Best Results Ever – A Huge Congratulations to our Class of 2026

20 Aug 2026

A massive well done to all of our Year 11 students at Park Vale for securing the best ever performance at Key Stage 4 by quite some distance. As most of our parents will know, the academy has been on an upward trajectory for a number of years now but the class of 2026 have delivered a massive uplift in performance even by our usual standards. For example, Attainment 8 (overall performance) for this year is 46.0 (last year 42.8). And in terms of the Basics (Maths and English), 65.6% achieved a 4 or above in both subjects (last year 57.5) and for 5 or above the figure was 42.5% (last year 37%).

There were a lot of students achieving the very top grades as well with this year’s stand out performer being Jacob Miles-Stewart who secured five grade 9’s, three grade 8’s and one grade 7.

However, the main headline is that nearly all of the students have exceeded expectations and so deserve enormous credit for all of the hard work they put into their exams. Congratulations to you all and enjoy that sweet taste of success!

Our Most Recent Park Life Newsletter Now Available! Summer 2026

5 Aug 2026

Download Here

Careers Fair Thursday 5th November 2026

5 Aug 2026

Discover New Possibilities

• Broaden Horizons: Meet employers and professionals from various sectors to discover jobs and industries you might not have considered before. 
• Learn About Different Paths: Understand the skills and qualifications needed for different roles, and explore options like university courses, apprenticeships, and direct employment. 

Connect with Employers and Experts

• Face-to-Face Interaction: Talk directly with recruiters and industry professionals in an informal environment, which can be less intimidating than a formal interview. 
• Build Connections: Make a memorable impression on potential employers and learn about opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere. 

Gain Valuable Information

• Understand the Job Market: Get real-world insights into current industry trends and job market demands. 
• Inform Decision-Making: Gather information on courses, programs, and companies in one place to help you make informed decisions about your next steps after school. 

Develop Your Skills

• Practice Networking: Learn how to talk about yourself and your aspirations in a professional setting. 
• Enhance Interpersonal Skills: Improve your ability to communicate effectively with different people in a professional context. 

PVA Students Making Memories on their Kenya Scuba Expedition – 25th July – 21st August 2026

3 Aug 2026

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.