Trinity School Prospectus 2015 - 2016 by Trinity School

Prospectus 2015-2016

“Trinity School in Belvedere is an outstanding Church of England secondary school”

SIAS 2011

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

Welcome I would like to welcome you to Trinity School, a school which was described by Anglican Schools inspectors as ‘an outstanding Church of England secondary school’. Trinity School is the only Church of England secondary school in the London Borough of Bexley and has a reputation for commitment to students of all abilities and a renowned level of pastoral care. This is the result of a stable, dedicated and highly effective team of staff ensuring that pupils have every opportunity to succeed in a huge variety of activities in and out of the classroom. Trinity became an academy in April 2011. Trinity is part of the Trinitas Academy Trust together with Christ Church (Erith) and St Augustine of Canterbury Primary Schools. This exciting partnership has created a family of schools where strong Christian values are at the centre of everything we do. The resources of all schools are used to provide a stimulating learning environment which inspires children to do their best. The trust is distinctive in its values but inclusive in its nature. Trinity is a school with a strong Christian ethos and this brings a central spiritual and moral dimension to all that we do. The Act of Worship, Eucharist and prayer meetings serve to confirm and support work in the classroom and our expectations of students including those belonging to other faith communities. Anglican Schools inspectors said: “Students confidently and sensitively discuss matters of faith and belief, and their understanding of religious issues supports community cohesion”. We aim to find the route to excellence for every pupil in their time with us and to develop a life long love of learning. We expect every boy and girl who joins us to do his or her very best, to be happy and feel safe at school, and to respect the Trinity School Code. Ofsted inspectors said: “Students enjoy their schooling, and this contributes to their good achievement”. Choosing a school for your son or daughter can be amongst the most difficult decisions a parent has to make. At Trinity they will have the benefit of a safe and successful school with strong moral and spiritual guidance. We look forward to working with parents as close partners in providing a challenging and exciting education for young people.

Ian Collins Head Teacher

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

About the School At Trinity, we believe in order and self-discipline. We work hard to provide an inspiring working environment and ensure the well-being and safety of our pupils at all times. High standards of conduct and behaviour are expected and achieved. The school has clear rules for pupils, which are given to all parents on admission. Parents are required to accept and support the school’s disciplinary code and Home-School Agreement. The school has a clear policy on rewards and sanctions included in the school’s behaviour policy which is available on request. Trinity School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all staff and volunteers are expected to share that commitment.

The Aims of Trinity School ●

to offer an all-round excellent education for pupils of all abilities and backgrounds by providing a positive working environment in which all children and staff can develop to their full potential.

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to provide the highest standards of achievement for all.

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to provide and maintain a Christian environment.

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to provide the highest standards of personal care and support and individual development.

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to provide the best preparation for adult life and develop supportive links between school, home, parish and the wider community.

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to provide the highest standard of communication with parents, parish and the wider community, involving them in all aspects of school life.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

Trinity School Code The children of Trinity School have produced the following code by which we try to live each school day. It is displayed in every classroom and referred to constantly as a measure of our values and expectations. It has arisen from discussions they have had through their Tutor Groups, and the School Council. This code indicates the spirit of the school and the way we expect children to behave.

Trinity School pupils say: Respect others, be truthful and trustworthy, Individual achievement is highly valued, No bullying, racism, physical or emotional violence, Independence should be encouraged, Treat others as you wish to be treated, You are a member of a caring community.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

About the School

Acts of Worship & Religious Education Corporate Acts of Worship and Religious Education are carried out in accordance with the teachings of the Church of England. Religious Education will include references to the teachings and practice of other faiths, particularly those represented in the school. The Chaplain plays a significant role in the everyday life of the school, is available for counselling and works with groups of students including the Sixth Form. As well as the daily Act of Worship, there are weekly Eucharists in the School Chapel. Special services and those for major festivals are held in local churches. We have strong links with the local worshipping community and welcome links with all faiths.

