End of Week Newsletter
October 16th 2026
A Message from the Principal
As you’ll know, the school had an OFSTED inspection this week.
Whilst I am not able to inform you of the formal outcome at this stage I am able to say that I am pleased with the result. I want to thank all of the staff and students who made us proud across the two day inspection. This was not an unexpected visit, I knew that they would be with us this year as all schools are inspected within certain timeframes. I and the team at the school remain committed to continuing our improvement journey to ensure the best outcomes for our children within our local community. As soon as I am able to share the outcome, I will do so.
McLaren Donate Laptops
I was delighted to receive a very kind donation to the school of 20 laptops from McLaren. I am extremely grateful for their generosity and receiving support from local or nationwide businesses/organisations goes a long way to supporting our students. I send my sincere thanks to McLaren.
Year 7 Meet the Teacher Event
Thursday saw our annual year 7 meet the teacher event at the school. It was a fantastic yet informal opportunity to meet as many parents/carers on Thursday as I am sure it was for parents/carers to meet the teachers. Year 7 has settled in really well to secondary school and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.
Phone Pouches
The introduction of phone pouches has started.
This is a positive move to enable a phone free day and get back to the crux of why we’re in school – to focus on the learning. My letter over the summer holidays has the full details however please note:
- Every child has been (or will be) issued a phone pouch
- They will keep this for the year
- It is a required piece of equipment that must be brought to school every day
- Students are not permitted to have their phones out of this pouch whilst in school at any point (those with medical conditions where phone use is essential will have alternative arrangements)
- If there is any refusal to engage in this, it will lead to a suspension from school
The responses that I have had to my letter so far have been very positive. It is reassuring to know that the parent/carer community is with me on this issue.
Meet the Teacher Evening
Our new Year 7 students have made a fantastic start and settled brilliantly into the daily school routine.
Now, we would love to give parents and carers the chance to put faces to the names you’ve been hearing about at home!
Please join us for an informal “drop-in” meet-and-greet event to chat with the teachers working with Year 7 this term and see how your child is getting on across their subjects.
Please note: This is an informal session with no pre-booked slots. A formal Parents’ Consultation Evening with scheduled appointment times will take place later in the academic year.
Date: Thursday 15 October
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Flu Vaccine
NHS England has confirmed that all pupils from Reception to Year 11 are eligible to receive the flu vaccine this academic year, offered as either a nasal spray or a non-porcine injection.
Our first in-school vaccination session will take place on Friday, 23 October 2026. Action Needed: Parents and carers will be contacted directly with a consent form. Please complete and return the form regardless of whether you give consent or decline. Our visiting healthcare team will aim to vaccinate as many students as possible during this initial session.
Useful Tips for Parents/Carers
Safeguarding
Notice Mood Swings:
If your teenager is more unhappy than usual or seems withdrawn, it might be a sign they’re struggling with something. Encourage them to talk openly about how they’re feeling. If it continues, speak to a GP and let the school know so we can support them too.
Attendance
Make School a Priority:
Explain the importance of attending school every day and how missing lessons can affect their learning. Show them that education is the foundation for their future.
Reading/Literacy
Encourage Daily Writing:
Support your child in keeping a daily journal or writing short stories. Writing regularly boosts literacy skills and helps them express themselves creatively.
