What Our Students Say...

We asked our current Year 7 students how they had settled into life at Northampton Academy and what they would say to current Year 6 students who are due to start in September, here is what they said....

How do you like Northampton Academy so far?

"I don’t know how to put it into words. Literally the best school ever to exist! It makes me be proud of who I am and makes me want to do well in all aspects of my life (not just classes). I actually want to go to school every day!" Olivia C

"It's a very positive school with a good attitude to learning." 

"I enjoy Northampton Academy a lot. I believe that it is a great school that strives to always bring out the best in everyone as our moto reads. I settled quite quickly within the first few days instantly making new friends. I think Northampton Academy is a fine school and brings out not only good character and the best in everyone but the school also raises quite fine young adults." 

"There is so much to do at Northampton Academy and a variety of clubs." 

"I think it is an astonishing school. Not every school can be perfect for every individual but I feel Northampton Academy try their best to do that." 

 "I like the move, remove system as a form of discipline; some of the teachers are VERY nice and, the majority, of the children are respectful.' 

When you were in Year 6 at primary school, what were your worries about starting a new school?

"I thought the older years were going to make fun of me (wrong), I thought I wasn’t going to make friends (wrong again), and I thought I would get bullied (definitely wrong)" 

"My worries were that I wouldn’t make any new friends and that I wouldn’t do well with the amount of homework." 

"I was worried that the older people would bully me, I would get alot of detentions, forget my books and be late and then get lost on my way to classes." 

"I was worried about not being able to understand the layout of the school." 

"None of my primary friends were coming to the Northampton Academy so I thought I would not have friends" 

"Leaving my friends, making new friends, all the homework, finding my way round the school and finally leaving my old school." 

How did the virtual transition day help with these worries?

"It answered a lot of questions and made me feel more confident about the transition." 

"It showed that the school cared about the students and that there would be great role models to look up to and be friends with." 

"The virtual transition helped calm my fear of getting lost and being late to classes​" 

"Gave a detailed tour of the school with different rooms."

"They told everyone that the school is a telling school and you could tell any staff member if you had any worries." 

Did you attend summer school and if so, how did it help with your transition into Year 7

"Yes, it helped a lot as I made some friends." 

"I did attend summer school and it helped a lot! Most of my worries were gone and it made me feel a little, tiny bit superior. It made me feel more comfortable to the school and I think it helped my first day jitters that people who didn’t go summer school would get." 

"I did go to summer school and loved it . I made friends and they ended up in my form." 

"Yes, and it helped me know all the places and what blocks where what and where to go." 

"Summer school was so much fun!!!!!!! It was so adventurous and we even had a bouncy castle filled with bubbles and you have to try and get the plastic balls etc." 

"Yes I did and it helped very well because I got to see around the school a little bit before school actually started." 

What else did the school to help you settle in?

"They gave us a tour of the school and a few educational video clips, where they told us the rules and what is expected of us at Northampton Academy." 

"They taught us that you have to be respectful and determined, and that really made me extend my mind so that I could learn new things everyday." 

"They have really made a difference compared to other schools because they reward good behaviour. They give rewards like skip the lunch queue passes, prizes for how many praise points you get and prizes for good behaviour and home learning completion. it makes kids want to work harder and be better people and to earn nice things." 

"Nice staff members and students made me feel comfortable with sharing my choices and personal views, without judgement. This made me feel that I belonged." 

What would you like to tell current Year 6 pupils about Northampton Academy?

"There is no need to be worried, the school is so supportive and trustworthy. You will never feel alone at this school. you will learn so much with the excellent lessons and teachers. Not only is our learning taken seriously, but our school makes our learning fun. There will be many friendly faces and the school will attend to your needs and give you the best learning and opportunities as possible. Also, there is a large number after school hobbies and games. Our school tries their very best to provide the best and same chances as any other person. Everyone is treated fairly and you will have a lovely first year. Goodluck!"

"It is a wonderful school, and it helps develop and show your personality with pride. It is supportive of your views no matter sexuality, race, religion or background. The education is very good." 

"The work is not as hard as you think it will be, you first start off by doing some easy work then you keep learning and by couple of weeks time you will be very good at it." 

"Northampton Academy is a brilliant school, and all of the teachers and people in the upper years help you to fit in. The school improves your knowledge and skills in lessons so you are prepared to live a happy and successful life when you finish school." 

"To not be too worried because secondary school isn’t as bad as you might think it is" 

"It is the place where you can be yourself and become who you want to be. You'll make so many new friends that will last through life. It is very diverse school that will accept anyone for who they are. The school encourages good behaviour."