PARENTS’ EVENINGS – DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

25 Jul 2026

Year 7 – 5th May 2027

Year 8 – 7th July 2027

Year 9 – 3rd March 2027 plus Option Evening 17th March 2027

Year 10 – 26th May 2027

Year 11 – 6th January 2027

NO Smart Watches/Devices Allowed- Sept 2026

25 Jul 2026

All students in Y7-11 are issued with a lockable phone pouch in which their mobile and any other smart device, e.g. watch is kept in during the entire school day.

Behaviour Policy 2026-27 view here

MOBILE PHONES AND SMART DEVICES
The Department for Education (DfE) guidance dictates that all schools in England must be mobile phone-free environments by default. This policy is statutory under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act. It legally requires individual schools to prohibit student use of phones and similar smart devices throughout the entire school day. The rules extend to any smart technology with similar capabilities, including smartwatches that record video/audio or receive network notifications.

End of Term & Start of New Term Arrangements

18 Jul 2026

The last day of school this term is Friday 24 July. We will have our traditional lunchtime finish on that day so students will therefore be dismissed at 12.25 pm. However, free school meals will be available to those who are eligible as they leave the site.

The new academic year begins on Thursday 3 September, however, we will only be open to Year 7 and Year 11 students on that first day to enable a more focused and supportive induction for those 2 year groups. Years 8, 9 and 10 will then start back on Friday 4 September. The relevant dates and start times for each year group appear below.

Please can I also draw your attention to the information on the reverse of this letter regarding the school’s uniform guidelines for the coming year. The full uniform policy is available on the academy website.

Arrangements for the start of the new academic year for students:

Tuesday 1 September: INSET Day (staff only)

Wednesday 2 September INSET Day (staff only)

Thursday 3 September: Year 7 and Year 11 only in school from 8.30 am

Friday 4 September: All year groups in school from 8.30 am

Uniform Expectations

Uniform Expectations

All students at Park Vale Academy, from Year 7 to Year 11, wear uniform. The wearing of a uniform makes an important contribution to the tone and reputation of the academy. We like students to come here looking smart and business-like and ready to work. Students without the correct uniform will be offered substitute items in order for them to remain in lessons.

Official skirts, trousers, ties, blazers, school badges and colours are available from Just Schoolwear or Schoolwear Solutions. Just Schoolwear can be found at 12 High Street, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7DZ Their contact number is 0115 9652869. Items can also be ordered online from www.just-schoolwear.co.uk. Schoolwear Solutions are based at Morleys, 116-118 Bramcote Avenue, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 4DR. Their contact number is 01159 258046.

All other uniform items should be plain with no logos or decoration.

Daily Uniform

Blazer: Navy school blazer with school logo

Trousers: Official grey school trousers branded with the school logo.

Skirt: Official grey school skirt branded with the school logo.

Shirt: Plain white with a collar and top button appropriate for use with a school tie. Soft collared sports shirts are not acceptable, i.e. polo shirts. No t-shirts are to be worn. There should be no badges or motifs on shirts. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.

School Tie: All students in Years 7 to 11 are required to wear a clip-on school tie. School ties need to be in immaculate condition. If your son/daughter’s tie has threads pulled or ink marks on it then this will need to be replaced in time for the start of the new term.

Jumper: Only the official school jumper/cardigan may be worn (grey, with the school logo). The school jumper is an optional uniform item but advisable during the colder months of the year. Jumpers should only be worn in addition to the blazer not in place of it.

Socks/Tights: Plain black.

Shoes: Plain black shoes. The wearing of fashion shoes, particularly those without backs or with high/stiletto heels is not permitted. Boots, canvas-style pumps, trainers or trainer-like shoes should not be worn. This includes Nike Air Force 1 trainers or similar.

School Coat: Students should wear plain water-resistant coats or jackets. Hoodies, tracksuit tops, bomber jackets or sports coats with large logos are not allowed. Fashion coats such as leather/denim jackets or body-warmers are also not permitted.

Jewellery: Jewellery can be a safety hazard; it gets lost easily. Students may wear one pair of small studs in the lower earlobe and a single small nose-stud only. Any other visible piercing is not permitted. Students are also not allowed to wear rings, bracelets or necklaces in school.

