EAR 7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome from the Head
Core Values
Welcome from the Head of Year 7
Year 7 Tutor Team
Beginning Your Journey
The School Day
School Uniform
iPads
Equipment
Subject Overview
Homework
Behaviour
Co-Curricular Clubs
Sports
Houses
Bonding Trip
Messages from current Year 7
Friendly Faces
Lunch
People who can help
Enhanced Learning Department
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Prefect Team
Anti-bullying
Health & Wellbeing
Useful information
First Day
WELCOME
A very warm welcome to Year 7 at Clifton High School. I hope you are feeling excited as you begin your Senior School journey, an important milestone in your education and one that will be filled with friendships, hope and endless possibilities for what you can achieve.
As Head, I encourage you to embrace and grasp every opportunity that comes your way whether that be through academic challenges or our inspiring co-curricular programme. There really is something for everyone and it is an exciting chance for you to explore your interests, discover your individual brilliance, and grow in ways you may not yet imagine. We are a School that will embrace everything you have to offer, and I very much hope you, in turn, embrace everything we offer - in the classroom, on the sports field or through the performing and creative arts.
Over the next seven years, we will be a partnership in your education, building a meaningful friendship that reaches beyond the mechanisms of teaching and learning. You will soon discover, if you have not already, that we are a happy School - a community that places huge value on sustaining a culture of emotional wellbeing alongside realising the full academic potential of all our pupils. We will support and guide you; encourage your individuality and create a safe environment for you to succeed.
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” - Edward Hickson 1836
These words have inspired generations and acknowledge that failure is part of growth. In trying, you will find success and in my role as Head, I see examples of this every day. What makes me most proud is that we prove time and again that success and happiness do indeed go hand in hand at Clifton High School and I have no doubt, you will experience this for yourself.
This booklet is your first introduction to Senior School life at Clifton High School and no matter if you are moving up from our Junior School or a new pupil, your path will be different from what you are used to. I encourage you to read the following pages carefully to better understand our expectations and what you can expect in return. Everything you need to know for the start of the Autumn Term is here so you can feel safe and secure in your starting block; pushing off quickly and efficiently for what lies ahead. However, if you have additional questions or concerns, please contact your teachers for guidance.
I very much look forward to personally welcoming you on 4th September as you walk through the School gates as a Year 7 pupil. Some of you will be bursting with excitement, whilst others may feel a sense of nervousness. Whatever you are feeling, I ask you to rely heavily on one of our School values– Empathy – by taking time to notice your peers; look out for one another and be kind. This quality will be most gratefully rewarded.
All my very best to you all,
Mr Will Phelan, Head
WELCOME
First and foremost, I would like to say a big thank you to each one of you for selecting Clifton High School to continue your education. We are so excited for you to join the Senior School and are committed to providing a nurturing environment that encourages growth, exploration and academic excellence. The transition from Junior School, wherever you may have been, will be a big one but you will have lots of support every step of the way. It is a fresh start for you to explore a wider range of subjects, broaden your horizons, try out new things and discover potential passions. You will mix with a variety of people, make new friends and create wonderful memories.
Our friendly and passionate teachers are committed to delivering engaging and fascinating lessons. We will guide you through challenging classwork, encourage critical thinking and inspire you to become lifelong learners. You will have fantastic opportunities outside of the classroom too; there are so many sports, clubs and societies that will have you exploring your interests and discovering talents in no time.
At Clifton High School, we strongly believe in working together with your parents and value their involvement, support and open communication to ensure the best educational experience. We encourage your parents or carers to participate in School events, attend parent talks and remain in close touch with us so that we can all support you on your journey in the best way possible.
We very much pride ourselves on our pastoral support and have implemented robust measures to create a secure and inclusive environment where you can be yourself and thrive. Your tutor, classroom teachers and all other staff members are all on-hand to help look after and look out for your overall emotional and mental wellbeing.
Clifton High School is an incredibly special place and we all want you to look forward to arriving to our beautiful setting feeling happy, excited and ready to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
I, especially, look forward to getting to know you all and seeing how, together, we can set you on the course to realising your individual brilliance.
Ms Lucy Horton, Head of Year 7
CORE VALUES
It will become increasingly clear to you that our School’s core values of Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction are threaded throughout every aspect of School life. We invite you to consider what these words mean to you over the course of the summer holiday, discussing with your friends and family how they are already weaved into your life:
CURIOSITY
How curious are you about the world, people, animals and nature? How does curiosity positively impact your learning? Do you feel curiosity can motivate you and others around you?
