Keeping in Touch with Parents

Staying connected to your daughter’s education at secondary school can feel very different from primary school, so it’s natural to wonder how communication will work. At Harris Academy Bermondsey, we strive to make communication open, supportive and proactive. Our relationship with families is central to everything we do; when we work together, our girls thrive.

Parents and carers consistently tell us how much they value our clarity, responsiveness and care. We are proud of this, and we work every day to keep that partnership strong.

Your Form Tutor – Your First Point of Contact

Your daughter’s Form Tutor is the member of staff who sees her every morning, checks in on her wellbeing, and monitors her engagement and progress. They are usually your best first point of contact.

You will receive the names and email addresses of both the Form Tutor and Head of Year. You can also contact the academy on 0207 237 9316, where our reception team will ensure your message is passed on quickly. We aim to respond to all emails and calls within 24 hours (term time).

For subject-specific questions, your query may be directed to the relevant teacher or Head of Department. For urgent safeguarding concerns, you can speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Details can be found on our Safeguarding page.

If you are unsure who to contact, simply email info@harrisbermondsey.org.uk and we will help direct your enquiry.
 

Our Home School Agreement

At HAB, we believe that girls achieve their very best when school and home work together.
Our Home-School Agreement outlines what we will provide for your daughter, and what we ask of her and her family in return.

You will be invited to review and sign this agreement before your daughter joins the academy, or during her first week of term. A copy is available at the bottom of this page.
 

Parents’ Evenings

You will be invited to attend a Parents’ Evening at least once every year. During these events, you will meet your daughter’s teachers, discuss her academic progress, and explore how we can support her to achieve her ambitious goals.

Parents’ Evenings also offer a space to gain insight into the curriculum, ask questions and understand how teaching and learning work across the academy.

Regular Assessments and Reports

Assessment at HAB is designed to challenge, support and inspire. Students take part in regular classroom assessments throughout the year, as well as formal assessment points which help build confidence, deep learning and strong exam technique.

You will receive two reports each year – one mid-year and one at the end of the year – outlining your daughter’s academic progress, personal development and achievements.

MyChildAtSchool App

We use the MyChildAtSchool app to give parents convenient, secure and real-time access to important information such as attendance, behaviour, timetables, and academic reports.

Before your daughter joins HAB, you will be provided with clear instructions and login details. The app makes it easier than ever to stay involved in your daughter’s school life.

Performances, Events & Celebrations

HAB is a vibrant, creative community. Throughout the year you will be invited to a wide range of events, including:

• Performing arts showcases

• Whole-academy celebrations

• Debates, competitions and exhibitions

• Awards evenings and enrichment events

These are important opportunities for students to build confidence, express themselves and showcase their talents.

Friends of HAB

Would you like to get more involved in the Academy by joining our Friends of HAB group? 

Friends of HAB:

• identifies a fundraising cause for the year (at the direction and suggestion of the Principal)
• attends HAB social events to highlight the work of Friends of HAB and to encourage all HAB parents and carers to attend organised events
• organises a termly community event (with some fundraising element involved)
• promotes events at HAB with the wider parent community, including having a termly slot in the HAB newsletter.
• provides parental feedback on HAB initiatives
• develops creative ideas and new approaches to engaging the wider HAB community.

"In essence, the aim is to help create, nurture, promote and encourage a community spirit from within the parent and carer body," says Dewi, whose daughter is in Year 9. "It's about those who are interested and able, with the full support and backing of the school, to be available to meet, discuss and participate to further the great work that HAB is doing for our daughters."

To find out more, including dates of next meetings and events, contact Debby Berry d.berry@Harrisbermondsey.org.uk

What parents say...

“Friends of HAB is a great way for parents to assist by giving their input on projects and event planning. Being able to volunteer a bit of time has given me the insight of how to utilise some of my knowledge and skills.” Audrey, Year 11 Parent

“I joined friends of HAB because I want to know what is happening at the school. It is important to exchange views with school, staff and other parents to work together to support your child in her education. I believe developing a community is beneficial to everyone. It's an opportunity to meet other parents, share thoughts, concerns and giggles. We all have work and commitments, you won't be able come to every meeting or event but you can still make a difference." Ana, Year 9 Parent

"It’s great to be “in the know” on what’s going on, not just in the classroom but in the larger school community as well. It’s allowed me to form a larger and more meaningful connection with our community. It allows me to have a voice in what is happening in our school. It’s a forum to discuss or share concerns. This isn’t all about fundraising. We are also looking at ways to involve school families and the local community to get involved by giving their time, which we all know is a precious commodity. Along the way we also hope to have some fun! Most of all we welcome everyone’s ideas equally." Dewi, Year 9 Parent.

Empowering Girls at HAB

As a girls’ school, we are deeply committed to nurturing confident, ambitious and socially responsible young women. Our curriculum and pastoral systems are built around:

• High aspirations and academic challenge

• Leadership opportunities, from Student Council to Prefect roles

• Building confidence and resilience

• Encouraging student voice and active participation

• Championing equality and empowerment

We want every girl at HAB to know that her voice matters and her future is limitless.

Pastoral Care at HAB

Our pastoral system is at the heart of our academy. Every student belongs to a year group community led by a dedicated team who know our girls as individuals.

Pastoral support includes:

• Daily check-ins with Form Tutors

• Head of Year guidance and support

• Access to wellbeing and mentoring programmes

• Safeguarding and emotional support from trained staff

• Anti-bullying ambassadors and student wellbeing leaders

We are committed to providing a safe, caring and encouraging environment in which every girl can flourish.

Celebrating Achievement

We believe in recognising effort, progress and excellence. Throughout the year we celebrate our students through:

• Achievement awards and certificates

• Celebration assemblies

• Leadership badges

• Rewards trips and enrichment opportunities

• Recognition in newsletters and online features

Celebrating success helps nurture pride, motivation and a sense of belonging.

Supporting Learning at Home

We work closely with families to help students develop strong learning habits. Parents and carers can support by:

• Encouraging a consistent homework routine

• Helping their daughter stay organised

• Supporting regular reading

• Maintaining good attendance and punctuality

• Discussing school life and celebrating achievements

Small steps at home make a big difference to confidence and progress in school.

Digital Learning & Online Safety

Technology is an important part of learning at HAB, and we are committed to ensuring students use it safely and responsibly.

We support parents and carers by providing:

• Guidance on digital safety

• Training on monitoring online usage

• Clear expectations for responsible behaviour

• Support for managing social media and online communication

Our aim is to equip our girls with the digital skills and awareness they need to navigate the online world confidently and safely.