I am very keen to hear from you all, and feel that this will be a valuable tool for us to continue to further improve communications and build a deep and secure support network around our young people, and our community.
“Illness, school not treating people fairly. They only reward the “best” attendees and there’s no consideration for those who struggle to get to school on time, for whatever reason. Once you drop from “perfect” what’s the point of trying?”
The school reward system has been completely overhauled this year in order to address this point. Each week reward chances reset, and students are rewarded by their behaviour weekly, rather than by a half-term, term or year. 100% attendance for just one week ensures that students are entered into all prize draws. Any further 100% weeks after that means that they simply receive extra entries into the draw.
“Anxiety and school avoidance are an issue for my children.”
Please reach out to the attendance team for support with this. In addition, we do run a drop in session every fortnight at Clifton Explore, which you are very welcome to attend. We can support with any concerns you may have, here, and speak in a calm, neutral and informal environment.
“The school is relatively unapproachable.”
We are very sorry to hear you feel this way. Please know that you are welcome to call at any time, email, visit the site, or attend one of our fortnightly drop in sessions at Clifton Explore (Thursdays from 1000-1100).
If this does not suit your working hours, please attend one of our half-termly after school sessions with Mr Donaldson and Mr Orr. These are held on Mondays from 1800-2000 in the school library. Dates will be announced on the website before the next meeting.
“I think especially for teenage girls the school policy of not letting children go to the toilet during lessons is degrading and cruel. Stopping all students because of a small minority who misbehave is bad management.”
There appears to be misinformation spread, here. We can assure you that there is no policy that prevents students from attending the toilet during lessons, and students are permitted to do so. Students have their planners signed to excuse them from lessons to attend the toilets, and others make use of toilet passes if medical conditions require them.
“There is also still too much bullying and poor behaviour that is not tackled and teachers that overlook it.”
Instances of bullying are all dealt with both swiftly and firmly. Reports of such incidents are very low, and students (via overwhelmingly positive student voice) report feeling comfortable and safe within school. If you have any specific concerns, please contact the school as soon as possible.
Why do students need to show their planners at the gate?
The purpose of this process is to ensure that all students arrive at the school prepared and ready to engage in their learning from the very start of the day. Checking planners at the gate allows us to address any issues promptly, ensuring a smooth transition into tutor and avoiding disruption later. Tutor time is an essential part of the school day and is treated as an additional period of engagement, education, and enrichment. This time is structured to support students’ personal development, well-being, and academic growth. Using tutor time to check planners would divert attention from these activities and reduce the time available for meaningful interactions and support.
Why is the library not used for books in library lessons?
The school library is used for reading books by all students, who can exchange their reading books during any social time, or during a set session in tutor time. In English reading lessons, students now complete reading online so that real time feedback on their progress can be gathered and shared with staff. We have a keen team of student librarians who will assist with this, as well as host cultural enrichment experiences throughout the year, for example: Chinese New Year, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Easter!
“I love that the teachers know all the pupils by name, and probably know the majority of parents too. They all seem to genuinely love the school and want to make it a success. I always feel welcomed.”
Parent Survey