𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞
As we come to the end of another busy term, I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud we are of our students. They have been commendable throughout the winter months, showing resilience, positivity and ...maturity - even when faced with a school site that has been a little leaky in places and undeniably cold at times. Their attitude and commitment to learning have not gone unnoticed and we are incredibly grateful for the way they continue to represent our school community.
This term has been full of energy and opportunity. We have enjoyed a wide range of sporting fixtures, with students demonstrating teamwork, determination and excellent sportsmanship. Alongside this, there have been a number of exciting trips and enrichment activities that have helped bring learning to life beyond the classroom. To see just how much our students get up to, we encourage families to follow our Instagram page, where we regularly share snapshots of the wonderful experiences taking place across the school.
𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭
While this project is still in its very early stages, I want to reassure you that the process has now officially begun. We are currently in the feasibility stage, during which the site is being carefully assessed to determine the most appropriate positioning and layout for a new school building. At this stage, no decisions have been finalised.
As part of this initial work, we have completed the first round of questionnaires and discussions that focus on how the school currently operates and, most importantly, what matters most to our pupils, families, staff and wider community. This feedback is a crucial foundation for shaping any future plans.
It is important to be open about timescales. Large-scale school rebuild projects are complex and typically span several years. At present, we are anticipating an overall timeline of approximately three years, though this is subject to change as feasibility work and planning progress.
One principle that is extremely important to us is that the school site remains at the heart of the community. Access to leisure facilities and community use of the site are key priorities, and these are central to our ongoing discussions.
We are currently in conversations with all relevant partners to ensure that any future development delivers the very best outcome for both the school and the wider community. As plans develop and more certainty becomes available, we will keep families fully informed and provide further opportunities to share views.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We appreciate that change can raise questions and we are committed to clear communication as this process moves forward.
𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩
Keeping our students safe is always our highest priority. We are pleased to share that we have added new safeguarding tools to the school website and student portal to make it easier for students, parents and staff to get help, raise concerns and access support whenever they need it.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞 – 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧
Confide is a simple online form that allows worries or concerns to be reported quickly and safely.
Can be used by students, parents or staff
Concerns can be shared anonymously if preferred
Suitable for any issue that makes you feel worried, unsafe, or unsure
Reports are sent directly to the school’s safeguarding team for follow-up and support
Confide is there for those moments when speaking to someone in person feels difficult, or when you want to make sure something important is shared.
𝐂𝐄𝐎𝐏 – 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
We have also added direct access to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) for support with online safety concerns.
For worries about online behaviour
If someone is making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe online
For concerns about online grooming, exploitation or abuse
Run by CEOP, a specialist command of UK police focused on protecting children online
CEOP provides expert help and advice, and reports go straight to trained professionals who know how to respond to online safety concerns.
These tools are there to ensure that no concern is too small and that everyone in our school community knows where to turn for help. We encourage students and families to familiarise themselves with these features and use them whenever needed.
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
While the vast majority of students continue to meet expectations, we have recently seen an increase in requests to rearrange detentions. We would like to remind families that detentions are an important part of maintaining high standards and consistency across the school. Rearranging detentions will only be permitted in extreme circumstances (medical appointments, etc) and requests for convenience or clashes with social arrangements will not be authorised. We appreciate your support in reinforcing the message that actions have consequences and that accountability is part of helping our young people develop responsibility and resilience.
𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
We now have a number of regular, weekly appointments that can be booked by parents/carers enabling them to have face to face meetings with the school SENCO, through this new method of effective communication we aim provide a consistent channel to discuss your child’s education whilst ensuring parents/carers have the opportunity to remain fully involved via:
Sharing/discussing insights from teachers and support staff
Adjusting support strategies/reasonable adjustments
Discussing changes at home that may affect learning
Raising and discussing concerns
Please visit our website to book a meeting – in the “points for discussion” section please provide some information so the SENCO can be prepared if needed.
As we head into half term, we would like to wish all students and their families a restful and enjoyable break. We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 23rd February 2026. A reminder that all students should be in their tutor rooms by 8.40am ready to start the day promptly.
Finally, a reminder of the importance of attendance and punctuality. Being in school, on time, every day plays a vital role in students’ learning, progress and wellbeing. Arriving promptly ensures students are settled, supported and ready to learn from the very start of the day, setting positive habits that will benefit them both now and in the future.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
