Graduation

The White Hills Park Graduation scheme recognises students’ academic achievements alongside other contributions to the life of the school, the WHP Trust and the wider community.  There are four levels of graduation: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each level requires students to demonstrate sustained effort and achievement as well as engagement with both school and the wider community. There is a particular emphasis on leadership and involvement with activities after school.

During the academic year students are asked to chart their progress against the level-specific criteria and apply for graduation once these criteria have been fulfilled. Their success is celebrated at a Federation Graduation Ceremony to which parents are invited. This annual event also showcases our students’ many successes both in and outside the classroom. The regular recording and validation of students’ engagement in extra-curricular activities help them to create a personal portfolio outlining their participation, skills and successes which will be invaluable when applying for places in higher education or seeking employment. 

Students who can demonstrate engagement and initiative are often highly sought after by employers and universities alike and the graduation scheme is designed to develop these important life-skills.

The WHP Graduation scheme is overseen by Deputy Executive Headteacher, Karsten Stephan.

School Uniform & Equipment

We believe it is important that all our students should be of a smart appearance and appropriately dressed for school. Our uniform policy is intended to be simple and economical for parents and is designed to give a clear image for the school. 

You may be aware that Statutory Guidance around school uniform has recently been introduced. We have always worked hard to keep our uniform costs affordable, but realise that in this current climate, we are all revising what ‘affordable means.’ Financial assistance continues to be available upon request and subject to criteria being met. Please contact the school office.

In response to feedback and to help with financial concerns, we have streamlined our compulsory branded items to only 3; students are expected to wear branded school blazer and tie, and PE kit is based around the WHP branded t-shirt.  

We run a termly Swap Shop, where parents can swap items of school uniform, including PE kit, for bigger sizes or simply collect an item that they need.  Further details and dates for our Swap Shop Evenings will be communicated to parents. 

Our uniform and PE kit suppliers:

Big Fish Schoolwear
Web: bigfishschoolwear.co.uk
Web username: Bramcote
Web password: TBS123

Morleys Schoolwear
116-118 Bramcote Avenue, Chilwell, NG9 4DR
Tel: 0115 925 8046
Web: schoolwearsolutions.com/our-schools/the-bramcote-school

Students and parents should observe the following:

Students are expected to wear:

• WHP Trust blazer.
• School tie.
• Plain white shirt or blouse which buttons up to the collar (can be long or short sleeved). 
  (any vest, T shirt or bra worn under the shirt must be plain white with no logos).
• Plain, black standard school trousers or skirt.
  (No jeans, cargo styles with pockets or trousers which are tight fitting, skirts should be knee length and appropriate for school. Pencil/tube skirts with elastane are not acceptable. Tracksuit bottoms should not be worn under school trousers).
• Plain black belts can be worn but no fashion belts.
• Black school jumper/cardigan with school logo are optional and may be worn underneath blazers.
• Plain, black, sensible (low heeled) shoes or ankle height boots. Plain black leather/leather effect smart shoe style trainer shoes (e.g Air Force 1s). Trainers, plimsolls, pumps and canvas footwear of any kind are not allowed.
• Open toe or backless footwear should not be worn on the grounds of health and safety and all shoe laces should be tied correctly.
• One small plain ear-stud or small sleeper in each ear lobe and a wristwatch. No other jewellery or face/body piercings are allowed. *

Please note:

• Hoodies, tracksuit type tops and other non-school tops are not allowed in school.
• No caps or hats of any kind can be worn on the school premises.
• No make-up and clear nail varnish only may be worn. False nails are not acceptable.
• Extreme hairstyles are not permitted (this includes shaven or partially shaven heads or eyebrows, tram lines or other markings, unnatural hair colours).
• Mobile phones, tablets and similar electronic devices should not be seen or heard on the school premises, without specific permission from a member of staff. *
• Smart Watches are not allowed in school. Ordinary analogue and digital watches are allowed.
• The ‘Tattooing of Minors Act 1969’ states that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to have a tattoo. We would therefore request parental support in ensuring that students do not have any tattoos, either visible or not.

