PROSPECTUS 2027 OPPORTUNITY ACHIEVEMENT EXCELLENCE
OUR SCHOOL We offer an exceptional academic and extracurricular experience at Samuel Whitbread Academy in an outstanding learning environment where students are expected to work hard, achieve and excel. In our last Ofsted inspection, we were judged as ‘Good’ (March 2023) with many outstanding features and have set ourselves the target of being the best school we can be in every category over the next few years! Our GCSE and A Level results are consistently amongst the very best in the local authority. We offer a well-balanced curriculum with plenty of choice to prepare our students for the next stage in their lives. Most of our students continue on to the Sixth Form, which is one of the largest and highest performing in the area - providing students with a wide range of courses designed to match the expectations of universities and employers. Extracurricular opportunity is a vital part of our ethos and we expect all of our students to get involved in at least one club or activity. There are a huge number of opportunities ranging from highly competitive sports teams to spectacular drama, dance and musical performances. Our pastoral care is exceptional and we have dedicated pastoral support teams for each year group. The academy is also divided into five houses, named after people who have made a distinctive contribution to our community, the country or the world. These provide the framework for the multitude of different competitions, celebrations and charity events that bring our school community together throughout the year. If you would like a tour around the school, please contact reception on 01462 629900. Nick Martin - Principal BSc, MA, PGCE, NPQH, NPQEL 1 WELCOME 1 1 6 16 19 20 7 11 3 2 8 22 4 5 17 14 15 18 21 12 10 9 13 1 Main Entrance to Reception 2 E nglish, Film, MFL and Science Block 3 Tennis and Netball Courts 4 B usiness, ICT, PE and Science Block 5 A rt, Music, Drama and Dance Block 6 Sports Hall 7 Performing Arts and Main Hall 8 Gym 9 S ixth Form Centre, Blues Cafe and Health & Social Care 10 A ctivity Hall and Theatre 11 History, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics Block 12 The Street and Food Bar 13 Pastoral Support 14 A thletics, Rugby and Football Pitches 15 L ibrary and Learning Resource Centre 16 D T & Food Block and Pitstop Cafe 17 Main Canteen 18 Sociology and Psychology Block 19 Learning Support and Provision 20 Geography and Maths Block 21 1st Football and Rugby Pitches 22 Memorial Garden SamuelWhitbreadAcademy is proud to be a founder member of the Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST). BEST is a successful multi-academy trust which provides exceptional education to over 8000 children across its community of schools and nurseries. While we are all unique, we share a core belief of the importance of high expectations, hard work and community-based provision.The BEST School Improvement Team supports us to develop our curriculum, while our staff all have access to an extensive range of free or subsidised training courses and CPD opportunities. It is our mission to grow the BEST in everyone. Find out more about BEST at www.bestacademies.org.uk
WHY CHOOSE SAMUEL WHITBREAD ACADEMY 3 ACADEMIC SUCCESS The GCSE results at Samuel Whitbread have consistently been above the national average for the last ten years. In English and mathematics, over 69% of students gained a 4 or above, with over 43% achieving a 5 or above. In 21 different subjects, over 70% of students achieved a grade 4 or above, with similarly impressive results in the BTEC subjects, making us one of the top-performing schools in the Local Authority. The results at KS5 were equally impressive and the joint highest in the Local Authority, with 85% of grades A*-C or equivalent and 32%A*/A or equivalent. In the last few years, students have also secured apprenticeships at companies such as Airbus Space, Red Bull, Mclaren and GlaxoSmithKline, as well as securing places at some of the top Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge. 3 RAISING ASPIRATIONS This year we are leading a project, involving schools from all across the county, which aims to increase the aspirations of Sixth Form students in our schools. The project is sponsored by the Connolly Foundation and our partner universities include: Oxford, Cambridge, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and MK:U.We are also working with several local and national companies such as Network Rail and Santander. THE PUPILS ARE HAPPY AT THIS SCHOOL. OFSTED 2023 “ PROMOTING ACHIEVEMENT We have high expectations of all our students and we believe every child has talent that can be nurtured with the right support and encouragement. The size and success of Samuel Whitbread means that we can continue to offer a balanced and modern curriculum which is second to none. An incredible array of educational visits and guest speakers also helps to enhance the learning experience.
