The school is fortunate to be on a Greenfield site, offering accommodation and facilities which are regularly maintained and improved. Recent developments include and Information Technology Suite, a state of the art refurbished Design and Technology area, a Learning Resource Centre with multimedia resources, a Table Tennis Centre and a modern split level dining room.

Our well ordered atmosphere is supported by a strong sense of behaviour management, based on clear rules and expectations supported by rewarding positive behaviour. Students are encouraged to show courtesy and respect for others. The school has a smart, comfortable uniform which students wear with pride, and a dress code that avoids extremes of fashion.

At Graham School, we put special emphasis on preparing our young people for the challenges of the modern world by helping them to grow into independent adults. All students are encouraged to accept roles of responsibility within the school, such as library monitors and receptionists, as well as in the local community. Our steward system, led by the Head Boy and Head Girl, involves Year 11 students supporting school staff in a range of duties.

School life is full and interesting at Graham School and there are opportunities to be involved in different clubs and societies. At lunchtime students can go to the homework club or art club, practise music or drama, participate in sports training, attend extra study sessions of use the computer suites.

The school is proud of its performing arts tradition and all students have the opportunity to be involved in productions and performances. Peripatetic music teachers give individual lessons in brass, woodwind, guitar, percussion, strings and singing. All this helps to provide a rich variety of opportunities as well as entertainment for both students and the community. We encourage participation in a wide range of sports and enthusiasm for team games is widespread. The school has a traditional house system and competition between the houses is strong. There are many other exciting activities including nautical visits, team games, theatre trips and cultural visits at home and abroad.

An essential element of the school is an open relationship with parents and the development of a mutual trust that enables us to achieve the best for our students. We go to great lengths to get to know you and your child, even before your child joins us. Following the Open Evening, there are visits by the Head of Year and support staff to the primary schools, and an Induction Day when Year 6 pupils have the chance to find our first hand about life at Graham School. A parents' meeting begins the partnership between home and school. Every family also has the opportunity for an individual family interview with either a Form Tutor, Head of Year of senior member of staff. We value the support of our local schools, who provide us with the necessary information to ensure a positive start in September. The welfare of each individual is important to us - we take great care in ensuring that our new students settle into school and adapt to fresh expectations, routines and friendships. The Form Tutor, who plays a key role in the induction process, has responsibility for each student throughout his or her school career. In addition, we have a team of curriculum and pastoral co-ordinators who are always available if parents and students wish to discuss interests or concerns.

With our new intake, we invite parents during the first term to discuss how their child is settling in. There are meetings for each year group, which allow parents to discuss progress with subject teachers. Progress is monitored carefully and regular discussions are held with teachers. Parents appreciate our reporting system which includes Form Tutor comments, subject information, comments of progress, targets set to improve attainment and a clear indication of current achievement levels.