Your Child’s Move To Trinity To help with the progression from one stage of their education to the next, we liaise closely with our partner Primary Schools to ensure a smooth transition. We aim to visit all pupils in their Primary School prior to their start in Year 7. We organise a two-day induction programme during the Summer Term in order that Primary pupils can experience life at Trinity School prior to their arrival in the Autumn Term.

Accommodation The school provides a pleasant, inspiring and constantly improving working environment on a most attractive site. Trinity is equipped with a full range of specialist accommodation for all curriculum areas, including workshops for Design and Food Technology and Art Studios, together with a Sports Hall, Music Recording Studio and two multipurpose Expressive Arts Studios.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

Trinity’s facilities also include six ICT rooms which cater for a range of specialist subjects with their own dedicated software. A floodlit all-weather pitch is available for use by the school and the community. 2014 sees the opening of a new £3M state of the art Sixth Form Centre to accommodate our growing Sixth Form.

Learning & Creativity Information, Advice & Guidance This is provided by a team of tutors and is enhanced by a careers section in the library and access to the school’s Prospects Personal Advisers. Year 9 pupils are given close guidance on Key Stage 4 courses, and an introduction to action planning. Year 10 pupils have careers education as part of their Personal, Social and Health Education programme, including action planning. Counselling and guidance interviews are available with Careers teachers and/or Careers Officers for all senior pupils, particularly regarding post-GCSE prospects. Year 11 have elements of Careers Education in their tutor programme supplemented by a ‘Stop Day’. Sixth Form students are encouraged when appropriate to apply for university places, and are supported through the UCAS process.

Gifted & Talented Gifted and Talented pupils are identified in all year groups. Extension activities are provided during lessons, and a range of extra curricular activities such as weekly clubs and visits as well as special events serve to challenge the more able pupils. There is a full and extensive programme of enrichment activities for Gifted and Talented pupils in all subjects.

School Awards Trinity has gained several curricular and extra-curricular awards for its quality of provision. The school holds the Sportsmark Award and the Artsmark Gold Award from the Arts Council, highlighting the exceptional standard of work in these areas. In recognition of ongoing work with schools in other countries, the school has achieved the International School Award from the British Council and the Lifelong Learning Award from the European Comenius Programme.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

The Curriculum Class Groups (Academic and Pastoral) In Years 7, 8 & 9 pupils are grouped in broad bands within which they are setted by ability for all core subjects, enabling them to work at a pace appropriate to their learning needs. This continues into Years 10 and 11. This approach enables us to ensure that all pupils are challenged to reach their full potential. There is a regular review to ensure that pupils are placed in the correct learning groups. Every child is placed in a mixed ability Tutor Group and the tutor programme is tailored to the needs of each year group. In addition, pupils are encouraged to review their achievements and set targets to plan future developments.

Homework All pupils are set regular homework appropriate to their ability and the subject concerned using Show My Homework (an online resource) where possible, which parents may also log in to check homework being set and completed.

Years 7-9 All pupils in Years 7-9 follow the full range of National Curriculum subjects. Further details are available on the school website.

Years 10-13 All pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow the core subjects of the National Curriculum and supplement this from a wide range of optional subjects. As students enter the Sixth Form, they are given the opportunity to extend their knowledge with a variety of courses at all levels which are tailored to the needs of each student. Current subjects include: Art, Business Studies, Catering, Dance, Drama, English, French, Geography, German, Health & Social Care, History, ICT, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Physical Education, Product Design, Religious Studies, Sociology and Psychology. Sixth Form students are also involved in an enrichment and Religious Social Education programme covering areas such as ethics, politics, money management and health education, as well as optional study visits to Europe and the United States.

