in Bristol aspart of educational reform intro-duced by Tony Blair’s Labour gov-er nment.

Fittingly, the City Academy in Red-field celebrated the milestone justweeks after producing an Oxford Uni-versity entrant for the first time.

Sixth former Adam Smith, 18, isstudying physics there after beingawarded two A*s, two As and a B.

The former Whitehall PrimarySchool pupil also took his GCSEs atthe academy.

City Academy’s principal Gill Kellytold the Bristol Post last month thatAdam was one of the school’s biggest

success stories. She said the aca-d e my ’s performance at A-level wasimproving, with more students thanever moving on to university.

The academy in Russell Town Av-enue was one of the first 12 schools inthe country to become an academy.Since 2003, it has seen its GCSE passrate (five grades A-C) soar from eightper cent to 80 per cent.

Speaking to the Post at a celeb-ratory anniversary party earlier thismonth, she said that becoming an

IT’S the quiet revolution. Newschools are set to be created inBedminster, Redfield and Mont-pelier, with academy sponsorsnow being sought by Bristol City

Council as a matter of course. Theapproach clearly shows that it hasnow become the norm fornewly-opened schools to holdacademy status.

But what benefits does the statusbring when compared with local au-thority-run schools?

The answer from Education Sec-retary Michael Gove would be: Moreautonomy and a greater flexibility forschools over what they teach.

Academies receive all their fund-ing direct from the Government buthave to buy in services that main-tained schools receive from theircouncil in return for a “top-slice”from the budget.

The council is seeking academysponsors to run schools on a formercollege site in Marksbury Road, theformer Fairfield School in FairlawnRoad and the city council’s socialservices offices in Avonvale Road.

They will help meet demand forprimary school places in three areasof the city, with each offering twoforms of entry (60 reception places).

The Redfield and Bedminsterschools will open in September 2014,with the Montpelier school set towelcome pupils a year later.

The closing date for proposals isOctober 4, with the council assessingthem and compiling a shortlist byOctober 17.

By December 12, the Departmentfor Education will confirm the suc-cessful sponsor and capital funding.

One drawback of the system is thatdue to the limited time available, thedesign and build process for theacademies is already underway. As aresult sponsors will not have the op-portunity for detailed involvement inthe design of the school building.

The council has been successful insecuring funding from the TargetedBasic Need programme, a Govern-ment scheme aimed at providing new,high quality school places in loc-ations that need more school places.

Most local authorities are now ex-pected to establish all new schools aseither academies or free schools, viathe DfE’s “academy/free school pre-sumption”.

The fact that threenew primaryschools plannedfor Bristol will allbe academiesgives an indicationof how dominantthey have becomein the country’seducation system.Education reporterMarc Rath re p o r t s .

More autonomy ... greater flexibility

� Left, Gill Kelly, headteacher of City Academy; right, one of its students, Adam Smith, has got into Oxford University after getting two A*s, two As and a B inhis A-levels; below, a pupil from Broadlands Academy in Keynsham gets to grips with his fantastic creation

� Headteacher Matt Butler with pupils from Oasis Academy Brightstowe, ‘the most improved school in the country’;below, Education Secretary Michael Gove and education reformer of the year David Carter, CLF executive principal

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

The OlympusAcademy Trust ... p4

Cabot LearningFederation .............. p5

Nailsea School ..... p6

Colston’s Girls’School ........................ p7

The Ridings’Federation ofAcademies .............. p7

Oasis AcademyBrightstowe ........... p8

City Academy ....... p9

Bath Studio School....................................... p10

Oasis AcademyJohn Williams ....... p11

Merchants’ Academy....................................... p12

BroadlandsAcademy ................ p13

Bristol CathedralChoir School ........ p14

The Bridge LearningCampus .................. p14

Churchill Academy....................................... p15

The SteinerAcademy ................ p16

Contents

Advertising:Marc England0117 934 [email protected]

Page 3: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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2 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 3Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

academy had been an unqualifiedsuccess story.

She said: “It gives us the freedom tomove quickly and do the things weneed to do in order to provide the verybest for our pupils.”

Half of the 1,100 pupils at theacademy have English as an addi-tional language, 65 per cent of themqualify for free school meals and, dueto the multi-ethnic backgrounds ofmany children, they speak a total of44 different languages.

The former St George School wouldnot have become an academy withoutthe support of ex-Bristol City chair-man John Laycock, who became thea c a d e my ’s main sponsor, helpingwith the £2 million required to makethe change.

And the school is now directly giv-ing something back to the com-munity after forming an officialpartnership with nearby BannermanRoad Community Academy to helpimprove standards at the primary.

The school has joined up with CityAcademy by becoming a member ofthe One World Learning Trust.

The Trust is an example of one ofthe small academy sponsors in thecity which are attached to one or twos ch o o l s.

Other examples include The Olym-pus Academy Trust, The Ridings Fed-eration of Academies and theC o l s t o n’s Girls’ School Trust.

At the other end of the scale, thereare the Oasis Community LearningTrust, Cabot Learning Federationand E-Act which between them run 19schools in the Bristol area.

The chains have had differing for-tunes over the past year. Oasisschools posted much improved res-ults. Oasis Academy Brightstowe inShirehampton was named the mostimproved school in the country basedon its GCSE results in 2012 whileOasis Academy John Williams inHengrove also made strong progresswith its results.

CLF, which has the highest numberof academies in the area at 11, sawsteady progress at its schools lastyear as well as recognition for itsexecutive principal David Carter.

He was named among the educa-tion reformers of the year in Decem-ber 2012 before being knighted forservices to education in the Queen’sBirthday Honours.

E-Act, which runs 32 schools acrossthe country including three primar-ies in Bristol, hit the headlines for thewrong reasons earlier this year. Itwas issued with an official warningby the Government over serious con-cerns about the financial manage-ment of its schools.

E-Act became the first sponsor tobe issued with a “financial notice toi m p rove ” by the Education FundingAgency after the government bodyfound a string of ‘we a k n e s s e s ’ in thereporting of its schools’ a c c o u n t s.

The principals of St Ursula’s E-ACTAcademy, Ilminster Avenue E-ACTAcademy, Greenfield E-ACT PrimaryAcademy welcomed the changesbrought in to ensure the organisationgot value for money for “eve r ypound” spent.

They said pupils had not been ad-versely affected by the problems andall three academies were due to gaintheir best ever results.

The arrangements were intro-duced under The Education Act 2011.The legislation requires local author-ities to seek proposals to establish anacademy/free school where they haveidentified the need for a new school intheir area.

The council is responsible forproviding the site for the new schooland meeting all associated capitaland pre-/post-opening costs.

The addition of the three schoolswill help continue to narrow the gap

between the number of council-main-tained and academy primaries inBristol.

If you glance down a list of edu-cational establishments in the city,you will already find that council-maintained secondary schools areoutnumbered by academies.

As of last month there were 46academies, made up of 31 primaries,14 secondaries and one all-throughschool, according to the DfE. Of the46, half are “conver ter” academies –

successful schools that want to runtheir own affairs. The other half aresponsored academies, underperform-ing schools which are sponsored by achain or a stronger school.

The most recent schools to haveassumed academy status are Ban-nerman Road Community Academy,Henbury Court Primary Academy,The Kingfisher School – formerly StAnne’s Park Primary – and StokeBishop Church of England PrimaryS ch o o l .

The districts surrounding Bristolhave a smaller proportion ofacademies. In North Somerset thereare now 11 academies, with BirdwellPrimary in Long Ashton and King-shill Church School in Nailsea themost recent additions.

In South Gloucestershire there are10. Taking on academy status thisyear were Abbeywood CommunitySchool in Stoke Gifford, DownendSchool, the Castle School in Thorn-bury, Charfield Primary and Wall-

scourt Farm Academy in the newCheswick Village development inStoke Gifford.

In Bath & North East Somersetthere are 14 schools with academystatus, with Broadlands Academy inKeynsham one of the newest in thelocal authority area.

It was 10 years ago this month thatthe first academy opened in Bristol aspart of educational reform intro-duced by Tony Blair’s Labour gov-er nment.

Fittingly, the City Academy in Red-field celebrated the milestone justweeks after producing an Oxford Uni-versity entrant for the first time.

Sixth former Adam Smith, 18, isstudying physics there after beingawarded two A*s, two As and a B.

The former Whitehall PrimarySchool pupil also took his GCSEs atthe academy.

City Academy’s principal Gill Kellytold the Bristol Post last month thatAdam was one of the school’s biggest

success stories. She said the aca-d e my ’s performance at A-level wasimproving, with more students thanever moving on to university.

The academy in Russell Town Av-enue was one of the first 12 schools inthe country to become an academy.Since 2003, it has seen its GCSE passrate (five grades A-C) soar from eightper cent to 80 per cent.

Speaking to the Post at a celeb-ratory anniversary party earlier thismonth, she said that becoming an

IT’S the quiet revolution. Newschools are set to be created inBedminster, Redfield and Mont-pelier, with academy sponsorsnow being sought by Bristol City

Council as a matter of course. Theapproach clearly shows that it hasnow become the norm fornewly-opened schools to holdacademy status.

But what benefits does the statusbring when compared with local au-thority-run schools?

The answer from Education Sec-retary Michael Gove would be: Moreautonomy and a greater flexibility forschools over what they teach.

Academies receive all their fund-ing direct from the Government buthave to buy in services that main-tained schools receive from theircouncil in return for a “top-slice”from the budget.

The council is seeking academysponsors to run schools on a formercollege site in Marksbury Road, theformer Fairfield School in FairlawnRoad and the city council’s socialservices offices in Avonvale Road.

They will help meet demand forprimary school places in three areasof the city, with each offering twoforms of entry (60 reception places).

