Term Dates

InSET Days (Academy open to staff only)

Monday 8th January 2024

Friday 22nd March 2024

Please be aware that on occasion, dates may need to alter slightly, we will endeavour to notify you in good time should this happen.

Bank Holidays (Academy is closed to all)

Monday 6th May 2024

InSET Days (Academy open to staff only)

Friday 19th April 2024

Monday 1st July 2024

Wednesday 24th July – Friday 26th July 2024

Please be aware that on occasion, dates may need to alter slightly, we will endeavour to notify you in good time should this happen.

Academy Day

Each day, students typically have a morning and afternoon Tutor Time session, five hours of lessons, a morning break of 20 minutes, and a lunch break of 30 minutes. 

Students may enter the Academy site from 8:40am each day, not before unless they have a pre-organised activity or meeting with a member of staff.

The Academy day starts at 8:45am, students who arrive after this time will be marked as late and set a detention for a first-time offence, further offences will lead to a more serious sanction.

The Academy day ends at 3:15pm, detentions are issued for the same day, so students may leave later. You can keep track of any detentions set through ClassCharts.

Leave of Absence

At Q3 Academy Great Barr, we strive to improve attendance for all students, to give them the opportunity to reach their full potential and improve outcomes for the future. Therefore, the Academy will not authorise students taking leave during term-time. Any requests for holiday or other leave in term time must be submitted in accordance to the advice of the Academy attendance office.

It is essential for parents/carers to inform the Academy of any leave of absence during term time. The Sandwell Local Authority Leave of Absence form must be completed and returned to the Academy at least 10 days prior to the leave of absence. Failure to inform the Academy of a leave of absence could result in further action being taken by the Local Authority.

According to Government guidelines, if parents/carers request a leave of absence during the academic year and continue with the arrangements should the request be declined, the Academy will be obliged to inform the Local Authority, who will consider appropriate action. This may result in a penalty notice being issued for each child and to each parent/carer of the student. From September 2013 each penalty notice incurs a fine of £120 if paid within 28 days, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days of the notice being served. Failure to pay the penalty notice may result in legal proceedings being taken against you for the period to which the notice relates.

Other statutory action may also be considered under the Education Act 1996, which may result in you being summoned to the Magistrates’ Court. The same action may also be taken if you take a leave of absence during term time without first submitting a request to the Headteacher.

Should you wish to request a leave of absence, please contact the Academy directly on 0121 358 6186, where you be advised accordingly, provided with any relevant paperwork, and Sandwell Local Authority’s Leave of Absence form for completion.