Reports & Progress Parents are kept fully informed by termly communications from the school. These include a full written report annually, subject consultation meetings for all year groups and interim academic progress reports.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

Work Related Learning & Enterprise In Key Stage 4, all pupils have a work experience placement. Work experience placements and opportunities for work shadowing are available in Years 12-13. Some pupils have the opportunity to follow a work-related course in Key Stage 4 with extended choices for students at Key Stage 5. A series of Enterprise days are held for pupils in Years 9 - 11.

Further & Higher Education Many students progress into a wide range of university courses and a team of specialist staff advise students at every stage of their application.

Sex & Relationships Studies The school has a detailed policy on Sex and Relationships Education, within the context of the family as required and approved by the governors. The policy is available on request.

Drugs Education The school has a detailed policy on Drugs Education which is approved by the governors. The policy is available on request.

Partnerships & the Community Primary Links Trinitas Academy Trust Trinity is part of the Trinitas Academy Trust together with Christ Church (Erith) and St Augustine of Canterbury Primary Schools. This exciting partnership has created a family of schools where strong Christian values are at the centre of everything we do. The resources of all schools are used to provide a stimulating learning environment which inspires children to do their best. The trust is distinctive in its values but inclusive in its nature. The three schools in the Trust work together on all aspects of teaching and learning but still retain their individual character. The Academy Trust is led by a Board of Directors which includes members of the Governing Bodies, representatives of the Bishop of Rochester and the Diocesan Board of Education. A Chief Executive has overall responsibility for the Trust and the Primary Academies are led by an Executive Head Teacher working with Heads of School. All schools will, for the time being, continue to operate separate admissions criteria.

In addition to the Anglican Schools’ Partnership, Trinity works extensively with local primary schools, some of which are part of the Bexley Education Improvement Partnership (BEIP) to which we belong. Staff and pupils visit primary classes and groups of primary children visit Trinity to take part in art projects, master classes, RE, musical and sporting events.

European Links The school has partners in Finland, France, Germany, Holland and Italy. Sports, curricular and e-mail educational project links are established and funded by the European Union ‘Socrates’ Programme.

Partnership 6th Trinity Sixth Form is a member of Partnership 6th. This is a collaboration between Erith, Trinity and Welling Sixth Forms, which enables students to widen their possible choices at Level 2 and Level 3. It also allows those who need to access Level 1 courses a range of opportunities to do so.

Extra Curricular Activities

ASP

Bexley Anglican Schools’ Partnership

At Trinity, we believe very strongly in the value of extra-curricular activities. We are fortunate in having committed and dedicated staff who give freely of their time to arrange a variety of activities including: Drama productions, dance club, choir, chapel clubs, carol service, charity events, holidays and educational visits abroad, theatre workshops, individual music tuition, Carnegie shadowing project, revision classes, technology and homework clubs.

We are part of a collaborative project with ten local Church of England Primary schools - Christ Church (Erith), Bishop Ridley, Hillsgrove, Holy Trinity Lamorbey, Old Bexley, Slade Green, St Augustine of Canterbury, St Michael’s and St Paulinus, working together in partnership with the Rochester Diocesan Board of Education. The partnership was formed on the basis of a common Anglican Christian ethos and a shared desire for closer working in order to raise standards across the partnership.

Sporting Opportunities

The school is also a member of The Woodard Corporation.

Trinity School has been awarded the Sportsmark Award in recognition of its excellence in sport.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

At Trinity we are able to provide pupils with a wide range of sporting opportunities to enhance their personal development. Trinity pupils are actively encouraged to participate in competitive team and individual activities. Current sports offered at Trinity include: basketball, netball, trampolining, football, rugby, orienteering, gymnastics, swimming, bowling, rowing, athletics, rounders and tennis.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

Support Pastoral Care The school’s pastoral structure is a strong and well established system of caring for pupils. We aim to foster personal growth and development; to help pupils cope confidently with the pressures of daily life and to learn as well as they can in a caring environment which challenges and supports them. We have a Learning Support Centre which provides a positive learning experience for pupils outside mainstream classes. The School Council provides pupils with the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the life of the school.

