Curiosity, Aspiration & Success
A Warm Welcome to our Academy Harris Academy Billericay is a vibrant community of nearly 1,700 students, including a thriving and oversubscribed Sixth Form. As members of the Harris Federation, we blend rigorous academic standards with genuine pastoral care and inspiring experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Our vision is simple: to continue developing Harris Academy Billericay as a centre of excellence where every child receives a first-class education and develops the knowledge, character and confidence to lead a happy and successful life. We strongly believe that school should be a place where your child feels truly valued while making lifelong friends, discovering new talents and developing a strong sense of self. We are incredibly proud of our polite and thoughtful students, expert staff and strong partnerships with families.
We recognise that all of us working together is essential and our community is united by the motto Caring About Success. This commitment is reflected through the values that shape academy life, Curiosity, Aspiration and Success through which we foster a love of learning and the confidence and determination to aim high. For us, excellence is not a single moment, but a habit we cultivate in all that we do. I am confident that, when you visit us, you will find a joyful, welcoming environment where learning is celebrated, facilities are outstanding and young people are inspired to become the very best version of themselves.
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Curiosity, Aspiration, Success Everything we do at Harris Academy Billericay is anchored by three core values. They shape academy life, influence our decisions and provide the foundation for the character and success of our students. Curiosity Real learning starts with a question. We encourage our students to challenge assumptions, explore fresh ideas and take a genuine interest in the world around them. Through rich reading, lively debate and expert teaching, students learn to think critically and communicate articulately, finding joy in discovery for its own sake.
Aspiration
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We refuse to set limits on what a child can achieve. Aspiration means knowing that success is within reach and having the determination to chase it, even when things get tough.
We teach our students to embrace challenge and understand that resilience turns ambition into reality. They take pride in their own goals while lifting up those around them.
Success Success for us means achieving excellent outcomes and becoming a knowledgeable, confident, moral and responsible young adult. We celebrate excellent grades and leadership, but we value kindness and community service just as highly. Our goal is for every student to leave our doors ready to thrive in life.
Welcomed from day one Starting secondary school is a significant milestone. It marks the beginning of a new chapter and brings with it both excitement and uncertainty. Our role is to ensure that every child feels welcomed, supported and prepared.
Before Year 7 students join us in September, we work closely with our many feeder primary schools, speaking with staff and gathering detailed information so that we can understand each student’s strengths, interests and individual needs. This helps us ensure that the right support is in place from the very start. For many children, the biggest questions are not about lessons or timetables. They are wondering what their first day will be like. Will they feel comfortable? Will they make friends? Will they know where to go? Through transition events and chances to visit the academy, students become familiar with their new surroundings and begin to feel part of the community before they start. Once students join us, they are supported by form tutors, teachers, pastoral leaders and older students who work together to help them settle quickly. Expectations are clear and routines are well established. Most importantly, students know there is always somebody to turn to if they need help. A successful transition depends on a strong partnership between school and home. By working closely with families and maintaining regular communication, we ensure that every student makes a positive start to life at Harris Academy Billericay.
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A scholarly and ambitious curriculum Our curriculum is built on a simple conviction: young people deserve access to the very best of human thought, creativity and scientific discovery.
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In Years 7 to 9, students explore a broad range of subjects, from the sciences and humanities to mathematics, English, languages, technology, the arts and beyond. Before they specialise for GCSEs, we want them to encounter big ideas and discover subjects that spark a lifelong passion.
Our classrooms are rigorous and relational. Teachers know their students well and refuse to lower expectations. Discussion matters. Thinking is visible. Students are encouraged to contribute thoughtfully, challenge ideas and take pride in producing work of genuine quality.
Curiosity sits at the heart of this journey. We want students to ask questions. To wonder why. To follow an idea further than they expected. Learning should feel intellectually rewarding.
Learning is brought to life through specialist facilities, from science laboratories and technology workshops to performance spaces, creative arts studios and extensive sports provision.
For us, reading plays a central role in academy life. Students engage with ambitious texts and sophisticated language right across the timetable. A love of books does more than just unlock exam success; it expands perspectives and opens minds to entirely new possibilities.