* Failure to comply will lead to confiscation in line with school policy. On the first occasion of an item being confiscated, it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. Should the item be confiscated for a second time it will not be returned to the student, a letter will be sent home requesting the parent/carer comes into school to collect the item from a senior member of staff. Should an item be confiscated for a third time it will only be returned to the student at the end of the school half term.

PE Kit

Compulsory items:

• WHP short sleeve training t-shirt
• Personal sports trainers
• WHP or Plain black Joggers/Leggings/Shorts *

Optional additional items:

• WHP ¼ zip micro-fleece or plain black sweatshirt (not hoodie).*
• Football socks

* Whilst we would prefer for all our students to wear the full PE kit, we made some adjustments last year which we will continue this year. Pupils can wear plain black joggers/leggings/shorts with branded logos no larger than a bank card. Instead of the school PE tops, students can also wear plain black sweatshirts (not hoodies) or T-shirts, again with logos no larger than a bank card. Girls shorts should not be cyling shorts or very short tight shorts.

No jewellery at all to be worn in any PE lessons

Additional recommended items:

• Football boots
• Gum shield
• Shin pads

School Equipment

All students should have the following basic items of equipment with them for every lesson:

• a suitable bag (no handbags) in which to carry equipment, planner, books and homework.
• a pencil case containing :-
  • black or blue ball point pen
  • a spare black or blue ball point pen
  • HB pencils
  • Eraser
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Coloured pencils/fine felt tips
  • 30cm ruler
  • Calculator
  • Headphones (plug in)

Please note that valuables, expensive items and large sums of money should not be brought to school.
If you lose something, please enquire at the school office as to whether it has been handed into lost property.

What is it the Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award?
The DofE is an accredited programme of challenges. It aims to provide an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development for young people, which is of the highest quality and widest reach. Find out more at dofe.org or watch these YouTube videos on Bronze DofE, Silver DofE or Gold DofE.

Who can do it?

The Bronze award is open to Year 9, the Silver award to Year 10, and the Gold award you can sign up for as soon as you have had your 16^th birthday.  You do not have to complete one of the previous awards to take part at a higher level - so you could start directly on Gold and get your badge and certificate presented at one of the Palaces in London.

What does it cost?

There will be a financial commitment to cover the costs of our expedition providers. For example, the cost of this year’s expedition was:

• £185 for the Bronze award (to include designated training days, a practice and a qualifying walking expedition in the Peak District)
• £417 for the Silver award (this is a paddling expedition with training based at Spring Lake water sports centre, Long Eaton. The practice expedition is conducted on the River Trent and qualifying expedition is on the River Severn in Wales.  The silver award will only run if we have sufficient numbers)
• £300 for the Gold award (this consists of pre-practice training at Bramcote College, additional hill walking experience days, and practice and qualifying expeditions in wild country in the Lake District).

Upon signing up for an award you will be asked for a £40 deposit (or £29 if you just want to register for the Gold Award without doing the expedition). This not only secures a place, but a portion of this money will be used to buy your child’s Welcome Pack from the DofE charity, which includes your DofE Participation Place. Any remaining balances can be paid in instalments throughout the year.

What equipment do I need?
We have a substantial amount of equipment that we provide, either directly from Bramcote College or from our specialist outside provider, AS Explore Outdoor:

Why should I do it?
There is a lot of scope in the programme for you to get credit for doing activities that you already enjoy. If you’re applying for university, college or even a job being able to add a DofE award to your CV/UCAS form will help.

Completing a DofE award really helps to broaden your horizons. During the course of a programme you’ll meet new people, experience new surroundings, improve your fitness and get to try new activities. Above all else, it’s fun!

What’s involved?
Whichever level of award you’re doing you’ll create your own personal programme with the help of your Leader- you just have to choose one activity for each section. It’s up to you what you do for each one, so you can choose something that you’re really into or keen to have a go at. It’s all about setting yourself a challenge and feeling great when you achieve it! There is a great official DofE app that you can download from the Apple app store or Android play store that will help you to begin, manage, and complete your programme..

