At St Peter’s, regular attendance is very important, and both the school and parents have a legal responsibility to ensure students attend.

• Reporting Absence: Parents need to inform the school on the first day of absence and continue daily until the student returns. For extended medical absences, medical evidence must be provided. Without this, the Education Social Worker will be notified.

• Appointments: If your child has a doctor or dentist appointment during school hours, please show the appointment card or a note to the Form Tutor in advance.

• Leaving School: Students must sign out at the Student Hub before leaving the school at any time during the day.

These steps form part of our Attendance Policy and help us to follow the law and maintain accurate attendance records.

St Peter’s is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where students, staff, and parents work together to prevent and address bullying. We take all reports seriously and act promptly to resolve any incidents.

Please refer to our Anti-Bullying Policy.

Throughout the year, there are formal reporting points in the Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms, when parents will receive detailed information about their child’s progress across all subjects.

St Peter’s follows an Assessment and Reporting Policy based on continuous monitoring and evaluation. This approach supports our Mission Statement by recognising and celebrating the achievements of every student.

St Peter’s, in partnership with Bournemouth Local Authority and Dorset Police, operates the Authorised Student Pass Scheme.

Students leaving school during lesson times—for reasons other than illness, such as appointments, exams, or visits—must carry a pass issued by the school. Students seen in Bournemouth without a pass may be challenged by police or the Education Welfare Officer.

• Passes for appointments before school should be collected the day before.

• All passes must be returned to the Student Hub when the student returns.

This ensures students’ safety and that absences are properly authorised.

At St Peter’s, all students are expected to be kind, polite, and well-behaved, helping to create a happy and cheerful school. Our behaviour guidelines include:

• Punctuality: Arrive on time for the start of school and every lesson. Bring a note from a parent or guardian if absent.

• Uniform: Wear the school uniform at all times, including when travelling to and from school. Ensure your uniform and PE kit are clearly labelled.

• Personal Property: Look after your belongings. Valuable items (smartwatches, tablets, AirPods, electronic games) should not be brought to school. Large sums of money must be handed to the Student Hub. Mobile phones must be switched off and stored; misuse may result in confiscation.

• Books and Equipment: Take care of your planner, library books, textbooks, and equipment. Bring everything needed for lessons, including pens, pencils, books, PE kit, and a reading book.

• School Environment: Keep the school tidy and litter-free. Chewing gum is strictly forbidden. You are responsible for any damage or breakages.

• Movement Around School: Walk quietly, keep left in corridors and stairways, and show courtesy to others. Wait outside rooms for staff guidance in science or technology lessons.

• Boundaries: Know where you may go in the school and on the playground; do not go out of bounds. Follow lunchtime and wet-weather arrangements.

• Emergency Procedures: You will be guided during regular fire and emergency drills and shown where to go. Each room also has clear instructions to help you feel prepared.

• Behaviour Outside School: Maintain high standards of behaviour on the way to and from school.

For further details, see our Behaviour Policy.

St Peter’s operates a cashless catering system to make lunchtime safe, efficient, and convenient for students.

Students access their catering account using biometric recognition—no card is required. The biometric data is converted into a secure code and cannot be recreated as a fingerprint image. All data is managed in accordance with GDPR and is deleted when a student leaves the school. Biometric access is opt-in.

If biometric registration is not chosen, a 4-digit PIN will be issued. Students are responsible for remembering their PIN and keeping it secure.

IMPORTANT Please ensure you have completed the Biometric Form in the “Forms to Complete” section above before your child’s first day.

At St Peter’s, we prepare students for life, not just exams. Our careers programme offers:

• Career-themed days and visiting speakers

• A careers library and access to online support

• One-to-one interviews

• One of the region’s largest Careers Fairs

Parents receive regular updates from the Careers Leader to support their child with future choices. For further details, see our Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance Policy.

Please inform the Student Hub immediately in writing of any changes to:

• Home address

• Telephone numbers

• Emergency contacts

• Medical conditions

Keeping this information up to date helps us support your child safely and effectively.

St Peter’s Chaplains support students, parents, carers, and staff, especially during difficult times, and nurture the school’s spiritual life. They can be contacted in the Chapel or via the Student Hub.