Hairstyles: We expect hair styles to be neat and tidy and not extreme in any way. This includes tramlines, shaved images, brightly-coloured decoration/ braiding or the use of unnatural shades of hair dye. In the interest of student safety, long hair must be tied back in PE lessons.

Headwear: Headwear of any kind is banned inside the school buildings except that which is worn for religious reasons and which be plain black. Students are free to wear appropriate head-coverings outside during inclement weather. Baseball caps are banned entirely on school premises.

Make-Up/

Nail Varnish: Make-Up, false nails and nail varnish are not allowed.

PE Kit: Academy PE top with Academy logo. Black bottoms should also be worn (leggings must not be see-through and preferably made of sports material). Shorts must be mid-thigh length or longer. Students in years 7-9 should also have the jumper with the Academy logo: all items can be purchased from our uniform suppliers. Plain black sports socks. Footwear should include appropriate trainers for indoor and outdoor activities, football boots are required for some activities. Converse and Nike Air Force trainers are not considered appropriate footwear for PE. Optional items include shin pads, gum shield and a thin rain coat.

If you are unclear regarding any of these expectations, please contact your child’s Head of House for further information.

Free Fun and Food Summer Programme for Young People Aged 11–16

17 Jul 2026

Lets Celebrate! : Commendation Evenings 2026

12 Jul 2026

Y10 Students Participate in a 6th Form Taster Day – 30th June 2026

12 Jul 2026

Over 75 year 10 students spent an afternoon experiencing life at the Redhill 6th Form. They were introduced to 6th form students who also had attended PVA and listened to their experiences of A levels and enrichment activities. Year 10 students also had three taster lessons of a variety of A level subjects.

https://www.theredhillacademy.org.uk/sixth-form

Academic Excellence

The Redhill Academy has a strong reputation for academic achievement, consistently delivering excellent A-Level and vocational results. Students benefit from high-quality teaching, expert subject knowledge and a culture that encourages ambition and success.

Wide Range of Courses

This flexibility allows students to tailor their programme to university, apprenticeship or employment pathways.

Outstanding University and Career Support

Students receive comprehensive guidance with:

Excellent Facilities

Independence with Support

The transition from Year 11 to Sixth Form is significant. Redhill strikes a balance between encouraging greater independence while providing pastoral support, mentoring and academic monitoring to help students thrive.

Enrichment Opportunities

Familiar Redhill Trust Values

As part of the Redhill Academy Trust family, Park Vale students may already be familiar with the high expectations, values and educational standards promoted across Trust schools. This can make the transition smoother while still offering the fresh experience of a large sixth form environment.

Strong Community and Student Experience

The sixth form promotes a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where students can meet new people from different schools while developing confidence, maturity and lifelong friendships.

Get Ready for Sports Day 2026!

12 Jul 2026

Excitement is building as Sports Day arrives on Friday 17th July, promising a fantastic day of competition, teamwork and school spirit. Students from every year group will have the opportunity to represent their house, challenge themselves in a wide range of athletic events and cheer on their classmates in what is always one of the highlights of the school calendar.

The day begins with students arriving in their PE kit, ready for action. Throughout the morning, students in Years 7 to 10 will take part in a series of field and track events, including the 1500m, 800m and 300m races, as well as long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put, javelin and discus. Competitors will be representing their houses in the quest for valuable points and house glory.

A huge team of staff and student leaders will be helping to run events, record results and support competitors throughout the day. Our Year 10 leaders, alongside staff volunteers, will be playing an important role in ensuring events run smoothly and that competitors are encouraged every step of the way.

After lunch, the whole school will gather trackside for an exciting afternoon of athletics and house rivalry. Students will sit with their house teams—Wollaton, Newstead, Rufford and Clumber—creating a fantastic atmosphere as competitors take to the track.

The afternoon programme features some of Sports Day’s most eagerly anticipated events. Spectators can look forward to the fast-paced 200m and 100m races across all year groups, followed by the ever-popular relay races, where teamwork, determination and house pride will be on full display. If time allows, there may even be a staff relay to add a little extra excitement to the afternoon!

At 2:30pm, winners will be recognised during the medal presentation ceremony, celebrating the outstanding performances, effort and sportsmanship shown throughout the day.

