Tove Learning Trust
A Multi-Academy trust (MAT) established in Northamptonshire in 2016.
Tove Learning Trust was established in 2016 and founded at Sponne School in Towcester, Northampton. Its mission is to create a collaborative network of schools that inspire education leading to outstanding outcomes. Since April 2018, Lord Grey Academy has proudly been part of the Tove Learning Trust family.
“Our aim is to make each school a safe environment for our students, equipping them with the confidence they need to be successful, resilient and respectful members of society” Jamie Clarke, CEO.
The trust family of schools includes primary, secondary and alternative provision education.
We work across three regional hub areas in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and the West Midlands. These schools share best practices with each other to strengthen their skill set, deliver outstanding teaching and learning, and enhance the outcomes of students.
The trust recognises that each school has its own unique personality, values, and ethos.
They support and nurture this individuality, ensuring that their core beliefs remain unchanged.
www.tovelearning.org.uk
Lord Grey Academy is part of the Tove Learning Trust.
I am delighted to welcome you
to Lord Grey Academy
Samantha Satyanadhan Principal
Lord Grey Academy is a diverse and vibrant learning community where students develop skills in, and beyond, the classroom to ensure they flourish.
Winner MK Education Secondary School of the year 2024
Third PSG Football Academy in the UK
At Lord Grey Academy, we believe in the power of education to transform lives—and we are proud to provide an exceptional experience for every student who walks through our doors.
Our guiding motto, “Lord Grey Can!”, is more than just words—it’s a mindset that shapes our school culture. It inspires our students to aim high, dream big, and believe in their ability to succeed. We instill a deep sense of confidence, resilience, and ambition in all our young people, because we know that with the right support and opportunities, they can achieve anything.
What sets Lord Grey apart is the strength of our relationships. We take the time to truly know each student—their interests, their strengths, and their challenges. This individualised approach allows us to tailor support and guidance that helps every learner reach their full potential. Our partnerships with parents and external agencies are central to this journey—we know that working together leads to greater success.
Our pastoral care is a source of immense pride. A dedicated non-teaching pastoral team ensures that no student is ever overlooked. Every young person is valued, included, and supported throughout their time with us. Students quickly become part of a welcoming and close-knit community, where kindness, respect and care for one another are the norm.
We are exceptionally proud of the behaviour and attitude of our students. They show maturity, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility towards themselves and each other. This creates a calm and focused environment where learning thrives.
At Lord Grey Academy, excellence is non-negotiable. We are relentless in our pursuit of high academic standards, balanced by genuine care and understanding. We foster a culture of respect, safety, and inclusivity—where every student feels they belong and can be their best self.
Our students leave us as confident, articulate, and ambitious young adults—ready to take on the world with determination, integrity and compassion.
As Principal, I am incredibly proud of our school community. Lord Grey Academy is a place of ambition, heart and possibility. And yes—
Lord Grey Can!
Lord Grey Can! Our Motto
We firmly believe in developing the character of our students and this aligns with our motto Lord Grey Can. It reminds all members of our community that there is no limit to our ambition where imagination can become reality. Our aim is to provide a stimulating environment, a broad curriculum and the highest quality pastoral care so that all our students flourish.
Our Values
While we are proud of our important focus on academic excellence, we believe students need opportunities and experiences to become well-rounded young adults. It is the development of their character, with their academic success, that enables them to flourish and secure their potential.
We encourage our students to continually reflect on what good character is and how they can develop themselves further.
Our values of Determination, Ambition, Curiosity, Integrity and Civility are caught, taught and sought out so that
We are Determined and Ambitious in the pursuit of knowledge and our future.
Determination means everyone challenges themselves to be the best version in all that they do. Ambition means identifying your goals, starting a daily process through which to achieve these goals, making regular reflections about your progress and celebrating accomplishments.
We are Curious in our journey of learning.
Curiosity is about asking questions, but also actively seeking out the answers. It is about the mindset of seeing failure as part of the learning process. Feedback is a gift. Being Curious widens our minds and opens it to different opinions, different lifestyles and different topics.
We demonstrate Civility and Integrity.