Attendance Regular attendance at school is essential for your child’s education and is a legal requirement. The school has a close working relationship with the Education Welfare Service and together we monitor the attendance of all pupils.

Special Educational Needs & Disability The Governing Body, Head Teacher and staff are committed to providing for children who have special educational needs and to developing cultures, policies and practices which are inclusive. With the right strategies and support, most children with special educational needs can be successfully included in mainstream education. However, we are committed to ensuring that the interests of all pupils are safeguarded. The school has a resourced provision for pupils with particular needs, 10 pupils with ASD and 4 with generic learning difficulties.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

We seek to remove barriers to learning and participation. This means that every pupil at Trinity is treated as a special child and is entitled to a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum. The school is committed to compliance with the SEN and Disability Code of Practice. We have produced a disability access plan which ensures we do not treat disabled pupils less favourably for a reason related to disability and we will take reasonable steps to ensure that disabled pupils are not placed at a disadvantage compared to their non-disabled peers. Further details are available from the Head of Learning Support.

How We Keep In Touch ●

The Pupil Planner is the main means of communication, which we ask parents to look at daily and sign weekly

● A Bulletin is issued each Friday for all pupils to take home. ● News, information, letters home and the weekly bulletin are regularly posted on the school website at www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk ●

There is a series of parental consultation evenings where parents are able to meet with subject staff and discuss their child’s progress.

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During the Summer Term, an evening visit is arranged for parents of new intake pupils just prior to two ‘Induction Days’.

Admissions Apply to Trinity

Summer term 2016:

The governors intend to offer 180 places for the Year 7 intake in September 2015.

Monday 11 April - Friday 27 May (Bank holiday 2 May) Half term 30 May - 3 June (Bank holiday 30 May) Monday 1 June - Friday 17 July

The school works in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley in matters of admissions. You will complete an application form, known as the Common Application Form, provided by the Local Authority in whose area you live (your home LA). This will normally be the authority to which you pay Council Tax. Trinity School also requires you to complete a supplementary form. You must obtain this form from the school and return it to the school by 3pm on 31st October 2014 at the latest.

Waiting Lists After offers of places have been made to successful secondary transfer applicants, a waiting list is drawn up according to our oversubscription criteria. This will take place in September according to the Admissions Code of Practice.

Open Day Saturday 11th October 2014: 10am-12.45pm and 1.30-4pm Please arrive in time to be seated in the main hall at either 10am, 11.30am or 1.45pm, when the Head Teacher and senior staff will give a presentation which will be followed by tours of the school. Please note that the school will be CLOSED from 12.45-1.30pm.

School Day Visits Tuesday 14th and Thursday 16th October 2014 Parents and children are invited to arrive at 8.35 am to join a morning Act of Worship which will begin promptly at 8.45 am. This is followed by a tour of the school until approximately 10.00 am. For those unable to attend the Open Day, there will then be a repeat of the Head Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation.

School Term & Holiday Dates Autumn term 2015: Thursday 3 September - Friday 23 October Half term 26 October - 30 October Monday 2 November - Friday 18 December Spring term 2016: Monday 4 January - Friday 12 February Half term 15 - 19 February Monday 22 February - Thursday 24 March (Good Friday 25 March, Easter Monday 28 March)

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

The above dates are provisional. Staff development days are to be notified. Parents of those who are offered places at Trinity will be informed in good time.