Prayer Life & Groups

• Tutor reflections, assemblies, prayer groups, Exposition, Rosary, and retreats

• Weekly lunchtime prayer group open to all

Masses & Celebrations

• Year group Masses (Years 7–11 compulsory) and whole-school SS Peter & Paul Feast Mass

• Celebrations of the Word each term; Reconciliation during Lent

Lasallian Leaders

• Students can apply to support Chaplaincy, lead events, and help with charity fundraising

• Senior Leaders continue their role for subsequent years

Big Questions

• Weekly lunchtime group exploring faith with local youth workers

Retreats

• Year 7 & 9: 24-hour retreat to St Cassian’s

• Year 8: Day pilgrimage to St John’s Cathedral

• Year 10: In-house Chapel retreat

Prayer Shot

• Weekly email for prayer intentions; anyone from St Peter’s community can submit prayer requests to the Prayer Shot community via our dedicated prayers@st-peters.bournemouth.sch.uk 

Rainbows Programme

• 14-week support for Years 7–10 dealing with bereavement or family separation

Chewing gum is not allowed anywhere on school grounds or in the buildings. It can damage clothing, furniture, flooring, and equipment. Students found chewing gum or in possession of it will receive a school sanction.

All students in Year 7 have 50 lessons per fortnight, across a 2 week timetable (25 lessons each week).

Your son/daughter will complete Key Stage 3 in their first two years at St Peter’s in Years 7 and 8. In Year 9, they will start the Key Stage 4 curriculum, for core subjects (RE, English, Mathematics, Science) and a foundation year for all other subjects so enabling options to be chosen to study in Year 10 and 11.

With reference to Religious, Social, Personal Education (RPSE), Religious Education is inseparable from personal and social development. The religious input and some moral and social questions are discussed in these lessons. Other questions under the RPSE heading, however, are also covered in all other subject areas as well as in tutor time since they form a necessary part of pastoral guidance.

The celebration of Mass is central to the school’s existence. Mass or Liturgy for all students occurs on feast days and at the end of each term. In addition, each RPSE class will celebrate Mass during the year. Our team of parish priests is actively involved with the students in the preparation of each class Mass. The school values the support that our Parish Priests give to our School/Parish/Home partnership.

In RE, Geography, History, Science and Technology some work may take place outside the school grounds. Parents will be requested to make voluntary contributions (which are kept to a minimum) towards such excursions or enrichment activities.

The Year Ahead

There are various formal times during the year when we are able to give you information about your son/daughter’s progress. You will be sent specific details of these at the appropriate time.

October

The first opportunity to receive some formal feedback about your son/daughter will be at the Tutor Evening in October, where Year 7 parents are invited to meet their child’s tutor. Closer to the time you will be able to book an appointment with his/her tutor. The tutor together with the pastoral team, is responsible for your child’s welfare in school and should be your first point of contact on most occasions.

Late Autumn Term

You will be sent a progress update for all subjects your child is studying. Academic Tracking Point 1 (ATP1) will indicate how well your child is working and achieving in each subject.

Spring Term

In the Spring Term parents will also have an opportunity to meet and discuss progress with all subject teachers. We have an expectation that parents should attend this very important evening. In addition to this, you will be sent another progress update.

Summer Term

You will receive your child’s annual report. In essence this is a more detailed version of the tracking points.

Whilst these are the formal points of contact between school and home, should you have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s education please contact us as soon as possible. We recommend that you contact your son/daughter’s form tutor in the first instance.

Removal of National Curriculum Levels

Just as in primary schools, secondary schools have also had National Curriculum Levels removed from their programmes of study. One of the major concerns the Department for Education identified with the use of levels was that they did not inform students or parents what they needed to do to improve, they were simply a number. At St Peter’s, we consider the “big ideas” which make up a subject, and then identify the key skills and knowledge that students require to become secure in that area. Parents and their children will be made aware of these to enable our young people to understand what is expected of them within each curriculum area.

The Pastoral Curriculum

Tutor groups meet daily with their tutor. During this time a wide range of activities are covered including a daily opportunity for the Tutor Group to have a short period of prayer and reflection. Tutors will check students’ planners one morning of the week and there will be opportunities to improve Literacy by students reading a book of their own choice. There is an assembly each week, led by the Year Leader and their team, which includes involvement of students, staff and, on occasions, outside speakers. The assembly is a time for spiritual reflection, an important opportunity to reward achievement of students and to keep them informed of events at St Peter’s.

