Keeping in Touch with Parents
Keeping up with your child’s progress at sixth form can feel quite different from secondary school.
Although our students are older and increasingly independent, they still need strong support from home as they navigate A-Levels, vocational courses, and the transition to adulthood.
We know that clear communication and a strong partnership between families and the academy makes a meaningful difference. At Harris Clapham Sixth Form, we are committed to keeping parents and carers informed, involved and confident in how best to support your young person.
The Tutor and Head of House team – your first point of contact
Your child’s first pointof contact is their Form Tutor. They see their tutor weekly and build a close working relationship focused on academic progress, attendance, wellbeing, and future pathways.
Each tutor is part of a House team, led by a Head of House who has oversight of attendance, conduct and pastoral support across the house. Together, they form a strong team who know your child well. We have four houses, each with its own inspirational House Hero to inspire students.
You can contact both the Form Tutor and the Head of House via reception on 0204 542 4900, and our team will ensure your message is passed on promptly. If your query relates to a specific subject, you may be directed to the relevant subject teacher or Curriculum Leader.
For more serious concerns – particularly safeguarding – you can speak directly to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Full contact information is available on our Safeguarding page.
If you are unsure who to contact, please email info@harrisclaphamsixthform.org.uk or call 0204 542 4900, and our reception team will be happy to guide you.
Our Home–Academy Agreement
We all want the very best for your child. Research shows that young people thrive when parents, carers and schools work closely together. Our Home-Academy Agreement sets out what you can expect from us, and what we ask from students and families in return.
Before joining the academy, you will be asked to read the agreement. The agreement is signed either prior to enrolment or during the first week of term. The most up-to-date version can be downloaded from the 'Teaching and Learning' link at the bottom of this page.
Parent information evenings
Throughout the year we run a series of information evenings to support families in understanding the sixth form journey:
- Meet the Tutor Evening. An early opportunity in the autumn term to meet Form Tutors, discuss settling-in, and learn about expectations for the year ahead.
- UCAS & University Pathways Evening. An overview of the UCAS process, writing personal statements, student finance, and choosing courses and universities.
- Raising Achievement Evening. Focused on assessment data, intervention strategies, revision approaches, and how families can support high achievement at home.
- Apprenticeships and Employment Pathways Evening. Information on higher and degree apprenticeships, employer partnerships, application guidance and labour‑market opportunities.
Dates are published in our term calendar and sent directly to parents via email.
Parents’ evenings – meet the teachers
You will be invited to one parents’ evening each year. This is a valuable opportunity to meet your child’s subject teachers and to discuss progress, behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing.
We notify parents well in advance to make attendance as easy as possible. These evenings give you:
- a clear understanding of how your child is progressing
- insight into course expectations
- the chance to ask questions and raise concerns
- practical guidance on how to support at home
Parents’ evenings strengthen the partnership between home and school and help students stay motivated and successful.
Regular reports – monitoring progress
All students complete regular assessments, including at least two formal exams each year. These assessments help teachers monitor progress, develop exam technique, and identify where support or stretch is needed. Parents and carers receive a half termly report summarising academic performance, attendance, punctuality and behaviour.
MyChildAtSchool app
All parents and carers receive access to the MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) app. MCAS provides up‑to‑date information about:
- attendance
- behaviour
- timetable
- assessment reports
- key notices
When your child joins us, you will receive instructions and login details. Real‑time updates and secure messaging make it easier than ever to stay informed about your child’s sixth form experience.
Rewards Evening – a highlight of the year
Each year we host our Harris Clapham Sixth Form Rewards Evening, celebrating student achievement across academic excellence, character, leadership, attendance, and contributions to our community. It is a highlight of the year and a chance to reflect proudly on student success.
Parent Voice – have your say
We value the perspectives of parents and carers and a parent governor sits on our governing body to represent the views of parents. If you are interested in becoming a parent governor, please contact h.eldridge@harrisclaphamsixthform.org.uk.
Parent Surveys
Each term, we invite parents and carers to complete a short survey. Your feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we can improve. We share key findings and actions so families can see the impact of their contributions.
Regular newsletters and latest news
Every week we publish a newsletter (LINK) capturing the achievements, events and opportunities across our vibrant sixth form community. You can also visit our Latest News page to stay up to date with student successes, trips, performances and enrichment activities.
Teaching & Learning
7