Abbey
Infant & Junior School Gate College
An Introduction to Our Community
INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS
A Warm Welcome
Mrs Hickey
Head of the Infant and Junior School
Welcome to our College Community.
This information booklet is intended to help you, as new parents, to be aware of and understand some of the day-to-day essentials, regarding life at Abbey Gate College for
Further details are on our website and Parent Portal and, please, never hesitate to ask us directly if you are unsure of anything or simply want to know more!
We trust that your child will settle quickly in our College and we look forward to working with you in the coming years, as your child grows and develops under our shared guidance and care.
We hope you will find this booklet helpful.
With kind regards
Absence
Academic Progress
Arrival & Departure
Assemblies & Tutor Time
Bag Storage, Lockers & Valuables
Bicycles
Buses
Calculators
Calendar
Classroom Essentials
Co-Curricular
Curriculum
Daily Timings
Data Protection
Financial Matters
Food & Drink
Homework
Learning Enrichment
Houses
Library Lost Property
Medical Matters
Mobile Devices/Mobile Phones
Music Tuition
Online Safety
Parents’ Teachers’ Association (PTA)
Pastoral Care
Prefects
Rules & Code of Conduct
Safeguarding/Child Protection
Safety in Sport
Service
Speech & Drama
Term Dates
Trips and Visits
Uniform
Wellbeing
OUR GOVERNANCE
The Board of Governors at the College is a highly committed and hard working group who give their time freely to support the leadership team in delivery of the key initiatives outlined in the College’s strategic vision.
We still have on the Board a number of the founding governors and parents who took on the task of setting up the College over 40 years ago, and continue to support it to this day.
FOUNDATION GOVERNORS
Governors who have served not less than 25 years may be offered the position of Foundation Governors. They are entitled to attend, but not vote at, Governor’s meetings and do not have the legal responsibilities of Governors.
All correspondence for the Chairman of Governors (Mr Andrew Grime) should be sent to the following address:
Abbey Gate College
Saighton Grange
Saighton
Chester CH3 6EN
Tel: 01244 332 077
Email: clerktogovernors@abbeygatecollege.co.uk
WHAT ARE THE GOVERNING BODY SUB-COMMITTEES?
Abbey Gate College has the following sub-committees:
a) Education
b) Finance
c) Promotions
d) Wellbeing
e) Estates
HOW ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNORS INVOLVED IN THE SCHOOL?
1.There is an annual schedule of full meetings and sub-committee meetings, which include respective reports, updates and discussions of school business and implementation of procedures.
2.Each member has an allocated responsibility for specific regulator y policies, working alongside the College Leadership Team to provide additional support, advice and ratification whenever a policy is reviewed or updated.
MEMBERS OF OUR GOVERNING BODY
Andrew Grime
Paul Carter
Chair of Governors
Deputy Chair of Governors
Deputy Chair of Education Committee
Brian Wake Company Secretary
Estates and Compliance Committee
Vanessa Brodie
James Brown
James Goddard
Gareth Lee
Damian Stenhouse
Emma Bunting
Tim Stanley
Lynne Horner
Chair of Wellbeing Committee
Safeguarding Governor, EYFS Governor
Chair of Finance Committee
Deputy Chair of Wellbeing Committee
EDI, Careers and GDPR Governor
Chair of Estates Committee
Chair of Promotions Committee
Chair of Education Committee
ECT, SEND and MAGaT Governor
Finance Committee Member
Finance and Bursaries Committee Member
Promotions and Communities Committee Member
PSHE and RSE Governor
Promotions Committee Member
Canon Rosie Woodall Wellbeing Committee Member
Derek Bunting
Noel Dutton
Jane Robinson
Key:
Foundation Governor
Finance and Bursaries Committee Member
Foundation Governor
Estates and Compliance Committee Member
Foundation Governor
Estates and Compliance Committee Member
ECT: Early Career Teacher
EDI: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
EYFS: Early Years Foundation Stage
GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation
MAGaT: More Able, Gifted and Talented
PSHE: Personal, Social and Health Education
RSE: Relationships and Sex Education
SEND: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
MISSION
MISSION AND AIMS
We are committed, within our safe and caring community, that each one of our pupils will become the best that they can be, and have the self-belief to go forward into this changeable world with courage and with compassion.