EMPATHY
What does the word empathy mean to you? How do you use empathy in the world? How do you like to be treated and do you relate this to how you treat others? Do you enjoy showing empathy?
LOVE
What does the word love mean to you? How do you show love to your family and how do you receive it in return? What do you love about the world you live in?
DIRECTION
What interests do you have? Where do you hope your interests direct you in life? How do you inspire yourself and others to find direction?
THE YEAR 7 TUTOR TEAM
Every member of staff is always available to help with any problems or questions you may have. You are also encouraged to talk to your tutor anytime; they should be your (or your parent’s) first point of contact for any queries you have.
7-1
7-3
7-2
7-4
Miss Bessie Webb Mrs Laura Clarke
Mr Richard Shelswell Miss Alysia Maestri
Mr Harry de Cothi Mrs Victoria Dixon
Mr Rory Mansfield Ms Louise Brackenbury
BEGINNING YOUR JOURNEY
You will ‘begin your journey’ on Thursday 4th September 2025 when we formally welcome you into School, the day before pupils in other year groups return.
The Year 7 Form Tutors will greet you on the drive and take you to the Main Hall at 9.00am for an introductory talk with Mr Will Phelen, Head and Ms Lucy Horton, Head of Year 7.
You will have time to meet your fellow peers in your Form Room where you will play some ‘getting to know you’ games with your Form Tutors.
Your Form Tutor will also give you a tour of the School site and a copy of your timetable. As well as meeting your new classmates, you will be able to get involved in various activities and house challenges!
Please wear your School uniform and bring your School bag and pencil case with you. You will be able to ask as many questions as you like and we hope you settle very quickly into our outstanding community.
At 4.00pm your parents will arrive and have an opportunity to meet your tutors and other parents as we finish the day with the ‘Year 7 Year Ahead’ Event. More information about your first day can be found on the last page of this booklet.
THE SCHOOL DAY
CONTACTING THE SCHOOL
School Office: schooloffice@cliftonhigh.co.uk 0117 973 0201
To email a tutor or teacher: Clifton High School emails take the format (first name initial and surname)@cliftonhigh.co.uk. For example, your Head of Year, Ms Lucy Horton’s email is lhorton@ cliftonhigh.co.uk. A full staff list can be found on the School’s website here or by contacting the School Office.
Absence
If you are absent due to illness or another unplanned reason, your parent should telephone the School Office on 0117 973 0201 or email absence@cliftonhigh.co.uk as soon as possible on the morning of that day and each subsequent day until you return to School.
Please note that permission for any unavoidable planned absence that extends beyond half a day, should always be sought in writing beforehand from Mr Luke Goodman, Deputy Head (Pastoral), lgoodman@cliftonhigh.co.uk.
Once you have received your iPad, you will be able to find information and useful advice about ‘what to do if’ (such as if you are late, have a music lesson, feel unwell or have lost something).
TIMINGS OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Registration and Form
Time 8.40 - 9.05am
Period 1 9.10 - 10.00am
Period 2 10.05 - 10.55am
Break 10.55 - 11.10am
Period 3 11.15 - 12.05pm
Period 4 12.10 - 1.00pm
Lunch 1.00 - 2.10pm
Period 5 2.15 - 3.05pm
Period 6 3.10 - 4.00pm
Optional Homework Room or Co-Curricular clubs: 4.00 - 6.00pm
SCHOOL UNIFORM
WHAT TO WEAR
A comprehensive and up-to-date Uniform Policy is linked here or found on the Policies Section of the website.
Our uniform supplier is Schoolblazer: www.schoolblazer.com
MAIN SCHOOL UNIFORM
White blouse or collared shirt
*School tie, if wearing a collared shirt
Mandatory Items
*Green V neck jumper, or sleeveless sweater, crested
*Bespoke checked blazer, lined and crested
*Bespoke checked kilt, or charcoal trousers
Black school shoes
Dark coloured coat
Apron for Food and Nutrition lessons
Black tights or dark green, grey or white socks (during summer months)
Optional Items
Hat, scarf and gloves (during winter months)
Art overall, black or dark green
Items marked with an asterisk must be bought from Schoolblazer.
GAMES & SPORTS KIT
You will need the following official games and sports kit items (all available from our uniform supplier, Schoolblazer). Please refer to our Uniform Policy for more information.