Integrity means doing the right thing and keeping true to your moral principles. Civility is about showing everyone consideration and respect through supporting each other. We want our students to be compassionate, considerate and kind, always looking after those who haven’t been given the same opportunities.
“Pupils’ personal development is a strength of the school. Leaders ensure that all pupils have a wide range of opportunities. Pupils engage well with these and are keen to discuss tricky moral issues or consider their aims for modern British society.”
May 2022
Home & School Partnership
We are committed to giving every student the best possible opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive—both academically and personally. We believe that a strong, positive partnership between home, students, and the Academy is essential to achieving this goal.
To support this shared mission, we have outlined the key responsibilities that each member of our community— students, parents/carers, and staff—should uphold as part of this important partnership.
Student Responsibilities:
• Follow The Lord Grey Way at all times, both in and out of the classroom.
• Arrive fully equipped and ready to learn each day.
• Keep mobile phones and electronic devices switched off and in your bag from arrival until the end of the school day at 3:15pm, ensuring a focused and disruption-free environment.
• Complete all self-study tasks by the set deadlines.
• Follow our Climates for Learning guidelines to support your own progress and contribute to a productive classroom.
• Wear the full and correct uniform, including PE kit, with pride.
• Uphold our school values and behavioural expectations on-site and when travelling to and from school.
• Respect and care for our school environment, keeping it clean, tidy and free from damage.
• Engage positively with support and sanctions, such as detentions, when needed to reflect on and improve conduct.
• Communicate respectfully and courteously with staff to help resolve concerns and maintain positive relationships.
Parent/Carer Responsibilities:
• Ensure your child attends school punctually and fully equipped each day.
• Notify the school on each day of absence due to illness or other valid reasons.
• Support your child’s learning by ensuring all self-study tasks are completed on time.
• Ensure your child wears the correct uniform in line with the Academy’s Uniform Policy.
• Support the Academy’s behaviour policies and encourage personal responsibility through The Lord Grey Way.
• Attend Parents’ Evenings and school events to engage actively in your child’s education.
• Encourage regular reading at home to build literacy and a love of learning.
• Support safe and responsible use of social media by having regular conversations with your child about online safety and digital responsibility.
• Use the MCAS app and ParentMail regularly to stay informed and connected.
• Contact reception with messages for your child; please avoid contacting your child directly during the school day.
• Communicate with school staff respectfully and professionally to ensure queries and concerns are addressed effectively.
Academy Responsibilities:
• Provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.
• Maintain high standards for behaviour and achievement by consistently promoting The Lord Grey Way.
• Deliver engaging and well-planned lessons that support student progress and success.
• Celebrate and reward students who consistently demonstrate our character values.
• Offer timely, constructive feedback and create opportunities for students to act on it to further their learning.
• Maintain regular communication with parents and carers about school events, expectations, and student progress.
• Share updates and important information via the MCAS app and other communication channels.
• Treat all students and families with courtesy and respect, responding to emails and phone calls within 48 hours wherever possible.
• Provide enrichment opportunities such as trips, events, and extracurricular activities as privileges that enhance the student experience—reserving the right to withdraw these where necessary.
Together, we build a strong, caring community where every student can succeed. Thank you for being part of our shared journey.
LORD GREY
“There are many exciting opportunities and challenges at Lord Grey. All the staff are really keen for us to succeed.”
Year 7 Student
Behaviour and Standards at Lord Grey Academy
We are committed to fostering an environment where respect, responsibility, and resilience are the cornerstones of our community. We believe that high standards of behaviour and a positive learning atmosphere are essential for the academic and personal success of our students.
Our Expectations:
Respect: We expect all students to treat their peers, teachers, and school staff with kindness and consideration. This extends to respecting the school environment and property.
Responsibility: Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and actions. This includes being punctual, prepared for lessons, and adhering to school policies.
Resilience: We promote a culture where challenges are met with perseverance. Students are supported in developing the skills to overcome obstacles and learn from their experiences.
Our Commitment:
Safe and Supportive Environment: We provide a nurturing setting where students feel safe and valued. Our pastoral care system ensures that every student has access to the support they need.
Clear Guidelines and Consistent Enforcement: Our behaviour policy outlines clear expectations and consequences. We consistently enforce these standards to maintain a respectful and orderly environment. We enforce a strict no mobile phone policy. Students are required to keep their devices turned off and stored in their bags.