AIMS
We pursue our whole College mission, guided by three defining and aspirational aims: SELF, SERVICE AND SUSTAINABILITY
SELF
Each pupil cares for their mental and physical wellbeing; learns and achieves to their individual potential; and is content, comfortable and confident to be who they are in our diverse and inclusive College.
SERVICE
Each pupil makes a positive difference to the lives of others in our College, as well as in our local and in wider, global communities.
SUSTAINABILITY
Each pupil contributes towards preserving and protecting the planet we all inherit and share, and has the opportunity to be creative and innovative; to help further humanity’s progress in the future.
COMMUNICATION
We believe that the education of all our students is the shared responsibility of our students, their parents and our staff. We hope that you will never hesitate to contact us on any matter concerning your child’s work or welfare, and we shall make every effort to keep you informed about your child’s progress as well as life at our busy school.
IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT US
In the first instance the first point of contact should be the Form Tutor of your child.
1.By Email: If you wish to contact a member of our staff, please email into infantjunioradmin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk marking who the message is for and our Admin team will forward this on to them. We would ask all parents to respect, however, that staff will only respond to emails during professional hours of work. We would also ask parents not to use email if you wish to raise any concerns; we would much prefer to talk with you in person and would again encourage you to contact your child’s class teacher
2.By Telephone: Our Office is open during term time from 08.00 until 17.00 on 01244 332077, press 2 for IJS; someone will take your call and try to help.
IF WE WISH TO CONTACT YOU
1.By Telephone: please ensure that we always have correct contact numbers, including for emergency contact. Please let us know immediately if any details need updating.
2.By Email: almost all school letters and other information are sent to you electronically (with a summary bulletin sent every Friday). Please check your email account on a regular basis and let us know if you are not receiving anything or if we need to update your email address.
3.By text: occasional, urgent messages are sent by SMS only, or by SMS and email. Again, please do let us know if your mobile device number changes at any time, so that the details we hold are always correct.
COME IN AND TALK WITH US
Notwithstanding all the alternative options, our preferred way to communicate with you is in person. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to arrange a meeting with one of us to discuss the matter, and we shall do our best to help.
PARENT PORTALS
iSAMS Parent Portal enables you to log on securely via the iSAMS app or the internet. Within this portal you will be able to see up-to-date information about your child (or children) and also be kept informed of relevant school information that we hope you will find useful.
Using the portal, you will be able to see your child’s:
• Timetable
• Attendance
• Academic reports for download
• Term and event dates
• Fee Invoices
Parents will be able to use the iSAMS Parent portal to make absence requests for dental and medical appointments, update contact information, and to update consents, for example for medication and use of your child's photograph. You can also view the medical information that we hold for your child. Around the time your child joins us, you will be sent your login details.
Firefly VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) enables you to log on securely to access your child’s scheduled homework, along with a storage hub of messages from the school relevent to your child. Out-of-hour care and Parents’ Evening bookings are also made through the VLE.
Details about how to set up the VLE can be found by following this link.
If you encounter any technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact us.
WEBSITE: abbeygatecollege.co.uk
Our website is updated with all the daily news and stories about life in our busy school. It also has a lot of other information, which we hope you will find helpful. For example, in our Useful Links section, you will find access to a selection of some key policies, including:
Admissions Policy
Academic Performance Statement
Anti Bullying Policy
Attendance Policy
Behaviour Policy
Bursary Policy
Careers Policy
Complaints Policy
Curriculum Policy
Employers Liability Insurance
Exclusion Policy
First Aid Policy
Health and Safety Policy
More Able, Gifted and Talented Policy
Online Safety Policy (incl. Pupil Acceptable Use)
Privacy Notice
Provision of Information
PSHE and RSE Policy
Safeguarding Policy
Smart Technology Policy
Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Policy
Vision, Mission and Aims Statement
The website also has links to our school’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Academic Progress
At Abbey Gate College, we take great care to monitor each pupil’s academic progress and personal development. Teachers assess pupils throughout the year using a range of information, including classwork, homework, and both formal and informal assesments. This allows us to identify strengths, support areas for improvement, and ensure that every pupil is working towards their individual potential.