Mandatory Items
*Reversible Games shirt, crested
*White PE top, crested
*Skort, running shorts, rugby shorts or PE shorts, crested
*Mid layer (quarter zip), crested
*Training pant, crested
*Games socks
Trainers, astroturf trainers, studded boots
Black swimming costume or trunks
Goggles, towel, *branded swimming cap
Shin pads and mouthguard
Water bottle
Kit bag
Hockey stick
Optional Items
*Soft shell active jacket, crested
*Black base layer top and bottoms, crested
Cricket bat and tennis racket
Mouthguards
In line with national governing body guidelines, it is compulsory for all pupils playing hockey and rugby to wear a mouthguard.Information about recommended suppliers will be provided in due course.
IPADS
Clifton High School are committed to the growth of Digital Learning across the School, with large scale changes in both infrastructure and pedagogy having been made in the last five years.
All children in the Senior School are issued an iPad to help aid their education and as a School, we are committed to a vision where all learning opportunities are extended beyond the classroom in line with the UNESCO 21st Century Skills. Realising ‘Individual Brilliance’ shines through all aspects of Clifton High School, and is also at the forefront of our digital strategy. The School has worked on this project for a number of years, researching in-School infrastructure, cloud services, useful applications, safeguarding, filtering and monitoring as well as learning pedagogy to deliver a solution that is fit for you.
WHY IPADS?
We are clear in our understanding that access to digital technology is only as good as the systems in place. The quality of software available in the Apple ecosystem is strong, with many apps specifically tailored to the educational environment. The ability for you to pick up a device and access content will help you learn to use digital
technologies in modern and sophisticated ways; confidently using the stylus, or typing as most appropriate for the task in-hand. You will use the Microsft365 suite to ensure you are prepared for the professional world, with Teams and OneNote being the core applications used for collaborating with teachers and organising School work and home learning.
IN-SCHOOL USE
The iPads are used to enhance the already excellent teaching and learning at Clifton High School and provide opportunities for more variety in your learning and tasks set throughout the School day. Your amount of daily use will vary depending on the learning aims of a particular lesson. We know that the use of the devices will greatly expand your opportunities in class, using digital technologies for exploration and creation in your learning.
You will receive your iPad, along with a protective case, and stylus during the first week of the new term.
EQUIPMENT
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
• Rucksack
• A reuseable water bottle (in a separate compartment from the iPad)
• Combination-style padlock for your locker (to fit through an 8mm diameter hole)
• Pencil case with pens, pencils and rubber and a set of coloured pencils, 30cm ruler, protractor, and pair of compasses
• iPad and Pencil both fully charged
• Scientific calculator. We recommend CASIO FX-83GT CW which can be purchased from most stationary outlets (scientific calculators are also available to purchase from the Mathematics Department in September 2025).
• Hair bands for long hair (hair longer than shoulder length should be tied back for practical subjects, such as Science or Food Technology, with a simple black or navy accessory)
• A healthy break-time snack
WHAT NOT TO BRING WITH YOU
• Expensive personal items. This includes personal tablets, computers, games consoles or fashion accessories.
• Mobile telephones are never needed in School, in line with our ‘never seen, never heard’ approach. Year 7 pupils cannot bring any internet enabled device such as smartphones and smartwatches to School. If necessary, you may make contact with your parents via the School Office. Full details are contained in the Pupil Code of Conduct, linked here.
• Jewellery or makeup. You are allowed to wear a watch and one small stud earring in each ear. You may wear a fine chain with an appropriate symbol for your religion. No other jewellery, make-up or nail varnish is allowed.
• Brightly coloured accessories. Winter accessories (e.g. scarves and hats) should be dark coloured. Boots for wet or cold weather may be worn to and from School but not during the day.
Insurance - Parents should note that personal items are not covered by the School insurance when on the premises.
SUBJECT OVERVIEW
WHAT WILL YOU BE TAUGHT?
Now that you are in Year 7, you will learn a wider variety of subjects. Each of these will be delivered by different teachers and in different classrooms. It is your responsibility to get to the right place at the right time. You will have a timetable to help you.
Although the School may seem like a maze to start, you will soon find your way around. Everyone is very friendly and so if you get lost, do not be afraid to ask someone where to go. Lessons will take place in various buildings but a large majority of them will take place in School Green or School House (formally Main School Building).
Below is a list of all the subjects you will study at Clifton High School. You can choose between French, German and Spanish for your Modern Languages.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an integral part of the learning process for all pupils at Clifton High School.
Homework is set to expand and reinforce your knowledge of the subjects that you are studying and develop your study skills. As a School, we want to aid progress towards you achieving your full potential with the assistance, support and cooperation of your teachers and parents. We want you to become curious learners. Homework plays a part in this and provides further opportunity to promote informed questioning and debate alongside self-motivation and the passion to explore new ideas independently.
