About ACA

As Headteacher, I very much look forward to welcoming you to the school. Children get one chance at secondary education. I am absolutely determined that any child who attends Altrincham College will have an excellent secondary experience. I want our students to leave having enjoyed their time here, having made excellent progress academically, having felt looked after and cared for, having had superb opportunities and leaving as responsible, capable and confident young people. The staff and pupils are proud to belong to Altrincham College.

Our latest Ofsted report (May 2011) awarded the school 'Outstanding School' status for the second inspection ion succession and provides clear evidence that our vision is being met.
Pupils' achievement - Outstanding
Quality of Teaching and Learning - Outstanding
Leadership and Management - Outstanding
'Inspirational leadership, exceptional care and consistently high quality teaching enable all groups of students to flourish. Achievement is outstanding; students make excellent progress'
'Students self esteem is high in a climate where achievement is fun'
'Higher attaining students report that the school 'stretches' them to attain the best possible grades'
'This is an outstanding school that values all individuals and nurtures their unique talents'.

In recognition of our work over the past few years, Altrincham College has achieved a number of prestigious national awards. These include ‘Outstanding’ School status, the Investor in People Award, ISO 9002 Quality Standard, ArtsMark Gold, Sportsmark, the Award for Connexions Excellence (ACE Award) and High Performing Specialist School status.

As a Foundation School Altrincham College abides by the Admissions Policy of the Local Education Authority. Admission to the school is by application to Trafford Education Department through the Trafford Secondary School Co-ordinated Admissions Forms or, for non-Trafford residents, the Preference Form of your Local Authority. Full details can be obtained from the School Admissions, Education Department, Waterside House, The Waterside, Sale, M33 7ZF. Every year many more parents express a preference for a place at the College than there are actual places available.

Careers education is embedded in our PSHE programme in all years, with links through to Further and Higher Education. Information, advice and guidance is supported by the Connexions Service, with two Personal Advisers offering both group sessions and one-to-one interviews. Work experience enterprise and work related learning events, including visits, are all core elements of our curriculum for all pupils. A small group of Year 10 students are participating in the Bright Future work based learning initiative. Our excellence in the provision of careers education has been recognised by the award of teh Silver standard of Inspiring IAG.

Our provision for high quality information, advice and guidance will extend into the new Sixth Form from September 2011.

The school endeavours to establish good relationships through tension free but firm discipline. The highest standards of behaviour are realised through the implementation of the school’s Code of Conduct Policy and our Behaviour Charter. This relies upon mutual respect between all those involved in the school community, upon trust and the development of a sense of personal responsibility that all individuals share for the safety and well being of all. Pride in belonging to Altrincham College is a key factor in the school’s success. All pupils and parents are asked to support and adhere to our Code of Conduct Policy by signing the Home-School Agreement.

Good discipline follows naturally from the example and attitudes of staff with staff and staff with pupils and parents. Mutual respect is measurable in the courtesies of adults and pupils meeting in the building, as well as good order in the classroom.

Visitors to the school regularly comment on the very good atmosphere that pervades and the friendly, courteous nature of the pupils.

The School Council, made up of elected pupils from all years, ensure students have an active voice in driving the school to greater success and developing our learning environment.

Our praise and rewards system encourages children to always attend punctually, behave responsibly, bring the correct equipment and work to the best of their ability.

We should respect other people’s belongings, their feelings, views and beliefs

We respect the teacher’s right to teach and all students’ right to learn. Respect shows that we care for ourselves and for others.

We need to maintain good attendance and always be punctual. Working to the best of our ability at all times, will ensure we all make good progress.

Be organised, with the right equipment at the right time. We should care for the equipment made available to us. Being equipped means we do not waste time for all other students.

Smart uniform, worn appropriately, helps to promote a good attitude to learning and prepares us for the world of work.

We should show that we care for each other, care for our school environment and care for our own health and future. Caring helps everyone to feel safe in school.

(The Student Council, Altrincham College of Arts)