Vertical Tutoring and the Academy Colleges

Since September 2009, the Academy has been organised into 5 Colleges, each named after one of the top Universities in the UK. At the same time, we are introduced a system of Vertical Tutoring. This change was designed to place students and their learning relationships at the heart of everything we do.
 
When we introduced Vertical Tutoring, we also reduced the size of tutor groups to a maximum of 16. Each tutor group belongs to one of our Colleges, and includes students from Years 7 – 11. Tutor groups meet their tutor for around 30 minutes each day. Sixth Form tutor groups are also be part of a college.

Tutors do not teach PSHE as such but seek to facilitate 'learning relationships' and increased maturity. The tutor groups meet during the day rather than at the start and finish of the school day and for good reason! Tutors are then better enabled to be responsible for the academic and pastoral needs of students. Students have two assemblies each week – one is a College Assembly, and the other is led by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Every so often, tutors take a small group of students out of assembly to discuss their learning and progress.

For students, Vertical Tutoring provides massive leadership opportunities, mentoring opportunities and citizenship opportunities.