At the start of Year 7, your tutor will talk you through how often homework will be set for each subject and roughly how long each assignment should take. They will guide you on the best way to manage your homework and make it fit around your co-curricular commitments. Details of each day’s homework are provided to you online, in Microsoft Teams. You will be able to access this on your School iPad. A list of homework assignments due will automatically be generated for you and you can check tasks off as soon as you have completed them.
We encourage the highest ambition and personal commitment and aim to support individuals to achieve the goals they set themselves.
Homework is important for several reasons:
• It enables you to develop independence
• It helps you to develop perseverance and self-discipline
• It shows you the importance of organising yourself and your time
• It gives you the chance to practise skills learned in School
Please do not worry about homework. Your teachers and Form Tutor will support you throughout your time at Clifton High School. If you are ever unsure or worried about anything, please talk to them.
CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS
Pupils can explore and develop new interests, beyond the classroom, through our extensive Co-Curricular Programme. These are run by dedicated members of staff who have a genuine passion for delivering memorable experiences for our pupils.
Pupils in Year 7 are required to sign up to at least three activities each week, in addition to attending Power of Performance. Sign up to the Co-Curricular Programme is completed through SOCS, guidance for which will be provided by Form Tutors.
POWER OF PERFORMANCE
You will participate in a timetable of five compulsory clubs spread over two lunchtimes a week, known as Power of Performance. Dance, Debating, Drama, and Oracy are attended in a rotation throughout the year on a Thursday lunchtime and you will unite as a whole year group for the Year 7 Choir on a Tuesday lunchtime. Year 7 Choir perform at School events such as, but not limited to, the Carol Service, the Spring Concert, Rose Day and Lunchtime Concerts throughout the year.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
There are a range of clubs and societies run throughout the week taking place before School, over the lunchtime, and after School. In addition to the Performing Arts, Sport and Adventure detailed below there are clubs such as Young Writer, Mixed-media textiles, Eco Committee and Darts.
PERFORMING ARTS
There are a vast array of Music and Performing Arts clubs that you will have the opportunity to participate in, in addition to the Power of Performance. This includes Cantata for girls in Years 7-9, the School Orchestra, Music Technology Club, Theory and Composition, Male Voice Choir for boys in Years 7-13, Dance Club and the annual School Production held at the Redgrave Theatre. It is expected that if you are participating in choirs and instrumental groups you should be available for School events such as the Carol Service, Spring Concert and Rose Day.
Speech and Drama lessons are also available for our Senior School pupils and those interested in these should contact Mrs Susan Johnson-Martin sjohnsonmartin@cliftonhigh.co.uk
Pupils also have the opportunity to take lessons on a wide variety of instruments. Parents will receive a leaflet detailing the range of musical tuition available. If you have any questions about Music tuition, please contact Mrs Donia Pieters, Head of Music: dpieters@cliftonhigh.co.uk.
ADVENTURE
The School have a close partnership with Mendip Outdoor Pursuits Centre who provide a range of opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork, and an awareness of the environment through activities including Canoeing, Caving, and Skiing. Pupils continue their journey of adventure by participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme from Year 9.
CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS
SPORT
Sport plays a central role in the development of resilience, teamwork and community within the School. Competitive fixtures against local schools are organised for football, rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis, basketball, athletics and swimming with the majority of these taking place at weekends. It is expected that, should you be selected for a team, you are available to represent the School.
Our Complete Swimmer Programme allows us to deliver outstanding land and pool based training on-site every day of the week, whilst also providing recreational swimmers the opportunity to improve their water confidence.
We offer an in-house Clifton High School Tennis Programme from our specialist Head of Tennis, Mr Matt Elston, who develops and strengthens talent in the sport.
GAMES & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In a world where health and community are paramount, our Physical Education (PE) and Games programme is designed to inspire all our pupils to embrace an active lifestyle, pursue excellence and foster a deep sense of belonging. At the centre of our curriculum lies the belief that sport is for all, and through it, you can achieve individual brilliance.
Our PE curriculum is crafted to develop physical literacy, beginning with the fundamental movement skills that form the cornerstone of athletic ability. From our early years, children engage in activities that teach them how to move efficiently and effectively yet it is not merely about physical fitness; they learn to understand how a healthy and active lifestyle contributes to overall wellbeing and social identity. By connecting the dots between active living and effective training, we prepare you for a lifetime of health and fitness.