Pupils also complete baseline or diagnostic assessments at key points during their school journey, including aptitude tests and subject-specific tasks. These help teachers tailor their approach and monitor progress effectively across all year groups.
High-quality feedback is an essential part of our teaching and learning approach. Pupils are given regular, purposeful feedback to help them reflect on their work and improve it. They are expected to act on this feedback through dedicated time in lessons or as part of their homework, in line with our whole-college “Progress and Response” model.
You will receive three reports on your child’s progress across the academic year:
• Two Progress Records, which include attainment and attitude to learning grades
• One Full Written Report, which also includes written comments.
In addition to written reports, we offer two formal in-person meetings for parents. At the start of the year, there is an individual opportunity to meet the teacher and this is followed up in the spring term with a more formal Parents’ Evening, offering the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with subject teachers. Where needed, the College may contact you at any point in the year to share concerns or celebrate achievement.
Come In And Talk With Us - if you wish to speak to us at any time, please call the office and request an appointment. We are always happy to help and support.
Arrival & Departure
We operate an unofficial one-way system in the village at drop off and pick up to help with traffic flow.
We ask that you enter the village via Green Lake Lane and turn right along School Lane. Then please leave along School Lane bearing right onto Church Lane.
Please ensure you park safely and respectfully, keeping to the school side of the road. Please avoid blocking any access to houses, including pedestrian gates and ensure that other vehicles, including farm machinery and the school shuttle bus, can pass and turn onto School Lane. Please also leave turning space opposite driveways to allow residents exit their properties safely and do not park on the yellow lines outside of the school. We encourage the use of the village carpark.
There is a speed limit of 20mph throughout the village, and it is important that this is adhered to please.
Thank you in advance.
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
A member of staff will be on duty at the main entrance from 8.30am to meet the children so parents who do not wish their child to walk to the pavilion unsupervised should drop off after 8.30am please. Breakfast club at the Infant and Junior School is also available for early drop off and we will ensure the children are taken to the Senior School in time for registration.
The pupils will be taken back to the Infant and Junior School at 12.15pm in time for lunch and will have their afternoon lessons at the Aldford site.
The children should be collected from the Infant and Junior School as normal, and the evening shuttle bus will run.
Assemblies
All pupils will attend a whole school and Key Stage assembly each week, in addition to regular House Meetings.
Our Key Stage Assemblies link with our PSHE, RSE and RS programme and are led by members of staff and visiting speakers, as appropriate. These gatherings are intended to be accessible to pupils and staff of all faiths, and none, and core themes will often reference a wide range of religious, cultural, and philosophical contexts.
Our Celebration Assembly is a weekly opportunity to celebrate the children and their contributions to Self, Service and Sustainability.
Bag Storage & Valuables
Pupils sometimes have to carry quite a lot of materials and, therefore, should think carefully about what they should bring into school each day.
Bag storage is available for all pupils. Pupils should take special care to look after valuables, such as computers, and the school accepts no liability for any loss or damage to any such personal equipment.
Please note that games kit should be carried separately from schoolbooks in the designated sports bags. Pupils should not bring valuable articles or money to school.
However, when valuables are necessarily brought to school they may be handed into the office for safe keeping.
Bicycles
Due to the nature of the roads surrounding both sites, cycling is not recommended but, if anyone choses to do so, this would be the responsibility of the parent and we can arrange to secure them in a designated area during the day. Parents are asked to note the frame number (usually under the saddle on the upright column) and to insure the bicycles.
The school is not responsible for any damage or loss.
Calendar
The termly calendar for all school events is posted on the College’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Although it is helpful to read this on a regular basis and note key entries, we do send out specific invitations and reminders nearer the time of most events.
Co-Curricular
The co-curricular side of school life, both sporting and cultural, forms an important part of the Abbey Gate College programme.
