Year 11 key information

At Paddington Academy, we recognise that Year 11 is both an exciting and demanding stage of a student's educational journey. As students prepare for their GCSE journey, we are committed to providing the guidance, encouragement and opportunities they need to thrive. Through additional teaching, targeted intervention, revision support and dedicated pastoral care, we create the time and space for every student to succeed. Our aim is to ensure that every student feels confident, supported and fully prepared to achieve their very best.

Key Contacts

Our dedicated Year 11 team works closely together to ensure students receive the academic, pastoral and wellbeing support needed to succeed throughout this important year.

For queries relating to attendance, behaviour, wellbeing, or academic progress, please contact the appropriate member of the team below:

Mr Sheikh – Head of Year 11
Ms Munroe – Student Support Mentor
Mr Wegbe – Assistant Principal (Key Stage 4)
Mr Park – Assistant Principal  (Curriculum and Assessment)

Our approach to Year 11

Through Independent Study (8:00am–8:30am) and daily subject-specific Intervention (3:45pm–4:45pm), students benefit from up to 90 minutes of additional guided learning every day. Delivered by teachers who know their students best, these sessions provide targeted support, help address learning gaps and build confidence ahead of examinations.

Our commitment extends beyond academic achievement. Through Enrichment Week, students have opportunities to pursue their interests, hear from inspiring guest speakers, and participate in meaningful personal development activities. These experiences broaden horizons, develop character, and encourage ambitious future aspirations.

We are equally committed to helping students make informed decisions about their next steps. While many of our students choose to continue their education at Paddington Academy Sixth Form, we provide impartial guidance and support for all post-16 pathways, including sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, and vocational courses. Our aim is to ensure that every student secures a destination that reflects their aspirations, strengths, and future ambitions.

By combining exceptional academic support, high-quality personal development, and expert careers guidance, we ensure that every student is equipped not only for success in their examinations, but also for life beyond the classroom.

The Year 11 Day

We know that GCSEs can bring pressure for both students and families. By providing additional learning opportunities every morning and after school, we give students the time, support, and expert guidance they need to feel confident, stay organised and achieve their very best.

Our daily Independent Study programme (8:00am–8:30am) gives students dedicated time to complete homework, revise, and access support from staff. Year 11 students consistently describe the sessions as highly valuable in helping them stay on track and prepare effectively for success.

Through our daily after-school intervention, Year 11 students receive personalised support from the teachers who know them best, helping them strengthen their knowledge, maximise their potential and secure success in their GCSE examinations. These sessions run from 3:45-4:45pm. (3:10 – 4:10 on a Friday).

What can I do to help my child to be successful in their exams?
  1. Make sure that your child attends school every day, on time.
    Year 11 students should arrive at school between 7:50 and 8:00 AM every morning.
    Your child has a compulsory intervention session after school every day (3:25-4:25 PM)

  2. Check that your child is doing at least one hour of homework after school every day.
    You can check their planner to see what homework they have – they should have one piece of homework per subject per week.

  3. Make sure that your child goes to bed at a reasonable time so that they get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

  4. Create a quiet space for your child to work at home.

  5. Every student in Year 11 at Paddington Academy should own revision guides for English, Science, RS, History, Geography, French, Spanish, Economics, PE GCSE, Business GCSE, Sport BTEC and Health & Social Care BTEC. Please e-mail Mr Park if your child does not own one of these.

  6. It’s a great idea for your child to give you their phone whilst they are doing their homework or revising, so that they are more focused – they can have it back as soon as they are finished working.

  7. Time chunks of revision or homework for your child, and make sure that they have regular breaks.

  8. E-mail us with any concerns – our details are above and we are always happy to help.

Tips for dealing with stress

Year 11 is an extremely important year. Preparing for exams can be stressful.

Here are five key ways for your child to look after their mental health:

  1. Talk to others 
    When we talk to our friends, parents or teachers, it almost always makes things better – a problem shared is a problem halved. 
  2. Get enough sleep 
    Aim for at least eight hours each night.
  3. Limit your use of social media

  4. Take regular breaks while working or revising

  5. Eat healthily and exercise regularly
    If you look after your body, it helps to look after your mind too. Even a short walk can help you.
Paddington Academy’s Sixth Form

You can find more information about available courses, grade requirements and how to apply to Paddington Academy’s Sixth Form here.

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