As part of Clifton High School’s partnership with the University of Bristol, weekly Games lessons are held at the off-site Coombe Dingle complex. They are designed to cultivate resilience, teamwork, and a sense of community to experience the thrill of competition and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team. The exceptional facilities available to us include a 3G pitch, water and sand-based astro turfs, grass pitches for rugby, football, and cricket, as well as indoor and outdoor netball courts. These top-class facilities provide the perfect environment for our pupils to train, compete and excel. As a School, we are also proud to offer outstanding facilities on-site that include a 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, a strength and conditioning suite, a newly refurbished cardio suite, a climbing wall and a Multi-Usage Games Area for netball, tennis and basketball. The combination of these resources ensure that our pupils have access to the best possible training environments, all taught by specialist coaches and teachers.
Our extensive competitive fixture lists ensure that pupils of all ages and abilities can represent the School in a variety of sports, including football, rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis, basketball, athletics and swimming. With A and B teams in most of the sporting disciplines and age groups, every pupil has a chance to shine. We regularly enter teams in national competitions, and many of our pupils achieve county representation, with some going on to earn national and international honours. For those in Year 9 and above who compete at a regional level, our bespoke Athlete Development Programme (ADP) provides additional support and training, complementing our Sports Scholarship programme.
BEHAVIOUR
High standards are expected by the School. You must make every effort to produce your best at all times, whether in lessons, homework tasks or co-curricular activities. You are an ambassador for the School and your behaviour and appearance should always be exemplary.
Work ethic, respect for others, punctuality, and care of the School environment are all standards that we expect you to uphold at all times. Your Form Tutor and Head of Year will look to guide you to be the best representation of yourself at all times. They will look to praise and reward you for all your excellent efforts, as well as supporting you when things do not work out.
Within our Behaviour Policy, linked here, we have two clear themes:
REWARDS
All members of staff will look to award you for academic achievements, positive behaviours, and commitment to the School. These merits will be recorded on our system and monitored by your tutor each week. Different levels of positive rewards can be achieved each day at Clifton High School. When you reach 50, 100, 150 points you will receive a certificate and reward from the School. Additionally, each week five pupils who have achieved highly that week will be recognised for their positive behaviour by being awarded the prize of a hot chocolate and biscuit. Your tutor will detail the rewards system with you, during your induction day.
MISCONDUCT
Clifton High School promotes good behaviour and expects all pupils to act in an exemplary manner in terms of their conduct and interactions with due regard for authority. You must give consideration, at all times, as to how you conduct youself and how your behaviour impacts you and others.
It is quite normal to worry about getting into trouble. There are detentions if you break the rules because good discipline is important. If this occurs, you will be asked to reflect upon your actions.
There are three types of detention:
• Lunchtime Detention: 30 minutes
• After-school Detention: 50 minutes
• Deputy Head of School Detention: 60 minutes
A teacher can log misconduct marks if you have been unreliable or if you need help with your behaviour inside or outside a lesson. Your Form Tutor will monitor how you are doing in this area and look for ways to help improve your approach.
HOUSES
Every pupil and staff member is allocated to one of the four School Houses, that are name after benefactors of Clifton High School: Pears (blue), Percival (green), Winkworth (red) or Wollaston (yellow). If you are just joining the School, you will find out which House you are in on your ‘Beginning your Journey’ day. The House system creates a balance between academic and social aspects of School life and supports a sense of competition and fun through a range of activities.
The intention is that you will stay in the same House during your time at Clifton High School and we will also aim to allocate you to the same House as any of your siblings that also attend the School. Houses mean that you have a community of friends right through School and the chance to get to know others of all ages, independent of your year group, form or sets.
Healthy competition is encouraged through an annual cycle of inter-House activities including sporting, cultural and subject-based challenges, where House points are awarded for participation
and achievements within each activity. Pupils can also be individually awarded House points by collecting significant numbers of merits. The House that accumulates the most points during the academic year is awarded the House Bell on the final day of the Summer Term.
In addition to competing for points, there is also a fundraising theme to the House System, where opportunities will be presented to raise money for charities through various other fundraising activities throughout the year.
The House System is overseen by Mr Hugo Cullum, Teacher of Geography, who works alongside the Senior House Captains (pictured) to organise a number of different events throughout the year. The most eagerly anticipated event is our annual House Challenge Day, where all pupils work together to compete in a series of physical, musical, intellectual and team-building challenges, followed by popular water challenges.
We look forward to seeing you engage in House events in the near future.
Pears: Oscar, Belle
Winkworth: Libby, Max
Wollaston: Maisie, Samuel
Percival: Amelie, Harry
BONDING TRIP
During the Autumn Term, you will get the opportunity to go on a residential trip, near Bridgewater. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your Year 7 peers outside the classroom, practise teamwork and push yourself personally to try new activities and step outside your comfort zone.
