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Achieving Excellence

A Warm Welcome to our Academy At Harris Academy Benfleet, we have the determination and belief that every student can and will succeed. This is what drives us and through an ambitious, inclusive, high-quality curriculum, comprehensive careers programme and strong PSHE education, we aim to give our students every opportunity to excel. We foster a culture of ‘Achieving Excellence’ guided by the character values of aspiration, respect, resilience and community. This means we support every student individually, empowering them to become positive role models and future leaders. Our student-centered approach ensures every child thrives in our safe and supportive community and is inspired to achieve their personal best.

Working in partnership with our parents and our wider community, we give our young people the opportunities, confidence and skills to be successful. I hope this prospectus gives you a sense of the opportunities on offer at Harris Academy Benfleet and the ambition we have for our students. We warmly invite you to find out more by visiting us to see the fantastic teaching and learning in action, meet our dedicated staff and experience the strong sense of care and community that make our academy so special. Ms S Cox, Principal

Achieving Excellence Together At Harris Academy Benfleet, our culture is built around the values of aspiration, respect, resilience and community, which underpin everything we do. We believe every student can and will succeed, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and inspiring environment where all students are encouraged to achieve excellence together.

We foster aspiration by encouraging students to set ambitious goals, embrace challenge and strive to be the very best version of themselves. Respect is at the heart of our academy, with students learning to value diversity, show kindness and recognise the positive contribution everyone makes to society. Through resilience, students develop the confidence to overcome challenges, learn from setbacks and grow both academically and personally.

Our strong sense of community ensures students feel supported, valued and connected within the academy and the wider world. We encourage all students to contribute positively to academy life and to develop into responsible, confident young people who lead by example. Supported by passionate and dedicated staff, students are empowered to become future leaders, positive role models and successful citizens who are fully prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life.

A flying start to Secondary School We are committed to giving every new student a ‘flying start’ so they settle into our academy community with ease. Our excellent induction programme ensures the move from primary to secondary school is a positive and smooth experience, both for new students and their families. Many of our new Year 7 students will have additional opportunities to visit the academy as part of our extensive primary liaison programme, taking part in science, languages, literacy, numeracy, creative arts, design technology and sport events.

Working in partnership with our parents and our wider community is very important to us. Parents and carers are encouraged to get involved with their child’s education and visit on a regular basis, whether for special events or to hear about their child’s progress.

Our Year 7 team-building trip is a highlight of our students’ first year with us ensuring they begin their journey with confidence, resilience and a strong sense of community. We are proud to be a caring, inclusive and aspirational community where every student is known, valued and supported to succeed and we have high expectations of the way in which our students should behave. Through expert teaching, high expectations and personalised support, students are challenged to think deeply, develop confidence and achieve their very best.

A well-rounded Education Our ambitious curriculum is designed to provide every student with the knowledge, skills and cultural capital needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. Rooted in the National Curriculum, it places a strong emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Languages. We also offer a broad and balanced range of creative, technical and vocational subjects that enrich students’ educational experience and help them discover their strengths and interests. During Year 9, students begin making important decisions about their future pathways through the GCSE options process. For the majority of students, the English Baccalaureate pathway is encouraged to maximise future academic and career opportunities. Throughout this process, students and families are supported by experienced and knowledgeable staff who provide expert guidance, personalised advice and clear information to help every student make informed choices.

In every classroom, we are committed to teaching to the top, creating a culture of high expectations and academic ambition for all. Through expert teaching, careful scaffolding, and targeted support, all students are challenged to think deeply, develop independence and achieve the highest possible outcomes, regardless of their starting point.

