Welcome back to school, and a very happy New Year to all our students, families, and staff. I hope you had a restful and enjoyable Christmas break and that 2026 has started positively for everyone. It is always refreshing to return after the holidays, ready to embrace new opportunities, challenges and successes.
It is expected that Year 11 students in England will soon be able to access their GCSE results on their phones, under government plans to modernise how exam records are stored and shared. More information can be found in this news report.
On Tuesday 6 January, a group of our drama students enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Old Vic Theatre in London to see A Christmas Carol. The performance brought this classic story to life and offered students an engaging way to connect with literature outside the classroom. An added bonus was that it was snowing in London on the day of the trip, setting the scene even more! Photographs from the trip are available on the school website. Thanks go to Mr Lyle for organising the visit and supporting the students throughout the day alongside Miss Ryan and Mr Matthias — these experiences create lasting memories and enrich our students’ learning.
As we settle into the new term, we look ahead with renewed focus and energy. Sustainability is our value for this half term. Assemblies have taken place across the school to explore what sustainability means, both in school and in our daily lives. Students have been encouraged to think about how small actions, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, or reusing materials, can make a big difference. We hope that our focus on sustainability inspires everyone to take personal responsibility and to make choices that support a healthier planet. Over the coming weeks, there will be further opportunities for students to engage in sustainable initiatives, both inside and outside the classroom.
A reminder to Year 9 parents and carers that Parents’ Evening will take place on 15 January and should be booked via Arbor. This will be the last opportunity before Options Evening for you to discuss your child’s progress, achievements, and next steps with their teachers. It is an important moment as students begin to think about their choices for the next stage of their learning, so we strongly encourage attendance.
Please remember to check Arbor regularly for important updates, documents, and information. We also ask that you review your personal details and emergency contact information on Arbor to ensure everything is current. If you experience any difficulties accessing the system, the school office is always happy to assist. Keeping information up to date is vital for the safety and wellbeing of all students.
A new year brings new beginnings, fresh goals and exciting opportunities. It is a chance to reflect on what we want to achieve, both individually and collectively, and to continue building a strong and supportive school community. I look forward to all that this term will bring and to continuing our work together to help every student reach their full potential.
Have a lovely weekend.
Natalie Sheppard
Headteacher