The Infant and Junior School offer a range of activities that change termly to provide variety for the children. Some of these are run by outside agencies and will incur a charge and some are run by members of our staff. Details are sent out to parents prior to the start of each term, including booking details..
The children have the fabulous opportunity to access our wide range of individual tuition including piano, singing, woodwind, brass, singing and speech and drama.
These take place during school hours and are paid for separately. From time to time, the children have demonstrations from the teachers and may bring home information for your consideration.
We do recommend that parents make sure they are aware of the lessons the children will miss if they are going to attend these lessons and ensure this is balanced alongside the curriculum.
Should you wish to discuss this, or indeed any other matter relating to music at Abbey Gate College, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Andrews, our Head of Music, at admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk and Mrs Faithfull (Speech and Drama) via infantjunioradmin@abbeygatgecollege.co.u.
We organise a number sporting fixtures and other competitions for the children to participate in.
Parents attending events at the Infant and Junior School are asked to report to reception to sign in and adhere to our Code of Conduct at all times.
Copies of the Code of Conduct are available at the reception desk.
Equipment
The children will each receive a communication book on their first day. This provides a communication tool for the children, parents and is used to record reading progress, notes and House Points.
Stationery
The children will require the following equipment (These items should be checked and replenished regularly):
• A pencil case
• HB writing pencils
• Blue pen
• Rubber
• 30cm ruler
• glue stick
• highlighter (preferably yellow)
• scissors
• sharpener
• colouring pencils
Other
Drinks bottle with sports cap (only water is permitted).
Wellington boots that can be left in school.
Please ensure all items of equipment are labelled.
Exercise books are provided as well as access to all textbooks or other resources.
Financial Matters
Should parents wish to discuss any financial matter, they should contact the Finance Department in the first instance as follows:
Mrs A Williams at anna.williams@abbeygatecollege.co.uk
Food & Drink
We are proud of the consistent quality and range of food on offer, all of which is freshly prepared in our own kitchens daily by our dedicated catering staff and managed by Chartwells Independent. College lunch is compulsory for all pupils and lunch fees are added to the termly bills for all parents.
You will be provided with the menu and the children will be able to select their choice at the counter or you can pre-select what you would prefer your child to have. Most dietary requirements can be catered for.
Children have a choice of water or diluted juice at lunchtimes and again, parents can inform us if they prefer their child not to have diluted juice. Pupils should bring a named water bottle with them that they can fill at one of the water stations throughout the day.
The name Abbott derives from Abbott Simon Ripley, who was responsible for building the Gatehouse at Saighton Grange. The name Douglas is derived from the architect John Douglas, who designed houses in Aldford. Finally, the name Talbot is linked the the hunting dog favoured by the Eaton Estate.
The children are placed in a House when they start school by our ‘Sorting Hat’ and are given a House tie and pin badge to wear. Siblings are not necessarily sorted into the same Houses.
Pupils are awarded House Points for good work, effort, co-curricular achievements, being kind and courteous etc, and they are recorded in their Communication Book. House points contribute to the half-termly tally and the winning House of the half-term receives a treat, such as a non-uniform day or cinema afternoon, in recognition of their effort.
Each House is led by a House and Vice-House Captain from Junior 6 and is also responsible for one of our College aims of Self, Service and Sustainability. The ‘Sorting Hat’ also decides this, and the children are given a badge to show their area of responsibility.
The children can earn ‘Class Awards’ each week. These are awarded for whole class efforts and achievements to develop a sense of group pride, belonging and responsibility. The class with the most awards takes ‘Buddy’ to their class for the week and has an extra 10 minutes break one afternoon.
Individually, each child has a turn at being ‘Pupil in the spotlight’. A pupil is selected at random and the children in the class share all their positive thoughts about the child. These are recorded on a certificate for the children to take home.
Learning Enrichment
We have a highly qualified and experienced Learning Enrichment Department, and our Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Policy is available through the school website. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs L Hornby our Head of Learning Enrichment, at admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk
Library
The School library is open Monday to Friday and the children are able to borrow from a wide range of texts.
