Latest News

Dear Parents/Carers

As always, I would like to thank you for the support you have extended the Academy.  Over the last week I made the difficult decision to close the Academy to certain year groups in blocks of 3 days. This meant that students were working from home and engaging in live lessons via Microsoft Teams. As with anything of this complexity, we were not without our hiccups and bugs in the system, but with the support of families we were able to ensure the continued education of our young people, even though they were not physically in the Academy building.

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COVID-19 Update

I am pleased to announce that on Tuesday 24^th November the Academy will be fully open to all year groups across all phases.  The staff and I look forward to having all students back on site and working hard to achieve their aspirations.

I would also like to remind you that all letters relating to any COVID related matter are stored on our website: https://www.harrisgarrard.org.uk/2981/covid-19-updates-for-parents

If your child is self-isolating because of close contact at the Academy, we will now be sending a text the day before they are due to return to give you peace of mind in following the dates and the guidance from Public Health England.

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Uniform and the winter months

We have all noticed the falling temperatures and I know I have had to increasingly layer up for my gate duty each morning and evening. I would like to remind you and students of the expectations with respect to uniform. We expect the highest standard of uniform at all times at the Academy and expect students to arrive to the Academy fully dressed in all uniform items. With regards to outerwear;

• Coats should not be patterned and only in colours blue, black or grey.
• Winter hats are allowed, but must be plain blue, black or grey only. Caps are not permitted.
• Scarves are also allowed, but must be plain blue, black or grey. Pashminas/oversized scarves are not permitted.

No outerwear should be worn inside the building at any time. 

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Year 11 and 13 Mock exams

First and foremost, an enormous “WELL DONE” to all our Year 11 students. Over the past two weeks, Year 11 have been undertaking their first set of mock examinations. It has been great to see how well the students have risen to the challenge, and we are sure that all their hard work in preparation for these exams will be evident when they receive their results in the coming weeks. Year 13 exams have started this week and will continue into next. I wish all Year 13 students the best in these most important exams, as they continue to strive for their university and apprenticeship places.

As always please remain safe during these uncertain times and if there is anything, we can do to support, please do not hesitate to contact the Academy.

Yours faithfully

Steve West

Head of Academy