Behaviour, Character & Culture

At Lift Unity City, we are proud to create an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential. As part of Lift Schools, we follow a trust-wide behaviour policy aligned with Department for Education (DfE) guidance—while bringing our own unique vision and values to life within the academy, knowing and understanding the community we serve. 

Our Vision and Values

We are dedicated to providing a world-class education in a calm, purposeful and respectful environment. Our mission is simple: no student’s learning should ever be disrupted by the behaviour of others. We believe in every young person’s potential to be brave, inquisitive and independent—ready to shape their future with confidence and compassion.

Our values underpin everything we do. Through academic challenge, rich extracurricular opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to broaden their horizons, strengthen their character, and to progress and flourish. 

A Culture of Excellence

Lift City Academy is committed to high standards of behaviour, kindness, and mutual respect. Our staff, students and families work together to create an inclusive, caring culture where everyone belongs. Every student has the right to learn in a calm and orderly environment—and we support every student to meet this expectation with both encouragement and clear boundaries.

Character at the Heart of Learning

We believe true education goes beyond the classroom. Through our dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable teachers, students develop nine key character traits proven to support academic and lifelong success:

• Curiosity – asking questions and exploring ideas

• Courage – stepping outside your comfort zone

• Empathy – understanding others' feelings

• Enthusiasm – staying positive and motivated

• Gratitude – appreciating others and opportunities

• Integrity – taking responsibility and doing what's right

• Resilience – bouncing back from setbacks

• Self-Belief – believing in personal growth

• Self-Control – managing emotions and actions

These traits are developed through lessons, assemblies, enrichment activities and day-to-day interactions with our dedicated staff. From Random Acts of Kindness weeks to Super Citizen Days and our unique Ethics curriculum, students are inspired to grow into respectful, reflective and responsible citizens.

High Expectations, Positive Routines

Consistency builds confidence. That’s why we have clear routines that help every student succeed—from the moment they arrive at school to the moment they leave.

In the Classroom:

• Students arrive on time, fully equipped and ready to learn.

• Lessons begin with calm, focused activities.

• Work is completed with pride and care.

• Classrooms are purposeful spaces where every voice is heard and valued.

Around the Academy:

• Students walk calmly, keeping to the left on corridors.

• Voices are kept low, doors are opened for others, and visitors are welcomed with warmth and respect.

• Teachers greet students at the door to foster strong, positive relationships.

Working in Partnership with Families

We believe that strong communication between home and school is key to student success. Our Home-School Agreement sets out clear expectations, including:

• Full attendance and punctuality

• Correct uniform and equipment

• Respectful behaviour both in and out of school

• Engagement in learning and character development

We also ask parents to support our digital safety expectations and monitor out-of-school behaviour to help keep our school community safe. Where needed, we work with families through Early Help services to provide additional support.

Dress for Success: Our Uniform Standards

Wearing our uniform with pride shows unity, self-respect and readiness to learn. All students are expected to be in perfect uniform from the moment they leave home until they return. If there’s a temporary issue, we’ll support with a solution—because presentation matters and first impressions count.

To learn more about our uniform expectations, [click here].

Digital Safety: Mobile Phone Policy

To protect learning and wellbeing, Lift Unity City is a mobile phone-free zone during the school day. All phones must be stored in Yondr pouches and kept sealed. Any phones seen during the school day will be safely stored and returned to a parent or carer. This consistent approach helps students focus, connect with peers, and engage fully in their education.

Celebrating Success

We are passionate about recognising and rewarding student achievement. From daily positive points to termly awards and weekly celebrations, we shine a light on effort, progress and positive character.

Some of our favourite celebrations include:

• Positive Friday: Hot chocolate with the Executive Principal

• Praise Fest: Showcasing students’ proudest work

• The Principal’s Award: Delivered by our Head of School or a member of the senior leadership team.

• Termly Awards: Celebrating academic achievement, attendance and character

These initiatives remind students that effort, kindness and growth matter.

Supporting Positive Choices

Every classroom features a clear Behaviour for Learning board that helps students understand how they’re doing and how they can improve. We believe in early intervention and calm redirection. Our staged approach ensures fairness, consistency, and plenty of opportunities for students to re-engage.

Lift Unity City is a place where every child is known, valued, and inspired to grow. Through clear routines, strong character education, and an unrelenting belief in every child’s potential, we help our students become successful learners—and remarkable people.