The Redfield and Bedminsterschools will open in September 2014,with the Montpelier school set towelcome pupils a year later.

The closing date for proposals isOctober 4, with the council assessingthem and compiling a shortlist byOctober 17.

By December 12, the Departmentfor Education will confirm the suc-cessful sponsor and capital funding.

One drawback of the system is thatdue to the limited time available, thedesign and build process for theacademies is already underway. As aresult sponsors will not have the op-portunity for detailed involvement inthe design of the school building.

The council has been successful insecuring funding from the TargetedBasic Need programme, a Govern-ment scheme aimed at providing new,high quality school places in loc-ations that need more school places.

Most local authorities are now ex-pected to establish all new schools aseither academies or free schools, viathe DfE’s “academy/free school pre-sumption”.

The fact that threenew primaryschools plannedfor Bristol will allbe academiesgives an indicationof how dominantthey have becomein the country’seducation system.Education reporterMarc Rath re p o r t s .

More autonomy ... greater flexibility

� Left, Gill Kelly, headteacher of City Academy; right, one of its students, Adam Smith, has got into Oxford University after getting two A*s, two As and a B inhis A-levels; below, a pupil from Broadlands Academy in Keynsham gets to grips with his fantastic creation

� Headteacher Matt Butler with pupils from Oasis Academy Brightstowe, ‘the most improved school in the country’;below, Education Secretary Michael Gove and education reformer of the year David Carter, CLF executive principal

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

The OlympusAcademy Trust ... p4

Cabot LearningFederation .............. p5

Nailsea School ..... p6

Colston’s Girls’School ........................ p7

The Ridings’Federation ofAcademies .............. p7

Oasis AcademyBrightstowe ........... p8

City Academy ....... p9

Bath Studio School....................................... p10

Oasis AcademyJohn Williams ....... p11

Merchants’ Academy....................................... p12

BroadlandsAcademy ................ p13

Bristol CathedralChoir School ........ p14

The Bridge LearningCampus .................. p14

Churchill Academy....................................... p15

The SteinerAcademy ................ p16

Contents

Advertising:Marc England0117 934 [email protected]

Page 4: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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4 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 5Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

The Olympus Academy Trust

Sowing the seedfor super schoolof the future

THE Olympus Academy Trust(OAT) was established inorder to oversee BradleyStoke Community Schoolwhen it became an academy

at the start of 2012, but was soonasked to sponsor neighbouring Ab-beywood Community School withinthe multi-academy trust.

Abbeywood became an academy atthe start of 2013 and was alreadyworking closely with Bradley Stokeunder shared governance and exec-utive leadership arrangementswhich became formalised when itjoined OAT.

The choice of the name Olympuswas an important starting point as itwas the name of the engine thatpowered Concorde, which was sig-nificant beyond both Abbeywood andBradley Stoke.

In the same way, the academy trustwants to be significant beyond thetwo schools and to have an impact inthe wider community by offering im-

proved life chances to young people inthe local area. It aims to provide highlevels of personal development andwellbeing alongside academic pro-gress for all students within TheOlympus Academy Trust and wantseach separate academy to be recog-nised as a centre of learning excel-lence within its local community.

As such, there has been a lot ofwork this year on developing a sharedleadership structure between bothschools to ensure consistency and toenable staff and students to sharebest practice.

It appears to have reaped dividendsalready, as A-level and GCSE resultsin both schools improved this sum-mer. Bradley Stoke CommunitySchool saw its GCSE results bounceback up to 66 per cent of studentsgaining five A*-C grades, includingEnglish and maths, and 91 per centgaining five A*-Cs, which was a verypositive step forward.

The results at Abbeywood were re-

markable, since they rose by 13 percent over 2012 figures to 60 per cent ofstudents gaining five A*-C grades,including English and maths, and 83per cent gaining five A*-Cs. Thesewere among the most improved res-ults in the whole of the Bristol areaand leave Abbeywood and BradleyStoke well placed in the top five

highest achieving schools in SouthG l o u c e s t e r s h i re.

The future looks bright for TheOlympus Academy Trust as it is stillearly days for the two schools work-ing together and there is a lot moregrowth, development and improve-ment to come.

There is extra excitement going

into 2014 with the addition of a newbuilding for a primary phase at Brad-ley Stoke Community School, so theOAT will, from 2015, be providingeducation for children aged four-18. Ifyou haven’t had the chance to see thewonderful facilities, do visit.

For more information, www.ol ym-p u s t ru s t . c o. u k .

� Dave Baker, executive headteacher of the Olympus Academy Trust

THE Cabot Learning Federa-tion (CLF) begins the newacademic year having ful-filled its vision to create afamily of schools that edu-

cates 5,500 children, aged three to 19.The vision and support of sponsors

the University of the West of Englandand Rolls Royce Plc underpins thef e d e r at i o n’s work and has helped toextend and embed the vision thatbegan in 2007, when John CabotAcademy and Bristol BrunelAcademy began the partnership.

The four new primary academiesare all in East Bristol. MinervaAcademy, Frome Vale Academy, Beg-brook Academy and SummerhillAcademy joined in September 2012and have already made a brilliantcontribution to the federation’s un-derstanding of a young person’slearning journey from pre-schoolthrough to secondary education.

In June 2013, Begbrook Primaryacademy was inspected and wasjudged to be providing a “good” edu-cation and now the journey to “out-standing” begins in earnest.

A new secondary academy in Bathadmitting girls for the first time, BathCommunity Academy, has gone fromstrength to strength and, in February2013, was removed from the Ofstedcategory its predecessor closed with.

The goal of the CLF is to collaboratein order to produce outstanding res-ults and outcomes for students.

With this in mind, the results in2013 were particularly pleasing, withthe best ever GCSE performances atBristol Metropolitan Academy andJohn Cabot Academy.

In June 2013, three secondaryacademies were inspected in thesame week and Bristol Brunel, HansPrice in Weston-super-Mare andKing’s Oak Academy in Kingswoodwere all rated by Ofsted as “good”.

This means that every academyinspected since joining the CLF isnow “good” or “outstanding”.

The confidence this gives to bothschools and their communities is im-measurable and these academies willgo from strength to strength.

The CLF story continues, however,and, in September 2013, the newestschool opened when Wallscourt FarmAcademy, built in the garden of UWEon the new Stoke Park estate, openedits doors to 51 four year olds, whobecame the first ever reception classin the school.

The vision for “outstanding” edu-cation is enhanced by this newestpartner and it becomes the 11thacademy to join the CLF.

For more information, seewww.cabotlear ningfederation.net.

Cabot Learning Federation

Spreading the Cabot message to 11 schools

Our Mission:To support and enable all students to believe in themselves, achieve their full potential and

develop the skills needed to succeed and enjoy life.

Open Evening

Wednesday2nd October6pm - 8pm

Creche facilities are available

Headteacher’s talk at6pm and 6.45pm

Open Mornings

Tuesday 1st October& Tuesday 8th October

Tours at 9am, 10am,& 11.30am

Bookable by appointment only

Open Evening

Wednesday25th September

6pm - 8pmCreche facilities are available

Headteacher’s talk at6pm and 6.45pm

Open Day

Wednesday25th September

Tours at 8.45, 9.45am,11.05am & 1.35pm

Bookable by appointment only

New Road, Stoke Gifford, South Gloucestershire, BS34 8SF0117 307 5660 www.abbeywoodschool.com

Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, BS32 9BS01454 868840 www.bradleystokecs.org.uk

Page 5: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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4 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 5Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

The Olympus Academy Trust

Sowing the seedfor super schoolof the future

THE Olympus Academy Trust(OAT) was established inorder to oversee BradleyStoke Community Schoolwhen it became an academy

at the start of 2012, but was soonasked to sponsor neighbouring Ab-beywood Community School withinthe multi-academy trust.

Abbeywood became an academy atthe start of 2013 and was alreadyworking closely with Bradley Stokeunder shared governance and exec-utive leadership arrangementswhich became formalised when itjoined OAT.

The choice of the name Olympuswas an important starting point as itwas the name of the engine thatpowered Concorde, which was sig-nificant beyond both Abbeywood andBradley Stoke.

In the same way, the academy trustwants to be significant beyond thetwo schools and to have an impact inthe wider community by offering im-

proved life chances to young people inthe local area. It aims to provide highlevels of personal development andwellbeing alongside academic pro-gress for all students within TheOlympus Academy Trust and wantseach separate academy to be recog-nised as a centre of learning excel-lence within its local community.

As such, there has been a lot ofwork this year on developing a sharedleadership structure between bothschools to ensure consistency and toenable staff and students to sharebest practice.

It appears to have reaped dividendsalready, as A-level and GCSE resultsin both schools improved this sum-mer. Bradley Stoke CommunitySchool saw its GCSE results bounceback up to 66 per cent of studentsgaining five A*-C grades, includingEnglish and maths, and 91 per centgaining five A*-Cs, which was a verypositive step forward.

The results at Abbeywood were re-

markable, since they rose by 13 percent over 2012 figures to 60 per cent ofstudents gaining five A*-C grades,including English and maths, and 83per cent gaining five A*-Cs. Thesewere among the most improved res-ults in the whole of the Bristol areaand leave Abbeywood and BradleyStoke well placed in the top five

highest achieving schools in SouthG l o u c e s t e r s h i re.

The future looks bright for TheOlympus Academy Trust as it is stillearly days for the two schools work-ing together and there is a lot moregrowth, development and improve-ment to come.

There is extra excitement going

into 2014 with the addition of a newbuilding for a primary phase at Brad-ley Stoke Community School, so theOAT will, from 2015, be providingeducation for children aged four-18. Ifyou haven’t had the chance to see thewonderful facilities, do visit.