“ There is an ambitious curriculum for all.” Ofsted 2024

Beyond the Classroom At Harris Academy Benfleet, enrichment is at the heart of academy life and plays a vital role in how we develop confident, ambitious and well-rounded young people. We believe education should extend beyond the classroom, providing students with experiences that inspire curiosity, build character and foster a strong sense of belonging within our academy community. With over 100 enrichment opportunities available across the year, students are encouraged to explore new interests, develop talents and broaden their horizons. Our extensive programme includes academic, creative, cultural and sporting activities, alongside opportunities for leadership and personal development. Students can participate in clubs such as STEM, Creative Writing, Drama, Music and Art, while also benefiting from a wide range of competitive sporting opportunities, including athletics, football, netball, cricket and trampolining.

Students also take part in exceptional educational visits and cultural experiences, including trips to CERN, the Greenwich Observatory, Naples, Paris and German Christmas markets. Character and leadership are developed through prestigious programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with students able to progress from Bronze through to Gold level in the Sixth Form. Through enrichment, we create opportunities that inspire ambition, develop resilience, and prepare every student for future success.

“ The school provides purposeful careers advice and guidance.” Ofsted 2024

Preparing for the Future We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and aspirational environment where students feel safe, valued and empowered to grow into confident, respectful and resilient young people. Through a carefully planned programme of PSHE, enrichment, leadership opportunities and careers education, students develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to thrive in modern Britain and beyond. Our strong pastoral support ensures that every child is known as an individual and encouraged to make a positive contribution to the academy and wider community.

In line with the Gatsby Benchmarks, students benefit from a comprehensive careers programme that helps them make informed decisions about their future pathways.

This includes encounters with employers, workplace experiences, higher education opportunities and personalised guidance. Students in Year 10 and Year 12 take part in meaningful work experience placements and professional mock interviews, helping them develop confidence, communication skills and an understanding of the world of work. From leadership roles and cultural experiences to enrichment activities and community engagement, we ensure every student is prepared not only for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom.

Ambitious futures start at our Sixth Form Success tomorrow, starts today. Sixth Form Excellence at Harris Academy Benfleet. At Harris Academy Benfleet, our Sixth Form is far more than the final stage of education, it is a launchpad for ambitious young people ready to shape their future. As integral members of our school community, Sixth Form students are role models who embody the values, professionalism and ambition that define our academy. Through business dress expectations, greater independence and a culture built on mutual respect, students are prepared for the demands of university, apprenticeships and the modern workplace. Our exceptional learning environment combines expert teaching, academic challenge and personalised support to ensure every student thrives. Whether following academic or vocational pathways, students benefit from a curriculum designed to open doors and maximise opportunity.

Beyond the classroom, students develop confidence and character through leadership opportunities, enrichment, wider experiences and tailored guidance for their next steps. From university destinations and higher apprenticeships to careers in competitive industries, our students leave equipped with the knowledge, resilience and professionalism to succeed. At Harris Academy Benfleet, Sixth Form is not simply about achieving excellent results, it is about growing into the person you are truly capable of becoming.

Being a part of something bigger The Harris Federation is a not-for-profit charity with 59 academies in London and Essex. The founder and Chairman of the Harris Federation is Lord Harris of Peckham. His vision of delivering happy and successful education is brought to life by an excellent team of teachers and leaders. The Federation regularly tops academic studies and national league tables measuring progress and performance. Almost all Harris secondary academies achieve the highest ratings from Ofsted.

Harris secondary academies are known for combining traditional standards of manners, discipline and uniform with the best of modern teaching and technology. Across the academies, there are around four applications from parents for every place available. In addition to running schools, the Harris Federation provides high-quality training and professional development for teachers throughout this part of England.

Apply for a Place There are 270 places in Year 7 every September and applications are made through the Essex Local Authority coordinated admission’s process.

We welcome all students and make sure the correct support is put in place to ensure a ‘flying start’ to their time at the academy. If you are interested in a place, please come to one of our Open Events. We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and showing you what makes our academy such a special place. Our full admissions policy – together with the dates of our Open Events – are set out on our website.

Croft Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 5RN t. 01268 794215 e. info@harrisbenfleet.org.uk