• They want to take responsibility for their learning
• They want their views about their education to be treated with respect, to be listened to and taken seriously
• They want real things to explore – especially those of true value to somebody
• They want choice in what, when, where and how they are learning, to have a part in choosing the tasks they work on
• They want the challenge of ‘difficult’ (but not demoralising) tasks and to experience satisfaction at making progress
• They want collaboration – to get together with others, to think, to argue and to learn together

Bideford is a town of some 13,000 inhabitants, situated on the Torridge estuary in North Devon. It is an attractive and historic town in a popular holiday area. It serves as a commercial and administrative focus for the northwest corner of Devon and has an importance as a port and market town. Bideford is 9 miles from Barnstaple, the largest town in the area, 43 miles from Exeter and 56 miles from Plymouth. The surrounding district is unspoilt and of outstanding natural beauty. The many attractions of the North Devon coastline, the Taw/Torridge estuary and the Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks are within easy reach and they offer opportunities for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

The Devon Local Authority maintains Bideford College. The College was awarded Specialist Science Status in September 2004. The College offers day comprehensive education for students' aged 11-18 and a range of educational and recreational activities for young people, adults and the local community.

The College accepts students from the full ability range. The catchment area covers the town of Bideford, the nearby villages of Northam, Appledore and Westward Ho! and a large rural area stretching from Hartland in the West to slightly beyond Instow in the East.

The College buildings were designed and built under the national "Building Schools for the Future" scheme. The new College building, opened in September 2010, received 'The most sustainable school building design award' in acknowledgement of the many features that should make it 'carbon neutral' in operation.
The College building also received national "demonstration status" for Science.

Bideford College has facilities for all specialist subjects including learning support, careers office, library facilities and our separate post-16 centre. Alongside the PE specialist areas on the main site, we also have Moreton Park for off-site Sports and PE activities.

We understand that transfer from primary to secondary education or moving school after the age of 11 can, for some students, be quite a daunting process. To help those transferring from Primary school we liaise closely throughout the year with our partner primary colleagues usually starting in the September prior to their start at the College.

Staff from both phases of education meet to discuss curricular developments and visit each other’s schools to teach different lessons and to look at the work that students are doing. Parents/Carers of students who do not attend one of our regular primary schools should contact the Local Authority about admission arrangements to the College.

We recognise that choosing a school for your child is an extremely important decision. For those who have students transferring from local Primary schools, we hold Open Days during the autumn term so that you can see the College at work and have an opportunity to meet College staff. We also host family evenings where you and your children have the chance to talk less formally with senior members of staff.

In the summer term Year 6 students spend time in College, finding their way around the site, meeting staff and other students and participating in lessons. In this way, we ensure that student’s join us in September ready to work and participate fully in College life.

We run a broad range of academic and vocational courses. Admission to the Sixth Form is dependent on previous academic records showing good attendance and behaviour and a positive attitude to work. Our Sixth Formers go on to study at a wide range of universities, and further education, others take a gap year to gain a broader experience of life and a small number go straight into employment with training. The Head of Sixth Form would very much like to hear from students wishing to join the Sixth Form.

A full Sixth Form Prospectus is available online or from the College.

Back to the top

Students who live within the designated area of Bideford College, and who live more than three miles (by the shortest available route) from the school are eligible for free transport. Also, some students may be given free transport (even if they live within three miles), for special reasons e.g. on medical grounds, as certified by the School Medical Officer.

Parents/Carers of students who do not qualify for free transport, including where a school has been chosen other than the one serving the home address, are responsible for making their own arrangements to convey their child to and from school.

If there are spare seats on County Council school transport vehicles after all entitled students have been accommodated, these may be occupied by non-entitled students on payment of a concessionary fee. However, it should be noted that these seats are not guaranteed and may be withdrawn if required by an entitled child. In such a case, normally 1 months’ notice will be given.

If parents/carers are unhappy about the decision on the implementation of this policy, they may appeal to the Devon County Council Local Authority School Transport (Appeals) Committee. If you feel that your child should be entitled to Free Transport but has been refused, you have the right to appeal.