For more information, www.ol ym-p u s t ru s t . c o. u k .

� Dave Baker, executive headteacher of the Olympus Academy Trust

THE Cabot Learning Federa-tion (CLF) begins the newacademic year having ful-filled its vision to create afamily of schools that edu-

cates 5,500 children, aged three to 19.The vision and support of sponsors

the University of the West of Englandand Rolls Royce Plc underpins thef e d e r at i o n’s work and has helped toextend and embed the vision thatbegan in 2007, when John CabotAcademy and Bristol BrunelAcademy began the partnership.

The four new primary academiesare all in East Bristol. MinervaAcademy, Frome Vale Academy, Beg-brook Academy and SummerhillAcademy joined in September 2012and have already made a brilliantcontribution to the federation’s un-derstanding of a young person’slearning journey from pre-schoolthrough to secondary education.

In June 2013, Begbrook Primaryacademy was inspected and wasjudged to be providing a “good” edu-cation and now the journey to “out-standing” begins in earnest.

A new secondary academy in Bathadmitting girls for the first time, BathCommunity Academy, has gone fromstrength to strength and, in February2013, was removed from the Ofstedcategory its predecessor closed with.

The goal of the CLF is to collaboratein order to produce outstanding res-ults and outcomes for students.

With this in mind, the results in2013 were particularly pleasing, withthe best ever GCSE performances atBristol Metropolitan Academy andJohn Cabot Academy.

In June 2013, three secondaryacademies were inspected in thesame week and Bristol Brunel, HansPrice in Weston-super-Mare andKing’s Oak Academy in Kingswoodwere all rated by Ofsted as “good”.

This means that every academyinspected since joining the CLF isnow “good” or “outstanding”.

The confidence this gives to bothschools and their communities is im-measurable and these academies willgo from strength to strength.

The CLF story continues, however,and, in September 2013, the newestschool opened when Wallscourt FarmAcademy, built in the garden of UWEon the new Stoke Park estate, openedits doors to 51 four year olds, whobecame the first ever reception classin the school.

The vision for “outstanding” edu-cation is enhanced by this newestpartner and it becomes the 11thacademy to join the CLF.

For more information, seewww.cabotlear ningfederation.net.

Cabot Learning Federation

Spreading the Cabot message to 11 schools

Our Mission:To support and enable all students to believe in themselves, achieve their full potential and

develop the skills needed to succeed and enjoy life.

Open Evening

Wednesday2nd October6pm - 8pm

Creche facilities are available

Headteacher’s talk at6pm and 6.45pm

Open Mornings

Tuesday 1st October& Tuesday 8th October

Tours at 9am, 10am,& 11.30am

Bookable by appointment only

Open Evening

Wednesday25th September

6pm - 8pmCreche facilities are available

Headteacher’s talk at6pm and 6.45pm

Open Day

Wednesday25th September

Tours at 8.45, 9.45am,11.05am & 1.35pm

Bookable by appointment only

New Road, Stoke Gifford, South Gloucestershire, BS34 8SF0117 307 5660 www.abbeywoodschool.com

Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, BS32 9BS01454 868840 www.bradleystokecs.org.uk

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Academies 2013 Academies 2013

THE successful introduction of“Live Friday” is encouragingmore students to perform livemusic to their peers in thespectacular Atrium at Nail-

sea School. The intention is to reflectthe current music culture and foryoung people to experience the musicthat they enjoy listening to. Oneyoung performer stated: “I neverthought I’d be able to do it, but I can’twait to perform again”. As youngperformers grow in confidence m o reand more students are aspiring tojoin Nailsea’s musical community.

In addition to the current cur-riculum providing classical, worldand popular genres, the music de-partment has expanded its facilitiesto accommodate a ‘musical futures’approach. Students will now have theopportunity to develop their inde-pendent learning skills, aural per-ception of music and recognisetransferable skills when creating livemusic. Students have described thisas an excellent opportunity to “tryout new instruments and work on ateam challenge”.

Our gifted and talented orchestral

musicians will have the opportunityto be challenged even further nextyear. They will work in collaborationwith orchestral musicians from ourlocal primary schools to perform ashort concert. Nailsea students willtutor younger students and some ofour more experienced musicians willconduct our extended orchestra.

Harry George is a sophisticatedpianist and high-flying A-level stu-dent, with the ambition to studymusic or maths at Oxford. As a musicambassador for Nailsea School, he isactively involved in orchestra, jazzband and barbershop. Harry recentlyperformed Rachmaninov and Chopinin a prestigious piano competition inChethams, and was awarded secondplace. Harry is continuing his mu-sical development through extensiveresearch into the harmonic devices ofWagner and Chopin.

Annabel Hancock is a gifted GCSEmusic student, recently achieving theprestigious Dame Myra Hess Me-morial Trophy as the Young Musi-cian of the Year 2013. Annabel is anasset to the Nailsea School Orchestraand, as leader, has mentored youngerstudents. As a talented violinist, shealso plays in the North Somerset Sin-fonia Orchestra and NationalS ch o o l ’s Orchestra. Annabel is con-tinuing her music to A-level nextyear, and is developing her perform-ance skills by taking her diploma.

For further details, seew w w. n a i l s e a s ch o o l . c o m .

WE PRIDE ourselves on offering aneducation which will allow yourdaughter to grow into her uniquepersonality and flourish underour care. We have a strong

academic record, of which we are ex-tremely proud, proven by our GCSEand A-level results.

We have an excellent pastoralcare system in place, whichnurtures and supports yourdaughter through her schoolyears and allows her to fulfilher true potential.

We provide clear andopen lines of communica-tion between pupils, staffand parents to ensure astrong network of support.All staff know and care aboutthe girls and encourage theirdevelopment in all areas.

Our moral codes are second tonone, with respect, politeness, toler-ance and hard work being the cornerstoneof school life. The girls are friendly and con-siderate and show genuine concern for positiveand responsible relationships.

We aim to foster a serious attitude to aca-demic study, while also providing a broad range

of extra curricular experiences. The traditionsof the school are used to give a sense of history,continuity and belonging and we mark themwith key events as we cherish its history.

Life for a sixth form student at Colston’sG i rl s ’ is both enjoyable and stimu-

lating. The atmosphere is relaxedand informal, as is the relation-

ship with subject staff. The em-phasis is on self-motivated,independent learning, devel-oping new skills and takingresponsibility. These are allqualities that will be es-sential for university studyand a future career.

Our aim is that every stu-dent will leave with a range

of skills, interests and aca-demic achievements which

will form the basis of a happyand fulfilled life.Our “outstanding” rating from

Ofsted in 2011 proves our continuedstrengths in the educational field, so come

and see us during our open evenings and judgefor yourself why we can offer the best for yourd a u g h t e r.

For more information, see w w w. c o l s t o n s g i rl s.b r i s t o l . s ch . u k .

THE Ridings’ Federation of Academiessupports the learning and developmentof more than 2,700 students in SouthGloucestershire every year via Win-terbourne International Academy

(formally Ridings High), Yate InternationalAcademy (formally King Edmund’s), Wood-lands Primary, Woodlands Nursery, and TheFederation Sixth Form.

Since the Federation was established in 2009,more than £35 million has been invested infacilities, including fantastic leisure and learn-ing amenities available to the community.

Staff are able to pool resources and offer anenhanced level of education and support acrosssites. Yate International Academy teachersoften contribute specialist knowledge to theprimary phase classes, and the nursery chil-dren benefit from curriculum-based care.

Strong performing departments from Win-terbourne and Yate can also provide support forone another, and many backroom staff workacross sites, which helps improve know-ledge-share and increase job satisfaction.

The benefits in the classroom are plain to see- 84 per cent of Winterbourne InternationalAcademy students, and 81 per cent of YateInternational Academy students, achieved fiveof more A*-C GCSEs.

Our sporting highlights included the Year 10football team reaching the national final of theFA Cup-for-Schools competition, Jacob Maddoxsigning for Chelsea FC, Ben Slade makingwaves in English cricket, and gymnastic pairShanie-Redd Thorne and Danielle Jones win-ning gold at the world championships.

For open day information, refer to the fed-eration advert or visit w w w. t r fa . o rg. u k .

Nailsea School

Pupils in perfect harmonywith musical ambitions

� Harry George

� Annabel Hancock

C o l sto n ’s Girls’ School

Join our polite andhard-working girls

The Ridings’ Federation of Academies

Riding high on results

Leaders inEducation

T. 01454 252000E. [email protected]. www.trfa.org.uk

WinterbourneInternationalAcademyThursday3rd October6.30pm – 8pm

YateInternationalAcademyThursday26th September6pm – 8.30pm

WoodlandsPrimaryPhaseTuesday8th October9am, 2pm, 6pm

The Ridings’Federation Sixth FormWednesday6th November6.30pm – 8pm (WIA)Wednesday13th November6.30pm – 8pm (YIA)

Open days:

“Achieving Success through Motivation, Knowledge and Skills”T. 0117 942 4328E. [email protected]

www.colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk

Wednesday 9th October 20136.00 - 8.30pm

Open Evening Sixth Form

T. 0117 942 4328E. [email protected]

Sixth Form

Page 7: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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6 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 7Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

THE successful introduction of“Live Friday” is encouragingmore students to perform livemusic to their peers in thespectacular Atrium at Nail-

sea School. The intention is to reflectthe current music culture and foryoung people to experience the musicthat they enjoy listening to. Oneyoung performer stated: “I neverthought I’d be able to do it, but I can’twait to perform again”. As youngperformers grow in confidence m o reand more students are aspiring tojoin Nailsea’s musical community.