Timing of the School Day The current pattern is as follows: School Starts 8.45 am Lunch Hour: 1.25 pm - 2.15 pm (11.20 am - 11.50 am on Friday) School Ends: 3.20 pm Monday to Thursday (2.05pm on Friday) Curriculum Time: 5 one hour lessons per day Monday to Thursday (4 one hour lessons and 25 minute Tutor period on Friday)

Admissions Criteria 2015-2016 All parents/guardians applying for places for their children at Trinity School are expected to respect the Christian ethos of the school. Trinity School admits children from the whole range of academic ability; therefore applicants are not required to take or pass any academic test to gain admission. Statemented children and looked after/previously looked after children are given priority before the criteria are applied. The published admission number is 180 in years 7-11. If there are more applications than available places the following oversubscription criteria for admission will be applied in numerical order:

Children who are regular and frequent (normally weekly) worshippers at a Church of England or other Anglican Church. A clerical reference is essential. If the family has moved to the area or has moved to a different Church within the previous year, the applicant should provide clergy references for all churches attended during the previous year.

Children who are regular and frequent (normally weekly) worshippers at a Church in membership of Churches Together in England. A clerical reference is essential. If the family has moved to the area or has moved to a different Church within the previous year, the applicant should provide clergy references for all churches attended during the previous year.

Children who are practising members of a faith other than the Christian faith. A reference from the appropriate religious leader is essential. If the family has moved to the area or has moved to a different faith group within the previous year, the applicant should provide references for all faith groups attended during the previous year.

Children who have a sibling on the roll of Trinity School on the closing date for applications. (If oversubscription occurs in this category, places will be offered in order of the age of the sibling - youngest first. A sibling refers to brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, or the child of the parent/carerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spouse or partner where the child for whom the school place is sought is living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling.)

Children who are regular and frequent (normally weekly) worshippers at a Church not in membership of Churches Together in England. A clerical reference is essential. If the family has moved to the area or has moved to a different Church within the previous year, the applicant should provide clergy references for all churches attended during the previous year.

Places still available after the previous criteria have been applied will be offered in order of distance from the school. (This distance is measured from the front door of the home address to the school entrance nearest the home along the shortest walking distance by public highway and lighted footpath. School entrances used for measuring home to school distance are those approved by the governors of the school and the home address will be taken as the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home address at the time of allocation of places.). If a tie takes place in this criterion, lots will be drawn.

After offers of places have been made, a waiting list is drawn up according to our oversubscription criteria, in accordance with the DfE School Admissions Code. Should oversubscription occur in criteria 1- 3 or 5, places will be allocated on distance as outlined in criterion 6. If a tie takes place with regard to distance, lots will be drawn. These oversubscription criteria have been revised to take account of latest Government advice. Parents have the right to appeal. They should do so in writing to the Clerk to the Governors c/o Trinity School, within 14 days of hearing that their child has not been allocated a place. An appeals panel will then be convened to hear the appeal.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

Information Uniform ALL ARTICLES OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE NAMED ●

Trinity School Sweatshirt

● Trinity School polo shirt These items are COMPULSORY and are available for purchase throughout the term from the school office. ●

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Mobile telephones: No multi media or smart ‘phones are allowed in school. Simple ‘phone and text’ devices without camera, internet or video capability are allowed but must be TURNED OFF at all times during the school day. They are brought to school at the owner’s risk and the school accepts no responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage.

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Personal electronic equipment (such as music players) is not allowed in school. The school accepts no responsibility for loss or damage if such items are brought onto the school premises.

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No visible jewellery is to be worn other than a pair of small plain studs for pierced ears and a watch.

Trousers: Black, plain, tailored, full-length (not Denim)

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Skirt: Black, tailored - sensible length

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Footwear: Plain black sensible shoes with low heels. No trainers, high-heeled footwear or boots.

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Socks/tights: Plain white or black socks, or plain neutral or black tights. Leggings or leg warmers are not permitted.

PE Kit ●

Trinity School embroidered white polo shirt

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Trinity School embroidered navy blue shorts

● Trinity School rugby top for boys / Trinity School embroidered sweatshirt for girls These items are COMPULSORY and are available for purchase throughout the term from the school office. ●

Short white sports socks (boys and girls) and long Trinity School navy socks for football/rugby (boys only)

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Training shoes or plimsolls (non-marking soles)

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Football boots for football/rugby (optional but advisable & boys only)

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Tracksuits (optional) may be worn in winter if they are plain black or navy blue. These are an addition to the standard kit, not a replacement.

