Newsletters

Carisbrooke College Weekly Updates – Friday 3 July 2026

{item_alt_tag}

3 July 2026

Weekly Updates from Carisbrooke College

It has been another successful week for our Year 10 students. On Wednesday, they attended a valuable taster day at Island VI Form. Phil Pearce Jones wrote to me to say: I just wanted to drop a quick email to say that your Year 10 students were exceptional. They were very mature and engaged really well. They are a credit to your school.

On Thursday, Mrs Perry accompanied a group of students to a work experience event hosted by Captiva Homes. The visit provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the world of work, meet industry professionals and gain an understanding of career pathways within the construction sector.

Wednesday evening also saw our spectacular Summer Showcase. It was wonderful to see our Drama, Music and Art students proudly showcasing the results of their hard work and dedication. A huge thank you to Mrs Westby, Miss Peckham and Mr Lyle for the time, commitment and enthusiasm they invested in organising such a memorable evening. Thank you also to everyone who came along to support the showcase.

This week also marked the introduction of our QuietCases for student devices (the Device Policy is available on the website). We have been thoroughly impressed with how quickly the students have adapted. One of the biggest student concerns was the time it would take to unlock their QuietCases and on the first day, they completed this in four minutes. As the week progressed, we were able to reduce this to under three minutes. Thank you for all the positivity and support surrounding this important initiative that supports our students to have much-needed free time. Please be reminded that a replacement QuietCase is £18 if they do happen to be lost or intentionally damaged, please purchase on the Arbor App. 

Looking ahead to next week, with further warm weather forecast and the PE changing rooms unavailable due to painting, students may come to school wearing their PE kit.  Some students have been wearing very short “hot pants”-style shorts rather than the school’s expected PE uniform. Our PE uniform expectations are designed to support comfort, practicality, and a professional school environment for both students and staff. Clothing that falls outside the agreed uniform can create difficulties in maintaining these expectations. Please could you ensure that your child attends school wearing the correct PE kit as outlined in our uniform guidance.

Mandatory:

  • College sports top with school logo

  • Plain black skorts or shorts of an appropriate length (mid-thigh)

  • Alternatively, plain black tracksuit bottoms or plain black sports leggings

Optional:

  • Official school PE shorts, available to purchase from Kids & Co or The School Shop in Ryde (currently in stock at both stores)

We are excited to welcome our new Year 7 students on Tuesday for their Transition Day; giving them the chance to meet staff and begin making new friendships before they join us in September. Please be reminded that school is closed to students on Wednesday 8 July, for our staff Development Day.

Finally, we recognise that many of our students and families will be excited about the upcoming England v Mexico match and appreciate the sense of excitement and community that major sporting events can bring. However, we would like to remind families that school routines and statutory expectations remain unchanged. We expect all students to attend school as normal and to arrive on time each day. While we know there will be plenty of discussion and excitement surrounding the match, maintaining strong attendance and punctuality remains essential.

Thank you for your continued support. Come on England!

Natalie Sheppard
Headteacher

{item_alt_tag}

Feel Good Friday!

This week’s Feel Good Friday reminds us that positive thoughts can make a big difference, helping us to feel happier, more resilient and better equipped to face everyday challenges.

Year 11 Prom at Northwood House

On Thursday 25 June, it was a privilege to watch Year 11s celebrate their Prom. The venue was spectacular, the weather was absolutely beautiful, and the electric atmosphere made for a memorable evening.

Students arrived in stunning attire, in a variety of vehicles. They were greeted with a beautiful balloon arch, welcome drinks and lots of excitement. The night featured a live DJ, magic mirror, delicious food, awards and the crowning of Prom King & Queen. 

Head of Year, Orla O'Callaghan said: “This year's Prom was a perfect celebration of friendship, growth and the adventures ahead. The students truly marked the end of this chapter and the exciting beginning of their next. While it is bittersweet to say goodbye, I am incredibly lucky to have shared this journey with you all and wish you all the very best for your future".

Students should be very proud of their conduct during the evening. They were polite and respectful to all the event staff. 

Thank you, Year 11, for the most wonderful evening celebrating your time at Carisbrooke College.  We all hope you have a fantastic summer. 

Thank you to APV for taking photographs of the evening. The link and password will be shared shortly with Year 11 students and parents/carers by email where photos can be viewed and purchased from the APV Services website. 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
03 Jul 2026
Inter Schools Show Jumping
Congratulations to Poppy and Elizabeth for proudly representing Carisbrooke at the Inter Schools Show Jumping competition held in Godshill last Friday.Poppy had an unfortunate day, as her horse wasn't performing at its best, which resulted in an elimination. While it wasn't the outcome s...
Read more
{item_alt_tag}

Huge congratulations to our year 9 Sports Leaders on collecting their Sports leader tops. You already look the part and we cannot wait to see you inspire others and lead our sports community to great success over the next two years! 

Year 7 student, Noah, had the amazing opportunity of performing at London's Excel Arena last weekend alongside nearly 1,000 musicians from around the world! He also took part in a march up The Mall, past Buckingham Palace, and finishing at Horse Guards Parade, where he took part in an international drum battle.

Even more special, he shared this incredible experience with his younger sister and dad, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

What an outstanding achievement! We're so proud of you, Noah. 

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Updated information about the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is available to support families and individuals over the age of 16 on the Isle of Wight.  The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a new scheme designed to support low-income Island residents who have experienced a financial shock. The scheme launched on 1 April 2026 and will bring approximately £2.2 million per year to the Isle of Wight for the next three years.

The CRF is funded by Central Government and replaces the Household Support Fund, which ended on 31 March 2026.  The fund provides fast, practical help during a financial crisis, while also supporting people to build long-term financial stability.