In addition to the current cur-riculum providing classical, worldand popular genres, the music de-partment has expanded its facilitiesto accommodate a ‘musical futures’approach. Students will now have theopportunity to develop their inde-pendent learning skills, aural per-ception of music and recognisetransferable skills when creating livemusic. Students have described thisas an excellent opportunity to “tryout new instruments and work on ateam challenge”.

Our gifted and talented orchestral

musicians will have the opportunityto be challenged even further nextyear. They will work in collaborationwith orchestral musicians from ourlocal primary schools to perform ashort concert. Nailsea students willtutor younger students and some ofour more experienced musicians willconduct our extended orchestra.

Harry George is a sophisticatedpianist and high-flying A-level stu-dent, with the ambition to studymusic or maths at Oxford. As a musicambassador for Nailsea School, he isactively involved in orchestra, jazzband and barbershop. Harry recentlyperformed Rachmaninov and Chopinin a prestigious piano competition inChethams, and was awarded secondplace. Harry is continuing his mu-sical development through extensiveresearch into the harmonic devices ofWagner and Chopin.

Annabel Hancock is a gifted GCSEmusic student, recently achieving theprestigious Dame Myra Hess Me-morial Trophy as the Young Musi-cian of the Year 2013. Annabel is anasset to the Nailsea School Orchestraand, as leader, has mentored youngerstudents. As a talented violinist, shealso plays in the North Somerset Sin-fonia Orchestra and NationalS ch o o l ’s Orchestra. Annabel is con-tinuing her music to A-level nextyear, and is developing her perform-ance skills by taking her diploma.

For further details, seew w w. n a i l s e a s ch o o l . c o m .

WE PRIDE ourselves on offering aneducation which will allow yourdaughter to grow into her uniquepersonality and flourish underour care. We have a strong

academic record, of which we are ex-tremely proud, proven by our GCSEand A-level results.

We have an excellent pastoralcare system in place, whichnurtures and supports yourdaughter through her schoolyears and allows her to fulfilher true potential.

We provide clear andopen lines of communica-tion between pupils, staffand parents to ensure astrong network of support.All staff know and care aboutthe girls and encourage theirdevelopment in all areas.

Our moral codes are second tonone, with respect, politeness, toler-ance and hard work being the cornerstoneof school life. The girls are friendly and con-siderate and show genuine concern for positiveand responsible relationships.

We aim to foster a serious attitude to aca-demic study, while also providing a broad range

of extra curricular experiences. The traditionsof the school are used to give a sense of history,continuity and belonging and we mark themwith key events as we cherish its history.

Life for a sixth form student at Colston’sG i rl s ’ is both enjoyable and stimu-

lating. The atmosphere is relaxedand informal, as is the relation-

ship with subject staff. The em-phasis is on self-motivated,independent learning, devel-oping new skills and takingresponsibility. These are allqualities that will be es-sential for university studyand a future career.

Our aim is that every stu-dent will leave with a range

of skills, interests and aca-demic achievements which

will form the basis of a happyand fulfilled life.Our “outstanding” rating from

Ofsted in 2011 proves our continuedstrengths in the educational field, so come

and see us during our open evenings and judgefor yourself why we can offer the best for yourd a u g h t e r.

For more information, see w w w. c o l s t o n s g i rl s.b r i s t o l . s ch . u k .

THE Ridings’ Federation of Academiessupports the learning and developmentof more than 2,700 students in SouthGloucestershire every year via Win-terbourne International Academy

(formally Ridings High), Yate InternationalAcademy (formally King Edmund’s), Wood-lands Primary, Woodlands Nursery, and TheFederation Sixth Form.

Since the Federation was established in 2009,more than £35 million has been invested infacilities, including fantastic leisure and learn-ing amenities available to the community.

Staff are able to pool resources and offer anenhanced level of education and support acrosssites. Yate International Academy teachersoften contribute specialist knowledge to theprimary phase classes, and the nursery chil-dren benefit from curriculum-based care.

Strong performing departments from Win-terbourne and Yate can also provide support forone another, and many backroom staff workacross sites, which helps improve know-ledge-share and increase job satisfaction.

The benefits in the classroom are plain to see- 84 per cent of Winterbourne InternationalAcademy students, and 81 per cent of YateInternational Academy students, achieved fiveof more A*-C GCSEs.

Our sporting highlights included the Year 10football team reaching the national final of theFA Cup-for-Schools competition, Jacob Maddoxsigning for Chelsea FC, Ben Slade makingwaves in English cricket, and gymnastic pairShanie-Redd Thorne and Danielle Jones win-ning gold at the world championships.

For open day information, refer to the fed-eration advert or visit w w w. t r fa . o rg. u k .

Nailsea School

Pupils in perfect harmonywith musical ambitions

� Harry George

� Annabel Hancock

C o l sto n ’s Girls’ School

Join our polite andhard-working girls

The Ridings’ Federation of Academies

Riding high on results

Leaders inEducation

T. 01454 252000E. [email protected]. www.trfa.org.uk

WinterbourneInternationalAcademyThursday3rd October6.30pm – 8pm

YateInternationalAcademyThursday26th September6pm – 8.30pm

WoodlandsPrimaryPhaseTuesday8th October9am, 2pm, 6pm

The Ridings’Federation Sixth FormWednesday6th November6.30pm – 8pm (WIA)Wednesday13th November6.30pm – 8pm (YIA)

Open days:

“Achieving Success through Motivation, Knowledge and Skills”T. 0117 942 4328E. [email protected]

www.colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk

Wednesday 9th October 20136.00 - 8.30pm

Open Evening Sixth Form

T. 0117 942 4328E. [email protected]

Sixth Form

Page 8: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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8 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 9Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

ON THE back of outstandingresults in 2012 and 2013,which saw us as the mostimproved school in thecountry 2012, we are build-

ing a reputation which is richly de-served as being one of the leadingacademic institutions in Bristol.

Head teacher Matthew Butler said:“Our vision is to produce students

with the confidence and range ofskills to stand as equals in any circle.The students’ academic results arefundamental to this, but we work justas hard to ensure that our studentsare well rounded, confident and carrya set of values which will help themsucceed in any situation.

“We have excellent teachers, sup-ported by a fantastic team at Bright-

stowe and I am proud of every one ofthem. They work as a team to ensurethat we maximise the students’ timein lessons. However, we achieve suc-cess because we push our students towant success for themselves and tohave drive, ambition and diligence.

“There is a vibrant and successfulextra-curricular scene, with thesports academies boasting impress-

ive wins, especially in rowing andrugby. The music at Brightstowe is afeature of life and the concerts andmusicals are enjoyed by all.

“Most of all, Brightstowe is anacademy where every child is knownand understood. Our pioneering andoutstanding ‘Base’ for Year 7 beginsthat journey and then our ‘House’system with a highly qualified pas-

toral team ensures that no child isforgotten. Our ‘I n cl u s i o n’ team, ledby an educational psychologist en-sures we have world class interven-tions and support for those that needit. We have high aspirations for allour students and we a proving thatthe future is bright at Brightstowe.”

For details, see www.oasisacadem y-b r i g h t s t o w e . o rg

Most-improved school builds for the future

Oasis Academy Brightstowe City Academy

Our first academy still striving and growing

CITY Academy Bristol openedas the first academy in theSouth West in 2003, offeringeducation of the highest stan-dard in superbly equipped

facilities at the heart of Bristol.City Academy serves a diverse

community, with 44 different lan-guages spoken by its students, whorange from age 11 to 19.

Learning comes first: The collab-orative, stimulating environment ad-dresses every student’s learningneeds. Personal programmes are de-veloped to meet the aspirations andexpectations of the most ablelearners and to enhance learning op-portunities for everyone, includingaccess to higher education.

In 2012, Ofsted judged provision atthe academy to be “good” in all fourcategories (achievement, teachingand learning, behaviour and lead-ership and management). Every yearsince it opened the academy has beenrecognised for its success in addingvalue to student learning.

Focus, ambition, growth and vi-tality are at the centre of everything.City Academy is a flexible learningenvironment, tailored to the needs ofeach and every student so they canmake the most of the unique op-portunity to achieve more every day.

Staff are committed to seeing every

student reach higher and further, re-gardless of challenges or ability.

Students learn together in a safeand supportive environment and areproud to be part of their local com-m u n i t y.

City Academy is an exciting, in-spiring place, empowering every stu-

dent, families and their communityto achieve more every day.

Ray Priest, alongside academysponsor and local businessman JohnLaycock, established City Academyas Bristol and the South West’s firstacademy. Gill Kelly took over as Prin-cipal in 2010. She said: “Being the

principal of the City Academy is aprivilege and an honour. In this, ourtenth anniversary year, we are cel-ebrating continued improvements ineducational experiences and out-comes for our students.

“There are so many success stories:we have our first entrant to Oxford

University beginning in October, aswell as many other students who aregoing on to their chosen pathwaysand further success. Expectations arealways high at City Academy, with aclear focus on improvement in edu-cational standards. We always striveto achieve more.”

ACHIEVE ANYTHING

AdamSmith - O

xfordboun

d

FOCUS AMBITION GROWTH ANDVITALITY IN THE HEART OF BRISTOL

A-level pass rate 94%

A* to B pass rate 26%, up 7% on 2012

Edmon and Luis achieved tripledistinctions in the Extended Diplomain Sport Development Coaching& Fitness

Adam gained 2 A*s, 2 As anda B to secure a place atOxford University to read Physics0117 941 3800 I www.cityacademybristol.org

A GREAT YEAR FOR OURPOST 16 STUDENTS

Sixth Open Evening willtake place on Thursday 10thOctober, 5.30pm until 8.00pm

Page 9: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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8 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 9Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

ON THE back of outstandingresults in 2012 and 2013,which saw us as the mostimproved school in thecountry 2012, we are build-

ing a reputation which is richly de-served as being one of the leadingacademic institutions in Bristol.