Each of the eight tutor groups are named after a saint and once each term, students meet in Vertical Tutor Groups (colleges). Here they mix with students from the same College from all years, thus building the sense of community across the whole school.

There is a comprehensive tutor programme that tutors deliver during tutor time. Sessions are spent exploring attributes of the Positive Behaviour for Learning focus for the term, philosophical thinking, study skills, careers and spiritual development.

All members of the school community are responsible for handling personal data carefully. Personal information must be protected and not accessed by anyone without permission.

For further details, please see our Data Handling Policy.

Transitioning to secondary school can be challenging, so it is important that students take care of their personal property.

Personal Items:

• All clothing and valuable equipment, including PE kit, must be clearly and permanently labelled with the owner’s name.

• Students are encouraged to have access to a Bible, dictionary, and atlas.

• Books are on loan and if damaged or lost, must be replaced.

• A separate bag for PE kit is required for hygiene reasons.

Stationery & Tools:

• Essentials include: pencils, rubber, ruler, pencil sharpener, electronic calculator, protractor, compasses

• Additional: glue stick, highlighter, coloured pencils or felt pens

Responsibility:

• The school cannot accept responsibility for personal property; all items are brought to school at the owner’s risk.

Are you aware YOU may be eligible for Free School Meals?

When children eat better, they do better. Free school meals are lunches provided to students in state-maintained schools. Students in receipt of Free School Meals are entitled to a uniform grant and other additional support. Students in receipt of Free School Meals (and Pupil Premium funding) will receive a fully equipped pencil case when they join us in September.

Your child might be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit. You must also have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018, your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

You do not qualify if:

• you receive Working Tax Credit (excluding the 4 week run-on)
• your annual Household Income is over £16,190 (before tax and any other deductions)

How do I apply?

You can apply for Free School Meals or request further information by contacting: Children’s Information Service, Town Hall, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY or by applying online at How to apply for free school meals (bcpcouncil.gov.uk) or Tel. 01202 123222

If your child is in Year 6 and currently receiving free school meals and your circumstances remain the same, then you do not need to re-apply.

If your child is eligible for free school meals, he/she will access meals the same way as other students, via the cashless system. The daily allowance provided to those eligible is £2.70, parents may top this up using the ParentPay system if required.

Who should fill in the application form in?

The students' Parent/Carer will need to complete the application form or apply via the online link: How to apply for free school meals (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

Do I need to provide evidence of the qualifying benefit?

No, not in the first instance. The Local Authority will use the information you provide on your form to make an on-line benefit check. You may be required to provide evidence if a check cannot be performed.

What happens to the free meals when my benefit ceases?

Free meals must stop immediately your benefit ceases, and you must notify the Local Authority as soon as possible.

Free school meals during Universal Credit roll-out

Since 1 April 2018, all existing free school meals claimants have continued to receive free school meals whilst Universal Credit is rolled out. This applies even if their earnings rise above the threshold during that time.

In addition, any pupil gaining eligibility for free school meals after 1 April 2018 will be protected against losing free school meals until March 2025. That means that between now and 31 March 2025, you do not need to contact us to cancel free school meals, even if you feel your child is no longer eligible.

After March 2025, any existing claimants that no longer meet the eligibility criteria at that point (because they are earning above the threshold or are no longer a recipient of Universal Credit) will continue to receive free school meals until the end of their current phase of education (ie primary or secondary).

What happens if free school meals continue to be taken once my benefit ceases?

If your qualifying benefit(s) stop, you must inform the Local Authority immediately. You may be required to repay the cost of any meals received from the date the benefit ceased.

Home learning is an important extension of classroom learning and plays a key role in developing understanding, independence, and time-management skills. Students are expected to balance their studies with other commitments and meet deadlines consistently.

In Years 7 and 8, students should expect a minimum of 30 minutes per subject per week. Some subjects may require additional time depending on progress and coursework. A lack of effort may result in sanctions.

Home learning information is available through the school information system to help families plan and maintain a regular routine.

Parents are encouraged to support their child by providing a quiet, distraction-free workspace and by monitoring the quality of work completed. If a student is absent, missed work can be accessed online.