DOUGLAS
ABBOT
TALBOT
Lost Property
All losses should be reported immediately to the Class Teacher. Pupils should ask at Reception if they have misplaced any particular item, in the first instance. We strongly recommend that all items are clearly named.
MAGaT
We recognise that all pupils are individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, gifts and talents. Excellence in all areas is encouraged and celebrated throughout all pupils’ school careers, whilst developing and supporting their future beyond our College. Provision for any individual pupils who are identified as more able, gifted and talented is an integral part of the personalised approach to teaching and learning in every lesson at Abbey Gate College, while also providing specific pastoral support and intellectual extension as appropriate and applicable.
Medical Matters
At the Infant and Junior School most of our staff have basic first aid training and a number are trained pediatric first aiders.
If there is anything that relates to your child’s medical wellbeing, about which you think we should be aware, please do tell us.
If your child feels unwell at school, they are asked to go to the Medical Room or to Reception where a member of staff will assess them and take any necessary action. Any first aid administered will be recorded and parents are informed if necessary at the end of the school day. Should an incident be more serious in nature, we will contact you immediately and take appropriate action. Please ensure we are informed of any telephone number changes.
As a school, we are bound by strict regulatory procedures regarding medicines, in order to minimise the risk. It is also our legal duty to ensure as much as possible that any medication on the school site is kept securely. Our policy sets out clearly how medication can be administered during the school day, and there is due procedure to be followed for the protection of both staff and pupils. We would appreciate your support in adhering to our policy.
If your child requires any medicine to be administered at school, we will require it to be handed in at reception and a consent form to be completed. Infant and Junior School pupils are not permitted to carry any medicines unless it has been agreed by the school.
There are rare occasions where we ask that a child remains absent from school until they are clear of symptoms or complete a course of medication. Vomiting and diarrhea, for example, requires the child to remain at home for 48 hours from the last episode. Sometimes young children require a change of clothes, and we ask that parents of infant children ensure they have a fresh set that can remain in school. We do have a small stock of clean items, and we request that you please return any borrowed clothing so it is available for another child if required.
Mobile Devices/Mobile Phones
The College is a "Phone-Free" school. Further details of our approach, expectations, and guidance in relation to pupils’ ownership and use of smart devices are in our 'Smart Technology' policy, which was co-written with parents, as well as our 'Behaviour', 'Acceptable Use', and 'Online Safety' policies.
It is our preference that pupils at the Infant and Junior School do not bring mobile phones into school. If one is needed due to travelling on school transport, this must be a basic phone as outlined in our policy. The phone must be switched off on entry into school, handed in at reception and collected at the end of the day.
We would ask for your support and understanding in this, by not trying to ring, text or otherwise contact your child at school through their mobile phone; if you wish to communicate with your child, please contact Reception, who will pass on any message.
Online Safety
We all share the responsibility for ensuring that your child learns how to use the Internet safely and sensibly. Advice and guidance on this are incorporated into our PSHE curricula and the school’s Acceptable Usage policy; further information will also be given to all parents during their child’s school career.
However, in the first instance we would strongly advise that your child does not have unsupervised Internet access at home; the recommendation is for Internet access to be from a computer in a family room, which enables reasonable supervision of how the Internet is being used by your child.
It is also worth bearing in mind the following regarding social networking:
Pupils should not:
• have social media accounts before the age specified by the particular company.
• give out personal details to friends online. Personal information includes their messenger ID, email address, mobile number and any pictures of you, your family or friends.
• open files that are from people they do not know. They will not know what they contain – it could be a virus, or worse – an inappropriate image or film.
• believe, reply to, or use SPAM/ Junk email and texts.
Pupils should realise that:
• if they publish a picture or video online – anyone can change it or share it.
• some people lie online, both about who they are and what they believe to be the truth
• it is better to keep online friends online. They must not meet up with anyone they ‘meet’ online.
• it is never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable.
• there are people who can help. Pupils can talk to someone in school, their parents or report their concerns online at www.ceop.gov.uk or the AKS help button on the website.
