School policies

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students by providing a secure learning environment that protects them from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, visitors, and students.

• Designated Safeguarding Officer: the school appoints a DSO responsible for handling concerns and reporting them to appropriate authorities. At WVA, this includes the two campus social workers and two vice principals who handle more serious matters.
• Staff training: all staff undergo regular safeguarding training, including recognizing signs of abuse, bullying, or behavioral concerns and following correct reporting procedures.
• Reporting: any concern must be reported immediately to the DSO through incident reports and in-person meetings. The DSO assesses the concern and takes appropriate action.
• Confidentiality: information is shared only with those directly involved in resolving the matter.
• Parental involvement: parents are notified unless doing so would compromise the student’s safety.

To prevent bullying in all its forms and provide a safe, inclusive environment where students can thrive socially and academically. Bullying includes physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying.

• Students and staff are encouraged to report bullying to a teacher, social worker, or the highest available authority figure.
• Every report is investigated; mediation, counseling, or disciplinary action follows as appropriate.
• Victims receive emotional and psychological support with regular follow-ups.
• The school runs awareness programs, workshops, and campaigns that promote empathy and respect.

The school encourages and protects individuals who raise concerns about illegal, unethical, or improper behavior, including financial misconduct, safeguarding violations, discrimination, and health or safety risks.

• Concerns may be reported in writing to the Whistleblowing Officer, DSO, vice principals, or Headmaster, and may be anonymous.
• Individuals who raise concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation. Malicious false claims may result in disciplinary action.
• Concerns should first be raised informally with the relevant teacher or staff member. If unresolved, a written complaint should be submitted to the administration.
• The school acknowledges formal complaints within five working days and aims to provide a full response within 20 working days.
• All complaints are handled confidentially and shared only with directly involved parties.

To ensure students use the internet and digital technologies safely and responsibly, protecting them from harmful content and cyber threats. The school monitors activity on school devices and permits access only to approved content during computer lessons.

• Cyberbullying is treated with the same seriousness as in-person bullying, including misuse of Teams chatrooms or private social platforms.
• Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety and monitor internet use at home.
• Students and staff should report inappropriate content, online harassment, or any other e-safety concern.

To promote school pride and equality through a standardized dress code. All students must wear the prescribed uniform during school hours and at school-related events.

• Detailed uniform guidance is provided at the start of the academic year.
• Repeated non-compliance may result in disciplinary action after reminders.
• Reasonable religious or medical adjustments may be approved by the administration.

To ensure a positive and respectful learning environment by setting clear expectations for conduct during school hours, on school property, and at school-related activities.

• Students are expected to demonstrate respect, responsibility, and kindness.
• Positive behavior is recognized through certificates and other incentives.
• Consequences range from verbal warnings to suspension, depending on severity.
• Restorative approaches may be used to address issues and repair harm.
• Parents are involved when necessary, especially for recurring concerns.

Parents may meet with the student social-support team during the school day after first submitting a written complaint or suggestion to the academic secretary or school email, allowing staff to review it before the meeting.

• If a complaint remains unresolved, parents may request an appointment with the director or deputy director through the academy secretary.
• Written academy policies and bylaws are used to resolve complaints fairly and objectively.
• For emergencies affecting student safety, call 44111000 or 44142617.
• Teacher meetings require a written appointment request describing the concern. A representative of the administration attends and the meeting is documented.
• Teacher meetings should not exceed 20 minutes and are conducted in English, except with Arabic and Sharia teachers.

The policy protects staff and pupils while providing a framework for responsible use of blogs, discussion forums, collaborative spaces, media-sharing services, microblogs, and chat groups.

• Personal use of social networking applications during work time is not permitted.
• School-related social media must not be abusive, hateful, defamatory, discriminatory, commercially self-promotional, or in breach of copyright, data protection, conduct, equality, bullying, or harassment policies.
• The school name or logo may not be used without the principal’s permission, and school matters, staff, pupils, or parents must not be discussed without authorization.
• Staff must not privately connect with pupils under 18, enter chat rooms with pupils, exchange private contact information, or take and share pupil images without parent or guardian consent.
• Staff must not present themselves in public forums as school representatives without authorization.
• Violations may be treated as gross misconduct and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. The policy is reviewed annually.