5 4 At Samuel Whitbread Academy we strive to develop healthy, resilient and independent learners, who read confidently for both learning and pleasure, and who actively participate in culturally enriching and diverse experiences. We strive for every student to meet their academic and personal potential regardless of gender, race, culture or ability.We want all students to experience success and to nurture their resilience to ensure they become independent learners who are prepared for life-long learning. CURRICULUM INTENT We do this through a diverse and stimulating curriculum that allows both choice and challenge. Students are regularly assessed and given feedback using a variety of methods in all of their subjects. Both progress and attitude to learning are systematically tracked, monitored and analysed. This information is communicated throughout the year to both students and parents through Interim Progress Checks which outline key strengths and areas for improvement in all examination subjects. KEY STAGE 3 & 4 Year 9 (Key Stage 3) Students at Samuel Whitbread Academy follow a broad and balanced Key Stage 3 curriculum, carefully blended to ensure academic progress, as well as providing opportunities to experience the option subjects available to students in Year 10. Years 10-11 (Key Stage 4) Our Key Stage 4 curriculum includes 27 options and is designed to strike a balance between ensuring students study a wide range of subjects, whilst enabling them to develop their own personal interests.We have taken great care to ensure the offer at Key Stage 4 reflects the ever changing national picture, where GCSEs have undergone fundamental reform. It also ensures that the academy offers every student the opportunity to study the full English Baccalaureate. SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH OUR WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECT CHOICES. SCAN TO VIEW FULL OPTIONS ON OUR WEBSITE.
SIXTH FORM Post 16 The size of the Sixth Form at Samuel Whitbread means our curriculum offer at Post 16 is second to none and includes 38 different courses. Following the government reforms to A Levels, we recommend that students study three courses, with the exception of some of the most able students and students taking Further Maths who often take four. Alongside these opportunities we offer a range of extra-curricular courses including our sports academies and the Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ) which are highly regarded by Universities. Or students can also join the Society, which helps students achieve their dreams of applying to the top universities, or graduate apprenticeships. OUR PARTNERSHIPS We greatly value our partnership work in the community. We share many of our support services with the other schools in the Trust and jointly develop our teaching and pastoral systems. We also work closely with the other schools in our catchment area to ensure that transition across our pyramid is as smooth as possible. Our partnerships in engineering are excellent. Local and national companies provide opportunities for our students to experience work in an industrial setting and experts from these companies come into the academy to provide advice and materials. Our very successful Formula 24 teams started with the support of our engineering partners. The arts too have a number of partners who support and work with us to give our students the very best opportunities available. As a result we have been invited to play at both local and national events including receiving an invitation to play at the Chartered College of Teaching. We are not satisfied with being the best school in the county for sport and as a result we have developed partnerships with numerous clubs across the country and beyond. LEADERS AND TEACHERS HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR PUPILS IN THE SIXTH FORM. OFSTED 2023 “ “ 7 6
At Samuel Whitbread we have seven values that drive everything we do. These were chosen by students, staff and parents. TEAMWORK INGENUITY EMPATHY DETERMINATION RESPECT EQUALITY INTEGRITY OUR VALUES
LIFE AT SAMUEL WHITBREAD ACADEMY 11 PERSONALISED LEARNING We believe that outstanding education is built on strong relationships, high expectations and a genuine sense of belonging. From personalised learning and pastoral support to our House system and community partnerships, every aspect of student life is designed to help young people thrive. Our teaching and learning strategy is centred on the idea that every pupil is embarking upon their own personal learning journey at Samuel Whitbread. Individual academic targets, based upon prior data, are regularly reviewed by academic and pastoral staff to ensure that our pupils and their parents always know where they are on that journey and what they need to do to reach their full potential. Our expert subject specialists work hard to create a learning environment which inspires and stimulates students’ interests, as well as giving personalised support and guidance to help all students reach aspirational targets. Termly targets for progress in the core subjects, plus student/teacher reviews and evaluations at the end of every term, ensure that students have the opportunity to maximise their potential and to achieve and excel. These individual targets and analysis of assessments help inform our teachers’ planning so they can adapt their teaching to meet the learning needs of all the pupils in their care. Homework and independent learning is uploaded onto google classroom, so students and parents can check homework assignments and due dates anytime. PUPILS ENJOY COMING TO SCHOOL AND APPRECIATE WHAT STAFF DO FOR THEM. THEY FEEL LISTENED TO AND VALUE THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL COUNCIL BECAUSE THEY SHARE THEIR VIEWS WITH SCHOOL LEADERS. OFSTED 2023 “ “
