Headteacher's Update - 11th July 2025
It is hard to believe that this will be the last Fortnightly Update for this academic year, time seems to have flown by again. This term has seemed particularly fast with how much has been going on. It has been fantastic to see so many positive experiences and opportunities on offer for our pupils to enjoy.
To start with a not so great message though, I have to apologise for the inflatables reward that was planned and then cancelled. This was unfortunate but unavoidable.
In better news, I’m sure that everyone who attended our ‘We Will Rock You’ show will agree that the performance was fantastic. To see so many pupils who had not performed on stage before, coupled with the incredible talent that had, all perform to such a high standard was awesome. Well done to everyone who took part, including all those back stage and behind the scenes.
We also had an incredible Culture Fest event celebrating all of the cultures, languages, foods, music and traditions of our diverse community. This is my favourite day of our school year and once again blew me away with the engagement of all pupils in the school, either sharing their culture or learning about them and enjoying the food and music.
Our last big day of the year is Sports Day next Tuesday and as a former PE teacher it is another day that I always really enjoy. We are having a much bigger day than usual this year with lots of fete style activities and a much wider selection of competitions. The electric race car time trial, darts, welly throwing, 5 a side football and many more should all make for an enjoyable day where everyone can be a part of it.
Parents have regularly reported issues with contacting school through our phone lines and therefore we have reviewed the system. At present we have only one phone line with no ‘hold’ opportunity. This is not helpful so we have invested in a new phone system which will give us two lines open at all times and a further back up line which will significantly improve the ability of our two amazing receptionists to answer calls. We trust this will improve things for everyone trying to get in touch, particularly in line with our mobile phone ban which continues to have a very positive impact on the wellbeing of pupils.
As we reach the end of the school year it is noticeable and understandable that the standard of uniform has deteriorated. It will be important to return to high standards of school uniform in the new term. The uniform guidance is provided below, it is important to remind everyone that we have relaxed the policy on blazers and these are now optional. Pupils can wear either a blazer or a jumper or both.
Uniform guidelines
To finish, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all of the support and feedback parents/carers and the community have provided this academic year. It has been very much appreciated and has been significant in informing the changes and improvements we have achieved this year. We have achieved a great deal and I look forward with excitement to what next year holds for us all. Look out for our Summer newsletter that will be shared next week for a look back at this term.
Some key dates:
Friday 18th June – end of term
Thursday 14th August – A Level Results Day
Thursday 21st August – GCSE results Day
Tuesday 2nd September – start of term for Y7 and 12
Wednesday 3rd September – start of term for Y8, 9, 10, 11 & 13
Kindest Regards,
Mr D Lawlor
Headteacher