Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4.jpg" alt="bath academy bath somerset" class="wp-image-101616" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-CFFA15F9-A896-482B-A977-1E4A05C3D0B4-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT, WHERE?</strong></h2>



<p>Bath Academy is a co-ed independent Sixth Form college for 14–18 year olds, housed in a Grade 1 listed Georgian townhouse on one side of Bath&#8217;s beautiful yet bustling Queen Square, and in another period building opposite.</p>



<p>Founded in 1997, the college is part of the Council for Independent Further Education (CIFE), the professional association of independent Sixth Form colleges in the UK and the only CIFE college in the south west.</p>



<p>As well as offering a wide range of academic subjects at A Level, the college has a University Foundation Programme for international students, preparation courses for the UCAT test for those aspiring to medical school, as well as GCSEs, re-sits and revision courses. </p>



<p>There are currently 102 students on the roll; 20% of whom are international.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities"><strong>FACILITIES</strong></h2>



<p>No 27 Queen Square is the main college building, a classic Georgian townhouse built from golden Bath Stone, filled with a warren of teaching/study rooms and staircases that go up and up – and up.</p>



<p>Chapel Row, another period property on the other side of the square, has more teaching/study rooms as well as a little café and courtyard for students.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/IBath-Academy-MG_1929.jpg" alt="Bath Academy Bath Somerset" class="wp-image-101628" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/IBath-Academy-MG_1929.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/IBath-Academy-MG_1929-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/IBath-Academy-MG_1929-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/IBath-Academy-MG_1929-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/IBath-Academy-MG_1929-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/IBath-Academy-MG_1929-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>No glitzy science labs (they use those at nearby Hayesfield School); library (head over to Bath University for that), college theatre or extensive playing fields; the emphasis here is on expert tuition with a team of experienced teachers – many of whom are senior examiners – who know how to bring out the best in their students to help them get where they want to be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else"><strong>WHAT ELSE?</strong></h2>



<p>This is very much a college – it feels almost like a uni – rather than a school, which is definitely reinforced by being in the centre of Bath. Students develop a sense of independence and are able to take ownership of their studies; it&#8217;s first names for staff, who are &#8216;learner facilitators&#8217; rather than &#8216;teachers&#8217;, and all students are given the support they need, as and when it&#8217;s needed, be they high fliers, previously home-schooled, neuro-diverse (or none of these). </p>



<p>The approach here is highly personal and flexible with individualised programmes of study which, according to the Principal, can make timetabling a challenge at times but the results and their student satisfaction surveys show it works. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-5D_30382.jpg" alt="Bath Academy Bath Somerset" class="wp-image-101625" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-5D_30382.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-5D_30382-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-5D_30382-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-5D_30382-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-5D_30382-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Classes are taught in small tutorial groups (could be three–four, but no more than eight students) with weekly assessment exams, which builds confidence and exam technique as well as combating exam anxiety.  Lessons tend to follow a tutorial style, with lots of discussion and tables and chairs arranged in a horseshoe formation. There&#8217;s lots of support from staff, who get to know each student extremely well (no hiding at the back of the class here) for any student who has dyslexia or similar learning issues. There are scribes and readers if necessary.</p>



<p>Enrichment sessions include study skills, academic focus and CV writing. There&#8217;s help with UCAS applications and career guidance.</p>



<p>Holiday revision courses are offered in any subject in small groups or one-to-one, tailored to the individual.</p>



<p>Bath Academy also operates as a small English language school with courses throughout the year as well as a summer school.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics"><strong>ACADEMICS</strong></h2>



<p>Let&#8217;s start with A Levels: 2-year, 1-year intensive and 18-month A Level courses in 20 subjects, including trads like English, maths and the three sciences as well as psychology, politics and media studies.&nbsp; 2023-24 results: 28% of grades were A*/A; 55% of grades were A*-B (exceeding the national average); 69.9% of all A-Level entries achieved grades A*- C.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-image-100.jpg" alt="Bath Academy Bath Somerset" class="wp-image-101626" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-image-100.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-image-100-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-image-100-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-image-100-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/04/Bath-Academy-image-100-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Want to improve existing A Levels ? Both full and short re-take courses available and if your subject&#8217;s not on the list, they&#8217;ll be able to sort out that (they just saw a student through A Level Japanese).&nbsp; Average grade improvement for A Level resits: 2 grades (one student achieved a mind-boggling 8 grade improvement with AAA). The college has a reputation for Value Added (progress made).</p>