Our well-equipped Library/Learning Resource Centre (LRC) offers a wide range of carefully selected fiction and non-fiction books suitable for this age group.

The LRC provides 14 networked computers with internet access, along with 16 additional laptops, supporting research, projects, and home learning. The ‘Oliver’ Library Management System ensures efficient borrowing and returning of books.

The LRC Manager is available to assist students with research, computer use, and photocopying materials for home learning or projects.

The LRC is open from 8.30am and throughout the school day. It is also open after school, Monday to Thursday, until 4.20pm for homework and research. Students may apply to become Junior Librarians and help support the centre during break and lunchtime.

A limited number of lockers are available. Additional details will be provided at the start of the term.

If your child requires prescribed medication during the school day, it should be left at the Student Hub for the student to take at the appropriate time. All medication must be provided in its original packaging, with the dosage and instructions clearly labelled.

We take the mental health and wellbeing of our students very seriously. Themes such as positive relationships, communication, self-esteem, and resilience are explored through the PSHE and RE curriculum, as well as in tutor time.

Our strong pastoral system provides support through tutors, the pastoral team, chaplaincy, and external agencies where appropriate. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, please contact their Year Leader or email the school so that appropriate support can be arranged.

Our #SPEAK UP initiative also enables students to raise concerns about themselves or a friend. Further information can be found in the student planner.

Students in Years 7–11 are not permitted to bring mobile phones into school. Smartwatches, tablets, AirPods, laser pens, electronic games, and similar devices are also not allowed.

All students have access to a telephone in the Student Hub for emergencies or to make changes to after-school arrangements. There is therefore no need for students to bring mobile phones to school.

For further details, please refer to our Mobile Phone Policy.

ParentPay is our online payment system, allowing parents to pay securely for school meals, trips, activities, clubs, and music lessons. Accounts can be topped up online at any time.

• Money is loaded via ParentPay. Purchases are deducted daily and visible to parents in the ParentPay portal.

• Maximum daily spend at the Southbourne site is £7.

• Password resets can be done via www.ParentPay.com by clicking 'forgotten password.'

Login details and further information will be provided at Transfer Day in June.

Physical Education is important for your child’s growth and development. If your child cannot participate in a lesson for medical reasons, please provide a note for their PE teacher.

Students should still bring their PE kit and get changed. They are expected to participate in the lesson in another role, such as a referee or assistant, rather than as a performer.

Girls

• Skort */Plain navy blue leggings
• T-shirt *
• Hoodie *
• Football socks *
• White socks
• Shin pads
• Trainers
• Studded football boots

Boys

• Shorts *
• T-shirt *
• Rugby shirt *
• Football socks *
• White socks
• Shin pads
• Trainers
• Studded football boots
• Gum shield (Strongly recommended)

*Clothing available through our uniform supplier

All of the school policies for parents are available to view and download here. Alternatively a printed copy of any specific policy can be obtained from the main reception at Southbourne upon request.

The PTA is run by volunteers who organise fundraising events to enrich students’ experiences at St Peter’s. Funds have supported projects such as Bar Mock Trial competition membership, extra departmental equipment, playground improvements, retreats, and other activities that enhance the curriculum.

Parents and carers can contribute in any way—whether regularly or just for a single event. To get involved and support your child’s education, please complete the online PTA form or email info@stpeterspta.co.uk.

Pupil Premium is funding provided to schools to support students who are eligible for free school meals (FSM), or have been in the last six years, are looked-after children (LAC), adopted, or are children of service personnel.

Schools use this funding to provide additional support tailored to these students. This can include music tuition, school uniform grants, and financial assistance for trips and educational visits.

For more information, please see the FREE SCHOOL MEALS tab above or contact the school.

We recognise student achievement in six key areas: Collaborative, Ambitious, Prepared, Persistent, Imaginative, and Inquisitive.

Students earn positive points for demonstrating these qualities. At the end of each term, the top students and tutor group in each year receive rewards.

While we encourage positive behaviour at St Peter’s, there may be occasions when sanctions are necessary, for example, for incomplete work or unacceptable behaviour.

Sanctions can include breaktime, lunchtime, after-school, or Headteacher’s Friday evening detention. Parents’ support is important in reinforcing clear expectations and helping prevent recurrence.