Equipment & Other Information ●

A strong sturdy bag big enough to carry books is compulsory. Plastic carrier bags are not suitable.

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Equipment: A pencil case with several pens, pencils, coloured pens, ruler, calculator, rubber and sharpener. It would be useful for pupils to have an English dictionary and an appropriate foreign language dictionary. An overall or apron is provided for technology.

www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk

These items are brought to school at the owner’s risk. The school accepts no responsibility for their loss or damage. Please note that children must NOT leave valuables in the changing room. ●

Make-up is not to be worn and this includes eye make- up, nail varnish and nail extensions.

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There should be no facial piercings.

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Hair is to be of an appropriate length, colour and style suitable for the working environment.

Policy for Charging for Activities etc. Activities offered wholly or mainly during school hours should be available to all pupils regardless of their parents’ ability or willingness to help meet the cost. Visits: Voluntary contributions from parents will be sought to cover the cost of the visits, performances by theatre companies, etc. If not enough voluntary contributions are forthcoming, the visit or performance may not take place unless funds can be found to subsidise the cost from other sources. Materials: The school expects parents to provide their children with necessary equipment, e.g. pen, pencil, ruler, calculator, etc. Parents are expected to pay for or to provide materials for practical lessons if they wish to own the finished product. The school will provide materials in other cases. Music Tuition: Individual music tuition is available where this is requested by parents. Payment is made directly to peripatetic music teachers. Financial assistance may be available in cases of need. Further details can be obtained from the Music Department. Journeys: Journeys arranged in school time: The school will charge for board and lodging except where remission is made. No charge will be made for tuition or cost of travel. Voluntary contributions will be sought, but if enough are not forthcoming, the journey will not take place unless funds can be found from other sources.

Examinations: Parents will be informed, in writing, of their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s examination results. No charge will be made in respect of fees for prescribed public examinations for which the school prepares the pupil. If a pupil fails, without good reason, to complete the examination requirements for which the school has paid - or is liable to pay - the parents will be required to refund to the school the cost of entry. This would apply in cases of non-completion of coursework and/or failure to attend final examinations, without a medical certificate. The school will charge examination entry fees for examinations for which the pupil has not been prepared by the school. Breakages/Loss/Damage: Parents will be asked to pay for any breakage/damage resulting from their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poor behaviour. Parents will be asked to pay for books lost or damaged by their child. School Documentation: Parents have the right of access to a range of documents relevant to the school and its educational provision. A charge appropriate to photocopying expenses and secretarial time will be levied for personal copies. Charges for Optional Extras: Activities outside of school hours will be on the basis of parental choice and a willingness to meet such charges as are made. The charge will not exceed the cost of the activity. (Examples - skiing in holiday time, evening visits to theatre, ice-rink etc.) Procedure For Complaints: In the first instance the matter should be referred to the Head Teacher, or Chairman of Directors of Trinitas Academy Trust, who may be contacted, in confidence, via the school. A full copy of the complaints procedure is available from the school office. Pupils may be withdrawn from the daily Act of Corporate Worship only on written notification by the parents to the Head Teacher. Unless otherwise stated, the information given in this brochure relates to the school year 2014-2015. Every effort has been made to ensure that these particulars were correct in relation to that year at the date of publication. Where future changes in the arrangements could be foreseen they have been mentioned in the brochure, but it cannot be assumed that there will be no further changes before the start of, or during, the school year 2015-2016 or in relation to subsequent years. Please contact the school if you require the Prospectus in a language other than English or in an alternative format.

ABBEY ROAD

A O R N

T K S

L O N G L A N E

ELSA

ROAD

Erith Road Belvedere Kent DA17 6HT

Tel: 01322 441371 Web: www.trinity.bexley.sch.uk Email: reception@trinity.bexley.sch.uk