WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL
I am delighted to introduce you to Townley Grammar School, one of the selective schools in the Bexley
London Borough. The school, which was founded in 1937, has over the years established a tradition of
academic excellence and is a lively, caring community of which we are justly proud. In January 2012 we
converted to Academy status and this has brought greater freedoms while retaining the selective status.
At Townley education is a creative process. We have a learning community which encourages academic,
emotional and physical confidence. Our students are inspirational learners who have the courage to take
risks and the wisdom to learn from their mistakes.
Our reputation is built on the dignity, responsibility and self esteem of all members of our community.
Townley students develop the qualities of Confidence, Resilience, Courage, Compassion, Integrity, Spirit,
Social Conscience and the Ability to Inspire.
We work to realise their full potential through providing outstanding teaching, rich opportunities for
learning, and encouragement and support for each student.
ADMISSIONS
Pupils are admitted to Townley Grammar School in accordance with the Bexley Procedure for Entrance to
Secondary Education. They sit a selective test with a defined pass mark. Applications come from a wide
area and our school community is a richly diverse one. Applications for the Sixth Form are made directly to
the School and the admissions criteria are high. We are consistently heavily oversubscribed at sixth form.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The Curriculum
The School offers a broad, balanced and inspiring curriculum, which is designed to match the educational
needs of the girls with the requirements of the National Curriculum. Creativity and imagination are valued
in all aspects of the curriculum.
The School was awarded Specialist Status for the Performing and Visual Arts in September 2004. This
specialist status has enriched the arts education offered by the school and encouraged the development of
creativity in our staff and students. We were awarded our second specialism in Mathematics and
Computing in 2009.
The Sixth Form
The Sixth Form offers a wide range of subjects and courses at AS and A2 level. The vast majority of our girls
continue their studies with us but we also admit students from outside the school which includes a small
but significant number of boys.
The majority of students take a combination of four AS Level subjects in Year 12 and three or four A2
subjects in Year 13. Additionally students can take the AQA Baccalaureate which allows them to combine
their A levels with enrichment and an extension project to add an additional qualification to their portfolio.
The timetable is constructed as far as possible to meet their individual needs and aspirations. The pass rate
has continued to rise enabling our students to pursue the higher education route of their choice.
Discipline
The School prides itself on a respectful and cooperative community which is underpinned by consistent use
of rewards and sanctions. We balance good order and discipline with the motivational power of praise and
celebration. We take every opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements whether through
exhibitions, performances, concerts or awards ceremonies.
A high standard of behaviour based on consideration for others and social responsibility is expected at all
times. The Behaviour policy uses the idea of Behaviour Zones to identify positive and negative behaviours
and the consequences of both.
Learning Managers track individual student progress and target support where necessary. Assistant
Learning Managers are non teaching members of staff available to support students on a day to day basis
and liaise with parents. Form tutors are organised according to subject teams who develop expertise within
that year group, these are existing teams which have established strong relationships and are better able to
support students as a result. They also bring their subject specialisms adding a new and distinctive
character to each phase.
RESOURCES
Constructed on a 17 acre site, the School’s extensive grounds provide a pleasant environment as well as
excellent sporting facilities and girls benefit from up-to-date equipment in all areas of the curriculum.
The Music Technology Suite and the Recording Studio provide access to the latest technology while a
modern professional theatre, photography facilities and dance studio give students the opportunity to
explore and develop their creative potential. Additionally there are five new laboratories, a fitness suite and
a sports hall complete with showers and changing rooms.
The School’s canteen provides a variety of hot and cold food at breakfast, break and lunch-time, as well as a
café area which serves freshly made sandwiches and snacks. The ‘Piazza’ and a new courtyard provide a
pleasant environment for girls to eat lunch at the picnic tables or to meet friends. A Snack Shack provides
sandwiches and drinks for those who do not wish to eat in the canteen.
LOCATION
The School is situated very close to Bexleyheath Town Centre and is well served by Public Transport, being
on several bus routes. There is also convenient access from Bexley and Bexleyheath Stations.
Mr Desmond Deehan
Headteacher