<p>For international students, those who missed out on GCSEs or who want to improve their grades to do A Levels: 2-year GCSE courses for 14+ in eight subjects; 1-year intensive courses for 15+ in 12 and IGCSEs, the international qualification.</p>



<p>Hero subjects: science, maths, English, business and accounting, psychology and sociology.</p>



<p>Other courses: University Foundation Programmes, an A Level/International Baccalaureate equivalent for overseas students; 1-year International Medical Foundation Programme and UCAT aptitude test for medical and dental schools.</p>



<p>Destination universities: this year they include Durham, Exeter, Bristol, Surrey, Leeds, Winchester and Bath.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-principal">THE PRINCIPAL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1424" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-Tim-Naylor-Recent-Photo.jpg" alt="bath-academy-Tim-Naylor principal Bath somerset" class="wp-image-101688" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-Tim-Naylor-Recent-Photo.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-Tim-Naylor-Recent-Photo-800x759.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-Tim-Naylor-Recent-Photo-1000x949.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-Tim-Naylor-Recent-Photo-400x380.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-bath-academy-Tim-Naylor-Recent-Photo-768x729.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Tim Naylor, BA (Hons), MSc, PGCE used to be a Trappist monk (yes, really). Educated at Ampleforth College and Bristol University with further post-grad studies at Royal Holloway and the Institute of Education, University of London amongst others, Tim&#8217;s taught in both the state and independent sectors.&nbsp; Vice Principal at Mander Portman Woodward (another CIFE college), he became Principal of Bath Academy in 2011 and is the chair of CIFE.</p>



<p>His aim is to provide an encouraging environment, where those who are strong have something to aim for and those who are not, have nothing to run from.&nbsp;  He&#8217;s very approachable, down-to-earth and seems to know his students pretty well – vital when you&#8217;re offering a highly personalised experience, where students can re-evaluate what they want to do, change direction if they want, and be helped to achieve their aims. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accommodation">ACCOMMODATION</h2>



<p>Several options. A boarding house for around 20 students aged 14–18 in the Grade I listed Oxford House, Georgian townhouse (nice) about 10 minutes&#8217; walk from Queen Square. Single and shared bedrooms, matron, house parents and professional chef who cooks up three meals a day (full English on weekends); eating together creates a family atmos.</p>



<p>Older students (18+) have the option of single en suite rooms at the purpose-built Fresh Student Living (Avon Studios), about 15 minutes&#8217; walk away. The college also arranges home stays with Bath families and even serviced apartments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral">PASTORAL</h2>



<p>Pastoral care is good, with tailormade student support.  Each student meets with their personal tutor – who&#8217;s more of a life coach than conventional tutor – one-to-one every fortnight and at UCAS time, two or three times a week.&nbsp;As the numbers of students are small, they&#8217;re able to tailor activities to the students but they currently include chess, Dungeons and Dragons, social evenings, trips out locally and further afield in conjunction with Viva Trips, and an Annual Ball.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p><strong>Fees per term 2024/25:</strong> Two-year and one-year intensive A Levels (3 or 4 subjects), GCSEs, University Foundation Programme, £7,884. One-year intensive A Level (per subject) £3,000; One-year intensive GCSE (per subject) £2,500. Accommodation: £42,650/year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Parents appreciate the small classes and one-to-one attention from teachers/tutors who understand that everybody learns differently, and the freedom for students to structure their own education.&nbsp; Another highlighted the supportive yet relaxed environment, the flexibility of fitting in with kids&#8217; previous studies and the fact that students are treated as adults not children. Also singled out was the advice for university applications and the general buzz.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muddy-verdict">MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Students who want to do their A Levels in a more grown up, almost uni-style environment. Anyone wanting help with revision or re-sits to get the grades to get into the university of their choice. Aspiring medics.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:&nbsp; </strong>Young people who would prefer a school rather than college setting.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Want to see for yourself?</strong> Every day&#8217;s an <a href="https://www.bathacademy.co.uk/admissions/open-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Day</a> at Bath Academy. Contact them to find out more, <a href="mailto:info@bathacademy.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">info@bathacademy.co.uk</a></p>



<p><em>Bath Academy, 27 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HX. Tel 01225 334577. <a href="https://www.bathacademy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bathacademy.co.uk</a></em></p>


Bath Academy, Bath

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