Culture

We believe that, given the right circumstances, all children are capable of extraordinary things.

Colonel Frank Seely Academy has a clear, strong purpose and our ‘why’ drives the decision we make every day.

Our purpose is the belief that we can inspire and challenge every individual to achieve their very best.

This applies to every students and every member of staff. We make it our aim to ensure that the circumstances are conducive to this and that every individual is valued and challenged. For everyone at CFS this is a way of thinking, acting and communicating.

How we do this is by having a climate of high expectations for all we do.

The golden circles (Simon Sinek, ‘Start with Why’) of CFSA ensures everyone knows why they do what they do.

What our staff think about the CFSA Culture

Jess Breider, Head of Geography

I chose to work at CFSA because of the vision the school has and how they place the student at the heart of everything. Experiences outside of the classroom are valued as highly as what we do in the classroom and the school has provided the resources and support to ensure we continue to develop these opportunities.

The developments and new initiatives within the school make it an exciting and extremely supportive place to work, and as a middle leader I feel fully involved in contributing and leading elements of that development.

Senior Leadership have created a school environment where teachers are confident in their own abilities, their professional judgment is welcomed, and trusted in shaping the school we have. This has taken the school on a huge journey over the past 5 years and the result is we now have a school that the staff and students are immensely proud of!

Alice Garnett, Head of RPS
When I started looking for a job a friend who teaches in the Redhill Academy Trust persuaded me to go on a tour around CFSA. I was immediately struck by how friendly the students were, and how warm and welcoming the staff are. After teaching here for almost a year I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone thinking of applying! Students are bright, and eager to do well. Staff (including SLT!) are very supportive of each other and the working culture is great. 

Sarah Mosley, Teacher of Geography and Careers Lead

Since working here, I have been blown away by the support and caring nature of the staff and the SLT, no problem is ever too small. The school has been on a huge journey in the four short years I have worked here, the improvements have greatly impacted on the staff and students in a positive way. Students are respectful and approach lessons with enthusiasm, which is testament to the journey the school has been on and the direction in which we are heading.

Mel Kirk, Data and Exams Manager
I have worked at CFSA for almost 17 years and I can honestly say that I enjoy being a part of such a committed and hardworking team.

The environment and ethos of the school is second to none – the academy has a lovely personable feel, the atmosphere is wonderful – a great and safe place to come to work and school each day. The opportunities for the students are huge and I had no hesitation whatsoever in applying (first choice) to send both my daughter and more recently my son here.

Sophie Sloan, Head of Performing Arts

From a PGCE student to NQT, and now Head of Performing Arts, I’ve always felt like I belong at CFSA. I have been given the opportunity to develop and hone my teaching skills in the most supportive environment, where every day is truly unique.

When others ask me why I love teaching at CFSA, and why I have stayed for so long, I just can’t decide if it’s the staff or students who make it such a special place to work. On reflection, it’s a combination of both which has always made CFSA such an engaging and inspiring place for me. It is an honour to work with such fantastic and inspirational young people and staff at CFSA. I can’t imagine doing anything else, or teaching anywhere else!

Donna Richardson, Kitchen Assistant

I am a parent of two children who have passed through CFSA and my third child is a student here now. I have worked here for roughly 11 years, starting here, as a Cleaner and now I am a Kitchen Assistant. I was fortunate enough to go on the Kingswood Residential with the Year 7 students in October and because of this experience, I have now started to train as a Teaching Assistant. I am proud to work here at CFSA, every member of staff really does care. 

Josh Smith, Inclusion Manager

Having the support of all the teaching staff at CFSA, and it’s Senior Leaders, provides an excellent and encouraging atmosphere to support students. 

Staff are incredibly supportive of the work that the Pastoral Team complete with students and all members of staff are, not only approachable, but also forthcoming with their consideration of others. 

Within the Pastoral elements of the academy, there is a strong family feel where staff and students alike feel valued, reassured and listened to.

Lee Tomlinson, Teacher of Maths

It is nice to work in an environment where the passion for my subject and desire to work hard are shared by all staff. Working at CFS Academy is rewarding as well as challenging; It is through the unconditional level of support that facilitates and fosters this experience.

Having had the opportunity to work with young people of Colonel Frank Seely Academy, as well as being part of the recent journey to academy status, I am proud to part of the experience and look forward future years within this organisation.

Darren Kay, Teacher of Drama

CFS Academy is a fantastic place to work. Having worked in other schools I have never felt as supported and valued as I have been during my time here.

I did not follow the typical route into teaching but this has not stopped me feeling equal to my other colleagues. I have been supported and given CPD opportunities by SLT alongside my Head of Subject to improve my teaching practice and ensure that the classroom experience for all our students is inspiring and engaging as possible. 

My only regret is that I did not start at CFS Academy sooner.

Leila Mills, Teacher of Geography NQT

As a career changer, finding the right school to work in was extremely important to me. I had a very strong sense of what kind of environment I wanted to work in. I wanted a school which was a community, one that valued every individual including staff and students. I wanted to know I was making a difference. I wanted to ensure that the progress the students were making was not just academic progress but also progress towards becoming rounded citizens. Being a parent I wanted to feel that I would be happy for my own children to attend the school I worked in.

A big ask you might say! 

I feel so privileged to be part of Colonel Frank Seely Academy. The support from SLT and colleagues has been magnificent. The best part by far are the students, these young people should be very proud of themselves, they are striving not only for academic success but also life success. Watching them grow in confidence, articulate themselves, laugh and really go on a successful journey (with a few ups and downs). I cannot for one second think of any other school I would be want to be part of. Oh and yes I certainly would send my children here!