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Changes to homework and the way we recognise pupils from September 2026

Two positive changes are occuring across our academy this year. The first is a simpler, clearer approach to homework. The second is a new way of recognising and rewarding the hard work pupils put in during lessons. Both are designed to help your child learn more and to make our expectations easy for everyone to follow.

A simpler approach to homework

Until now, homework has looked different from subject to subject, often using several online platforms, and has not always been clearly linked to what pupils learn in lessons. From September, every academy in the trust will use one simple, consistent approach. Homework will directly support what your child is taught in class, and it will be straightforward to keep track of.

Here is what it will look like

• Homework is set once a week per subject, on the same day each week, so it is easy to remember.
• Each piece should take around 15 minutes. It is about revising and remembering.
• Homework comes from the knowledge organiser, which sets out the key facts and ideas your child is learning. This means homework and lessons cover exactly the same content.
• At Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), homework is set in core subjects.
• At the start of the next lesson, pupils complete a short, low-pressure quiz on what they revised. This helps teachers see what has stuck and recap anything that has not.
• Your child will keep a homework folder and bring it to school each day. Their revision is kept together in one place and checked weekly by their form tutor.
• From September we are removing the online homework platforms we currently use. The one exception is Sparx Maths, which will continue for Maths homework.

You will be notified of the homework set each week through My Child at School (MCAS), where you can see the subject. MCAS will be the single place to check homework, so there is no need to track several apps or websites.

We know quiet time and space at home is not always easy to find. A supervised homework session in our library will be available each week for any pupil who would like a calm place to complete it.

Recognising hard work: our new merit system

Alongside this, we are introducing a clear and consistent way of recognising pupils who work hard and show excellent learning habits. We call these merits.

A merit is awarded in the moment for things such as strong focus, working hard and at pace, contributing well, and answering questions clearly and confidently. Teachers give merits genuinely and specifically throughout every lesson, and success in the weekly quiz is recognised in the same way.

At the end of many lessons, pupils who have stood out will receive a merit postcard to bring home. We hope this gives you a regular, positive update about the effort your child is putting in, and a chance to celebrate it together. Recognising hard work in this way builds a culture of high expectations and pride that benefits every pupil.

How you can support your child

• Ask to see the homework folder and planner, and check the homework set on MCAS each week.
• Encourage your child to spend around 15 minutes revising the set knowledge, and to test themselves rather than just reading.
• Look out for merit postcards coming home, and take a moment to celebrate them.

When this starts

As of the week commencing 14th September, our new homework policy comes into effect. Thank you in advance for your support.