WHERE?
You will be staying in Secret Valley, Somerset. This is a beautiful part of the country and has lots of activities to offer.
WHEN?
The trip will take place between Wednesday 10th - Friday 12th September 2025.
WHAT?
This trip is great fun and always well received. The trip will be run by Black Rock Outdoors Limited who specialise in outdoor activities including: archery, rock climbing, caving, high ropes, kayaking & canoeing, raft building, water balls, mountain biking and other team building activities. More information can be found on their website: www.blackrockoutdoors.co.uk
THE COST
An Operoo form was sent out in June to confirm places and costs. The price of £260 will cover transport, accommodation, meals and instructor fees. This will be added to the first term’s bill. Please refer to the Operoo form for more details.
MESSAGES FROM CURRENT YEAR 7
“ “
Take on challenges even if they scare you. Take advantage of all the challenges, trips or expeditions given to you and try lots of new things, as you might find something you really enjoy.
Organise your work, involve yourself in multiple things but not too much to a point where you get overwhelmed. Be kind and friendly to everyone no matter what. It makes a difference.
Even if things start off hard, or you find making friends difficult, then don’t worry, it will all turn out ok over time, and friends don’t have to made quickly to mean that you are close to them.
Before you start it may be daunting and especially for somebody who’s new to the School, but honestly, there’s nothing to worry about! You will have the best time and encounter new people, places, and things! Just have fun!
“ “
Year 7 may feel tough times and you will feel like you are the only one feeling that way, but everyone is in the same boat and that you are not the only one. It is good to push yourself and I promise you will have a blast! There will be highs and lows but you will make friends and everyone is there for each other no matter what. My last advice is when you are feeling low is, ‘be positive and try to find the fun’.
“
FRIENDLY FACES
Welcome from our Head Girl and Head Boy
Sophie
Hello! My name is Sophie and I am delighted to have been chosen as your Head Prefect for the year ahead. I am currently studying Art, Chemistry, and History for A level, plus an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). I joined Clifton High School in Year 7 and I intend on going to University after I finish my A levels, most probably to study History. As Head Prefect, I am so excited to give back to the School and thank the School community for providing me with all the amazing opportunities I have been able to participate in; they have shaped me into the person I am today.
Outside of the classroom you will most likely find me walking around School with my violin, on my way to a sports match, or even dashing to and from the Art Department with a lot of paint and brushes! I volunteer around School, helping to coach Year 9 Girls’ Rugby and also devote my time to the School Production each year, whether that’s being in the show or helping backstage. All these experiences teach me a variety of skills I can bring to excel in the role as your Head Prefect, and have helped me forge friendships with many of you. I aim to be a friendly face around School and I’m looking forward to learning many new skills and being exposed to new experiences through the role.
Zig
Hi everyone, my name is Ziggy and I’m looking forward to being your Head Prefect this year! At the moment I’m studying Spanish, History and Business and I’m also doing an EPQ. In the future I hope to study Business in some respect, although I’m not yet sure exactly what I will do when I leave School, whether an apprenticeship or a degree.
I joined Clifton High School in Year 7, and since then I have taken part in a range of activities, from being on School sports teams to taking part in the School Production of West Side Story, as well as going on School trips to France and Germany. I will forever be grateful for all the activities the School has offered to me, which I’ve enjoyed so much. Over the years I’ve discovered a love for languages in particular and I hope to continue to practise these in some form in the future.
In my free time I enjoy playing golf with friends (just don’t ask me what my handicap is), as well as spending time with my family, and of course, studying hard and doing homework is a given. I’m hugely grateful to be a member of the Head’s Team and to be Head Prefect especially; I’ll always be open to having a chat if you ever want to say hello. Thank you for this opportunity and I hope I can represent everyone to the best of my ability.
LUNCH
Lunch is provided in the Dining Hall from 1.00pm
Mr Tim Fletcher, our Executive Chef, aims to reflect seasonality and provide freshly prepared food of high quality, using ingredients sourced locally. Clifton High School only uses free-range eggs, and wherever possible organic produce and fair trade products are used. The fish we buy is MSC Certified to encourage sustainable fishing practices.
Our aim is to encourage you to appreciate a balanced, varied diet and to provide you with the opportunity to sample different foods:
EXAMPLE MENU
In addition to the main courses, we provide daily alternative options of jacket potatoes, a pasta dish and a freshly prepared salad selection.
A traditional dessert is offered each day such as crumble, pie, milk-based pudding, flapjack or cake. Fresh seasonal fruit is always available as well as yoghurts.