Head teacher Matthew Butler said:“Our vision is to produce students

with the confidence and range ofskills to stand as equals in any circle.The students’ academic results arefundamental to this, but we work justas hard to ensure that our studentsare well rounded, confident and carrya set of values which will help themsucceed in any situation.

“We have excellent teachers, sup-ported by a fantastic team at Bright-

stowe and I am proud of every one ofthem. They work as a team to ensurethat we maximise the students’ timein lessons. However, we achieve suc-cess because we push our students towant success for themselves and tohave drive, ambition and diligence.

“There is a vibrant and successfulextra-curricular scene, with thesports academies boasting impress-

ive wins, especially in rowing andrugby. The music at Brightstowe is afeature of life and the concerts andmusicals are enjoyed by all.

“Most of all, Brightstowe is anacademy where every child is knownand understood. Our pioneering andoutstanding ‘Base’ for Year 7 beginsthat journey and then our ‘House’system with a highly qualified pas-

toral team ensures that no child isforgotten. Our ‘I n cl u s i o n’ team, ledby an educational psychologist en-sures we have world class interven-tions and support for those that needit. We have high aspirations for allour students and we a proving thatthe future is bright at Brightstowe.”

For details, see www.oasisacadem y-b r i g h t s t o w e . o rg

Most-improved school builds for the future

Oasis Academy Brightstowe City Academy

Our first academy still striving and growing

CITY Academy Bristol openedas the first academy in theSouth West in 2003, offeringeducation of the highest stan-dard in superbly equipped

facilities at the heart of Bristol.City Academy serves a diverse

community, with 44 different lan-guages spoken by its students, whorange from age 11 to 19.

Learning comes first: The collab-orative, stimulating environment ad-dresses every student’s learningneeds. Personal programmes are de-veloped to meet the aspirations andexpectations of the most ablelearners and to enhance learning op-portunities for everyone, includingaccess to higher education.

In 2012, Ofsted judged provision atthe academy to be “good” in all fourcategories (achievement, teachingand learning, behaviour and lead-ership and management). Every yearsince it opened the academy has beenrecognised for its success in addingvalue to student learning.

Focus, ambition, growth and vi-tality are at the centre of everything.City Academy is a flexible learningenvironment, tailored to the needs ofeach and every student so they canmake the most of the unique op-portunity to achieve more every day.

Staff are committed to seeing every

student reach higher and further, re-gardless of challenges or ability.

Students learn together in a safeand supportive environment and areproud to be part of their local com-m u n i t y.

City Academy is an exciting, in-spiring place, empowering every stu-

dent, families and their communityto achieve more every day.

Ray Priest, alongside academysponsor and local businessman JohnLaycock, established City Academyas Bristol and the South West’s firstacademy. Gill Kelly took over as Prin-cipal in 2010. She said: “Being the

principal of the City Academy is aprivilege and an honour. In this, ourtenth anniversary year, we are cel-ebrating continued improvements ineducational experiences and out-comes for our students.

“There are so many success stories:we have our first entrant to Oxford

University beginning in October, aswell as many other students who aregoing on to their chosen pathwaysand further success. Expectations arealways high at City Academy, with aclear focus on improvement in edu-cational standards. We always striveto achieve more.”

ACHIEVE ANYTHING

AdamSmith - O

xfordboun

d

FOCUS AMBITION GROWTH ANDVITALITY IN THE HEART OF BRISTOL

A-level pass rate 94%

A* to B pass rate 26%, up 7% on 2012

Edmon and Luis achieved tripledistinctions in the Extended Diplomain Sport Development Coaching& Fitness

Adam gained 2 A*s, 2 As anda B to secure a place atOxford University to read Physics0117 941 3800 I www.cityacademybristol.org

A GREAT YEAR FOR OURPOST 16 STUDENTS

Sixth Open Evening willtake place on Thursday 10thOctober, 5.30pm until 8.00pm

Page 10: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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10 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 11Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

Bath Studio School

Out of the classroom and learning from life

STUDIO schools prepare youngpeople of all abilities aged14-19 with the skills, know-ledge and experience theyneed to succeed in life. They

offer a dynamic approach to learningby taking education out of thecl a s s ro o m .

Students learn in the real worldthrough working in teams on real-lifeprojects, and through weekly workplacements with businesses. Thishelps them to develop the employ-

ability skills they need to succeed inlife and work.

The Bath Studio School is poweredby four trusted secondary schoolswithin Bath and North East Som-erset, each rated by Ofsted as “out-standing” or “good”.

The focus of the school is to preparestudents for work or higher educa-tion within the key employment sec-tors in the South West region, namelycreative media, journalism andbroadcasting; business and admin-

istration; IT, computing and graphicdesign, and GCSE/ A-levels.

The Bath Studio School will teach abroad-based curriculum, which willhave a very different style and ethosfrom most local schools.

The curriculum is designed to meetthe needs of learners who have anaptitude for enterprise and creativityand who will thrive by focusing onhands-on, project-based learning tosupport their academic study.

All students will access physical

education, PSHE (personal, socialand health education), team building,careers education, personal financeeducation and employability skillseither on site or through our partners ch o o l s.

Students will spend a significantamount of time in work placementseach week gaining on-the-job exper-ience. From the age of 16, these place-ments could include paid work.

Students will be part of a small,supportive and personalised learn-

ing environment. The school willopen in September 2014 with approx-imately 100 students and this figure isexpected to rise to a maximum of 300over the coming years.

Each student will be assigned apersonal coach who will help andsupport them in their learning, theirwork placements and their develop-ment of a range of skills for life andthe work place.

For more information, seew w w. t h e b at h s t u d i o s ch o o l . o r g . u k .

AT OASIS Academy John Wil-liams our passion is forlearning and our aim issimple: we want every youngperson to achieve their per-

sonal best, whatever their talents ora m b i t i o n s.

Set in the belief that everyone iscapable of remarkable success, westrive to deliver an outstanding, en-joyable and relevant education.

Since opening in 2008, our resultshave improved year-on-year. From 18per cent in 2008, this year 52 per centof our Year 11 students achieved fiveA*-C grades, including both Englishand maths, and 97 per cent achievedfive A*-C GCSE grades.

In Year 13, we secured a 100 per centpass rate, with 78 per cent achievingA-B grades at A-level. Both our GCSEand A-level results are testimony tothe hard work, commitment and de-termination of our entire com-munity: students, parents and staff.

When Ofsted visited in January2013, inspectors recognised the pro-gress we had made, judging us to be a“good” school with “outstanding”leadership and management. Theyspecifically noted the accelerated im-provement in results, the high stand-ards of teaching and learning, thehigh expectation for students’ wo rkand behaviour and the determination

and capacity to continue to improve.They described our academy as a

calm and purposeful school, which isa friendly and welcoming place forstaff, students and visitors alike. Theinspection team also praised the waythat students get on well together andare courteous and polite.

This September we welcomed more

than 160 students into Year 7 and weare full in both the current Year 7 and8. Proud to be in a state-of-the-artbuilding, we work hard to capitaliseon the opportunities presented. Fromour fully-equipped theatre to the pro-fessional dance studios, in-dustry-standard TV and radiostudios and fitness centre, we en-

courage all of our students to accessthe widest range of experiences.

We also create opportunities out-side the formal education setting,which, during this year, included aski trip to France, an art and lan-guages trip to Barcelona and an Aus-chwitz visit.

We understand that choosing a

school for your child is one of themost difficult and important de-cisions you will ever make as a par-ent. If you are interested in findingout more please do take the oppor-tunity to visit us at one of our openeve n t s.

For more information, seewww.oasisacadem yjohnwilliams.org.

Our school is an oasis of calm and purposeOasis Academy John Williams

A new school for students aged 14-19.

Education taken out of the classroom with practicalreal-life projects.

Do you want to follow a career in:

You can study this alongside GCSE and A Levelsubjects in an innovative way.

Real lifeReal woRkReal education

what is the bathstudio school?

BuSinESS &ADminiStrAtion

it, ComputinGAnD GrAphiC DESiGn

CrEAtivE mEDiA,JournALiSm

AnD BroADCAStinG

if you are Year 9 or 11 and looking for somethingdifferent find out more at:

www.thebathstudioschool.org.ukphone: 01225 831933Email: [email protected]

#bathstudioschool

Powered by

“ “Good” with “Outstanding”Leadership and ManagementOfsted 2013

Our Academy is an exciting place tolearn and we take seriously the fact thatour students only get one chance at anexcellent education.

Petherton Road, HengroveBristol BS14 9BU

Tel: 01275 894680 Fax: 01275 832883

www.oasisacademyjohnwilliams.orgLike us on

GCSE Results 2008 - 2013

%5A

*-Cinclud

ingEn

glish&Maths

Oasis Academy John Williams

Page 11: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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10 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 11Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

Bath Studio School

Out of the classroom and learning from life

STUDIO schools prepare youngpeople of all abilities aged14-19 with the skills, know-ledge and experience theyneed to succeed in life. They

offer a dynamic approach to learningby taking education out of thecl a s s ro o m .

Students learn in the real worldthrough working in teams on real-lifeprojects, and through weekly workplacements with businesses. Thishelps them to develop the employ-

ability skills they need to succeed inlife and work.

The Bath Studio School is poweredby four trusted secondary schoolswithin Bath and North East Som-erset, each rated by Ofsted as “out-standing” or “good”.

The focus of the school is to preparestudents for work or higher educa-tion within the key employment sec-tors in the South West region, namelycreative media, journalism andbroadcasting; business and admin-

istration; IT, computing and graphicdesign, and GCSE/ A-levels.