12 We have five Houses, each named after prominent people who have made a difference to the local community, the country or the world. Each House represents aspects of our school values. The Houses are led by a member of staff and our Sixth Formers who are house captains, prefects, sports and charities captains. The houses have a busy programme of competitions, house council meetings and charity events and every year each house selects a particular charity to support. Throughout the year, the members of each House work together across all years to form a caring and united community, culminating in the House Olympics! MOORE OBAMA RAS HFORD WHI SHAW SI MS OUR SCHOOL HOUSE SYSTEM We are very proud of the pastoral system at SamuelWhitbread. During the transition all pupils are placed into tutor groups and assigned a form tutor.This is a key role within the pastoral system and students remain with their tutor fromYear 9 to 11.They have daily contact with their tutor group, where they discuss important issues such as internet safety, healthy eating and British values - as part of the PSHE curriculum. The tutors are supported by their Head of Year and dedicated Pastoral Support Officers (PSO), who work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and the Heads of Department to carefully monitor student behaviour and academic progress. We have a strong and well developed Learning Support Department that supports students with Special Educational Needs. The dedicated team work with staff and students in classrooms to help them achieve their very best, as well as providing a package of support outside of the classroom to meet the needs of each student. For more information please contact our SENDCo Mrs Swift. The vast majority of students enjoy life at school and get on well with each other. On the few occasions when students do misbehave our Assertive Discipline System deals with this effectively and efficiently. CARE, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT MOORE Inspired by Captain Sir Thomas Moore OBAMA Inspired by Michelle Obama RASHFORD Inspired by Marcus Rashford WHISHAW Inspired by BenWhishaw SIMS Inspired by David Sims STARTING SECONDARY SCHOOL IS A BIG STEP. WE’RE HERE TO MAKE THAT TRANSITION A POSITIVE ONE. HEAD OF YEAR 9 “ “
OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 15 Learning extends far beyond the classroom at Samuel Whitbread Academy. Through exceptional opportunities in sport, the performing arts, clubs, leadership and community engagement, every student is encouraged to discover new passions, build confidence and develop the skills needed to thrive in school and beyond. SPORT& PHYSICAL EDUCATION At Samuel Whitbread, our approach to sports and physical education is guided by two core principles. First, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in our wide range of sports and activities. Our goal is for students to discover a sport or form of exercise they enjoy, encouraging them to stay active beyond the classroom and develop a lifelong passion for physical activity. Second, we embrace the spirit of competition - because we love toWIN! If your child is passionate about sport and aspires to excel, Samuel Whitbread is the ideal place for them.We expect our sports teams to train diligently and give their best at every opportunity. Our commitment to sporting excellence has earned us the reputation as the most decorated school in Bedfordshire, with more district, county, regional, and national titles than any other school in the area. The past few years have been our most successful on record and, in 2025, we were ranked among the top 10 state schools in the country for sport. Last year, we reached the national football final for the fourth consecutive year and are incredibly proud to be boys U18 national champions. Our female rugby teams continue to achieve success at Rosslyn Park last year winning the plate, while our boys’ teams reached Twickenham again in 2023 - following their double victory at the U15 and U18 Vase in 2019, making us the first state school to win both titles. Our U14 netball team claimed the Sister in Sport Plate in 2024 and last year we were national finalists for U18. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS AWESOME IN THE STADIUM! YEAR 10 STUDENT “ “
