Organisation

Collective Worship

Daily collective worship is arranged for learners of all ages in the school. In Years 7-11 each learner has two assemblies per week with the year group and two Tutor periods in the form room. These include appropriate time for reflection and prayer.

Lunches and Healthy School Status

Lunchtime is divided into three sittings each day. First lunch every day is generally reserved for Year 7 only. This reduces queues and provides a calm atmosphere conducive to learning both during and after the lunch period. There are two dining areas:

• Barrow Hall Theatre: a full range of hot meals and supplementary drinks and snacks.
• Library Court: a selection of sandwiches, fresh baguettes, jacket potatoes and pasta.

We have Healthy School status and our catering provides high quality and nutritious options. We actively encourage our learners to make healthy choices, not only for the long term health benefits but also to help them with their concentration levels in lessons during the school day.

Punctuality

Registration takes place in form rooms at 8.25am . After this time a learner will be marked late in the class register and on School Reports. Arrival after 9.00am legally is recorded as an unauthorised absence unless there are legitimate reasons provided by parents.

Medical & Dental Appointments

We would ask parents to make these outside school hours. Where they are unavoidable, we ask for a dated, signed note in advance. The learner must sign out at the school office before leaving the premises, and sign in again on return.

Holidays During Term

We are unable to authorise holidays taken during term time. In very exceptional circumstances (such as parent's place of work on annual close down) the Governors may give authorisation, however, a request must be sent well in advance of any booking.

School Uniform

School uniform is to be worn correctly and smartly by all learners in Years 7 to 11.

PE Kit

PE kit may only be obtained from the School Uniform Supplier. Order forms are available from the school office. All items of school clothing must be clearly marked with the learner's name.

Equipment

Apart from school uniform, the following items of equipment are considered to be essential:

• A school bag for exercise books, text books and A4 size folders
• Pencil case: pen, pencil, rubber, sharpener, ruler, compass, protractor and a set of coloured pencils
• A calculator (correct type available from the school library)

Personal Belongings

Each learner has access to a locker for their personal effects. Expensive personal belongings should NEVER be brought to school. The school cannot accept responsibility for such items including mobile phones and personal music players.

Visiting the School

We organise two specific events in the autumn term for prospective parents: The Open Evening provides an opportunity for visitors to see the school buildings and facilities, displays on all the subjects and extra-curricular activities offered, as well as learners at work on specimen activities. All members of staff are present around the school to answer any visitors questions.

The Open Days give visitors the opportunity to join a guided tour around the school at work. Alternatively, parents considering applying for a place at the school are welcome to visit at any time by appointment through the school office.

Admission Procedures

Admissions to the start of Year 7 are handled by Warrington Borough Council Children's Services, and the school has no part in the process. Parents with children in the final year of Primary School will receive a form on which they can express a preference for a High School. An accompanying booklet outlines the criteria used by the Local Authority in the allocation of places.

For the Year 7 intake places are regularly oversubscribed by learners from our Partner Primary Schools alone. For admission to other year groups in the school we occasionally have places and parents should contact the school office.