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The School Day

Designed for Focus, Depth and Real World Success

The structure of our school day is designed with purpose – to promote focus, maximise learning time, and provide the time for teachers to assess understanding, personalise feedback, and stretch every student to reach their potential. Our calm, well-organised routine builds independence, confidence, and the discipline needed for real world success.

A Structured Start to Learning

Students arrive ready to learn – Year 7 from 7:45am and all other year groups by 8:20am.

Early arrival sets a calm, purposeful tone for the day, allowing students to settle quickly and prepare for learning.

A Mobile Free Day

Hammersmith Academy is a mobile free school. We are committed to maintaining a calm, focused and connected environment where students can learn and thrive without distraction.

Research shows that the average teenager checks their phone more than 100 times a day, often without realising it. This constant distraction can reduce focus, heighten anxiety, and affect learning.

We use the Yondr pouch system – a simple, effective way of ensuring mobile phones are switched off and securely stored during the school day. This approach strengthens our long-standing policy that phones must be switched off and put away until the end of the school day, so that students can fully focus on learning and development.

“
When our phones are locked away, I feel like I can really pay attention. I’m not thinking about notifications or what’s happening online. It helps me learn better and enjoy being with my friends properly.

Year 7 student

How does it work?

We use the Yondr pouch system – a simple, effective way of ensuring mobile phones are switched off, locked away but still in possession of the student for safe-keeping.

Each morning at line-up, as part of the line-up routine, pastoral teams check phones are switched off and locked away in their pouch.

The result is greater concentration, better communication, and a calmer atmosphere across the school.

A mobile-free school ensures:

Calmer classrooms – fewer interruptions and a more positive climate for learning.

Enhanced focus – students concentrate more deeply on learning.

Improved academic performance – engagement and retention increase.

Better social interaction – students connect face-to-face and collaborate more effectively.

Healthier mental wellbeing – reduced exposure to online stressors.

Mindfulness and self-control – students learn responsible digital habits.

Literacy and Learning Foundations

Year 7 students begin their day with dedicated literacy development sessions, strengthening reading, writing, and communication – essential foundations for success across all subjects.

Extended Learning Blocks

Our school day is divided into four extended lesson blocks (1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B), allowing teachers to go deeper into topics, provide focused support, and ensure every student’s understanding is secure. This structure supports mastery of key concepts and encourages meaningful discussion and reflection.

Tutor Time

Tutor Time takes place in the middle of the school day – a moment to pause from lessons, reflect, and reconnect. It’s a dedicated time for wellbeing, mentoring, and personal development, as well as for daily school notices and updates. Tutors work closely with students, helping them build confidence, develop resilience, and stay focused both academically and emotionally.

Calm and Orderly Breaks

Staggered break and lunch times for each year group create a safe, inclusive environment and a balanced rhythm to the day.

Session 3: Enrichment Beyond the Classroom

Learning doesn’t stop when lessons end. Our Session 3 Enrichment Programme (3:30–4:30pm or 5:00pm) offers clubs, sports, arts, and academic stretch opportunities. From debating and robotics to football and creative arts, students discover new interests, develop leadership skills, and gain the experiences that prepare them for success beyond school.

Designed for Depth, Progress, and Purpose

Every element of the Hammersmith Academy day — from literacy first thing in the morning to enrichment in the evening — is built to help students make exceptional progress and thrive academically, personally, and socially.

Part of the Day	Time	Details
Arrival	Year 7: 7:45 AM Other Years: by 8:20 AM	Early arrival sets a calm and purposeful tone for the day.
Lesson 1A	8:30 – 9:50 AM Year 7: 8:00 AM start	First lesson of the school day. Year 7 start their day earlier that the other year groups to take part in dedicated literacy development sessions, supporting a strong academic foundation.
Lesson 1B	9:50 – 11:30 AM	Second lesson of the school day.
Break	Year 7 & 8: 9:50 – 10:10 AM Year 9 & 10: 10:15 – 10:35 AM Year 11 & Sixth Form: 10:40 – 11:00 AM	Staggered breaks ensure a safe, calm and orderly environment.
Tutor Time	11:30 – 12:00 PM	Daily pastoral session focused on character, wellbeing, and mentoring.
Lesson 2A	12:00 – 2:00 PM	Third lesson of the school day.
Lunch	Year 7 & 8: 12:00 – 12:40 PM Year 9 & 10: 12:40 – 1:20 PM Year 11 & Sixth Form: 1:20 – 2:00 PM	A balanced, nutritious lunch break at staggered times.
Lesson 2B	2:00 – 3:20 PM	Final lesson of the school day.
Session 3 (Enrichment)	3:30 – 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM	Our Session 3 enrichment programme includes clubs, sports, arts, and academic stretch — a key part of the Academy experience.