Positive Reinforcement: We celebrate and reward positive behaviour and achievements. This includes recognition through assemblies, awards, and our merit system.
Inclusive Culture: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive school where diversity is celebrated, and every student has the opportunity to thrive.
We believe that maintaining high standards of behaviour is a shared responsibility between the school, students, and parents. Together, we can create a learning environment that is conducive to academic excellence and personal growth.
Curriculum
At Lord Grey Academy we pride ourselves on having an ambitious and demanding curriculum that is wholly inclusive and meets the needs of all our learners. Our students engage in a curriculum that is:
• Ambitious for all irrespective of starting points and focuses on the school motto that Lord Grey CAN.
• Broad and balanced; students study a wide range of subjects and spend an appropriate amount of time on each of these.
• Knowledge rich, well-sequenced and builds on prior learning across phases, including KS2.
• Relevant to earners and will equip them for the wider world, building knowledge and skills that will help them in their future.
• Characterised by reading, which is taught through all subject areas.
• Reflective of our values of Determination, Ambition, Curiosity, Integrity and Civility
• Robust in providing extra curricular opportunities that develop the skills to contribute positively to your community.
The curriculum is:
• Broad and balanced and allows students to participate in a wide range of subjects and learning experiences.
• Aspirational and promotes a culture of high achievement.
• Adaptable to the needs of all pupils and is designed with a good understanding of how learners learn.
• Preparing our students for their future.
We run a three year KS3 and a two year KS4 programme.
KS3 - Year 7, 8, 9 KS4 - Year 10, 11
Extra-curricular
Students at all key stages have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular programme, developing a range of skills and interests. Opportunities include participating in the annual school show, school band and choir, languages film club, debating club, the UKMT Maths challenge and numerous sporting opportunities including UV sports, Cricket and Badminton. Students have an incredible opportunity to be coached and work alongside PSG, learning from professional coaches and associates. Lord Grey Academy has a thriving student council that acts as ambassadors and leads on a range of initiatives including on student voting opportunities and fundraising.
Careers Education
We are committed to providing a careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) programme to all students from y7 through to y13, that develops confident, informed, and motivated young people who are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities available to them both now and in their futures. All students have ongoing access to Careers, including career information, job market data, and guidance on further education and training options. In addition to our CEIAG offer within our Personal Development and Academic curriculum, we utilise the careers platform Unifrog to enable students to work on their transferable skills both within and outside of school. We offer opportunities for students to engage with employers and gain valuable insights through speakers, workshops, work experience and industry events including in STEM, digital and sport activities to name a few and our students receive individual support and guidance to explore their talents, interests, and career options.
Teaching and Learning
Our teachers combine their expertise with evidenceinformed techniques to maximise students’ learning opportunities. Our approach is underpinned by Rosenshine’s Principles and Retrieval Practice such as ‘Do Nows’; Guided Practice and Independent Practice. All teaching methods are underpinned by research. We have consistent ‘Expected Practice’ in classrooms which allows a calm and focused classroom environment.
We recognise that our students have different levels of ability and learning preferences. We use a variety of teaching approaches and arrange teaching groups carefully to ensure that all students make excellent progress. For exceptionally able, gifted and talented students our subject areas ensure appropriate challenge through guidance from colleagues who ‘champion’ the more able. Such students also benefit from additional ‘aiming high’ activities and a university focused programme.
Students identified with EHCPs or SEND plans are supported in their learning from whole class quality first teaching and some small group intervention with the SEND Department which is part of our Inclusive Learning Faculty.
The progress students make in their learning is carefully monitored and parents receive regular progress updates during the year. We expect students to strive to achieve their personal best and they are encouraged to evaluate their work and are supported in becoming independent learners.
LORD GREY
A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
At Lord Grey, we have created the ‘expected practice’ of classroom environments which we call Climates in order to create a clear learning environment and one that students transfer from teacher to teacher.
Teacher Instruction
• Eyes on the teacher giving your full attention.
• You are silent, still and listening carefully to instructions.
• Raise your hands at the end to ask any questions.
Independent Learning
• Focus on your own work.
• Work in silence.