For more details, please see our Behaviour Policy.

The school office is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm. Please note that 8.30am–9.30am can be particularly busy, so calls at other times are appreciated.

The general school email is info@st-peters.bournemouth.sch.uk

St Peter’s offers singing and instrumental music tuition. Further information and an application form will be emailed to parents.

Applications are welcome from students starting a new instrument or continuing lessons. Pupil Premium students may apply for funded lessons and instrumental hire if needed.

Lesson days and times are arranged in advance. There are no refunds for student absence. If lessons are missed due to staff absence, they will be made up within the same academic year or refunded.

IMPORTANT If you would like your child to take part in additional singing/music lessons, please ensure you complete the MUSIC FORM in the “Forms to Complete” section above.

St Peter’s is a non-smoking school. Smoking or vaping is prohibited on school grounds, during the journey to and from school, and when representing the school in any activities.

Students are allocated to teaching groups of approximately thirty. St Peter’s uses a flexible approach: some subjects are set by ability, while others are taught in mixed-ability groups.

At St Peter’s, everyone is expected to take responsibility for keeping the school tidy.

Students may use certain areas during lunch but must behave responsibly; misuse may result in referral to parents. Students are also encouraged to help maintain the tidiness of surrounding roads and the local neighbourhood.

Cycling
Students are encouraged to cycle to school if they are competent and their bike is roadworthy. Helmets are compulsory for safety. Secure cycle storage is provided; bikes should be locked, preferably with a D-lock.

Driving
There are no on-site parking facilities for parents. Please drop off or collect students on nearby roads, such as Foxholes Road, and avoid stopping near school gates or across driveways. This ensures student safety, reduces congestion, and maintains good relations with local residents.

Bus
Many students travel to school by bus. Good behaviour on buses is essential. Parents should discuss bus travel rules with their children. For full conditions, see the TRAVEL GUIDELINES tab below.

The bus service to St Peter's is provided by Morebus. For further information please see Morebus or our Transport page.

Bus Passes

Bus passes, should you be entitled to one, will be sent directly to the home address of students applying for them. We draw your attention to the conditions of issue which is distributed directly from the Local Authority for students who have been issued with travel passes.

All students are expected to maintain the highest standards of behaviour, courtesy, and appearance while travelling to and from school. This includes wearing full school uniform and following all school rules. Students represent the school, their family, and themselves in the local community. Serious incidents may be recorded on a student’s file and, in extreme cases, lead to exclusion.

Punctuality is the student’s responsibility. Lateness to school interferes with learning and will not be tolerated. Students must leave home in sufficient time to arrive at school on time. Persistent lateness will be noted on attendance records and may result in detentions and parental involvement.

School Transport (Public Service and Contract Buses)

To ensure safety on buses, students must:

• Queue orderly while waiting for the bus and behave safely near the road

• Have their bus pass or money ready

• Board in single file without pushing

• Keep coats and bags clear of doors; do not leave property on the bus

• Respect the driver and follow instructions

• Remain seated while the bus is moving

• Avoid games, excessive noise, or distractions

• Keep the bus clean; no littering or misuse of food/drink

• Cross roads safely; never in front of or behind a moving bus

• Never attempt to distract the driver

• Smoking or vaping on the bus is illegal and will result in removal from the bus and possible police involvement.

Misuse of a bus pass may result in confiscation, and parents may have to cover transport costs.

Bad behaviour on buses will not be tolerated. The school and bus company may take action, including temporary or permanent bans, if safety is compromised. Parents will be responsible for arranging alternative transport if a ban occurs.

Uniform is an integral part of the ethos at St Peter’s, helping to foster school identity and pride. Parents are asked to support high standards of presentation.

All items of uniform and equipment should be clearly named.

CJI clothing

886 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 2DR

Tel. 01202 513387 

Email info@cjiclothing.com

QDOS Schoolwear

24 Montague Road, Southbourne BH5 2EP

Tel. 07774 679472

Email info@qdoschoolwear.co.uk

Please note QDOS do not stock St Peter’s trousers

Stevensons

148-150 Seabourne Road, Southbourne BH5 2JA 

Tel. 01202 425192 

Email bournemouthbranch@stevensons.co.uk