**SEE
Out of Hours Care
• Breakfast Club
Breakfast club runs from 7.45am until 8.30am and is booked in 15-minute slots for flexibility. The sessions are 7.45am – 8.00am, 8.00am – 8.15am and 8.15am – 8.30am and each session costs £1.80.
The children have the options of toast with a variety of spreads, cereal, fruit or yogurt and a drink.
This is booked using our online booking system.
Children can be dropped off free of charge from 8.30am.
• After School Care
If you are unable to pick up your child at 3.30pm we will supervise the children free of charge until 4.00pm. Children are expected to sit quietly and read their reading book or complete any homework. Please report to the office to collect your child.
From 4.00pm until 6.00pm, we also have After School Care. This is a paid facility and, as with Breakfast Club, is booked in slots to give parents flexibility. 15-minute slot costs £1.80. Please note that 15 minute slots are unavailable after 4.30pm.
Children attending until 5pm will be given a small snack and drink and children booked into from 5pm will also be provided with a sandwich.
Parents, Teachers and Association (PTA) and Year Group Representatives
The PTA exists to enable parents to meet socially, build our community and to provide valuable financial support for our school.
Membership of the PTA is open to all current parents and staff in Abbey Gate College and they entitled to join in and attend all events. The Committee welcomes new members, with the only requirement being some of your time and lots of enthusiasm!
PTA meetings are held regularly throughout the year. Dates of all meetings and social events appear in the school calendar and on the PTA page under the About Us tab of our website.
The Infant and Junior School also has Parent Representatives for each class to act as a point of contact in addition to the work of the PTA.
If you are interested in joining the PTA or representing your child’s class, please contact the office on infantjunioradmin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk
Pupil responsibilities
All our Junior 6 pupils have roles and responsibilities including House Captains, Junior Safety Officers, Sports and music ambassadors and Eco monitors to name a few. House and Vice House Captains are elected by their Houses and other positions are applied for.
Every class has 3 representatives, one from each House and are elected by their classes. They represent their class and House at Pupil Parliament meetings and report back to their classes.
Rules & Code Of Conduct
The School Code of Conduct is there to ensure that we have an orderly and courteous community in which our students can thrive.
Further guidance is given in the Rules, Rewards & Sanctions handbook, as well as in our Behaviour and Exclusions Policies, which are available on our website in the Policies section.
**SEE OUR COLLEGE CODE OF CONDUCT INFOGRAPHIC AT THE END OF THIS BOOKLET**
Safeguarding/Child Protection
The school’s approach to the care of our children is intended to ensure that they feel safe, that they are able to talk, and that they feel that they will be heard.
The RSE and PSHE curriculum plays a crucial role in this process. Although this formal curriculum is important, the culture of the school, and the positive relationships formed between children and teachers all enhance our overall level of care and increase the likelihood that our children will feel able to confide in us, and that we will be aware of any causes for concern.
Our day-to-day contact with the children means that we are well placed to observe any child protection issues.
The Children Act (1989) requires that all school staff pass on to The Head and/or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from non-accidental injury, neglect, emotional or sexual abuse. The school will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with parents and, where possible, seek their consent for any referral to the Social Services Department.
However, this can only be done where such discussion and seeking of agreement will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm.
In all such matters, the school is bound by, and willingly complies with, its legal obligations and, with regard to the above, the school follows the procedures set out in our Safeguarding Policy, which is available on the school website.
All members of staff, including volunteers, are DBS cleared to Enhanced Level.
Safety in Sport
Your child may be participating in activities at Abbey Gate College for which it is strongly advisable to wear a mouth guard. Furthermore, the governing bodies of rugby and hockey strongly recommend the wearing of custom fitting mouth guards, made to a specific standard by a dental surgeon. The school policy is to follow these guidelines and the PE staff will notify you if a guard is required.
The self-mouldable mouth guards that are available in most sports shops no longer meet the minimum standard required and do not hold the ‘CE’ mark of approval. Sub-standard mouth guards not only fail to provide adequate protection for your child, but are potentially dangerous as they can be easily dislodged and in extreme cases can cause choking.
