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 always an exciting year for our students.  They have completed that all important first year at secondary school and are now a settled and established year group ready for new challenges.  Last year, this year group showed how committed they were by helping at events around the academy and showing kindness to each other – we were all very proud of them.  Year 8 will be encouraged to develop a strong sense of charity and community spirit and will take part in activities that support this. 

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 me or any of the team if they require any support. We will make sure that every student feels welcomed and 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. 

Mr Barrett
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.

Miss Russell
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. 

Ms Obiorah
Head of Year 10

YEAR 11

We are approaching the final hurdle in our quest. The GCSEs are fast approaching and it is imperative that we are prepared to achieve the best grades possible. Every child matters therefore every child must succeed. The climb to the top is hard, but we can do it.

It is important that our students perform well in every subject and it is my job, with the help of the form tutors, subject teachers and other members of staff, to provide a conducive learning environment for this year group. The Headteacher has put in place intervention programmes that will enable our students to achieve their full potential.

Our students are excited and gearing themselves up for the final push. They understand that this is the time to put in the work. There are revision sessions and booster classes taking place every morning and evening. Our students are expected to take full advantage of what has been organised for them. We have  dedicated teachers who are working hard to give every student the opportunity to make progress and achieve great results. 

I look forward to another positive year where our GCSE students will exceed expectations and produce outstanding results. 

Mrs John-Oloni
Head of Year 11