Abbey Grange is a very successful secondary school which became an academy in 2011, and a founder member of Abbey Multi Academy Trust in 2014. Our students come from all over the city to receive an education in which we all work together to stretch them academically, support them pastorally and help them develop socially and spiritually. Within our safe, caring and Christian environment we continually strive for excellence so that we prepare students not only for success whilst at school but sustain them in life after school. Our students flourish in an environment which is welcoming, caring, calm, disciplined, inspiring and purposeful.

The greatest strength of the academy is our focus on quality teaching and our commitment to the learner, which enables excellent achievement at all levels. This is supported by an outstanding pastoral system that is rooted in mutually respectful relationships. Our dedicated and forward-thinking staff focus on challenging and inspiring students and, at the same time, recognise each child as unique and special.

We have high expectations of all our students and aim to equip them with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence they need to achieve success; develop a life-long love for learning; and, be motivated and stimulated by the world around them so that they can have a positive impact on their own life and the lives of others.

We work as active partners with primary and secondary schools both formally, as part of Abbey Multi Academy Trust, and informally, collaborating with partners as diverse as Universities, local and national business, the Diocese, international schools and, of course, our local community. Together we work to develop and share good practice and resources so that we can ensure all our learners develop their active contributions to society both locally and internationally to enhance opportunities for lifelong learning.

Our Years 7 and 8 students follow the innovative International Middle Years Curriculum, which links subject-based learning around common themes, in order that they can make links and connections across their lessons. This process is strongly aided by the development of digital learning, in particular the use of Apple iPads to enhance learning both inside and outside the classroom. Over a period of 5 years, we have ensured that all Year 7 to 11 students have access to an academy iPad both at school and at home.

We remain committed to students receiving a rounded education, including academic success and social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. Academically we have very strong exam results at both GCSE and A-level, with progress and attainment levels well above the national average. Beyond that we aim to provide students with as many development opportunities as possible; we have a team of students fundraising for a visit to Ethiopia to help organise and compete in the Great Ethiopian Run; we offer the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme at Bronze and Silver level; our Year 8, 9 and 10 students complete the Archbishop’s Young Leaders Award and we continue to develop links with schools in India and China.

I feel very privileged to be Acting Principal of Abbey Grange C of E Academy, and very excited about the future. I welcome you to explore our website or visit the academy where you can discover more about our aim to work in partnership to educate, nurture and empower.

Mr Simon Princep

Principal

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