At Padgate Academy we aim to make our students creative and confident builders of their future, enabling them to be the best version of themselves, whilst mirroring the values of the school.
We believe that every child deserves access to an excellent education—no matter their family’s financial circumstances. To achieve this, we work closely with families and the wider community to remove barriers to learning and ensure all students can thrive.
Our mission reflects our promise to help students become the very best versions of themselves. We know that for this to happen, education must be accessible, inclusive, and equitable.
In Warrington, 30.1% of children are living in relative poverty (after housing costs)—a figure that continues to rise (source: Warrington Poverty Conference 2025). Many families face challenges such as food insecurity, fuel poverty, housing difficulties, debt, and the impact of disability.
At Padgate Academy, we respond to these challenges with compassion and practical support. Guided by our PRIDE Values—Positivity, Resilience, Integrity, Determination, and Endeavour—we aim to create a supportive environment where no child is left behind.
Through open communication, partnership with families, and evidence-informed approaches, we are building a school community where every family feels valued, respected, and supported.
This page explains the steps we take to keep education affordable for all our families.
We use evidence-informed approaches to ensure our affordability strategy is effective, drawing on:
In 2022, we appointed an Assistant Principal for Student Support. Their role is to ensure our most vulnerable students receive the right help to achieve their very best.
• No student is ever punished or made to feel uncomfortable if they cannot afford uniform
items.
• We work with local suppliers to keep prices low.
• The full compulsory school uniform, including PE kit, can be purchased for under £100.
• Blazer: £28–£30
• Skirt/Trousers: £14
• PE T-shirt: £12
• PE shorts/skort: £8–£10
• Tie: £5.50
Total: £71.50
• Jumper: £16.50
• PE tracksuit bottoms/leggings: £14–£15
• PE socks: £5
• PE ¼ zip top: £15
• PE hoodie: £15
Total: £66.50
• If you’re struggling to afford uniform, please let us know—we can provide items at no cost,
funded through our Pupil Premium Strategy.
• We also have items that students can borrow for short-term needs.
• We regularly share information on how to apply for Free School Meals.
• We are part of the Magic Breakfast scheme, offering free bagels and cereal before school.
• Late arrivals can still access breakfast in our Reset room, and snacks are also available from
the Pastoral Office.
• Students can help themselves to fruit and healthy snacks during the day—no questions
asked.
• All compulsory curriculum trips are paid for by the school.
• For non-compulsory trips, families can request financial assistance or flexible payment
plans.
• A portion of the Year 7 residential cost is covered by Pupil Premium funding, ensuring as
many students as possible can attend.
“Padgate Academy is committed to ensuring fair access and treatment of all students. No child will ever be excluded from an activity because families are unwilling or unable to pay. If there is insufficient funding for an activity, it will be cancelled. The identity of any family who cannot pay will never be shared.”
(Padgate Academy Charging and Remissions Policy)
We fund 10 music tuition places each year for students eligible for Pupil Premium funding, so that financial hardship doesn’t prevent musical opportunities.
• Reading is a top priority at Padgate Academy. Strong reading skills improve not only
academic results but also mental well-being.
• Every year, all Year 7 and 8 students receive a free book of their choice through the Book
Buzz scheme run by the Book Trust.
Through the Department for Education’s HAF programme, we provide free activities and meals for eligible students during the school holidays.
We work with local community shops to stock our school food bank. Families in need can receive hampers—either regularly or as a one-off. We also donate to local food banks to support the wider community.
• Study guides & resources: We provide textbooks and revision booklets for GCSE students,
and direct them to free online resources—so there’s no need to buy expensive guides.
• Digital access: Homework clubs run daily after school, and computers are available during
break and lunch.
• Personal finance education: Taught as part of the Personal Development curriculum.
• Cooking lessons: Instead of buying ingredients weekly, parents make a one-off payment
(£20 KS3 / £40 KS4), with Pupil Premium funding covering the rest. Families can pay in
instalments or request extra support if needed.
We regularly ask students for feedback on the affordability of school life, ensuring their voices guide future decisions.
When planning the school calendar, we actively review for potential pinch points that could place extra financial strain on families.
We share regular updates on the support available, including advice, guidance, and community services you can access.
At Padgate Academy, affordability is not just a policy—it’s a principle. By working in partnership with parents, carers, and the community, we aim to create a school where every child can flourish, regardless of their family’s circumstances.
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