If you are in doubt as to whether your child is eligible, or have any other queries, please contact the Divisional Education Office on 0845 155 1019.

A variety of meals are served every day. The dining hall operates on a cafeteria basis called the “Oasis”. Hot food and drinks are also served before school and at morning break. We have a “cashless system” which reduces the queuing time for students and allows those students on a free school meal allowance to buy their meals without being identified as such.

Students may put money on their account on a regular basis or parents/carers may wish to pay a lump sum by cheque. A daily spend limit can also be imposed. Cheques should be made payable to DCC and should be taken to the Cash Office in Student Reception.

Parents/Carers receiving Income Support are entitled to free school meals for all of their children at the College. Application forms are available from the College Reception or the Education Office. Free meals must be taken. If students fail to take the meals, parents/carers and the Area Office will be notified, likewise if they purchase food and give it to their friends. The canteens will also supply packed lunches for student entitled to free school meals when they go out on school trips, providing they have notice beforehand.

The College requires that students in Years 7 to 9 shall stay on the premises throughout the lunchtime, unless they eat at home. If Parents/Carers who wish their son/daughter to go home for lunch are asked to confirm this arrangement in writing to the Head of Year.

Back to the top

The Education Welfare Officer for Bideford College and our feeder primary schools is Ms Amy Simnett. The main aspect of her job is to ensure every student has their statutory right to a free education. The Education Welfare Service also exists to help and advise the College, schools and families when difficulties arise which may affect a student’s attendance or well being.

The EWO can be contacted either at Bideford College (01237 477611) or the Education Welfare Service (01271 388514).

Back to the top

At Bideford College we believe that all students have a right to a broad, balanced and relevant education and this includes those students who are academically weak, have specific learning difficulties, have visual, hearing or physical impairment and those with emotional difficulties as well as the more able who may be underachieving or need to be extended.

The aims of the College Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy are:

Staff work closely with colleagues in our local Primary schools to ensure that each child with identified learning difficulties or special needs is well known to us before they start at the College. All students are encouraged to play a full and active part in the life of the College. They also have the chance to improve their key skills of literacy and numeracy by working closely with staff, usually in smaller groups.

Additional help is offered to those requiring more intensive support from the Learning Support Centre, including in-class support across all curriculum areas. Most work in this area is carried out during Years 7, 8 and 9 though there is an extended provision to cater for those students who still experience difficulties further up the College. The Vice Principal (Ms A Starling) or Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) can supply you with further information concerning the Learning Support Service. The College works closely with the Educational Psychology Service and other outside agencies, to provide any extra support that may be needed.

We expect all students to arrive at College wearing the approved College uniform

*Items available for purchase through Bideford College Reception. PE kit can be bought at Reception or at several shops in the Bideford or Barnstaple area. All PE kit must be marked with a name to enable lost kit to be returned. All jewellery must be removed for PE lessons and for lessons or activities as required.

Outdoor Wear and Bags
Outer garments must be plain black, plain red or plain white in colour. Hoodies are not considered suitable outdoor wear. A hoody or other sweatshirt or jumper is not allowed to be worn as a replacement for the College sweatshirt. A stout bag or briefcase for books is essential. This must be able to contain an A4 sized ring folder. Denim and leather jackets or other jackets decorated with metal studs, badges, or brand names or logos, offensive language or slogans are NOT allowed.

Jewellery/Appearance
We will allow 1 pair of earrings (small sleepers/studs only, 1 in each ear), 1 chain type necklace (not visible), 1 watch or bracelet and 1 signet ring to be worn in College. Anything else is not allowed for reasons of safety. Excessive make-up, extreme hairstyles or unnatural hair colours are not permitted. We will also not allow any visible piercings. We are not restricting what young people wear out of College time but during the six and a half hours each day when they are in College, we expect students to dress appropriately.

Parents/Carers need to know that the College cannot condone body piercing. There are health & safety issues and we believe that the students are putting themselves and others at unnecessary risk by wearing body jewellery at College.

Protective Clothing
All students are required to wear protective clothing or equipment when instructed, particularly for Technology and some Science lessons. Firm school shoes are required.