The Bath Studio School will teach abroad-based curriculum, which willhave a very different style and ethosfrom most local schools.

The curriculum is designed to meetthe needs of learners who have anaptitude for enterprise and creativityand who will thrive by focusing onhands-on, project-based learning tosupport their academic study.

All students will access physical

education, PSHE (personal, socialand health education), team building,careers education, personal financeeducation and employability skillseither on site or through our partners ch o o l s.

Students will spend a significantamount of time in work placementseach week gaining on-the-job exper-ience. From the age of 16, these place-ments could include paid work.

Students will be part of a small,supportive and personalised learn-

ing environment. The school willopen in September 2014 with approx-imately 100 students and this figure isexpected to rise to a maximum of 300over the coming years.

Each student will be assigned apersonal coach who will help andsupport them in their learning, theirwork placements and their develop-ment of a range of skills for life andthe work place.

For more information, seew w w. t h e b at h s t u d i o s ch o o l . o r g . u k .

AT OASIS Academy John Wil-liams our passion is forlearning and our aim issimple: we want every youngperson to achieve their per-

sonal best, whatever their talents ora m b i t i o n s.

Set in the belief that everyone iscapable of remarkable success, westrive to deliver an outstanding, en-joyable and relevant education.

Since opening in 2008, our resultshave improved year-on-year. From 18per cent in 2008, this year 52 per centof our Year 11 students achieved fiveA*-C grades, including both Englishand maths, and 97 per cent achievedfive A*-C GCSE grades.

In Year 13, we secured a 100 per centpass rate, with 78 per cent achievingA-B grades at A-level. Both our GCSEand A-level results are testimony tothe hard work, commitment and de-termination of our entire com-munity: students, parents and staff.

When Ofsted visited in January2013, inspectors recognised the pro-gress we had made, judging us to be a“good” school with “outstanding”leadership and management. Theyspecifically noted the accelerated im-provement in results, the high stand-ards of teaching and learning, thehigh expectation for students’ wo rkand behaviour and the determination

and capacity to continue to improve.They described our academy as a

calm and purposeful school, which isa friendly and welcoming place forstaff, students and visitors alike. Theinspection team also praised the waythat students get on well together andare courteous and polite.

This September we welcomed more

than 160 students into Year 7 and weare full in both the current Year 7 and8. Proud to be in a state-of-the-artbuilding, we work hard to capitaliseon the opportunities presented. Fromour fully-equipped theatre to the pro-fessional dance studios, in-dustry-standard TV and radiostudios and fitness centre, we en-

courage all of our students to accessthe widest range of experiences.

We also create opportunities out-side the formal education setting,which, during this year, included aski trip to France, an art and lan-guages trip to Barcelona and an Aus-chwitz visit.

We understand that choosing a

school for your child is one of themost difficult and important de-cisions you will ever make as a par-ent. If you are interested in findingout more please do take the oppor-tunity to visit us at one of our openeve n t s.

For more information, seewww.oasisacadem yjohnwilliams.org.

Our school is an oasis of calm and purposeOasis Academy John Williams

A new school for students aged 14-19.

Education taken out of the classroom with practicalreal-life projects.

Do you want to follow a career in:

You can study this alongside GCSE and A Levelsubjects in an innovative way.

Real lifeReal woRkReal education

what is the bathstudio school?

BuSinESS &ADminiStrAtion

it, ComputinGAnD GrAphiC DESiGn

CrEAtivE mEDiA,JournALiSm

AnD BroADCAStinG

if you are Year 9 or 11 and looking for somethingdifferent find out more at:

www.thebathstudioschool.org.ukphone: 01225 831933Email: [email protected]

#bathstudioschool

Powered by

“ “Good” with “Outstanding”Leadership and ManagementOfsted 2013

Our Academy is an exciting place tolearn and we take seriously the fact thatour students only get one chance at anexcellent education.

Petherton Road, HengroveBristol BS14 9BU

Tel: 01275 894680 Fax: 01275 832883

www.oasisacademyjohnwilliams.orgLike us on

GCSE Results 2008 - 2013

%5A

*-Cinclud

ingEn

glish&Maths

Oasis Academy John Williams

Page 12: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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12 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 13Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

BROADLANDS became anAcademy in December 2012and is part of the AcademiesEnterprise Trust, thelargest academy sponsor in

the country.As a result, students and staff be-

nefit from an amazing network ofsupport and call upon the mostup-to-date advice, guidance andteaching and learning resources.

All at Broadlands are celebrating

the fantastic GCSE results, whichsaw 60 per cent of students achievefive A*-C grades, including mathsand English; an increase from 44 percent in 2012 and 10 per cent higherthan the previous best of 50 per cent.

This significant improvement hasled to more students than ever beforesecuring A-level courses, apprentice-ships and college placements.

Broadlands is full of bright andenthusiastic students who follow a

vibrant, balanced, academic cur-riculum, which encourages learningboth in and out of the classroom. Staffhave the highest aspirations and en-sure all students leave with the verybest examination results.

Being part of a nationwide networkof academies means there is access tothe very best educational support,ensuring students and staff are ableto thrive in an academic environ-ment, which challenges every indi-

vidual to be the best they can be.Broadlands Academy has a long

tradition of providing high qualitylearning experiences for all youngpeople. The belief is that creativityinspires success and student achieve-ment and progress are at the heart ofeve r y t h i n g .

If you would like to be part of a goodschool where there’s a balancebetween the traditional and the in-novative, then come along to the open

evening on Thursday, September 26,which will be a great opportunity forYear 5 and Year 6 students and theirparents/carers to visit and speak tostudents and staff.

There are also a number of openmornings (October 1, 2 and 3) whenyou can tour the premises, led by ourstudents, and observe the academy innormal working circumstances.

For further information, seewww.broadlandsacadem y.org.

Plugged in to national network of success

Broadlands Academy

BE PROUD is the motto ofM e rch a n t s ’ Academy – andthis Bristol school hasplenty to be proud about. Inthe five years since it

opened, our secondary academy hasgone from strength to strength andearlier this year was named as one ofthe most improved in the country.

Provisional results in this sum-mer’s GCSE exams show that morethan half of our students gained atleast five good passes including Eng-lish and maths, with 94 per centachieving five or more A*-Cs in anysubject. The 51 per cent headlinefigure is three times better than fouryears ago.

The academy is committed to en-suring that all young people achievemore than they ever thought possible.Our students receive exceptionalcare, guidance and support. All areexpected to make at least three levelsof progress between the ages of 11 and16 and intervention is tailored to helpevery individual to fulfil his or herpotential.

M e rch a n t s ’ Academy is sponsoredby the Society of Merchant Venturersand the University of Bristol. Superbbuildings and facilities and dedicatedstaff mean that the school canprovide unrivalled advantages andopportunities forour young people.

The academy is one of the only stateschools in the country to offer anArmy Cadet Force. Students can alsotake part in the Duke of Edinburghaward scheme and a unique range ofco-curricular activities that enablethem to develop as people.

The academy fosters high ambi-tions and we are now seeing ourstudents moving on to prestigiousuniversity courses and apprentice-s h i p s.

Our executive principal Anne Bur-rell, who was brought up and edu-cated in south Bristol herself, says:“M e rch a n t s ’ Academy is changingyoung people’s lives and lifech a n c e s. ”

Ofsted inspectors in 2011 rated theschool as good with outstanding fea-tures and said: “Standards are beingsuccessfully raised and this is pavingthe way for these youngsters to havethe best possible start to their adult

l i f e. ”Earlier this year, the academy was

recognised by the SSAT (School Net-work) for being among the top 20 percent of schools where exam resultshad improved year-on-year.

SSAT chief executive Sue William-son said: “There is plenty that otherschools could learn from Merchants’A c a d e my ’s success.”

The academy became “c ro s sphase” in 2012, offering high quality

care and teaching to children agedfrom three to 18.

Students who join our secondaryphase from other schools are madevery welcome and the academy has acomprehensive programme of activ-ities and outreach opportunities withprimaries in our area, as well as a freesummer school to help young peoplemake the transition.

For more information, visitwww.merchantsacadem y.org.

Great results mean we can all be proudM e rc h a n ts ’ Ac a d e my

OPENEVENING26 Septemberfrom 5pm

Open day.......any day

51% GCSE results 5 A* - C(inc. English & Maths)

Take the next step...

Merchants' Academy is a good schoolwhere all students achieve well

Ofsted

One of themost improvedschools in the country

Placing Merchants’ Academy in Bristol’s Top 7 schools

Page 13: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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12 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 13Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

BROADLANDS became anAcademy in December 2012and is part of the AcademiesEnterprise Trust, thelargest academy sponsor in

the country.As a result, students and staff be-

nefit from an amazing network ofsupport and call upon the mostup-to-date advice, guidance andteaching and learning resources.

All at Broadlands are celebrating

the fantastic GCSE results, whichsaw 60 per cent of students achievefive A*-C grades, including mathsand English; an increase from 44 percent in 2012 and 10 per cent higherthan the previous best of 50 per cent.

This significant improvement hasled to more students than ever beforesecuring A-level courses, apprentice-ships and college placements.

Broadlands is full of bright andenthusiastic students who follow a

vibrant, balanced, academic cur-riculum, which encourages learningboth in and out of the classroom. Staffhave the highest aspirations and en-sure all students leave with the verybest examination results.

Being part of a nationwide networkof academies means there is access tothe very best educational support,ensuring students and staff are ableto thrive in an academic environ-ment, which challenges every indi-

vidual to be the best they can be.Broadlands Academy has a long

tradition of providing high qualitylearning experiences for all youngpeople. The belief is that creativityinspires success and student achieve-ment and progress are at the heart ofeve r y t h i n g .

