School Life Overview

“I want to lead a school where everyone is happy, stimulated, and safe. I want to lead a school where everyone feels welcome and worthwhile, and where everyone has a purpose. And finally, I want to lead a school where our children’s minds are alive with knowledge, they feel determination in their very bones, and their hearts are full of love.”

From 3rd June 2024 the timings of the school day will include a separate lunchtime for KS3 and KS4. 

The majority of time at school is spent in lesson. Children receive 5 hours of specialist teaching, alongside a 30-minute tutorial programme each morning. In lessons, students study a wide-range of subjects; we intend to keep the curriculum as broad as possible, for as long as possible. During Key Stage 3 all children will experience responsive teaching; lessons are taught rather than just delivered, where teachers are adapting the lessons to the ongoing needs of learners. Throughout the school you'll see our commitment to inclusive practice in action. Our curriculum isn't just about facts and figures; it's designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Wherever possible, we use high-quality first-wave teaching to ensure that all learners are part of the journey and spend their time in classrooms with teachers, rather than outside the classroom. Where specialist intervention is needed, we have access to support from our SENDCo and external agency support if required.

The tutorial programme is designed to respond to the needs of the children at their stage of development. Students will meet their tutor each morning and may work on tasks varying from making new friends in Year 7, to preparing college applications and mock job interviews by the time they are in Year 11. Behind the scenes, our support system works tirelessly to ensure that no one feels lost in the crowd and each individual is cherished. The Lighthouse is able to offer mental health and further specialist pastoral support for those that need it and each child's tutor is supported by a wider Head of Year team.

Students have the opportunity to engage with parents and the community. From workshops and open days for potential students, and clubs, trips and local area visits for exisiting students, we offer a wide range of additional opportunities for students from before they start to well after they leave the school. Clubs cover a range of activities including those linked with the curriculum, such as sports, performing arts or journalism, to non-related activities such as dungeons and dragons or friendship groups. We are partnering with local businesses to offer exciting opportunities for students and collaborating with other schools to share ideas. From community clean-up projects to charity fundraisers, our school isn't just a place of learning - children learn to become active citizens and form a part of the wider Chertsey community.