About The School
The School
The school is a well established 11-18 mixed comprehensive that opened in 1962. The most recent Ofsted report described the school as a good school with improving standards. There are approximately 1130 students on roll, including 150 in the Sixth Form. We have a committed teaching staff and a supportive Governing Body. Suffolk County Council local education authority has been awarded Beacon status for their work in supporting schools.
Aims
The ethos of the school is based on a belief in the key role good discipline plays in the development of personal responsibility, and in the importance of courtesy and consideration in daily life. We aim to produce the responsible citizens of the immediate future who having realised their full potential at Chantry will contribute positively towards society, be aware of their obligations to themselves and to their neighbours, and enjoy happy and productive lives. The emphasis is very much upon high standards, with opportunity and responsibility for all.
The buildings are well spaced out on a pleasant, open site, and are constantly improved and updated. They are r
eaching the end of their planned life, and major replacement work is expected in the coming years. At present the main areas include:
- two large classroom blocks containing suites of rooms for Humanities, English, Modern Foreign Languages, Special Educational Needs and ICT
- a Sports Centre incorporating a large sports hall, two gymnasia, a fitness suite, a floodlit all-weather surface and community changing rooms
- a modern Science block
- areas for Art and Technology (each with their own courtyard)
- a central block containing the hall, dining area, offices, a spacious staff room and a conference room
- a purpose built Sixth Form Centre and School Library
- a Performing Arts block
- two dedicated Mathematics areas
We also have specialist vocational areas for construction, and a well equipped Learning Zone, available to all curriculum areas.
Leadership
There is a strong emphasis within the school upon open management and full discussion of policy issues. The senior leadership team comprises the Head, two Deputy Heads and four Assistant Heads. Once each half term the SLT meets with all team leaders to discuss policy matters. Working Parties are established on various topics as the need arises and we have an established cycle of reviews and development planning.
Curriculum
We have a ‘faculty system’ within which each subject area has its own Head of Subject. Co-operation between subjects is encouraged. A wide range of subjects is taken to Btec First, GNVQ, GCSE, A and AS levels. GCSE and vocational courses are offered in the Sixth Form. For the first three years pupils follow a common curriculum. In Year 10 pupils follow a common core and are offered four routes, with substantial choice in each – general, applied, college and support.
Support and Guidance
Tutor groups stay together for five 
years. Form tutors are responsible to Year Heads and have their group for a lesson of PSHE each week. The Sixth Form also has a team of tutors. Years 7-11 each have support staff Year Managers and Student Support Officers. Each year a good number of students proceed into higher education. There is a Learning Support Team which provides for pupils with learning difficulties and/or social and emotional problems, and allows them the fullest possible access to the curriculum. We have invested heavily in a support structure staffed by non teachers, who are available throughout the day to help students.
Extra Curricular
There is a range of extra-curricular activities. All pupils have the opportunity of participating in a period of work experience and community service. Full use is made of our sports facilities. Our football teams are very successful, and have included a number of future professionals.