If you would like to be part of a goodschool where there’s a balancebetween the traditional and the in-novative, then come along to the open

evening on Thursday, September 26,which will be a great opportunity forYear 5 and Year 6 students and theirparents/carers to visit and speak tostudents and staff.

There are also a number of openmornings (October 1, 2 and 3) whenyou can tour the premises, led by ourstudents, and observe the academy innormal working circumstances.

For further information, seewww.broadlandsacadem y.org.

Plugged in to national network of success

Broadlands Academy

BE PROUD is the motto ofM e rch a n t s ’ Academy – andthis Bristol school hasplenty to be proud about. Inthe five years since it

opened, our secondary academy hasgone from strength to strength andearlier this year was named as one ofthe most improved in the country.

Provisional results in this sum-mer’s GCSE exams show that morethan half of our students gained atleast five good passes including Eng-lish and maths, with 94 per centachieving five or more A*-Cs in anysubject. The 51 per cent headlinefigure is three times better than fouryears ago.

The academy is committed to en-suring that all young people achievemore than they ever thought possible.Our students receive exceptionalcare, guidance and support. All areexpected to make at least three levelsof progress between the ages of 11 and16 and intervention is tailored to helpevery individual to fulfil his or herpotential.

M e rch a n t s ’ Academy is sponsoredby the Society of Merchant Venturersand the University of Bristol. Superbbuildings and facilities and dedicatedstaff mean that the school canprovide unrivalled advantages andopportunities forour young people.

The academy is one of the only stateschools in the country to offer anArmy Cadet Force. Students can alsotake part in the Duke of Edinburghaward scheme and a unique range ofco-curricular activities that enablethem to develop as people.

The academy fosters high ambi-tions and we are now seeing ourstudents moving on to prestigiousuniversity courses and apprentice-s h i p s.

Our executive principal Anne Bur-rell, who was brought up and edu-cated in south Bristol herself, says:“M e rch a n t s ’ Academy is changingyoung people’s lives and lifech a n c e s. ”

Ofsted inspectors in 2011 rated theschool as good with outstanding fea-tures and said: “Standards are beingsuccessfully raised and this is pavingthe way for these youngsters to havethe best possible start to their adult

l i f e. ”Earlier this year, the academy was

recognised by the SSAT (School Net-work) for being among the top 20 percent of schools where exam resultshad improved year-on-year.

SSAT chief executive Sue William-son said: “There is plenty that otherschools could learn from Merchants’A c a d e my ’s success.”

The academy became “c ro s sphase” in 2012, offering high quality

care and teaching to children agedfrom three to 18.

Students who join our secondaryphase from other schools are madevery welcome and the academy has acomprehensive programme of activ-ities and outreach opportunities withprimaries in our area, as well as a freesummer school to help young peoplemake the transition.

For more information, visitwww.merchantsacadem y.org.

Great results mean we can all be proudM e rc h a n ts ’ Ac a d e my

OPENEVENING26 Septemberfrom 5pm

Open day.......any day

51% GCSE results 5 A* - C(inc. English & Maths)

Take the next step...

Merchants' Academy is a good schoolwhere all students achieve well

Ofsted

One of themost improvedschools in the country

Placing Merchants’ Academy in Bristol’s Top 7 schools

Page 14: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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14 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 15Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

BRISTOL Cathedral Choir School’s ex-panding sixth form prides itself oncombining high academic expecta-tions with the most modern facilities.Bristol’s most over-subscribed second-

ary school this year has a record 112 male andfemale students in Year 12. They include, on theone hand, students from the first Year 7 cohortto join the school when it became an academy inSeptember 2008, and on the other, externalcandidates previously at other independent andstate secondary schools across the city.

Head of Sixth Form Wendy Boyland, said: “Ithink many are attracted by our sixth formethos: we aim to stretch students academically,while also promoting autonomy, independenceand responsibility. We believe in developingeach student’s individual strengths and en-couraging them to pursue their dreams. Thatwas exemplified this summer by the very dif-ferent destinations of two of our Year 13 leavers,both of them with a string of A* and A grades.

“Sam Bunt, our Deputy Head Student, won aplace to read biochemistry at St Hugh’s College,Oxford, the first person in his family ever to goto university.

“In contrast, Charlotte Downes, who cameinto our sixth form after taking GCSEs inher native Weston-super-Mare, is heading toParis to audition for an acting role at Dis-

neyland because she dreams of becoming aDisney princess.”

The school specialises in music and math-ematics. It offers a broad, fairly traditionalrange of courses and also includes A-levels suchas film studies and psychology.

Its city centre campus features major newbuildings, including the impressive performingarts theatre in the Cresswell Centre. However,there are also many historic buildings i n cl u d -ing the new sixth form centre, based in theancient Pates Hall, adjoining the cathedral.

For those interesting in joining the sixth formin September 2014, there are two open events onThursdays, October 10 and 17. There will bepresentations by the principal, Neil Blundell,and by Mrs Boyland at 5.30pm and 6.15pm. Formore information, see w w w. b c c s. b r i s t o l . s ch . u k .

THIS is Danielle Ash, a Year 11 student atthe Bridge Learning Campus who leftus in July. Danielle is now moving on todo A-levels at a city sixth form,clutching 13 A*-C GCSE

grades, and will no doubt thenprogress on to university andhopefully a bright and suc-cessful future.

She represents one ofmany young people whomake good progress here,but she also demonstratesother things that arepraised highly.

Chief Executive MarkDavies explains: “Dani-elle was an enthusiast andwould get involved andcontribute in anything onoffer. From sport to dramaand taking on responsibilityas Head Girl, she would alwaysstep up to the mark and mod-elled this to others. She is just oneof many of our young people who hadthe start, the support and also the chal-lenge that is so important in e d u c at i o n .

“We are very proud of people like Danielle.Since our launch as a new all-through campus

in 2009, we have seen rapid and sustainedimprovement and the commitment we have tokeep improving is total.

“This year we have a marketing cam-paign to ask our communities to

“think local – think Bridge” and Ithink this is an important state-

ment for any parent or carerlooking for a secondaryp l a c e.

“There are many optionsin South Bristol, but as aparent myself I have al-ways believed that it isimportant to visit asmany as you can in theannual open season.

“D o n’t write off anyparticular school; go and

see for yourself and make adecision after being fully in-

for med.“Even though we have six

formal opportunities for peopleto visit us this autumn, anyone is

welcome to make an appointment tocome and see us. So think local – think

Bridge and come and see us.”For more details, see w w w. b r i d ge

lear ningcampus.org.uk.

CHURCHILL Academy continues to gofrom strength to strength, providing afirst-rate education from the end ofprimary school through to university.Churchill offers high quality educa-

tion to local families from both rural villagesand Weston-super-Mare.

Results this year speak for themselves: AtA-level, Churchill is the top-ranked school,college or academy in the area. The overallpass rate was 99.4 per cent (just two ‘U’grades out of 337 entries), with 80 percent of students achieving A*-Cgrades and an impressive in-crease in the number of stu-dents achieving A* to B grades– up seven per cent on lastyear to 61 per cent.

At GCSE level, resultsreached a new record thisyear, with 69 per cent of thecohort achieving five or moregrades A*-C, including Englishand maths, an increase of fiveper cent on last year. More than 80per cent of all students gained five ormore grades at C or above.

The academy has four key values that guideits work: care, inspire, challenge and achieve.

C h u rch i l l ’s “c a re ” (its pastoral system) isjudged by Ofsted to be “outstanding”. Based onfour Houses and vertical tutor groups, chil-dren mix easily and support each other.

New Year 7 students are welcomed by theirYear 11 “bu d d i e s ” and at each stage of a child’sdevelopment there are older students to helpthem make decisions.

Teaching at Churchill (“i n s p i re ”) is con-sistently “very good” and “outstanding”. Theteaching staff are very hard working, using

the latest technology to bring pace and varietyto lessons. Students develop the independentlearning skills they will need as they growolder. Learning is supported by other staff,who help not only those who may struggle tokeep up, but also those who can forge ahead.The curriculum offers progression and can beshaped to suit individual needs.

No child or teenager will thrive without“challeng e”. At Churchill, there is good order,

well-behaved students and high expect-ations of good manners, respect, and

s e l f - d i s c i p l i n e.Parents can monitor their

ch i l d ’s behaviour via the webon a daily basis, but “ch a l -leng e” goes much further.The inter-House competi-tions allow for both seriousand fun activities, the schoolhas an enviable reputation

for sports and the performingarts and there are opportun-

ities to get involved in clubs,activities, treks, trips and exped-

itions. “Challeng e” also helps buildour teenagers’ self-esteem, team work,

perseverance and determination.And all this helps Churchill students

“a ch i eve ”. Challenging targets are set andprogress monitored, while successes are cel-ebrated and reported to parents. Students arehelped to be ambitious and motivated.

Churchill focuses on the whole child, frombefore they arrive through links with primaryschools, through the various stages of optionsand work experience, to work or college orC h u rch i l l ’s sixth form and on to university.