• Raise your hand if you would like support.
Collaborative Learning
• Interaction and discussion is only about the given task.
• Listen to and respect the views of others.
• Contribute actively and positively.
• Raise your hand if you would like support.
Whole Class Discussion
• One person speaks at a time.
• You are silent, still and actively listening to the person speaking.
“Leaders have created a focused learning community”
• Respect the views of others and raise your hand to contribute.
The Lord Grey Way
Our character values are at the heart of everything we do; they are not just a laminated sheet on the wall but lived and breathed across the academy. We have built our high standards of behaviour and conduct for all students around these values, and we encourage our students to demonstrate each value daily. In addition, we take great pride in our strong safeguarding culture and pastoral care. These are in place to enable every student to feel that they BELONG here.
We have a strict uniform policy and expect students to wear their uniforms with pride and be excellent ambassadors for our academy in the local community and beyond.
Make the most of your learning! Follow these simple rules.
• Respect everyone’s right to be heard and everyone’s right to learn.
• Arrive to your lessons on time wearing the correct uniform.
• Follow the instructions of the member of staff the first time without fuss or argument.
• Complete all work, including Self Study, to the best of your ability.
• Take part in lessons by getting fully involved in all learning activities.
Make Lord Grey a great place to be! Follow these simple rules.
• Be polite and respectful to all members of the Academy community at all times.
• Behave sensibly, so that you do not put yourself or others in danger.
• When in corridors or on stairs, walk sensibly and quietly. Hold doors open for others.
• Use the bins provided to keep Lord Grey tidy and respect buildings and equipment.
Pastoral Care at Lord Grey: Supporting Every Student to Flourish
We believe that strong pastoral care is the foundation for student success—both academically and personally. Every student is supported by a dedicated form tutor, who acts as their consistent guide and daily point of contact. Form tutors build strong relationships with students and serve as the first link between home and school, ensuring communication with parents, carers, and guardians remains open and supportive.
In Year 7 students benefit from a team of experienced pastoral leaders, including a Head of Year, Assistant Head of Year, and a Raising Standards Leader, who all work collaboratively to nurture student wellbeing and academic progress. In addition, our team provides expert guidance and leadership, ensuring that every young person receives the encouragement they need to thrive throughout their school journey.
Our vibrant House system—Colossus, Enigma, Lorenz, and Turing—creates a sense of belonging and pride, fostering healthy competition and teamwork through sports, charity events, and a range of engaging inter-house activities. It’s a great way for students to connect, develop leadership skills, and celebrate success together.
Beyond the classroom, our extensive pastoral network includes a dedicated Careers Advisor, Behaviour and Learning Mentors, Learning Support Assistants, the reception Team, and the Ethos Team. These specialists are passionate about helping students navigate challenges, build confidence, and stay focused on their goals in a safe, supportive environment.
At Lord Grey, every student is known, valued, and encouraged to be their very best. We are committed to helping them flourish—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Community
We recognise the importance of establishing and maintaining positive relationships with parents; this is vital if students are to achieve maximum success.
We have good communication between home and the Academy via MCAS, where we send messages and letters, and online payments can be made and where you have online access to the information about your child’s education, view progress reports and monitor behaviour.
We have close links with the Primary Schools which our students attend before arriving at Lord Grey, and together with these schools, we form a partnership to ensure that learning from 0-19 has coherence and progression. Our Partner schools work with us to ensure we know a lot about our students before they come to the academy, this helps us to create balanced tutor groups.
Before Year 7 students join the Academy, there are various “transition” events to introduce them to Lord Grey to ensure that their first day is welcoming and an easy progression to the next stage of education.
Parents receive subject progress updates regularly (a full annual report builds up over the year) as well as being kept informed of student progress through the setting of challenging “target grades” and then regular “progress updates” against these target grades. Meetings with subject teachers and form tutors are encouraged, with formal and informal opportunities on the Academy calendar to do this.
POST 16 AS PART OF LG7 - thinking much further ahead
Thinking ahead to when your child is much older, we hope that they will stay with us. Post 16 opportunities at Lord Grey Sixth Form are very good, with a broad and successful range of courses at Level 2 and Level 3 with an excellent record of “value added”.
