The Cornerstone Academy Grammar Stream

At The Cornerstone Academy, we believe that all children should have an outstanding education which allows them to make maximum progress and achieve what they truly deserve. We recognise that what children need to make those achievements differs and as such we offer a varied programme of study. One of the programmes we offer is access to a ‘Grammar Stream’ – the opportunity to follow a grammar school-style curriculum within our comprehensive, co-educational setting.

We aim for our Grammar Stream students to all achieve the highest of GCSE results. Beyond this, we will support the choices made for Post-16 study with view to our students going onto a University education. We offer our Grammar Stream students the same high standards of teaching that all Cornerstone students receive, however with their ability means that they get the opportunity to study the same challenging curriculum at a greater depth.

We are not a selective school. Students who are offered a place at The Cornerstone Academy are welcomed to sit an eligibility test to join our Grammar Stream. There are currently 30 places available for Grammar Stream admission.

We are passionate in our belief, that 11 years old is too young to put a child on a path that will be right for them their entire secondary career. Things may change for children who begin Year 7 in the Grammar Stream which mean it is no longer the best option for them. Similarly, children who at the age of 11 were not ready for the rigours of the Grammar Stream, or for reasons beyond their control were not in a position to perform well in the entrance tests, may, later on, become ready for it. For this reason, students at The Cornerstone Academy sit twice yearly assessments and, if the results suggest any should move out or into the Grammar Stream, then that option is made available to them.

The Grammar Stream brings together high-achieving students as well as motivating those outside of the stream. As coordinator, my role is to ensure all students thrive in the Grammar Stream and work to the best of their ability. I will focus on supporting the delivery of a challenging curriculum, closely monitor achievement in all subjects, and share updates with parents allowing for an environment of success.

We want our Grammar Stream students to become not just academic successes but also to be fully rounded individuals and for this reason we strongly encourage our students to be immersed in everything The Cornerstone Academy can offer including participating in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, volunteering in various guises, and assisting in open evenings.

Grammar Stream students will study the following subjects in Years 7-9:

• English Language and Literature
• Maths
• Biology/Chemistry/ Physics
• History
• R.E
• Geography
• Art/ Expressive Arts
• Personal Development
• Computer Science
• French
• PE
• Spanish

Grammar Stream students will have access to all the high-quality extra-curricular activities and clubs available to all Cornerstone students.

In addition, our Grammar Stream students are offered a variety of other opportunities, aimed at building aspirations, preparing for Post-16 studies and stimulating interests beyond the academic.

These include:

Excellence Club – Students develop their cultural capital through critical thinking and master classes on topics as varied as Philosophy, Psycho-Geography, French Film, and Psychology. During terms 5&6, students are involved in a preparing for an inter-school debate against schools within the United Learning cluster.

University Outreach Projects – Students will visit Merton College, Oxford and be guided around this historic institution. The University of Southampton will hold a master class on higher education just for our students.

Maths Circles – Students grapple with intriguing problems and ideas whilst learning to think, speak and work like a university mathematician. 

TCAnowrimo – Students write a completed short story alongside a creative writing specialist, through the whole of November.

Mentoring – Students will be allocated a mentor from Year 10 to support and advise.

Latin – Students will learn the rudiments of Latin building to understanding and creating short stories in the Classic language.

Sparx Reader Gold – Grammar Stream students will automatically be enrolled on this advanced reading programme. The first novel will be bought especially for our students to keep.

Clubs – Students are expected to attend two clubs, one academic and one non-academic/ sports. If they would like to create a club that is not yet catered to, we can arrange this.

If you would like any more information regarding the Grammar Stream then please feel free to contact