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Preparing every student to achieve the extraordinary.

Welcome to Harris Academy Wickford We are a co-educational secondary academy and Sixth Form on a mission to become the best school in Essex and help young people from Wickford to achieve the extraordinary. This is no ordinary school, and we are very proud of that. Our strong culture and traditional values run through everything we do, providing a united and coherent education where no child falls through the cracks. Our grammar school style curriculum, made accessible for all students, means the quality of education our students receive matches the best in the county. Opportunities for character development ensure our students gain access to and thrive in elite careers and professional jobs that will secure a happy and productive future.

Prior to that, I worked in an outstanding academy in South London that, over five years, become one of the top performing schools in the UK. With my team, I have the knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver the Academy’s exciting vision for your child.

I joined HAWK in 2026, having successfully led another Harris Academy to quickly becoming one of the best in the country. Ofsted described the Academy as ‘exceptional’ and it is now thriving.

Mr D MacPherson Principal

This mission is personal. I grew up in Wickford, and my family attended this school. Our community deserves a fantastic school, and I am determined to deliver that for your child. I warmly invite you to visit us and experience this community first-hand.

Traditional values in a modern setting Our core belief is that young people from Wickford are amongst the most talented in the country and, if given the right opportunities, can achieve extraordinary results. But this will not happen by chance. We will work with parents to ensure our students not only set ambitious goals but develop the character traits required to achieve these. Our values therefore guide everything we do. Students and staff at Harris Academy Wickford are:

Hardworking We sweat the small stuff. We show effort, do the work and do not cut corners. We do not give up, especially when it is challenging.

Ambitious

We believe in our ourselves. We will thrive in fulfilled lives, attend the best universities and secure the best jobs. We are tenacious to know and do more.

Wise We know we are not the finished product. We are open-minded, thoughtful and considerate. We embrace mistakes, listen to feedback and we take responsibility for our continuous improvement.

Kind We are one community. We celebrate diversity. We look out for others and we regularly show our respect and appreciation. Students are introduced to our expectations from their first encounter with us. We proactively teach students what it means to be a successful HAWK scholar with positive rewards and recognition when students demonstrate our values. If pupils do not meet Academy expectations, appropriate interventions are applied to support students to reflect and move on. This helps maintain a safe and positive working environment for all pupils and staff. We support parents to establish the routines and habits required to ensure every child is successful.

Supporting Transition to Secondary School We recognise that moving to secondary school is one of the most significant transitions a child and their parent or carer will experience. For this reason, we place great importance on ensuring the move from primary to secondary education is smooth, positive and enjoyable for both students and their families. Students joining Year 7 benefit from our extensive primary liaison programme which begins in Year 5. Through a range of carefully planned visits and activities, students are introduced to academy life in a supportive and welcoming way. These experiences help build familiarity, excitement and confidence, ensuring pupils arrive ready to learn and settle quickly.

Our transition programme includes subject‑based activities and can also involve bespoke arrangements to support individual students, ensuring that specific needs are identified and addressed well in advance of their start with us in September. Our collaborative local approach across Wickford ensures transitions are not only smoother, but fairer – particularly for those students who need additional support. This commitment helps every child feel welcomed, valued and prepared as they begin the next stage of their education.

A grammar school curriculum, made accessible to all We do not believe young people should sit a test to gain access to an education that will help them achieve the extraordinary. Our coherent and unified approach to teaching and learning ensures every student leaves the Academy with the academic currency to gain entry to elite universities and professional careers. We offer a rigorous and traditional curriculum, with the following features: • Literacy and numeracy prioritised, so all children develop fundamental skills. • Strong emphasis placed on English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, languages and the arts.

• A consistent lesson structure to create a predictable learning environment where no time is wasted.

• Opportunities for extensive independent practice and teacher feedback in every lesson. • Homework based on recall and consolidation of prior learning, to help every child prepare for future success. At Key Stage 3, our curriculum remains broad and balanced, ensuring students develop secure foundations and a love of learning that prepares them for GCSE Study. In Year 10, students begin to specialise and refine their subject choices. This process is carefully guided by staff so that students and families are supported to make informed decisions.

Character Education At HAWK, for children to achieve the extraordinary, they will need much more than good exam results. Their qualifications will get them to the door of great opportunities, but the skills and experiences they accrue throughout their adolescence will mean they can have a positive change on their life and their community.

By the time students leave HAWK, we plan for every child to: •V isit an art gallery and museum. •W atch a show at the theatre. • Experience a residential away from home. • Have encounters with different universities. •E ngage in debating and public speaking. •R aise money for charity. •G ain work experience in number of different settings. Our popular range of clubs, trip programme and leadership roles allow students to explore interests, develop resilience and learn how to work with others. Developing students’ confidence, aspiration and understanding of diversity will help them make a positive change in their community.

Beyond the Classroom Beyond the classroom, enrichment plays a vital role in developing confident, well‑rounded young people. Our wide range of enrichment opportunities help students to build confidence, develop social skills, expand their networks and gain new knowledge and abilities. Above all, enrichment allows students to explore new interests, take on leadership roles and make a positive contribution to their community.

Our enrichment programme includes a variety of activities both within and beyond the academy, such as clubs, educational visits, guest speakers, workshops and community projects. These experiences are designed to complement academic learning, broaden horizons and inspire ambition.

Our Theatre Company is a shining example of the inclusive and creative spirit of our school community, delivering outstanding productions year after year. We also offer a thriving Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, supporting students to develop resilience, teamwork and independence. Recent enrichment opportunities have included Art, Drama and Physical Education visits to the USA, providing memorable experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. At Harris Academy Wickford, we are proud to offer a curriculum and enrichment programme that broadens horizons, raises aspirations and supports every student in becoming the very best version of themselves.

A Sixth Form for Success At Harris Academy Wickford Sixth Form, we provide a dynamic and supportive environment in which students are empowered to achieve academic success and personal growth. Our bespoke curriculum is carefully designed to meet the individual needs, interests and aspirations of each student and is delivered by a team of highly skilled and committed staff who provide expert, inspirational teaching. We believe Sixth Form education should go beyond academic study. Alongside outstanding teaching, we place strong emphasis on developing independent learning, critical thinking, leadership and personal responsibility. This ensures our students leave us as confident, well rounded young adults, fully prepared for the demands of a rapidly changing world. Students benefit from a wide range of progression opportunities, including personalised pathways to leading universities – including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions – as well as apprenticeships, employment and other career routes across a broad range of sectors.

Exceptional pastoral care and tailored academic support ensure every student is guided through their post 16 journey with confidence and clarity. Enrichment is an integral part of Sixth Form life. Students have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, leadership roles and wider opportunities that develop resilience, creativity and a strong sense of global citizenship. Harris Academy Wickford Sixth Form welcomes applications from current Year 11 students as well as students from other schools. Provisional conditional offers are made from January for a September start in Year 12, with final places confirmed following the publication of GCSE results and subject specific entry requirements.

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.

Admissions We are delighted that you are considering Harris Academy Wickford as the next step in your child’s education. This is a significant milestone for students and their parents or carers. We are committed to helping every child achieve excellence and believe we offer our community a distinctive and lifechanging education. We are committed to working with families to provide the care, guidance and support needed to ensure a positive and confident transition for every child.

If you are interested in a place, please book onto one of our tours. We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. Our admissions policy – together with the details of tours and date of our Open Evenings – are set out on our website.

Grange Avenue, Wickford, Essex SS12 0LZ t. 01268 471201 e. info@harriswickford.org.uk www.harriswickford.org.uk