Sports Day is about much more than winning medals. It is an opportunity for students to challenge themselves, support their peers, represent their house with pride and make lasting memories. Whether competing on the track, throwing for distance, jumping for a personal best or cheering from the sidelines, every student has an important role to play in making the day a success.

With warm weather expected, students are reminded to bring a full water bottle, and they are welcome to wear a baseball cap or sun hat while supporting their house.

We can’t wait to see the determination, enthusiasm and house spirit on display. Good luck to all competitors—and may the best house win! 🏆

Park Vale Students Set to Compete in Trust Robotics Competition 2026

12 Jul 2026

Four talented Year 8 students from Park Vale Academy will be putting their programming, problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test when they take part in the Redhill Academy Trust Robotics Competition at The Bolsover School on Monday 13th July 2026.

The annual competition brings together teams of Year 8 girls from across the Trust for an exciting day of innovation, creativity and technology-based challenges. Students will use robots that they have programmed themselves to complete a series of tasks, manoeuvre through obstacle courses and respond to challenge briefs designed to test their computing skills.

The event was established to inspire more girls to explore opportunities in computing, engineering and technology, helping to address the under-representation of women in technology-related careers. As part of the day, students will also learn about the wide range of exciting pathways available within the digital and technology sectors.

Throughout the competition, teams will be challenged to demonstrate:

• Programming and computational thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Creativity and innovation
• Teamwork and communication
• Resilience and perseverance when tackling complex challenges

In previous competitions, students have impressed judges with inventive robot routines featuring lights, music and carefully programmed movements, showcasing both technical ability and imagination.

At Park Vale Academy, we are proud to encourage students to develop their STEM skills and embrace opportunities beyond the classroom. The competition provides a fantastic platform for students to apply their learning in a real-world context while competing alongside peers from schools across the Trust.

We would like to wish our four Year 8 representatives the very best of luck as they prepare to represent Park Vale Academy at this prestigious event. We know they will be excellent ambassadors for the school and look forward to hearing about their experiences and achievements following the competition.

Good luck, Team Park Vale!

West End Adventure Awaits: London Theatre Residential 2026

12 Jul 2026

Park Vale Academy Students Set for an Unforgettable London Experience

This July, a group of our dedicated Drama and Dance students will embark on an exciting two-day residential visit to London, packed with performance, creativity and inspiration.

The London Theatre Tour, taking place on 14th and 15th July 2026, has been designed to reward students for their commitment to the performing arts while providing a unique opportunity to experience the very best of London’s world-famous theatre scene.

A Behind-the-Scenes Theatre Experience

One of the highlights of the trip will be an exclusive practical workshop at Pineapple Studios, one of the UK’s most renowned performing arts venues. Students will work with industry professionals, including performers with West End experience, learning rehearsal techniques and re-staging sections of a musical in a professional studio environment.

This hands-on experience will give students a valuable insight into the demands, discipline and creativity required to succeed in the performing arts industry.

Two Blockbuster West End Productions

Students will enjoy performances of two spectacular West End musicals:

• Hercules at the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
• Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Watching professional productions of this calibre allows students to see the skills they develop in school brought to life on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Exploring the Capital

The residential is about more than theatre. Students will also have the opportunity to experience some of London’s most iconic attractions, including:

• A visit to Covent Garden, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, street performers and unique shops.
• A trip on the London Eye, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the capital.
• Time to explore the South Bank and soak up the sights and culture of London.

Developing Confidence and Cultural Capital

Educational visits such as this play an important role in enriching students’ learning beyond the classroom. The trip will help students:

• Develop independence and confidence.
• Gain first-hand experience of professional theatre and performance.
• Build cultural awareness and appreciation of the arts.
• Create lasting memories with friends and staff.

Looking Forward to an Incredible Trip

Amy Goddard, Curriculum Lead for Drama and Dance, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in the world of professional theatre. From practical workshops and world-class performances to exploring iconic London landmarks, the trip promises to be both educational and inspirational. We are excited to share this experience with our students and help nurture their passion for the performing arts.”

We are looking forward to seeing our talented students represent Park Vale Academy and return with new skills, fresh inspiration and unforgettable memories.