• Volunteering: This is your chance to make a real difference by helping someone, your community, the environment or an organisation. From being a Listener for the Samaritans or raising money for a cancer charity to helping out at an animal shelter or cleaning up after T-in-the-park- it’s your chance to help others.
• Physical: You can choose any sport, dance or fitness activity to get fitter, keep fit and get better at it! You could play for your local football team or learn to dance or take up something a little more unusual like octopushing or free running –it’s up to you- just choose something you’ll enjoy!
• Skills: Is there something you’ve always wanted to try or do you want to get better at your favourite hobby? Do it for your Skills section and get credit for it! Play the guitar, learn to drive, gain circus skills or even grow cacti - the sky’s the limit when it comes to skills.
• Expedition: Highs, lows, great laughs, amazing memories- you’ll experience it all as you plan, train for and complete an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad. You could find yourselves climbing, cycling, horse riding or walking - who knows where your expedition will take you!
• Residential (Gold Only) is an opportunity for a young person to step outside of their usual environment, routine and social setting, giving them the opportunity to find out more about themselves and who they see themselves as.

Can I donate outgrown or unwanted walking or camping equipment to school?
If you have any out grown or unwanted walking or camping equipment – we are always looking for donations to help our students complete these awards, sometimes the only barrier for taking part is the personal equipment so every little helps!

How can I find out more?
If you are in Year 8 and would like more information about taking part in next year’s award, please watch the video below.

If you are in Year 11, you can register for the Gold Award as soon as you have had your 16th birthday, and you don't need to have completed the silver or bronze awards before.

• You can register for as little as £29, through registratio you will receive your DofE log book, DofE discount card giving you 10% off at selected retailers and your online eDofE account.  You can then start your volunteering, skills and physical sections.
• For the GOld Award, you will need to attend a residential.  The NCS (National Citizenship Scheme) offers this through local universities at a great discounted price.
• At Bramcote College we offer training for your practice expedition in Year 12 (Peak and Lake Districts). In Year 13 we offer training for your final expedition, but this is optional.
• You will have until your 25th birthday to complete your award.

If you would like further information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award please contact our Duke of Edinburgh’s award co-ordinator Miss Vizard by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call reception on 0115 916 8900 and leave a message.

We give out letters to start each Award at the end of the school year, ready to start the following year.

Bramcote College Careers Hub

Careers support at Bramcote College

At Bramcote College, we are passionate about supporting students through the process of deciding upon the direction they take after finishing school. We provide impartial guidance and advice on further education, training, or employment across KS3, KS4 and KS5 and involve many outside agencies such as employers and education providers.

If you have any queries about careers, higher education or work experience please contact our careers team - Jenny Read and Maria Whiteley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Students, Parents and Employers

While this page contains some general information about our careers programme and support, we've created tailored pages for students in school, parents and carers looking for resources to support and inform students, and employers interested in working with us which contain more specific information and resources.

Labour Market Information

We think Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is an amazing place to live and work.   As one of the most vibrant areas in the East Midlands there is a lot to shout about.  It is important that students have up to date and relevant information about the local and national labour market when planning their next steps.

To find out more about our local labour market, please use the links below:

Careerometer can be used to explore and compare key information about occupations, help you learn about different occupations and identify potential careers.

It provides access to a selection of UK headline data relating to pay, weekly hours of work and future employment prospects for different occupations, as well as description of the occupation.
Simply type in the title of the job you are interested in and the widget provides a series of options from which you can select the most relevant to you. You can then look up another two occupations and compare. You can also select ‘display the UK average’ and compare the information with the occupation you have selected.

We run lots of inspirational events for our students

From year 7 onwards students get lots of opportunities to think about what their next steps will be.  As part of this we will be shining a spotlight on events we put on with guest speakers from the world of work and education.  We will share the impact this can have on helping our students think about their futures and what has inspired their careers education journey so far.  You can also see the journey from year 7 onwards on our learning journey.

Bramcote College Careers Map.pdf

Careers Education and Access for Education and Training Providers Policy