Transition
Heads of Year:
Miss Higginson
Role: Head of year 6 transition & year 7
Likes: Bees, clothes with stripes on, chocolate buttons and students showing kindness
Dislikes: Uncomfortable shoes, moths, papercuts and sad films
Pets: Daisy the Labrador, George and Mildred the cats
Favourite thing about their job: Building relationships with students and helping them flourish, both academically and personally
Mr Smallman
Role: Head of year 8 & 9
Likes: Cricket, good food and cups of tea
Dislikes: Mushrooms, rain and being late
Pets: Shar Pei cross called Benson
Favourite thing about their job: Seeing students be the best they can be
Mrs Chorlton
Role: Head of year 10 & 11
Likes: I have a passion to support and nurture the talents of students
Dislikes: Not being able to solve every issue in one day
Pets: Lily, Ivy and Blossom the Cockapoos
Favourite thing about their job: Seeing a student grow and feel that they belong at Clayton makes me happy.
Heads of House:
Miss Hodgkinson
Role: Head of Ambition House
Likes: Spicy food
Dislikes: Snakes
Favourite thing about their job: Meeting new people, finding out all about them and welcoming them to Ambition house
Mr Longshaw
Role: Head of Determination House
Likes: Hiking and camping out in the Peak District, playing guitar, and painting
Dislikes: Turning my boots over in the morning to find that a spider or beetle has made themselves at home (should I complain if I'm invading their space?)
Pets: Gus the Sheltie and Penny the Border Collie
Favourite thing about their job: My favourite thing about my role as an English teacher is opening students to a world where they can use the English language to express themselves, discover new places, and live a thousand different lives inside the minds of the characters they love. My favourite thing as Head of Determination is encouraging students to explore new opportunities (especially outside of the classroom), and to say "yes" to more experiences, even if that's something scary, or that they've never done before.
Mr Johnson
Role: Head of Integrity House
Likes: Rugby, cooking, running with Shelby (my dog)
Dislikes: Unfriendliness, being kind goes a long way
Pets: Shelby the Labradoodle
Favourite thing about their job: Seeing someone understand something about maths when they thought they would struggle
Mr Williams
Role: Head of Valour House
Likes: Developing student leadership roles and providing opportunities for students to build confidence and key skills as they transition from primary to secondary school. By engaging in leadership activities, students gain valuable experience in taking responsibility, working collaboratively, and communicating effectively.
Dislikes: When students don’t have the experiences of leadership, which hinder them from navigating the environment in which they live in. These experiences will make the move to secondary school smoother and less daunting.
Favourite thing about their job: Leadership roles also empower students to take an active part in school life, fostering a sense of belonging and involvement. By feeling valued and trusted, students grow in confidence, which is essential for their overall development. These roles encourage them to embrace challenges, work as part of a team, and make meaningful contributions to the school community. This sense of responsibility helps to build resilience and independence, two crucial qualities that support their academic and personal growth. Ultimately, student leadership not only enhances their transition into secondary school but also equips them with skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.
SENCO:
Miss Dixon
Role: Associate assistant headteacher & SENCO
Likes: Spending time with family, reading, countryside walks, going to the gym and being creative with crafts!
Dislikes: Rainy days, watching scary movies on my own and creepy crawlies
Pets: Two Shugs called Toby and Charlie
Favourite thing about their job: Seeing our students flourish as they settle into secondary school, making friends, learning new skills, studying new subjects and building positive relationships with staff.
Transition FAQs
What if I get lost?
Don’t worry! There will be staff on hand to support you in finding classrooms, and there are signs around school with directions. You can also ask other students for help.
What house will I be in?
If you have an older sibling at Clayton Hall Academy, you will be in the same house as them. If you don’t have a sibling here, you will be put into one of our four houses (Ambition, Determination, Integrity, Valour) at random.
Can I bring my phone to school?
Yes, but it must be switched off and in your bag when you are inside the school gates.
Are there lockers available?
Yes. They are outside the downstairs head of year office and can be accessed between lessons and at break and lunch.
Where can I go at break and lunch?
Key stage 3 can go to the diner to purchase food and a drink. You can then go to the tennis courts, where there are benches and an undercover area. For the footballers among us, you can go and play on the astro. We do ask that only those playing football go to the astro, and we recommend somebody from your friendship group bringing a ball into school with their name on.
How do I pay for food?
Food can be paid for using Parent Pay. All information on how to set up Parent Pay will be given to you closer to you joining us in September. We have a money machine in the hall foyer where you can top up your account using coins or notes.
What if I have a food allergy/sensitivity?
Just let us know when you and your family fill in information pack A, which will be given to you closer to September. If you have an allergy and want to buy food from the school diner, our catering team can provide allergen information.
Can I join a club?
Of course! There are lots of different clubs available, both sporty and not so sporty. A timetable of clubs will be provided in September.
When will I get my iPad?
As soon as the iPads are delivered to the school, we will distribute them to students. There will be an iPad collection event where you and a parent/guardian can come and collect your iPad. Don’t worry if you can’t attend this event, alternative arrangements can be made.
Do I need to pay for my iPad?
No, as of the 2024/25 academic year, there is no fee for your school iPad. We will loan you an iPad for your high school career.