• U18 Boys National Champions in Football • U18 National Plate finalists in Netball • U14 National Plate Champions in Netball • U15 Boys National Vase Rugby Champions • U18 Boys National Vase Rugby Champions • U16 and U18 Boys National Football Finalists • U16 Netball National Finalists • U18 Bronze medal winners in National Swimming 4x50m medley • U18 Netball National Semi-finalists • U18 Girls Vase Champions at Rosslyn Park Sevens • Girls Futsal National Semi-finalists • National finalists in Gymnastics Tumbling and Acro • U18 National finalists in trampolining • District and county champions across cricket, basketball, athletics, handball, badminton, table tennis, rounders, hockey, and many more... 4 16 CELEBRATING OUR STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENTS Following many county titles, a lot of our teams have reached regional finals. Across all sports, we regularly compete against and challenge the best schools in the country. We are also proud to host five elite sports academies. Our netball academy, partnered with Saracens Mavericks, competes in the AOC league and the Sisters in Sport national competitions. Both our boys’ and girls’ football academies participate in the AOC leagues and the Elite Schools Cups. Last year, we launched a girls’ rugby academy alongside our established boys’ rugby programme. Both rugby academies compete in the AOC leagues and national cups, culminating at Twickenham.We are incredibly proud of our alumni - several former students who started in our sports programmes now represent their country or have turned professional. THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL ON RECORD AND WERE RECOGNISED IN THE TOP 10 STATE SCHOOLS FOR SPORT IN 2025. “ “
We are very proud of the arts provision at Samuel Whitbread.We want as many students as possible to learn and engage with the arts to develop their creativity, teamwork and confidence; skills that will stand them in good stead in their further studies and employment. In Year 9, every student studies the arts and as a result of high quality teaching, many continue on to GCSEs and Sixth Form. We have an excellent reputation for the arts and students perform and display their work all over the country. Our extra-curricular provision is extensive with over 20 different groups, clubs and ensembles to join, catering for all styles and tastes. 18 PERFORMING ARTS The Arts alumni include Caitlin Doody, who came second at the Dance World Cup in Spain, Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer, who received a BAFTA, Maddie Morris, BBC Young folk singer of the year, Crissie Rhodes in the Shires and Ben Whishaw (currently Q in James Bond and the voice of Paddington Bear) who is on record as crediting Samuel Whitbread as the place which ignited his love of acting! If your child loves the arts, you can be assured that Samuel Whitbread will provide ample opportunities. We will support, challenge and develop their talent and we look forward to welcoming you to one of our many performances. MY LOVE OF ACTING STARTED AT SAMUEL WHITBREAD. BEN WHISHAW “ “ MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY ARE PROUD OF THE SCHOOL’S INVOLVEMENT IN SPORT AND THE ARTS. OFSTED 2023 “ “
UNFORGETTABLE TRIPS & REAL-WORLD LEARNING Taking learning beyond the traditional classroom is at the heart of our academy’s ethos.We believe that experiential learning inspires curiosity, broadens horizons, and brings academic subjects to life - giving our students unique opportunities to connect classroom theory with real-world application. STEM & Technology: A-level Physics students explored cuttingedge science at CERN in Geneva, while design teams represented the academy at the Rotary Technology Tournament. Interactive Career Workshops: Students engaged in hands-on Fire & Rescue safety days and cooked alongside Royal Navy chefs to learn about specialised careers. Arts & DT: Students explored prosthetic and costume design at theWarner Bros. Harry Potter Studio, while KS4 Food Technology students experienced French food markets, a chocolate factory, and Disneyland Paris. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES One of the advantages of such a big school is that we can offer over 100 activities and clubs throughout the year. Our extra-curricular provision is extensive, boasting a huge range of sports clubs, performing arts groups, and musical ensembles catering for all styles and tastes. Whether it’s competing on the sports field, taking centre stage in a drama production, racing an electric car as part of ‘Team Scooby’, camping on the side of a mountain for the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award, or winding down with chit-chat and crafting at the library craft club after school, there is something for everyone. If we do not have a club for a particular passion, we will gladly help students form it. Alumni Success: Ex-media student Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer returned to screen his BAFTA-winning short film, “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” and host an exclusive Q&A. Humanities, Politics & History: Year 12s visited Parliament to explore the House of Lords and discuss policy with MP Alistair Strathern, while History students engaged with a interactiveWWI Medicine Workshop. Geography Fieldwork: Students applied key analytical skills during a KS4 day-trip to Walton-on-the-Naze and a KS5 residential research trip in Dorset. From Maths Challenges and Performing Arts Superstars to high-level Sports and Engineering, we constantly empower our students to excel beyond the classroom. SEEING MY CHILD LEARN DIRECTLY FROM A BAFTA WINNING ALUMNUS WAS BEYOND INSPIRING. YEAR 10 PARENT “ “ 21 20
