The Bridge Academy

The Bridge Academy is an academic, inclusive and inspirational environment where innovative thinking and creativity are encouraged and aspirations are raised.

The Bridge Academy Sixth Form opened in September 2012 and we were delighted to welcome our first cohort of students joining us on our ambitious journey. The Bridge Academy is truly "A Bridge to Your Future".With the full support and commitment of UBS, our outstanding sponsor, our Sixth Form is unique and different from any other. This close relationship with UBS means that our Academy is well placed to offer each student high quality work experience, a dedicated career mentor and a range of support across the curriculum.

The UBS-Bridge Academy Partnership is based on shared ambition to build a continuous programme that gives students superb opportunities to work with UBS employees, providing a positive impact on their achievement, attainment and personal development.

Priority for our 125 places will be given to existing Bridge Academy students. For AS and A Level courses applicants will need 6 A*-C grades including English and Mathematics with a minimum of 4 B grades in their chosen subjects. Students wishing to study Mathematics at AS/A level must have a grade A at GCSE. For vocational qualifications applicants will need 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or a minimum Pass in a relevant Level 2 vocational course. In recognition of our Music specialism we offer five music places to external applicants under our over-subscription criteria.

Our vision is for The Bridge Academy to be an exceptional place where every student can realise their talents and abilities in a safe and intellectually stimulating environment. We aim high. We are committed to creating an inspiring culture of courage, aspiration and success which together with hard work, will lead to the highest possible standards.

The Bridge Academy will give young people the best possible education whatever their background or ability, and will help them develop a life-long enthusiasm for learning.Students experience a broad and rich curriculum with Music and Mathematics as specialist subjects. A culture of high standards and achievement will enable them to develop their full potential, building the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to become responsible and successful adults.

The Bridge Academy creates an inspiring, secure and inclusive environment where innovative thinking and creativity are encouraged and aspirations are raised. It is a school for the whole community with students, staff, governors, parents and carers, and members of the local community working together for mutual benefit.

Access to the internet is now an essential element for students in order to quickly develop their understanding and knowledge. However, it is essential that students understand how to use the internet safely and appropriately in order to protect themselves from potential harm.As parents we can take positive measures to support this. This clinic provides parents with advice, guidance and practical help to make their child's experience of the internet a safe and rewarding one. Parents are encouraged to bring any concerns or issues they may have. We will suggest and model practical steps on how to use parental controls as well as demonstrating a range of software that can be used to monitor and manage usage of the internet.

The safeguarding of our students is of utmost importance at The Bridge Academy.We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. We consistently work with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements are made to identify, assess, prevent and support any child who suffers, or is at risk of harm. All members of staff believe that Bridge Academy should provide a safe, caring, positive and stimulating environment that promotes and supports the social, emotional and mental health of all our students. All staff in the Academy receive regular Safeguarding and Child Protection training and are aware of procedures to report any concerns.

The Bridge Academy is fully committed to the inclusion of students with SEND providing that the Academy is compatible for the child’s age, ability and aptitude and that their attendance is not incompatible with the efficient education of other students in the Academy and is an efficient use of the Local Authority’s resources.

Bridge PTA is The parents' and carers' association of The Bridge Academy. We are a voluntary group comprising parents', carers', parent governors and staff which aims to actively support families and students of The Bridge Academy. Through our involvement we hope to encourage parents' and carers' to take an active role in our school.We support school social events with refreshments for concerts, plays and curriculum evenings. We also have an information stand at Open Evenings. This year we will be providing more opportunities for parents' to get involved by hosting Parent Forums.