At The Gateway Academy, we recognise that positive character traits, including, for example, courtesy, respect, truthfulness, courage, and generosity, are essential to a student's ability to learn in the classroom. Moreover, these traits play a crucial role in promoting various aspects of the co-curriculum and employability skills. Ultimately, our school ethos promotes the development of character, embodied in our school motto: 'All different, all equal, Together, improving upon our best.' This philosophy can be observed in our classrooms, our students’ work ethic, the way our students help and support those around them, our co-curriculum provision, and, generally, in the day-to-day lives of our students and staff.

Our Co-curriculum provides numerous opportunities for our students, including our Leadership Programme, Peer Mentoring, and the school’s Relationships and Sex Education programme. This programme actively promotes respect, assertiveness, self-confidence, and self-esteem. 

Many aspects of the school also foster students' confidence and a positive mindset. As a school, we actively encourage the concepts of effort, hard work, and kindness (School ethos, T&L strategy, peer mentoring, Leadership Programme, assembly programme, Charity and Community Work). Our approach to behaviour encourages many positive character traits, such as self-reflection and self-regulation, while also promoting students to become independent learners and have the confidence to be curious learners within safe learning environments.