At Ivanhoe our students come first. We are committed to the education of the 'whole person', where we are confident that the enrichment experiences offered alongside our formal curriculum will ensure that all of our students will leave Ivanhoe as happy, successful, informed, resilient young adults ready to make a positive contribution to their world.

We are a caring school with a disciplined family atmosphere. We have high expectations for our students, in attendance, behaviour, attitude and achievement and all students follow the ‘Ivanhoe Way’ to achieve success.

Our vision statement describes us being on a ‘Journey to Excellence’ and we value the unique contribution of each student and want them to achieve their full potential. Highly skilled and dedicated staff provide an excellent, caring environment in which students can learn and flourish safely. We enjoy learning together – not only in lessons but also through the wide range of extra-curricular activities we have on offer, and we encourage all students to get involved and develop their skills and talents further.

From Autumn 2022 we begin making the exciting transition from being a 11-14 school to becoming and 11-16 school. We have spent many years preparing for this change and we have a strong GCSE vision led by our very experienced leaders including current GCSE examiners and moderators we have working at Ivanhoe. We are also supported by the LiFE Multi Academy Trust, and work closely with the other schools in the ‘National Forest Hub’ (Ivanhoe School, Ibstock Community College and Ashby School). 

We are extremely proud of our excellent results which are consistently well above national averages both at the end of Key Stage 3 and when students have gone on to achieve their GCSEs results. High Attaining students thrive at Ivanhoe, with a good proportion of our past students gaining the highest levels at GCSE and A-Level, and high rates staying on in the sixth form and going to university. The Age Range Change in the area will ensure smaller class sizes allowing us to allow for personalised learning and targeted support where needed.

“I really like Ivanhoe – it is a big school but after two weeks you know where you’re going and everyone is really nice.”

– Year 7 Student

We are constantly working to improve the facilities we have to offer. We believe our students have the right to learn in the very best environment we are able to provide.

Our excellent facilities include:

• A purpose built Science block
• Gymnasium
• A well stocked library
• Large Hall, Dining Room and Coffee Lounge
• Drama Studio
• Music Rooms with computers, keyboards and practice rooms
• 2 art rooms and 5 design workshops
• Dedicated ‘Learning Zone’ learning support rooms
• Pastoral and Care and Guidance areas
• 2 Computer suites, laptops, visualizers, ipads and tablets
• Extensive playing fields and sport facilities, including synthetic pitch we share with Hood Park Leisure Centre
• Grow club - gardening
• Bike sheds
• Outside play spaces and equipment

We aim to provide an excellent all-round education for local children and in addition we have excellent ICT and other facilities across the college, but particularly in Graphics, PE, Science and Music. We have a traditional curriculum built around subjects, including a whole college approach to Personal Learning and Thinking Skills. Our curriculum is knowledge rich and teaching is evidence based, and intended to promote excellent and rapid acquisition of knowledge and skills.

We offer a wide range of opportunities outside the classroom including sport, music, drama, art, residential visits, day visits, visits abroad, vocational opportunities, curriculum based visits and workshops.

“…it is all outstanding and we are immensely appreciative of the support provided.” – Parent response to questionnaire

The pastoral structure and student leadership 

Our pastoral structure is based around vertical tutor groups of about 24/25 students. We use the vertical structure to foster a family feeling within the school, with the older members of each tutor group being expected and encouraged to look out for the younger ones.

Each tutor group belongs to a house and we use our house system to provide leadership opportunities for students, have fun and encourage competition. We have a Student Leadership Team, a House Council and House Leaders and Sports Managers for each house. Students are consulted on all major developments within the college, and we also seek student views when reviewing teaching and learning. We always have a student panel when making staff appointments.

Rewards and behaviour policy

We have a system of house point rewards for effort and achievement and clear steps, or consequences, which we use fairly and consistently to encourage good behaviour for learning across the college.

“…it is all outstanding and we are immensely appreciative of the support provided.” – Parent response to questionnaire

The pastoral structure and student leadership

Our pastoral structure is based around vertical tutor groups of about 24/25 students. We use the vertical structure to foster a family feeling within the school, with the older members of each tutor group being expected and encouraged to look out for the younger ones.

Each tutor group belongs to a house and we use our house system to provide leadership opportunities for students, have fun and encourage competition. We have a Student Leadership Team, a House Council and House Leaders and Sports Managers for each house. Students are consulted on all major developments within the college, and we also seek student views when reviewing teaching and learning. We always have a student panel when making staff appointments.

Rewards and behaviour policy 

We have a system of house point rewards for effort and achievement and clear steps, or consequences, which we use fairly and consistently to encourage good behaviour for learning across the college.