If you require further information please contact our PE coordinator at: infantjunioradmin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk
Shin pads for participation in football and hockey are also a mandatory item of protective equipment.
Service
Through our House system, every year the College nominates and fund-raises for local charities, as well as supporting larger national events.
A range of events takes place throughout the year and pupils are encouraged to get involved and take the lead in all fundraising activities.
Abbey Gate College also has a long-running partnership and service project with the Mlindzini community in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). We have been working with the Mlindzini High School and its two feeder primary schools since 2013.
Term Dates
Term dates for the academic year can be found on the College’s website under School Life, Term Dates.
Trips and Visits
We offer a wide range of trips and visits, many of which are part of the Curricular and Co-curricular Programme.
These range from local trips to residential overseas trips.
Information on trips will be sent to you as appropriate and payment is made via a portal called ParentPay.
Uniform
We place great importance on personal appearance and expect all pupils to adhere to the school dress regulations. Our uniform requirements are outlined below. Please note that all items of clothing, including games kit, must be clearly and indelibly marked with the owner’s name.
Our designated supplier is Schoolblazer: schoolblazer.co.uk and pre-loved uniform can be purchased directly from the school shop.
Uniform - Winter
• Blazer with College Crest – Designated School Uniform Supplier
• Black trousers (Tailored trousers of a formal style i.e., regular or tailored fit, worn at waist height and touching the shoe) – commercially available or Designated School Uniform Supplier Styles not suitable are skinny fit and leggings/jeggings or any made of jersey fabric
• Black skirt (Permanent or box pleat commercially available or kilt from Designated School Uniform Supplier – Length: on the knee) Skirts should not be made of jersey fabric.
• White collared long/short sleeved shirt - commercially available or Designated School Uniform Supplier
• School Tie – House colours (first tie is issued from the College)
• Grey cardigan or jumper with College Crest – Designated School Uniform Supplier
• Black shoes (Formal style, polishable, flat heeled)
• Green knee-length socks/green tights worn with skirt
• Black socks worn with trousers
• Navy regulation coat with College Crest – Designated School Uniform Supplier
• Knitted Hat and Scarf with College Crest (optional) – available through College (Plain bottle green or navy blue wool hat is also permitted)
Uniform – Summer
• Black knee length shorts (tailored fit, no side pockets and not made of jersey fabric) – commercially available or Designated School Uniform Supplier
• White collared long/short sleeved shirt – commercially available or Designated School Uniform
• School Tie – House colours (first tie is issued from the College)
• Green and white striped dress – Designated School Uniform Supplier
• Grey cardigan or jumper with College Crest – Designated School Uniform Supplier
• Black shoes (Formal style, polishable, flat heeled)
• White knee length or ankle socks worn with dress
• Black ankle socks worn with shorts
• Thin green coat with College Crest (optional) – Designated School Uniform Supplier
• Legionnaire style hat (optional and available through College) or wide brim hat that is bottle green or navy blue in colour
Other – Pupils will be informed if they are required in September
• Pair of football boots and shinpads (Junior pupils who play football)
• Boot/Trainer bag
• Rugby shirt with College logo (Junior pupils who play rugby) – Designated School Uniform Supplier
• Swimming costume (full) or trunks and cap (pupil’s own) – I2, J3 and J4 pupils
• Gum shield may be requested (see Sport Safety section for more information)
Wellbeing
At Abbey Gate College, wellbeing is a way of being – a context for who we are and how we are. Pupils in our ‘Self’ House work alongside us, as teachers and leaders, in developing our understanding and practice in relation to wellbeing.
The beautiful, natural surroundings of both our sites, together with the historic buildings, and general sense of calm and community – all contribute to our daily perspectives and mindsets. Additionally, we organise specific events and sessions, which raise further awareness and also enable our pupils to have some fun and enjoy each others’ company in activities beyond the classroom.
Uphold
We
MISSION AND AIMS
Learning with Courage and Compassion MISSION
SELF
Each
Respect
SUSTAINABILITY
Each