Marking of Uniform/Kit
It is strongly recommended that ALL items of uniform and games kit should be clearly marked with the student's name. The College cannot accept responsibility for items of College uniform or any other personal possessions brought into College

Sanctions
All students out of uniform are expected to have a note explaining the reasons for this - without this please be aware that students may be sent home to change into their correct uniform. Incorrect uniform in Years 8 and 9 will result in points being deducted from their students’ reward points.

Back to the top

During the summer term students may bring a broad brimmed or peaked hat to College to wear outside. Sunglasses may be worn when outside which should be UV proof with optical quality lenses. They should be plastic to avoid breakage and limit risk of injury. Students may use a high factor (8+)-sun cream especially when doing games outside. Zinc solid colour sun block is not suitable for use in College. Students should be encouraged to make use of shaded areas during break/lunch times and to bring water to College to drink when weather is hot, although we do have a number of water fountains on site.

Back to the top

Money and other valuables such as MP3 players and iPods should not generally be brought into College. Money for trips/activities should be paid in to the Cash Office and cash for catering into the cash loading points as soon as possible.

Back to the top

Sadly, a large quantity of student's property remains unclaimed each term. Most of this could be easily returned if was marked clearly with the owner's name. Enquiries about lost property may be made during lunchtime in Abbotsham Building.

Back to the top

The College site has a number of CCTV cameras installed that are used to monitor site security on a 24-hour basis.

Back to the top

The College takes its duty of care towards students very seriously. Any incident or allegation is investigated thoroughly. However the College also has a duty of care towards its employees and any false or malicious allegation may result in the College taking action against the individual.

Similarly, verbal abuse, physical abuse or harassment towards a member of staff will not be tolerated and action will be taken. Depending on the nature of the incident, it may be reported to the Police.

Back to the top

For personal security reasons off-site, students are allowed to bring mobile phones into College provided these conditions are followed:
• that the mobile phone is switched off in all lessons including tutor time and registration, or at any other time the student is under the direction of a member of staff.
• that the mobile phone is not used in any situation involving disciplinary procedures of the College.
• cameras and recording devices on the phone are not used without specific permission from a member of staff.
If any of these conditions are broken the student may have their phone confiscated and, probably, also be banned from bringing any mobile phone into College.

Mobile phones must not be taken into any examination room. If the candidate has a mobile phone it must be handed to an invigilator on entry to the examination room. Exam board rules state that a student with access to a mobile phone during an exam may be disqualified for that paper and no mark will be awarded.
A mobile phone is not to be used as a calculator.

In the case of loss or damage to a mobile phone, Bideford College accept no liability for the cost of repair or replacement. Students should be made aware that mobile phones could be a potential health risk.

Back to the top

All students are required to provide for their own use:
• A ball-point pen
• A pencil and rubber
• A ruler
• Coloured pens or pencils
• Calculator, protractor and compasses
A ring binder file (A4 size) is helpful for all students in English.



The following must not be brought into College:
• Tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and illegal substances
• Matches and lighters
• Aerosols (including deodorants)
• Knives or sharp instruments of any kind
• Chewing gum
• Tippex
• Hand held computer games
These items will be confiscated if brought into College.

Back to the top

The Student Planner is more than a homework diary. It is designed to help students:
• Plan their work
• Manage their time
• Record their awards
The Planner will only be helpful if it is used!

When planning work, students must make sure that they fully understand what they have to do – if not then they should ask their teacher. The Planner is a means of communication between student, form tutor, teachers and parents/carers. We ask that parents/carers sign the planner each week. If a planner is lost this will need to be replaced by the student. The Head of Year will tell you the replacement fee.

Back to the top

This is integrated in the Reception area of the Abbotsham block. Students will be directed to the Cash Office by departments when money is needed for school trips, resources and materials. The shop also sells basic school equipment to ensure that all students can be fully equipped for lessons.

The Cash Office opening hours are:
8.30-8.50am; 10.30-10.50am; 12.30-1.30pm

Back to the top

The College prides itself on providing a wide range of community activities. The Governing Body is responsible to the Authority for this aspect of College life. Extensive use is made of the premises after school hours for community activities of all types. The College in all its functions forms one organisation and there is close liaison and co-operation between the various elements.

