Routines and Essential Equipment

Morning Routines 

At Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, we believe a calm and positive start to the day sets the tone for learning. Our morning routines are designed to give every pupil a positive, calm start to the day so they feel confident, prepared, and ready to thrive in their learning

Arrival at School

• Entry Point: Pupils must enter via the Newby Road entrance, unless attending Breakfast Club.
• Gate Closure: Gates will close and lock promptly at 8:28am. Pupils should arrive in time to line up by 8:30am.
• Late Arrivals: Pupils arriving after the gate has closed must sign in via the Main Reception on Stitch-Mi-Lane. A 15-minute lunchtime correction will be issued for lateness on the same day.

Breakfast Club

We offer a free breakfast to all pupils from 7:45am – 8:15am. This is a great way to start the day with a healthy meal and calm social environment.

Morning Line-Up

At 8:30am, all pupils line up in their designated areas:

• Years 7–9: Sports Hall
• Year 10: Small Sports Hall
• Year 11: Canteen

The line-up lead delivers important daily messages, reminders about standards, and recognises achievements. Pupils are then dismissed in an orderly manner by their form tutors, who lead them calmly to their form rooms.

Line-up is a key part of our school culture and core routines. It sets a purposeful tone for the day ahead and ensures a calm, safe, and respectful transition into the school building. Morning Line Up allows staff to check uniform, share updates, and create a unified and positive start to the day for every pupil.

Uniform & Appearance Expectations

We expect all pupils to arrive in full, correct uniform, ready to learn. Staff are on duty to welcome pupils into the school grounds/building. Uniform will be checked by staff on duty at the gates, the doors used to enter the building/each line up area and during line up/morning form time. Pupils have several opportunities to correct their uniform as they enter the building to ensure a positive start to the day.

Pupils should ensure they are wearing:

• School shoes (not trainers)
• Blazer and tie
• Shirt tucked in
• Skirt at appropriate length
• No coats or hoodies inside the building
• Hair of one natural colour and appropriate style
• No false lashes, false nails or nail polish
• One stud earring per lobe

If a pupil has an issue with uniform for example, they have misplaced or forgotten their tie, they will be offered a temporary item to support them in having a positive start to the day.

Uniform Support & Consequences

If a pupil does not meet uniform or appearance expectations, a 15-minute lunchtime correction will be issued. If a pupil refuses to comply, they will be placed in Reflection until the matter is resolved.

At BSCA, we aim to support pupils with their uniform, so every student feels prepared and proud each day. Thank you for working in partnership with us to uphold our high standards and ensure a positive start to every school day.

Essential daily equipment

All pupils have been provided with, and should carry with them daily:

Black Pen

Green Pen

Pencil

Ruler

Rubber

Scientific Calculator (available to purchase from Maths)

Mobile Phones

At BSCA, our priority is to provide a calm, focused and respectful learning environment where every student can thrive. To support this, we operate a no mobile phone policy during the school day.

Why We Have This Policy

Mobile phones and other personal devices can be a significant distraction in a school environment. They can also present safeguarding and wellbeing concerns, including issues related to online activity and social media. By removing this distraction, we help students to:

• Focus fully on learning and personal development
• Build positive, face-to-face relationships with peers and staff
• Promote good mental health and digital balance
• Maintain a safe and respectful school community

We understand the importance of students having access to a phone for their journey to and from school. Therefore, students may bring their phone to school, but it must be switched off and stored securely in their bag at all times.

Once on the school grounds—until leaving at the end of the day, including after-school clubs or clinics—mobile phones must not be seen or heard.

Consequences for Breach of Policy

We are clear and consistent in our expectations to help students understand the importance of this policy:

• First Offence: The phone will be confiscated, securely stored in the main office, and returned to the student at the end of the day.
• Second Offence: The phone will be confiscated and must be collected by a parent or carer.
• Further Offences: Persistent breaches will result in the student being required to hand their phone in at the start of each day, to be collected at the end.
• Refusal to Hand in Device: A refusal to comply with a request to hand in a phone will result in the student being placed in Reflection until the matter is resolved.

Supporting Communication and Safety

We know that parents and carers value being able to contact their child in an emergency. If urgent contact is required during the school day, please call the school’s main reception. A member of staff will ensure that your child receives the message or is brought to the phone to speak with you directly.

This policy provides peace of mind for families while ensuring the school day remains purposeful, safe and free from unnecessary distractions.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us to maintain high standards and put student wellbeing first.