Vision and ethos

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The Sponsor, King Edward VI Foundation, has developed a vision and ethos for the Academy. The ‘ethos’ is what the culture of the Academy will be like – the thinking and values that will shape the way it works. The vision of the Academy is how that ethos will look and work in the Academy, how it will impact on the day-to-day. This vision and ethos will help us to make the Academy a place where students fulfill their real potential:

The Academy will become a beacon of aspiration for the children of the local community and will work with that community to provide an entirely comprehensive education for all of its students. It will blend excellence in academic, vocational and extra-curricular activity to allow them all to succeed in ways most appropriate to them and their talents. The Academy will ensure that all students receive a well rounded education which goes well beyond their academic study. It will offer a rich and diverse educational experience designed to broaden their horizons and to raise awareness of what is possible for them as individuals, increasing their ambition. Through strong pastoral systems, the Academy will nurture a caring environment, which values and respects diversity and which seeks to recognise and reward all skills, abilities and achievements.

The King Edward VI Foundation has values which can be shared with the local community of Sheldon Heath to maximise the achievements of the students within the Academy.

The Foundation's vision is that:

  • A culture of high aspiration and the celebration of high achievement in academic, vocational and personal contexts can encourage all students to achieve their potential.
  • A demonstrable interest in, and commitment to each student through effective pastoral systems makes them feel safe, valued and prepared to learn.
  • A well rounded education, extending beyond academic study and offering rich and diverse opportunities, enables all students to broaden their horizons and to feel that they can succeed at something relevant to them as individuals.
  • The development of a strong and thriving sixth form at the Academy is essential for progression in the education of its students and will enhance provision in East Birmingham as a whole.
  • Providing opportunities for students to practice leadership skills and to make a contribution to the development of their Academy will give students pride in their school and will support positive behaviour and discipline.
  • The specialisms of Science and Performing Arts can be maximised through high quality teaching and learning, resources and accommodation to offer choice, diversity and achievement for all talents.
  • Strong partnerships with the local and wider community can be used to enhance the curriculum offered to students and to develop a sense of ownership amongst local residents.
  • Access to new technologies will give students the confidence to participate and lead in a rapidly changing society.


The Academy will be in a partnership with the King Edward VI Foundation. This means that it will benefit from links with other schools which are part of the same foundation. This partnership will help students to grow academically, vocationally, socially and morally, so that they leave the Academy as independent, co-operative, responsible and creative young adults able to cope with the challenges and changes they face throughout their lives. Together with relevant qualifications this will prepare students for entry to Further and Higher Education and the world of work.

There is another partnership which we hope will play an important role in making the Academy a success: a partnership with parents. This is essential to ensure that students are able to achieve their potential and the Academy will encourage parents to feel that they are valued and able to contribute to the process of educating their child. The Academy and the Sponsor supports the “Every Child Matters” agenda and its recognition that every child has a right to achieve and have access to the resources and systems which meet their needs, whatever those needs are. Students with special education needs and those who are “looked after” will be given particular support.

Being an ‘extended school’ means offering a programme of activity and resources to students, their families and the wider community. It’s a way of supporting cohesion, regeneration and the enjoyment of everyone in the community as well as our students. We will, with the support of partnerships with a range of providers be delivering an extended school programme.

Learning is greatly enhanced when students are supported by effective and committed teaching and non-teaching staff. Working in partnership with the Foundation, the Academy will provide quality training, management systems and staffing structures which will support its staff so they can enjoy their work and maximise their effectiveness.