23 The buildings and facilities at Samuel Whitbread are outstanding. They provide our students and staff with a fantastic environment in which to learn and work. In addition to well-equipped classrooms, we have a number of specialist facilities designed for ‘A’ Level standard work - that are also used by younger age groups. We have a spacious and well stocked library which is open to everyone, as well as several independent study rooms and a large study centre for our Sixth Form students. For engineering and design technology we have a number of workshops with specialist equipment such as laser cutters and 3D printers. We have 14 science laboratories which are supported by a well-stocked science prep room and a dedicated team of technicians, as well as 11 specialist computer suites. Art and textiles students benefit from a suite of rooms with a range of equipment including Apple computers for design and a kiln for pottery and ceramic work to help students turn their creative visions into reality. Our drama and dance students use the theatre, three drama studios and a dance studio with sprung floors, lighting, mirrors and sound equipment. Students studying music or film have access to a recording studio and use digital recording kit with high powered editing equipment and the latest industry standard software to produce their own projects. Physical Education and sport have a number of recently refurbished courts, a large sports hall (with its own viewing gallery), extensive grounds and pitches that are second to none, as well as a gym and activities studio! OUTSTANDING FACILITIES SPACES TO LEARN, CREATE AND EXCEL • Fifth dimension - Fully immersive future teaching hub. • Well-equipped classrooms • Spacious, well-stocked library • Independent study rooms • Dedicated Sixth Form study centre • Engineering and design technology workshops (equipped with laser cutters and 3D printers) • 14 science laboratories (supported by a science prep team) • 11 specialist computer suites • Art and textiles suite of rooms (equipped with Apple computers and a pottery kiln) • Performing Arts, Music & Film • 3 drama studios • Dance studio (equipped with sprung floors, lighting, mirrors, and sound equipment) • Recording studio (equipped with digital recording kits, high-powered editing tools, and industry-standard software) • Refurbished sports courts • Large sports hall with a viewing gallery • Gym • Extensive outdoor grounds, pitches and tennis courts FACILITIES AND RESOURCES Our new fully immersive classroom offers a state of the art learning environment where students can travel from outer space to 2000m under the sea, bringing the curriculum to life like never before.
SamuelWhitbreadAcademy SamWhitAcademy THE SCHOOL DAY By Bus In catchment transport Students applying to join Samuel Whitbread in Year 9 who are entitled to school transport will need to apply to Central Bedfordshire Council for a bus pass. Free transport eligibility is determined by the Council under their current Home to School Transport Policy. Out of catchment The Academy offers several out of catchment transport routes that parents/ carers can purchase a pass for. Further information on these services can be found on our website. Late buses To support our extra-curricular offering, the Academy offers late buses on a Tuesday and Thursday that depart promptly at 16:30. On some occasions it is necessary for us to cancel these services due to school events such as open evenings or parents’ evenings, any cancellations will be communicated to students via Bromcom. 08:15 School Bell (Year 9 Welcome Line-Up) 08:20 – 08:45 Registration & Tutor Activities 08:45 – 09:45 Period 1 09:45 – 09:50 Changeover Time 09:50 – 10:50 Period 2 10:50 – 11:15 Break 11:15 – 12:15 Period 3 12:15 – 12:20 Changeover Time 12:20 – 13:20 Period 4 13:20 – 14:00 Lunch 14:00 – 15:00 Period 5 15:00 – 16:00 Enrichment on Tue and Thu after school By Car For the safety of our students, parents who drive their children to school are asked not to bring their cars on to the School site at the beginning or end of the school day. Our on-site parking is reserved for staff and school buses. If you park near the School at the beginning and end of the day, please be considerate to our neighbours and other road users. We encourage families to walk, scoot, or cycle to school whenever possible. Active travel is a healthy way for students to start their day with extra energy! On Foot A zebra crossing is sited outside the Academy. All students should respect residents’ property on their way to school. By Bicycle or Scooter We have a secure bicycle and scooter park at the front of school. Students making use of this facility will be expected to follow the guidelines provided for safe cycling to and from school. If you would like a tour of the school after our Open Evening, please call our reception on 01462 629900. To apply for a 2027 school place, please visit Central Bedfordshire School Admissions. The deadline for applications is 31st October 2026. Follow us on our social media to see more of what our students do. FOR FULL DETAILS ON SCHOOL TRANSPORT AND UNIFORM GUIDELINES, PLEASE SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW. JOIN US 24 GETTING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Principal: Nick Martin Samuel Whitbread Academy Shefford Road Clifton Shefford Bedfordshire SG17 5QS Telephone: 01462 629900 Email: swa-info@bestacademies.org.uk SamuelWhitbreadAcademy SamWhitAcademy www.samuelwhitbread.org.uk
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