We believe in a seven year journey through formal secondary education which we call Lord Grey Seven, or LG7. We hope students buy into the concept of LG7 and stay with us through Years7-11 and then two more years, Years 12 and 13.
In this way we will see them flourish academically and/or vocationally and we will watch them bloom into wonderful young adults.
Student Voice and Leadership
We believe that all of our students should have the right to be involved in how Lord Grey develops. We want them to know that they are heard and providing regular opportunities for our students to articulate their opinions is an excellent way for them to build their character, confidence and prepare them for their future lives beyond Lord Grey Academy as advocates for themselves and others.
There are a variety of ways in which we develop our students’ voice and leadership. We regularly capture our students voices through student voice feedback sessions and surveys relating to their experiences at Lord Grey, both academic and pastoral and this informs the evaluation of our provision. Additionally, all students at Lord Grey have the opportunity to become a member of our student councils. The elections are held by the existing Student Council and the Student Council also oversees the recruitment and re-election processes for the chair and vice- chair roles. Our student council has also successfully organised and ran internal elections for nominations to the Milton Keynes Youth Council to ensure Lord Grey’s student voice is represented wider in the community.
Furthermore, students at Lord Grey have additional opportunities to exercise their voice and leadership through our student and subject ambassador roles.
Our Subject Ambassadors do an excellent job of promoting the good work done here at Lord Grey including, but not limited to, touring visitors and prospective staff members around the site, forming student panels at interviews, representing Lord Grey at open evenings, leading the timings and smooth operation of parents’ evenings and organising and running charity events. Our students have also led road safety campaigns, and mental health awareness events. Our House captains. Our Subject Ambassadors enhance their leadership and character through the completed on the SSAT leadership qualification.
Our student Sports Leaders, GLAM squad leaders and House captains also enrich our extra-curricular offer, shaping the offer and supporting our excellent PE staff in their delivery, for example our GLAM squad used student voice and their leadership skills to launch our Girls only dodgeball club in addition to staffing the club. Our House Captains are also particularly active in supporting Sports Day and ensuring there are a wide range of inclusive activities for all Lord Grey students to participate in and enjoy.
PSG Football Academy
If you have a passion and talent for football then this is the place for you.
Lord Grey Football Academy in partnership with PSG academy UK is an exciting opportunity for those students who want to combine Level 3 courses with football.
We are delighted to work in partnership with Paris Saint-Germain Academy England.
Paris Saint-Germain Academy England is dedicated to developing players of all abilities. Fitness, health, wellbeing and nutrition are fundamental parts within the academy. The Education & Football Programme offers students aged 16-18 the opportunity to develop their football skills whilst building their knowledge of sport and furthering their education.
As a student at Lord Grey Academy, you become part of the Paris Saint-Germain family. The goal of the partnership is to not only develop the football players but also to ensure that each individual’s educational targets are achieved. The football academy is run by PSG qualified and highly respected professional coaches who know how to bring out the best in you. They teach you football the European way.
Each coach is specially trained in the Paris Saint-Germain methodology so that our students learn the PSG way!
The sessions are devised by the club’s technical staff and follow the Paris Saint-Germain playing philosophy, while adapting the position and level of each player.
As a student at Lord Grey Academy you become part of the Paris Saint-Germain family and will play the same way as the youth and first team setup in Paris.
Each player must purchase a subsidised Paris SaintGermain Academy England kit bundle for classes, training and matches. (approximately £40). As well as learning the techniques and philosophy of the Parisian club the players will also discuss the importance of nutrition, fitness and conditioning to emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle on and off the training ground.
The goal of the partnership is to not only develop the football players but also ensure that each individual’s educational targets are achieved.
This year we have 40 places on the PSG Football academy for males and females. Playing football previously is not a prerequisite. For more information speak to Mr Paulo Pereira, Head Coach and Technical Director of PSG Academy, based at Lord Grey Academy.
Welcome to Paris Saint-Germain Academy at Lord Grey Academy!
Lord Grey Academy
Rickley Lane, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EW
Tel: 01908 626110
Fax: 01908 366139
Email: enquiries@lordgrey.org.uk
www.lordgrey.org.uk @lordgreyacademy @lordgreyacademy