We cater for pupils with special dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerances. Please inform the School Office if you have any of these.
PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP
If you want to talk to someone else other than your Form Tutor, you can talk to:
School Nurses:
If you are unwell, injured or feeling worried about something you can go to see the School Nurses in the Medical Centre. Please inform a teacher so they know where you are going. The Nurses can administer medicine to help make you feel better or offer you a drink and snack if you just need to chat something through. If they think you need to go home, they can telephone your parents to come and collect you. To contact the Nurses, email them on medical@cliftonhigh.co.uk.
School Counsellor:
You can talk to the School Counsellor, Mrs Jackie Brangwyn, privately and confidentiality about anything. Counselling is a safe place to talk through worries and problems. You can arrange to see our counsellor for an appointment through the School Nurses, through any teacher, via email jbranwyn@cliftonhigh.co.uk, or text 07305 106517. There is a drop-in on Tuesday break times when anyone can pop down to the Counsellor’s Room for a brief chat or to make an appointment. More information can be found on our website.
Wellbeing Mental Health Lead:
The School’s dedicated Wellbeing and Mental Health Lead, Mrs Lindsay Bailey offers a range of support to pupils to compliment the School’s renowned pastoral support. Mrs Bailey can be found in our Wellbeing Hub, located in the basement of Woods House, alongside the School Councillor and Nurses.
Libraries:
The Senior Library is a place where all Year 7-13 students can come to read both fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, newspapers, and use the computers to study in a calm, welcoming environment. You will come to the Library once a week in your English lesson to read fiction and learn about the Library. You can also visit at breaktimes and lunchtimes and after School. Mrs Rebecca Clear and Mrs Kate McManus are the Librarians and are happy to help you. A lunchtime Book Club runs once a week which you can sign up for in September 2025.
ENHANCED LEARNING DEPARTMENT
We very much look forward to meeting with you in the Enhanced Learning Department (ELD). You can find us in Woods House above the Medical Centre.
There are six of us in the Senior Department:
• Mrs Gabrielle Pilgrim, Head of the Department, who also gives support in English
• Mrs Liz Elder and Mrs Amanda Swannell who give support in Mathematics and English
• Ms Vivienne Agoston who supports Mathematics
• Ms Heidi Couper and Mrs Lucie Bailey who will support you if you have English as an additional language
We will always try to timetable your Enhanced Learning lesson at a time that suits you best, so that you can do all the cocurricular clubs you wish to participate in.
We use a multi-sensory learning approach because this helps you to learn best. We therefore encourage you to use your eyes, ears and hands so learning is visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. We also encourage and enable you to use all the brilliant multi-sensory tools on your iPad such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text.
The ELD love to find new ways of supporting you to do your best, such as helping support concentration and attention to detail by folding Japanese origami Paper Cranes or creating colourful tessellations in the style of Escher.
The ELD runs reading groups where you can choose between reading from a book or with a kindle. We can give you access to software programmes such as Word Shark so that you can practise your spelling and reading at home and at School. We also run an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Chat Club once a fortnight for pupils to practise their oral skills while playing fun board and card games.
We not only support academic learning but also help to support resilience and the emotional regulation that can be needed to manage the many changes that occur during School life. We do this through learning about the Zones of Regulation and how identifying an emotion with a colour helps us to think about how we feel as our emotions change.
We are here to help you realise your individual brilliance.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING
We are incredibly proud of our community at Clifton High School which is large enough to be able to offer you all sorts of exciting activities and choice, but small enough that we all know and care for one another. It is central to our ethos that we get to know you, as an individual, and to help you realise your individual brilliance.
As a School, it is our collective responsibility to embody this ethos, encouraging each of us to celebrate others, in all the ways that we are different. In the same way we are proud of members of our community for scoring in a sports fixture or performing in a play or concert, we also respect each other’s individuality. No matter our ethnicity, our sexuality, our gender identity, Clifton High School is a place that celebrates uniqueness.
Our dedicated prefect, Sunny, oversees Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging and together, we aim for all our pupils to feel safe and comfortable in who you are and who you will become. If you aspire to play rugby and be in the choir, that is great! If you focus on your academic lessons but also take the lead role in a musical, that is fantastic! If you are a quiet personality who wants to try new things and join new clubs but is afraid to do so, we hope you soon discover that we are a community that encourages you to have a go without the fear of failure.