As students mature, they begin to make informed choices about their future. Whether progressing to Sixth Form, university, an apprenticeship or employment, they are supported by expert guidance and a curriculum that prepares them for success.
Beyond the classroom Learning does not end when lessons finish. Some of the most important lessons students learn take place elsewhere. A production teaches confidence in a way a classroom cannot. Representing the academy teaches commitment. A visit to a university can change how a young person sees their future. These experiences matter because they help students discover more about themselves and the world around them. Every student should become involved in academy life beyond their lessons. For some, that may mean competing for a sports team. Others may join a club, perform on stage or take on a leadership role. There is no single route. What matters is participation and a willingness to contribute to the wider life of the academy. Our students take great pride in representing Harris Academy Billericay. They perform, compete, organise events and support one another.
In doing so, they develop maturity, selfbelief and a stronger sense of belonging. Educational visits and experiences bring learning to life in powerful ways. Students encounter places, people and ideas that encourage them to think differently. Through the Harris Experience programme, they can also access opportunities that connect them with leading universities and some of the country’s most inspiring cultural institutions. None of this happens by accident. It is made possible by staff who give generously of their time because they understand the lasting impact these experiences can have. Long after specific lessons have been forgotten, these are often the moments students remember most clearly.
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Preparing students for life Academic success is only one part of a great education. We are ambitious for every student and believe that background should never be a barrier to future success.
Every child should flourish, discover their strengths and build a future defined by aspiration rather than circumstance. Our aim is to develop young people who leave us not only with strong qualifications, but with the judgement, character and sense of purpose needed to make a positive contribution to society. Personal development is woven throughout a student’s seven-year journey at the academy. Students are given opportunities to lead, to serve others and to develop confidence in who they are becoming. These experiences sit alongside academic study, helping young people grow into thoughtful and responsible adults. Aspiration is central to this work. We want students to believe that success is possible. We encourage them to embrace challenge rather than avoid it and to recognise that effort opens doors. They are expected to contribute positively to academy life, act with integrity and take responsibility for their choices. Looking ahead matters too. Through encounters with employers, universities and apprenticeship providers, students gain a clearer understanding of what is available to them. They learn how to make informed decisions. They develop the independence required for adult life. Ultimately, we want our students to leave Harris Academy Billericay as knowledgeable, articulate and compassionate young adults. Equipped for whatever comes next. Ready to contribute. Ready to flourish.
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Our thriving Sixth Form Sixth Form is where curiosity becomes expertise, aspiration becomes ambition and success becomes reality. It represents the culmination of Harris Academy Billericay’s journey, bringing together academic excellence, personal growth and opportunities as students prepare to take their next steps with confidence and purpose. Our students achieve strong outcomes across a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications, supported by an experienced team of subject specialists who combine deep expertise with a commitment to helping every student succeed. Through high-quality teaching and personalised guidance, students develop the knowledge and resilience needed to excel. We offer a broad range of academic and vocational pathways that allow students to pursue their interests and ambitions while preparing for their chosen futures. They are encouraged to engage critically with their subjects, work independently and develop the habits of scholarship that underpin success at university, in apprenticeships and in professional careers.
Academic excellence sits at the heart of Sixth Form life. Alongside their studies, students benefit from chances to lead, enrichment experiences, careers guidance and our Future Citizens programme. These experiences help students develop the confidence and character required to thrive in adult life. Our students are role models within the wider academy community. Many progress to prestigious universities, competitive degree apprenticeships and professional careers across a wide range of sectors. The Sixth Form provides a mature and supportive environment where students think bigger, aim higher and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
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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.
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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.
Admissions There are 280 places available in Year 7 each September and applications are made through Essex County Council’s coordinated admissions process. Harris Academy Billericay is consistently a popular choice for families and is typically named on more than 1,100 applications each year. Places are allocated in accordance with the academy’s published admissions arrangements, available on our website. Where applications exceed the number of places available, distance from home to the academy is used as the tie-break criterion, with priority given to those living closest to the academy.
We encourage prospective families to attend one of our open events and experience the academy for themselves. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing everything that Harris Academy Billericay has to offer.
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School Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 9LH t. 01277 655191 e. info@harrisbillericay.org.uk www.harrisbillericay.org.uk