Learning Mentor

Context

We are a split-site, semi-rural, mixed 11–18 non-selective converter academy with approximately 1,630 students, including over 250 students in our Sixth Form. We are situated centrally in Crowborough on the outskirts of the Ashdown Forest, an area of outstanding natural beauty. We are close to Tunbridge Wells and the South Coast. The vast majority of our staff travel to Beacon from a variety of locations within the South East, including Brighton, Eastbourne, Lewes and Tunbridge Wells. ​

Our catchment area generates our truly non-selective intake, both in terms of ability and socio-economic background. We are an oversubscribed school. We draw students from more than 10 primary schools in Crowborough and the surrounding areas. We also attract applications from an increasing number of students outside of our catchment area; however, due to our oversubscription, we are generally only able to offer places to those within our predefined community area.

Our Sixth Form provision is accommodated entirely at our Green Lane site, an 800m five-minute walk from our main Beeches site, which accommodates Years 7–11. We are immensely proud that we retain a high proportion of our Sixth Form students from Beacon Academy, as well as recruiting students from other local and international schools.​

​Vision, culture, expectations and outcomes​

Our vision is to provide the best possible education for all of our students and to be ambitious for excellence in all we do. Whether a member of staff, trustee (governor) or student, we all work relentlessly to inspire and believe in one another to achieve our ambitions and succeed in life.​

​At Beacon Academy, there is an expectation that as staff and students, we will work hard and be ambitious, self-motivated, inquisitive, resilient and determined to succeed. Our students work incredibly hard and are polite, respectful, well-behaved, well-presented and ready to learn. They are expected to be caring, considerate and tolerant in lessons, social time and whilst travelling to and from school. These areas are reinforced and adopted positively by staff and students alike – there is a tangible sense of pride in being part of Beacon. Our students are meticulously supported by our experienced, loyal, highly skilled and highly effective team of staff. This includes a dedicated, non-teaching Student Support Team consisting of a Head of Year (teaching staff) and an Assistant Head of Year (non-teaching staff) for each year group, who support them throughout their time at Beacon Academy. ​

The rigorous focus on all of our students as unique individuals is paramount. There is an unprecedented determination and commitment from everyone who works at Beacon that they will succeed. We work diligently on our unapologetically high expectations and standards, allowing us to foster exceptional relationships in an environment that is consistently calm, safe, happy and orderly. I have no doubt that the combination of this with our broad, balanced curriculum and outstanding teaching contributes significantly to our sustained improvements across the board. Our latest A-Level and GCSE results are testament to this and to the teamwork of our phenomenal students and staff.​

​Exam success

We are thrilled to share that our commitment to excellence in education continues to yield outstanding results, as evidenced by our outstanding Progress 8 score for 2024, which stands at 0.5 and which puts us in the banding of 'well above average' nationally. This achievement underscores our consistent track record of surpassing national averages, reflecting the significant value we add to our students' progress in achieving their final GCSE grades compared to their peers of similar prior ability across the country. As a non-selective, non-denominational, non-fee-paying school, this distinction underscores our commitment to providing exceptional education and achieving outstanding results within a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

This continued success is a testament to our unwavering vision and determination to provide the highest quality of education for all our students. We are not only shaping young minds but also contributing to the broader educational landscape both locally and nationally. As we strive to become an exceptional school for our community, we are grateful for the ongoing support that enables us to maintain and enhance our position as a beacon of excellence in education.

Training

Beacon Academy takes a leading role in recruiting and training new entrants to the profession. We invest in our teachers through our Early Career Teacher (ECT) programme and have chosen to partner with UCL and the Sussex Schools Alliance for the delivery of the Early Career Framework. High-quality professional development is a priority at the start and throughout our teachers' careers.

Since 2019, Beacon Academy has worked as a partner with the Chartered College, the professional body for teaching, to deliver the prestigious Chartered Teacher (CTeach) Programme in East and West Sussex, Kent and Brighton and Hove. We are currently supporting several staff on this, alongside NPQs from UCL Institute of Education and other high-quality programmes by nationally recognised providers.

Beacon Academy is committed to continuing on its journey to remain an exceptional school. We are judged by Ofsted to be an outstanding school across all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and Sixth Form provision. Trustees, staff, parents and students know this. We have a rigorous, relentless and uncompromising focus on ensuring that all students leave Beacon with the best set of qualifications possible, equipping them for our rapidly changing, highly competitive but exciting world.