At any time, you can always talk with your tutor, your Head of Year or any member of staff. We also have a School Counsellor who is available for 1-2-1 sessions, as well as a great team of nurses who are always willing to listen. You will be introduced to a team of Sixth Form peer mentors too; knowing what it is like to start in Year 7, they will be able to offer advice and guidance.
Finally, do also feel that you can speak to Mr Will Phelan, Head. If his door is open, (which it often is), he is more than happy for you to come and have a chat.
THE PREFECT TEAM
Forbes & Sofiia
Infant & Junior Liaison and Peer Mentoring
Sunny Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Alana Environment and Sustainability
Susanna Charities and Outreach
Jim & Mila Events
ANTI-BULLYING
We should be proud of who each of us is; our sex, gender, gender reassignment, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, faith or other beliefs. Clifton High School’s ethos will look to create a safe culture in which our School aim, to realise individual brilliance, can be achieved.
The community at Clifton High School is incredibly supportive, warm and welcoming. The School takes all incidents of bullying incredibly seriously, and no bullying will ever be ignored.
What to do if you are being bullied
• Try to ignore the person(s) who is attempting to bully you.
• Do NOT retaliate in a physical or verbal way. Walk calmly away from the situation.
• Tell someone what has been happening, even if you have been warned not to. You may go to any teacher, particularly your Form Tutor or Head of Year, or any other trusted adult. They will want to know and to help.
• Remember that there may be others being bullied so you will be helping them as well as yourself by talking about your experience
• Do NOT blame yourself.
What to do if you see someone else being bullied
• Find a teacher (possibly your Form Tutor or Head of Year) and explain what you have seen and heard.
• Do NOT just ignore bullying. Think about how you would feel in the pupil’s position. Remember that bullying does not go away by itself.
• Make sure that you do NOT get involved in the bullying as an ‘easy’ option out of the situation.
What to do if you are being cyberbullied
• Block the bully.
• Do not retaliate and reply.
• Save the evidence.
• Make sure you tell any member of staff or any trusted adult.
• If you see bullying of others, report it.
This year Anti-Bullying Week is from 10th to 14th November 2025 and we will be encouraging you to wear your odd socks to express yourself; celebrating individuality, and what makes us all unique!
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Each week you will have a dedicated lesson of Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) referred to as Health and Wellbeing. During Year 7, you will cover a wide range of core themes, from physical and mental health to relationships and wellbeing.
Below you will find a list of topics covered next year:
• Transition and Safety
• Diversity
• Health and Puberty
• Building Relationships
• Developing skills and aspiration and making financial decisions
ONLINE SAFETY
Mobile phones
Mobile phones, smart watches and other similar devices are not to be used at any time in School, in line with our ‘never seen, never heard’ approach. If necessary, you may make contact with your parents via the School Office. Full details are contained in the Pupil Code of Conduct, linked here.
Electronic messaging
Care should always be taken when messaging others, be that by text message, email or any other format. Like all electronic posts, these messages are permanent and anything that is written can never be fully deleted. Never send a message that contains content that you would not be happy for your parents or a teacher to read.
Passwords
Passwords should be protected at all times, changed regularly and, although memorable, not be easily guessed. Always remember to log out at the end of your session.
Online contact
Never share your personal information with others, such as your address and phone number, and avoid contact with people you don’t know. Remember they might not be who they claim to be.
FIRST DAY
On the first official day of term for all pupils, Friday 4th September 2025, you will be greeted on the drive. You will be registered and will have your first ‘tutor time’ session in your form room. Bring your bag and pencil case and also a padlock for your locker (the combination-style ones are best as they have no key to lose!). You will start your timetabled lessons later that day.
At lunchtime, pupils who have come from Clifton High Junior School will help show those who have just joined where the Dining Hall is and what happens at lunchtime.
Your day will end at 4.00pm when the last bell sounds. Supervised Late Room runs until 6.00pm in the Senior Library and you should go there if you are not going straight home. If your parents are not there to collect you at the end of the School day, you must wait for them in Late Room rather than outside the School gates.
Parents: If you are running late and need to contact the Homework Room, you can call 07305 102774
USEFUL INFORMATION
If you have any questions over the holidays, please contact our Admissions Department:
0117 933 9087 - admissions@cliftonhigh.co.uk
From the start of term, please contact the School Office:
0117 973 0201 - schooloffice@cliftonhigh.co.uk
Please visit our website, www.cliftonhigh.co.uk to discover more about the School.
We have a Secure Parent Area on the website, which is password protected and hosts useful information including a weekly Parent Bulletin. Information on how to access this will be sent in due course. You can follow our latest news stories on our social media pages.
Clifton High School @CliftonHighSchoolBristol
