Year Groups

Each of our year groups is led by an enthusiastic and dedicated Head of Year. They, along with their team of form tutors, work to support and enhance every aspect of our students' education.

This is achieved through working collectively to monitor the attitudes and behaviour of our students. Concerns are addressed as they are identified whilst ensuring that achievements are fully recognised and rewarded, not only within the year group but also the wider school community.

The work of the year teams is further enhanced by our Pastoral Support Assistants, Mrs Ferdinand (KS3) and Mrs Harris (KS4).

YEAR 7

I have been Head of Year 7 for a number of years at The Palmer Catholic Academy and I take my role very seriously. As  Head of Year, I endeavour to encourage and monitor our Year 7 students to ensure that they make progress both academically and personally.

I very much look forward to supporting each and every student in order to achieve his or her full potential. I expect them to maintain high standards of behaviour and enthusiasm for their learning as they move forward with new and exciting challenges.

Together with Mrs Ferdinand and the rest of the Pastoral Team, we will make sure that each child's transition to secondary school is as smooth as possible.

I aim to foster a positive atmosphere with my year group where all students feel valued and understand our shared responsibility for developing their academic, emotional and social skills so they can fulfil their potential and go on to be successful young adults.

Mrs Hughes
Head of Year 7

YEAR 8

Year 8 is a brilliant year at the academy. Students will be given lots of opportunities to learn new topics in lessons, grow as young people and succeed in their academic and pastoral life. Students will aspire to be the best they can in school and in their personal lives. They are supported to make the right decisions and all achievements are recognised and rewarded. We encourage students to challenge themselves and seek new adventures to support their learning in the Academy.

We have established a positive, dedicated and supportive ethos in the year group. Students are proud of their achievements and teachers are confident in the work they do to ensure all students excel. 

As the Head of Year 8, I am responsible for ensuring that all students are supported academically and pastorally. Students should feel confident to approach myself or any of the team if they require any support. We will make sure that every student feels welcomed comfortable. 

Year 8 students are a credit to the academy, they work together to achieve their aims and objectives. They also strive as individuals to make excellent levels of progress. I look forward to working with all students throughout this exciting year. 

 Ms Russell
Head of Year 8

YEAR 9

Year 9 is an exciting and important year as students will be choosing their options for GCSE study.  Students will receive plenty of support and advice about which subjects to study, suited to their aspirations and future careers.  No longer the newest members of the school, I expect Year 9 to continue with the focused and excellent behaviour that they have demonstrated throughout their first two years at the academy and be role models for the current Year 7 and 8 students.

Students will be encouraged to do their very best to achieve and make the most of their time here at the academy.  

We walk step-by-step with each student to ensure they are on track for success.  We engage with parents regularly to ensure that the 'golden triangle' of student-parent-form tutors/ Head of Year guarantees that each student feels confident and happy at the academy.

The continued support from the  dedicated and enthusiastic Year 9 team will ensure that all Year 9 students excel both personally and academically.

 Ms Obiorah
Head of Year 9

YEAR 10

I believe every child matters and place great emphasis on the moral, spiritual and academic development of our children. I achieve this by fostering a positive working relationship with all pupils and aid in the reflection of their behaviour to ensure they continue to make positive choices. I work closely with other departments, including the Mentoring Department to ensure all pupils receive the support they need to flourish and become a better person, that we collectively ask for in our daily prayer.

The academic success of the academy is well recognised and I strive to continue this success and prepare my Year 10 students for transition into their final GCSE year. I believe this academic success is rooted in the development of the whole child, including their academic attainment as well as opportunities for personal development. 

I am a firm believer that home is the first educator of our children and place great emphasis on communication with parents and carers. I look forward to working in partnership with them to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children. 

Mr E Barrett
Head of Year 10

YEAR 11

The aim of this year is to ensure students are in the best position possible to succeed in their exams and have a hugely positive future ahead of them.

I ask that students take the challenges that Year 11 will present head on and work with us as most of them have done so brilliantly in the past four years of secondary education.

If students are prepared to put the work in, then absolutely anything is possible but success is not handed on a plate, it requires commitment and dedication.

I look forward to a really positive year with plenty of opportunities for praise, exceeding expectations and making the most of your time, as this year will go very quickly.

Ms F Russell
Head of Year 11