We are proud to refer to our school, its students and staff as the ‘Fernwood Family’. ‘Family’ is a term used with sincerity as we want all our students to have a sense of belonging and to be proud of themselves, each other, our school and our community. That sense of belonging is a critical element of our continued success irrespective of a student’s background.

Non-teaching staff further embed pastoral care and academic achievement for our students. This is supported by excellent CPD opportunities.

Examination results are excellent. Students from all backgrounds and abilities perform extremely well. However, we are much, much more than a centre of academic excellence. Examination outcomes are of course important, but they are only one component of our school.

We aim to ensure all students feel cared for as part of our richly diverse multi-cultural community based on the principles of compassion, tolerance and mutual respect. Students learn to develop a positive self-image alongside the rights, feelings and beliefs of others. We are always striving to improve and will never be complacent. I hope you find the website informative and that it provides a clear sense of our values and the opportunities afforded to our students of whom we are most proud.

Paul Burke

Headteacher

Fernwood is a high performing, 11-16 multi-cultural school recognised by Ofsted and the DfE for excellent academic standards and outstanding care and discipline. The school achieved Leading Edge status for excellent practice in 2004 and became a Specialist Technology College in 2005 and a Specialist School in Mathematics and Science in 2010. We are also a recognised centre of excellence for Languages, Expressive Arts and Sport. Fernwood works in direct partnership with Bilborough College securing a number of places annually for students to study a wide range of courses including A levels and the International Baccalaureate. Recent figures show that a very high proportion of our students’ progress to Higher Education courses, many securing places at top universities including Oxford and Cambridge. The school offers equally strong vocational routes into further education and training.

Each child in our community is unique and precious, equally valued for their culture and contributions. We have very high expectations of all; hard work and self discipline, courtesy and respect are all key values which we instill in children right from the start. At the heart of our ethos is equality of opportunity and shared understanding, respect and tolerance for each other’s differences and needs. Aims: To challenge every pupil to raise their aspirations and excel in academic achievements. To instill in pupils the values and characteristics necessary to become successful, confident and responsible members of society. To teach pupils the value of self-discipline, resilience and endeavour in order to become life-long learners. To prepare pupils to participate in and contribute to a society with ever changing scientific, technical and international needs. These aims are underpinned by: Very effective teaching leading to a stimulating and enjoyable educational experience for all. A broad and balanced curriculum, which offers real choice and opportunity in an ever changing technological world. A well ordered and disciplined environment where pupils feel safe and happy. An extensive programme of enrichment where pupils can develop their talents and interests. Strong bonds between home,school and the community that reinforce the school’s success. These are embodied in our school motto of High Achievement with Care and Discipline which permeates all aspects of school life.

Fernwood is an 11-16 School enjoying an excellent reputation for high standards of achievement and behaviour.

We offer a school with:

• An ethos of ‘High Achievement with Care and Discipline for All’
• A teaching profession that is dedicated, innovative and talented
• A teaching profession that is treated with respect and afforded autonomy in the classroom
• A wonderful group of students who behave well and have high aspirations
• A strong Progress 8 score
• Staff and Governors that are professional and enjoy working together for the benefit of the young people we serve
• An Ofsted outstanding judgement
• Leading Edge Status