Given all of these facilities and opportunities, it is probably not surprising that we hope that all students take full advantage of what we have to offer. Adults are also invited to join older students in the daytime to study for '"AS" and "A2" Level.

Back to the top

The sporting facilities of the College comprise a 15-acre playing field, a gymnasium, a sports hall, and a large floodlit hard-playing surface. A pavilion at the playing field also houses a fitness room.

The new College building also has a 6-court Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Dance and Performance spaces. A new fitness centre will open during 2010/11 in addition to the other onsite specialist hard play areas.

All students are required to take full part in the Physical Education programme unless the PE Department receives clear medical directions to the contrary. Students must wear the correct College PE kit on all sports occasions. Showers are available after double lessons and students are expected to use them.

There is a thriving extra-curricular programme and many opportunities are given for students to take part in clubs at lunchtime and after school, to participate in inter-form competitions and to represent the College in inter-school competitions.

Back to the top

In line with National Curriculum requirements, Religious Education in Devon schools follows a syllabus agreed by SACRE, a committee that includes representatives of the various denominations of the Christian Church in Devon, as well as representatives of the Authority and the teaching profession.

Assemblies and theme based activities fulfil the requirement for a daily act of collective worship.

It is open to parents/carers to request that their child should be wholly or partly excused from either or both of these activities. Any such request should be made in writing to the Principal. It will be the parent's/carer's responsibility to ensure that their child has work they can do in the College Library in such circumstances.

Back to the top

All students in Years 7-11 follow a Personal, Social and Health Education programme. The emphasis in Years 7-8 is on Health Education and Community Studies. From Year 9 onwards a module of Careers is included, and Years 10-11 include Study Skills. In line with National requirements the Governors have approved the College policy on Sex Education. This policy states that, information about reproduction forms part of the Science: Biology syllabus in Years 7-9, and is complemented by discussion on puberty and associated topics in Personal, Social and Health Education lessons. Education in the more sensitive areas of personal relationships and sexual health, is included in the Personal, Social and Health Education programme for students from Year 9 onwards. The College is part of Exeter University's APAUSE Programme (Added Power and Understanding in Sex Education). Use is made of appropriate films and tapes, and during Year 10 students discuss aspects of birth control. Parents/Carers are informed when their student are to commence these parts of the programme. Further information is available from the Head of Citizenship.

Parents/Carers have the right to withdraw their children from PSHE sex education but there is no right to withdraw from the Science National Curriculum parts of the programme.

If parents/carers have concerns they are asked to contact the Head of Year in the first instance.

Back to the top

The College provides a full programme of careers education and guidance through working in partnership with the Cornwall & Devon Connexions Service. The programme is delivered through designated careers and PSHE lessons for Years 8-11.

During Year 10 all students have the opportunity to undertake at least 1 or 2 weeks of work experience. This activity is supported by themed careers lessons.

In Year 11 the focus is very much on post-16 options. All Year 11 students will have the opportunity to attend a career planning lesson and "Options at 16" workshops, delivered by the Careers Adviser. The Careers Co-ordinator will conduct diagnostic interviews with Year 11 students in order to prioritise student's' needs to go forward for a full careers interview with the Careers Adviser. These activities are supported by computer-based careers guidance programmes.

The College has excellent links with local and national employers, representatives of which can be seen regularly in College talking to students about career prospects and opportunities. The College also makes extensive use of the services of the Devon Education Business Partnership.

Parents/Carers wishing to discuss careers matters are welcome to call the College to arrange an appointment with the Head of Year or Connexions. A Careers Adviser is normally present at Parents Consultations for Years 9 to 13.

Connexions Services
For students aged 13 or over we are required to pass on certain information to the Connexions services. Connexions is the government's information and advice service for all young people aged 13 to 19 in England.

'Connexions' is the Careers service run by the County Council. Connexions advisers work in all schools in Devon and provide information, advice and personal support to young people aged 13-19 to help them progress in learning and work. It provides a service to all young people on the basis of need. It is a "not for profit" company, limited by guarantee, funded through the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Back to the top

The College and the LA monitor the employment of our students, in order to protect their interests. It might be helpful for parents/carers to be aware of the main regulations concerning the employment of a student. No student should work until they are 14 years of age. Anyone seeking employment should hold a current Employment Card - application forms are available from the College reception. Employment cards are necessary to ensure your child's rights are upheld and that they are covered under the employer's insurance. Employment is defined regardless of whether the child is paid in cash or in kind e.g. free horse riding lessons.