For more information, see w w w. ch u rch i l l -academ y.org

Challenging youngpeople to be thebest they can be

Churchill AcademyBristol Cathedral Choir School

Helping students toachieve their dreams

Danielle sets the pacefor school success

The Bridge Learning Campus

www.bridgelearningcampus.org.uk

TH I NK L EARN I N G

TH I NK LO CA LTheOpen Events are 9.15am to 10.45amon:Thursday19th&26thSeptemberSaturday21st SeptemberThursdays 3rd&10thOctoberSaturday12thOctober

T. 01173534472E. [email protected]

BridgeLearningCampus,WilliamJessopWayHartcliffe, Bristol, BS130RL

TH I NK BR I D G EL EARN ING CAMP U S

Sixth Form Open Evening

Further details: please contact 0117 353 5000www.bccs.bristol.sch.uk

A non fee-payingindependent school Sixth Form

Thursday 10th October 2013Thursday 17th October 2013Presentations by the Principaland Head of Sixth Form at 5.30pmand 6.15pm on both evenings• High academic standards from Bristol’soldest school

• An independent co-educational academyin a city centre location

• New Sixth Form Centre in historic building• Specialisms in Music and Mathematics

Page 15: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

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14 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 15Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013 w w w. bristolpost.co.ukw w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013 Academies 2013

BRISTOL Cathedral Choir School’s ex-panding sixth form prides itself oncombining high academic expecta-tions with the most modern facilities.Bristol’s most over-subscribed second-

ary school this year has a record 112 male andfemale students in Year 12. They include, on theone hand, students from the first Year 7 cohortto join the school when it became an academy inSeptember 2008, and on the other, externalcandidates previously at other independent andstate secondary schools across the city.

Head of Sixth Form Wendy Boyland, said: “Ithink many are attracted by our sixth formethos: we aim to stretch students academically,while also promoting autonomy, independenceand responsibility. We believe in developingeach student’s individual strengths and en-couraging them to pursue their dreams. Thatwas exemplified this summer by the very dif-ferent destinations of two of our Year 13 leavers,both of them with a string of A* and A grades.

“Sam Bunt, our Deputy Head Student, won aplace to read biochemistry at St Hugh’s College,Oxford, the first person in his family ever to goto university.

“In contrast, Charlotte Downes, who cameinto our sixth form after taking GCSEs inher native Weston-super-Mare, is heading toParis to audition for an acting role at Dis-

neyland because she dreams of becoming aDisney princess.”

The school specialises in music and math-ematics. It offers a broad, fairly traditionalrange of courses and also includes A-levels suchas film studies and psychology.

Its city centre campus features major newbuildings, including the impressive performingarts theatre in the Cresswell Centre. However,there are also many historic buildings i n cl u d -ing the new sixth form centre, based in theancient Pates Hall, adjoining the cathedral.

For those interesting in joining the sixth formin September 2014, there are two open events onThursdays, October 10 and 17. There will bepresentations by the principal, Neil Blundell,and by Mrs Boyland at 5.30pm and 6.15pm. Formore information, see w w w. b c c s. b r i s t o l . s ch . u k .

THIS is Danielle Ash, a Year 11 student atthe Bridge Learning Campus who leftus in July. Danielle is now moving on todo A-levels at a city sixth form,clutching 13 A*-C GCSE

grades, and will no doubt thenprogress on to university andhopefully a bright and suc-cessful future.

She represents one ofmany young people whomake good progress here,but she also demonstratesother things that arepraised highly.

Chief Executive MarkDavies explains: “Dani-elle was an enthusiast andwould get involved andcontribute in anything onoffer. From sport to dramaand taking on responsibilityas Head Girl, she would alwaysstep up to the mark and mod-elled this to others. She is just oneof many of our young people who hadthe start, the support and also the chal-lenge that is so important in e d u c at i o n .

“We are very proud of people like Danielle.Since our launch as a new all-through campus

in 2009, we have seen rapid and sustainedimprovement and the commitment we have tokeep improving is total.

“This year we have a marketing cam-paign to ask our communities to

“think local – think Bridge” and Ithink this is an important state-

ment for any parent or carerlooking for a secondaryp l a c e.

“There are many optionsin South Bristol, but as aparent myself I have al-ways believed that it isimportant to visit asmany as you can in theannual open season.

“D o n’t write off anyparticular school; go and

see for yourself and make adecision after being fully in-

for med.“Even though we have six

formal opportunities for peopleto visit us this autumn, anyone is

welcome to make an appointment tocome and see us. So think local – think

Bridge and come and see us.”For more details, see w w w. b r i d ge

lear ningcampus.org.uk.

CHURCHILL Academy continues to gofrom strength to strength, providing afirst-rate education from the end ofprimary school through to university.Churchill offers high quality educa-

tion to local families from both rural villagesand Weston-super-Mare.

Results this year speak for themselves: AtA-level, Churchill is the top-ranked school,college or academy in the area. The overallpass rate was 99.4 per cent (just two ‘U’grades out of 337 entries), with 80 percent of students achieving A*-Cgrades and an impressive in-crease in the number of stu-dents achieving A* to B grades– up seven per cent on lastyear to 61 per cent.

At GCSE level, resultsreached a new record thisyear, with 69 per cent of thecohort achieving five or moregrades A*-C, including Englishand maths, an increase of fiveper cent on last year. More than 80per cent of all students gained five ormore grades at C or above.

The academy has four key values that guideits work: care, inspire, challenge and achieve.

C h u rch i l l ’s “c a re ” (its pastoral system) isjudged by Ofsted to be “outstanding”. Based onfour Houses and vertical tutor groups, chil-dren mix easily and support each other.

New Year 7 students are welcomed by theirYear 11 “bu d d i e s ” and at each stage of a child’sdevelopment there are older students to helpthem make decisions.

Teaching at Churchill (“i n s p i re ”) is con-sistently “very good” and “outstanding”. Theteaching staff are very hard working, using

the latest technology to bring pace and varietyto lessons. Students develop the independentlearning skills they will need as they growolder. Learning is supported by other staff,who help not only those who may struggle tokeep up, but also those who can forge ahead.The curriculum offers progression and can beshaped to suit individual needs.

No child or teenager will thrive without“challeng e”. At Churchill, there is good order,

well-behaved students and high expect-ations of good manners, respect, and

s e l f - d i s c i p l i n e.Parents can monitor their

ch i l d ’s behaviour via the webon a daily basis, but “ch a l -leng e” goes much further.The inter-House competi-tions allow for both seriousand fun activities, the schoolhas an enviable reputation

for sports and the performingarts and there are opportun-

ities to get involved in clubs,activities, treks, trips and exped-

itions. “Challeng e” also helps buildour teenagers’ self-esteem, team work,

perseverance and determination.And all this helps Churchill students

“a ch i eve ”. Challenging targets are set andprogress monitored, while successes are cel-ebrated and reported to parents. Students arehelped to be ambitious and motivated.

Churchill focuses on the whole child, frombefore they arrive through links with primaryschools, through the various stages of optionsand work experience, to work or college orC h u rch i l l ’s sixth form and on to university.

For more information, see w w w. ch u rch i l l -academ y.org

Challenging youngpeople to be thebest they can be

Churchill AcademyBristol Cathedral Choir School

Helping students toachieve their dreams

Danielle sets the pacefor school success

The Bridge Learning Campus

www.bridgelearningcampus.org.uk

TH I NK L EARN I N G

TH I NK LO CA LTheOpen Events are 9.15am to 10.45amon:Thursday19th&26thSeptemberSaturday21st SeptemberThursdays 3rd&10thOctoberSaturday12thOctober

T. 01173534472E. [email protected]

BridgeLearningCampus,WilliamJessopWayHartcliffe, Bristol, BS130RL

TH I NK BR I D G EL EARN ING CAMP U S

Sixth Form Open Evening

Further details: please contact 0117 353 5000www.bccs.bristol.sch.uk

A non fee-payingindependent school Sixth Form

Thursday 10th October 2013Thursday 17th October 2013Presentations by the Principaland Head of Sixth Form at 5.30pmand 6.15pm on both evenings• High academic standards from Bristol’soldest school

• An independent co-educational academyin a city centre location

• New Sixth Form Centre in historic building• Specialisms in Music and Mathematics

Page 16: Academies 2013 Bristol Post 24 September 2013

EPB-

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16 Tu e s d a y, September 24, 2013w w w. bristolpost.co.uk

Academies 2013

THE Free School programmehas offered the promise ofgreater choice for parents,and Bristol will soon see anew school that offers a genu-

inely alternative approach to edu-cation. Steiner Academy Bristol wasapproved by the Department for Edu-cation in April this year, and willopen in September 2014.

It will be an all-through school forages 4-16 and will grow to 624 pupilsin 2022, from an opening intake of just78 pupils in 2014.

The academy will be the fourthstate-funded Steiner school in the UK,following the success of others inHereford, Frome and Exeter. It willalso be a highly creative school, withan emphasis on the arts, music anddrama, without losing focus on moreacademic subjects.

There will also be a strong en-vironmental ethos, with an emphasis

on outdoor play and learning, en-vironmental science, healthy eatingand cooking – a green, creative schoolfor a green, creative city!

The academy’s directors say thatbeing a Steiner school does not meanthat it is tied to the past. “Steinereducation has always developed andchanged to meet the needs of its timeand place”, says Joe Evans, who willbe the Chair of Governors.

“Our academy is rooted in the val-ues of Steiner education, but we wantto be open and forward-looking, shar-ing practice with other schools andlearning from them, too.”

The academy is now taking ad-mission applications.

The group is working with the Edu-cation Funding Agency to secure asite, and is in the process of recruit-ing a principal.

For more information, seewww.steineracadem ybristol.org.uk.

The Steiner Academy

Creative andgreen school tomatch our city

CITY Academy is marking its 10th anniversary on Saturday, October 5, with a special event from 12-4pm. Everyone is invited to take part in the activities, which will include liveperformances from students and special guests, a food zone celebrating cuisine and culture, and a sports action zone. Any money raised will go towards the campaign to save FelixRoad Adventure Playground, which is threatened with closure. The site is an important part of the local community, and an open space that families and their children can enjoy. Forfurther details, call 0117 941 3800 ext 210, or visit www.city academybristol.org.