Learning and achieving together is at the heart of all our work at Albany School. We are committed to success for all and believe that a structured, supportive, caring environment enables all members of the school community to achieve their best. We have high expectations of our pupils in respect to work, behaviour and attendance and believe that an effective partnership between school and home is the best way to ensure our pupils achieve their best. The school’s Code of Conduct is based upon mutual respect.

All pupils follow the national curriculum at Key Stage 3. At Key Stage 4 our pupils chose from a wide range of academic and vocational GCSE courses. In the Sixth Form pupils follow A level, vocational A level and BTEC courses or a combination of these, through tailor made programmes. Most Sixth Form students move onto university. We recognise the different needs of our pupils and have specialist staff to support them. A member of staff is responsible for pupils who have been identified as Gifted and Talented in order that they achieve their full potential whilst at Albany. Early entry for GCSE is encouraged in maths and languages. The Learning Support Department develops support programmes to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs or English as an additional language. We believe that homework is important for academic success and is regularly set for each year group. Regular feedback is given to pupils on what they need to do to improve their work. All pupils are issued with a planner to help them organise their study and to provides an important means of communication between home and school.

We believe it is important to give pupils opportunities to take on responsibilities within the school. The school council meets regularly and influences developments within the school. All pupils are able to contribute to the school council through form and year group council. All pupils are encouraged to take an active role in the life of the school through our extended school programme of homework, study support, ICT, performing arts and sporting activities. A wide range of day and residential trips in the UK and abroad are organised.

At Albany we believe it important to recognise achievement. We encourage pupils to work to the best of their ability. Throughout the year pupils will receive praise for good work through letters home, reward assemblies and reward trips. We hold Presentation Evenings in the summer term to celebrate the successes of the year.

We value the contribution made by all our parents to the school. Three Academic Review Days are held each year. On these days pupils and parents are invited to discuss their child’s progress and targets for improvement. Evening parents’ meetings are also held for each year group. Parents are kept informed of events through the half termly newsletter and are encouraged to contact the school to discuss any issues about their child’s progress. A Learning Co-ordinator and a team of tutors oversee the academic and pastoral development of every pupil in the year group.

A new Business Centre supports our Specialist School development. Recent building projects have included new sports facilities including a flood lit astro-turf pitch, netball and tennis courts, the Sixth Form block and dining room. All subjects are taught in specialist classrooms with many subject areas having their own ICT resources in addition to the eight ICT rooms all with internet access. Many classrooms have interactive white boards and all are linked to our wireless network. There is a well resourced Library complete with additional ICT facilities. The Library is open out of school hours with Breakfast Club running from 7.30am and after school study until 5.00pm. We are proud of our facilities and believe the working environment is important for our pupils to learn effectively.