Devon County Council Child Employment byelaws have been updated and copies may be obtained from the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) at the College.

Back to the top

There are many enrichment activities on offer at the College. All students are encouraged to participate.

Sport: Bideford College enjoys huge sporting success. The College benefits from having extensive playing fields, both on the Abbotsham and the Morton Park sites. We also have a Sports Hall, gym, and a floodlit, hard playing area that caters for hockey and provides eight tennis courts. The pavilion at Moreton Park houses a fitness studio as well as the usual changing and showering facilities.
There are numerous competitions and the College regularly enjoys county representation by teams and individuals at athletics, cricket, cross-country, football, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rowing, rugby, show jumping, surfing, swimming and tennis.
Enrichment activities available include: Badminton Club, Basketball Club, Community Volley Ball, Cross-Country Club, Fitness/Strength and Conditioning Club, Football Club, Gymnastics Club, Hockey Club, Junior Dance, Netball Clubs, Rugby Club, Senior Hockey Club, Table Tennis Club.

Music: There are many music groups, including Chamber Choir, Music Club, Orchestras and Singers Club.

Drama: Drama productions for examination students and Drama Evenings presented by Years 7-9 take place throughout the year as well as successful College productions. Bideford College also boasts cinema projection facilities which are used out of College hours by the Bideford Film Society.

Outdoor Pursuits: We are extremely proud of the achievements of students entering the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. From the age of 14, students may start the Bronze Award and can progress to complete their Silver and Gold awards as they move through the College. A large number of students have now completed awards at all three levels and the number of students taking part increased every year. The Award requires a great deal of commitment and hard work, but the rewards are enormous. In recent years, students on Gold Award expeditions have ventured as far away as the Canadian Rockies!
The College also enjoys success in the Ten Tors event on Dartmoor and the Exmoor Challenge. Expedition walking and outdoor pursuit opportunities are increasing as more staff become qualified and the support network of interested parents/carers and members of the community grows.

Clubs and Visits: There are many other clubs and activities which run during lunchtime and after College. In addition students will visit theatres, museums and other places of interest, go on field trips and attend drama workshops, all of which will enrich their cultural and educational opportunities.
Examples include: Art Clubs, The Chemistry Clinic, Computer Club, Dog Fight (Flight) Club, French KS4 Club, Homework & Catch-up Club, History Homework Club, Maths Club, Skateboard Club, Street/Hip Hop Dance Club and Warhammer Club, Revision – all subjects, Curriculum enrichment days, Charity events and Sponsor days.

Back to the top

If there are any changes to your personal details, for example address, home/mobile telephone number or email address, please inform your son/daughter's tutor immediately.

Please note that the College's telephone number is automatically withheld and therefore you may need to arrange to accept these calls.

Back to the top

Schools, Local Authorities , the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCFS) - the government department which deals with education, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, Ofsted and the Learning and Skills Council all process information on students in order to run the education system and Department of Health and Primary Care Trusts process information on students in order to tackle the year on year rise in obesity among children, and in doing so have to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. This means, among other things that the data held about students must only be used for specific purposes allowed by law.

Separate regulations provide a student's parent (regardless of the age of the student) with the right to view, or to have a copy of, their child's educational record at the College. If they wish to exercise this right parents/carers should write to the College.

Back to the top

The College holds copies of all the public documents and regulations, which are related to the National Curriculum and these, are available to parents/carers on request. Parents/Carers wishing to see documents are asked to telephone the Principal's Personal Assistant, Ms Chapman who will make the necessary arrangements.

We always aim to help parents/carers resolve any concerns they might have about their child's education. However, under the Section 23(1) of the Education Reform Act 1988 all LA's have set up complaints procedures approved by the Secretary of State. If parents/carers require any further details please contact the Principal's PA.

Back to the top