28 August 2026
Dear Parent/Carer,
We hope you have had a lovely summer break. In preparation for the year ahead please see some important information below.
Return Dates
Monday 31st August 2026 – Bank Holiday
Tuesday 1st September 2026 - Wednesday 2nd September 2026 – Staff INSET (no students in school)
Thursday 3rd September 2026 - Year 7, 11 and 13 start
Friday 4th September 2026 – All students return
Students should be onsite in their form room by 8.40am each day.
For full term dates and INSET days please click here.
BC Basics
The BC Basics are the Standards for Learning that outline our expectations and shared set of values for all students at Bishop Challoner Catholic College. They incorporate the Catholic Virtues and the acronym of FAITHFUL will underpin the core values of the school. Students will be learning about eight of the character virtues as part of our Standards for Learning Curriculum. Please look out for weekly updates in the BC14. They reflect our mission statement where we develop our full potential, encouraging full engagement with learning. The positive language will be referenced to in all school contexts and reflects our collaborative aim to instil character and purpose for all those who are part of our community.
Attendance and Punctuality
The school manages and monitors attendance within the 5 Foundations Framework. We will be talking to students about the importance of excellent attendance and punctuality, and you will receive some additional information. Please support the school and your child by ensuring that they are in school every day and on time.
Timings of the Day
We would expect students to be onsite by 8.35am every day. Students should be in their form room by 8.40am every day.
On a Monday to Thursday school ends at 3.20pm and at 2.30pm on a Friday. For a full breakdown of the school day please click here.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
In order for us to work together, to best support our young people, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have information to share regarding the safeguarding or wellbeing of your child. This is particularly important if there has been a change in circumstances for the young person. Please contact a DSL or member of the Wellbeing Team if required.
Uniform and Standards
Please make sure that your child is in full school uniform each day for school. In order to comply with the UK legal school uniform requirements the following items must be branded and in accordance with our Uniform Policy:
- Black blazer with school badge
- School tie - royal blue and silver (maroon and silver for Year 11)
- Navy Polo short sleeved PE shirt with school badge
- Navy shorts/leggings/tracksuit PE bottoms with school badge
Please also familiarise yourself and you child with the school expectations on hair, footwear and jewellery.
For full details on all uniform requirements, including compulsory and optional items, please click here.
PE Football Boots Requirement Reminder: following our announcement in April (https://bishopchalloner.org.uk/news/2026-04-27-pe-kit-changes), to comply with the safety and maintenance regulations governing use of the Irish Centre facility, all students will be required to wear appropriate football boots when participating in lessons and events on the 3G surface. We would recommend looking for boots labelled AG (artificial grass) or MG (multi-ground). If you have any concerns regarding this requirement, please do not hesitate to contact the PE Department.
Rewards and Sanctions
We will continue to acknowledge the achievements of students through the awarding of achievement points in Class Charts. There will also be various additional rewards and events that celebrate the successes for students throughout the year.
As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a productive learning environment, we would like to remind you of our sanctions-
Late detentions- are scheduled during lunchtime. This will include students to have ample time for a toilet break and for food. Students who do not attend at lunchtime will receive a same day after school detention, communicated home via text and Class Charts.
Class Teacher detentions- set at teacher discretion. These detentions are set at 30 minutes and where missed will escalate to a departmental detention of up to 60 minutes.
Head of Year detentions- all Head of Year detentions will be held on a Thursday after school.
Escalation Detention- if students fail to attend the Head of Year or departmental detention this will be escalated to a 90 minute after school detention on a Friday.
We will continue to utilise Class Charts as our primary communication platform for notifying parents and students about detentions. Please ensure that you have access to Class Charts to receive timely updates regarding your child's detention, positive logs and homework set.
All parents/carers will have signed an agreement. We kindly request your cooperation in reinforcing the expectations of the school at home and encourage open communication between home and school to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child.
Schoolcomms
Please ensure that your child's Schoolcomms account is topped up regularly so that your child can buy food or drink from the school canteen if they wish to do so. Schoolcomms accounts for Year 7 parents/carers will be accessible from Tuesday 1st September. Please be reminded that if eligible for free school meals this can only be taken at lunchtime, students will need to use their own funds at break.
School Gateway App
Please ensure that you have downloaded the School Gateway app ahead of the new academic year. The app is an important way for you and your child to stay up to date with key school information, messages, visits and trips.
Download/access School Gateway
Our first trip of the year will be to Drayton Manor, so please make sure you have access to the app to ensure you do not miss any important information or notifications about this and future trips.
School Gateway also provides quick and convenient access to a range of other important school platforms and services, including:
- Class Charts
- School news and events
- Parents’ Evening bookings
- School messages and updates
- Trip and visit information
- And much more
Further information about the features and services available through the app will be shared with you in September.
Please note: Year 7 parents/carers will not receive their School Gateway login details until Tuesday 1 September. There is no need to take any action before this date.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs Jethwa
Acting Assistant Principal