What does the CRF offer?

The CRF provides:

  • Emergency Crisis Payments - Financial support for immediate, essential needs for low-income households who have experienced an unexpected financial shock.
    For 2026/27, this includes households that rely on heating oil for heating and hot water and have been affected by rising oil prices
     
  • Housing-related support - Help for residents who are struggling to meet rental costs.
  • Warm referrals - Staff will help residents make direct contact with relevant support services. We aim to build a strong network of resilience services across the Island, supporting residents on their journey towards financial independence.
  • Access to advice - Including income maximisation, budgeting support, debt advice, energy reduction advice.
  • Better connections between local services - Making support easier to understand and navigate.
  • Grants for voluntary and community organisations - Local voluntary and community groups, Community Interest Companies etc. can apply for grants to become part of the Island’s resilience support network.

What is a financial shock?

The Department for Work and Pensions has published guidance, including a definition of a financial shock, which can be found in the CRF guidance on GOV.UK:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crisis-and-resilience-fund-guidance-for-local-authorities-in-england-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2029

Types of payments available

Low-income residents can apply for two types of payments through the CRF:

  1. Crisis Payments - Quick financial support for urgent, essential living costs resulting from a financial shock.
  2. Housing Payments - Support with rent shortfalls for residents receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs.  This replaces the former Discretionary Housing Payments.

Resilience support services

In addition to financial support, the CRF also connects residents to resilience services, including:

  • Financial literacy (income maximisation, budgeting and debt advice)
  • Food literacy
  • Utility literacy
  • Mental wellbeing, education, and skills support 

We have provided below, contact details for Island residents seeking support through CRF Crisis Payments or Housing Payments:

CRF crisis payments

Email: crfapplication@iow.gov.uk

Telephone number  -  01983 823660

CRF housing payments

Email: housing.benefit@iow.gov.uk

Telephone number -  01983 823950

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

?? Calling all Carisbrooke College parents, carers, and friends! ??

We have a massive opportunity to win £1,000 worth of National Book Tokens to completely refresh our school library—but we need your help to make it happen!

The National Book Tokens Schools Prize is open right now. The more nominations Carisbrooke College gets, the higher our chances of being drawn as one of the winners.

Why do it? ? It’s 100% free and takes less than a minute. ? It will put incredible new books directly into our students' hands. ? Bonus: If Carisbrooke wins, the person who nominated us could win a £100 book token for themselves!

?? Deadline is July 8th, but they are doing weekly flash draws right now, so please nominate us today!

?? Enter here: https://www.nationalbooktokens.com/schools-prize

Please share this post with other local families and help us spread the word! Thank you for your support! ??

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Cowes Harbour Commission is delighted to invite pupils, parents and families from across the Isle of Wight to attend our Harbour Safety Day on Saturday 18th July 2026 at the Sugar Store, Shepards Marina, Cowes, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

This free community event has been designed to help children and young people learn about staying safe on and around the water through a range of interactive exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

With the Isle of Wight's strong connection to the sea, we believe Harbour Safety Day provides a valuable opportunity for children to discover more about maritime safety, emergency services and the important organisations that work together to keep our waters safe.

What to Expect

  • Interactive maritime safety exhibits
  • Hands-on activities for all ages
  • Safety equipment demonstrations
  • Opportunities to meet local maritime experts
  • Family-friendly learning experiences
  • Information on staying safe on the water and around the coast

Meet the Experts

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from a range of local and Solent-based organisations, including:

  • Cowes RNLI
  • NCI Coastwatch
  • Maritime Volunteer Service
  • Flying Fish
  • SeaSafe
  • Royal Life Saving Society
  • St John Ambulance
  • Gosport Lifeboat
  • HM Coastguard
  • Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Service
  • Ryde Lifeguards
  • Alzheimer's Café

Event Details

Harbour Safety Day 2026
?? Saturday 18th July 2026
?? Sugar Store, Shepards Marina, Cowes
? 10:00am – 4:00pm
??? Free Entry

{item_alt_tag}

Over 100 free or low cost events at this year’s Biosphere Festival with loads of stuff for kids to do!

Get ready for the Biosphere Festival! The programme has now gone live with over 100 things to do, mostly free or low-cost, all being run by our brilliant local community. Nine days of events all over the Island to celebrate our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve from 27th June to 5th July with lots of activities aimed at families and young people. Don’t miss out, lots of events have limited space and require booking. You can see the full programme at www.wbiosphere.org/biospherefestival.

Recently named one of The Guardian’s top 10 UK nature festivals (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2026/apr/30/10-best-uk-nature-festivals-late-spring-summer), the Biosphere Festival is a great opportunity to engage with our amazing island nature, creativity and heritage in new and exciting ways. Many of these events are unique to the festival, you won’t get these experiences anywhere else. In fact, we think that this festival, with so many entirely community organised events, might be unique on the planet!

Local libraries are running crafting sessions, seed potting and a scavenger hunt. The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is offering low cost entry for their Festival of Conservation and Science. Hop aboard the maritime discovery bus and dive into the marine world of the Isle of Wight at the new and exciting Museum and Maritime Archeology Centre. Learn about local species and do real citizen science as part of the Nature Safari at the Watermill Calbourne. Try zinemaking in Sandown, word collage at the Quay Arts Centre, go Wild in Godshill, go on a Bug Hunt at Farringford, get on your bike at the Cyclewight family bike ride, take a Byways and Birdsong nature walk, explore the rockpools of Bembridge, join a community picnic in Gurnard and help clean our local beaches on a Nurdle Hunt.

And for the teachers, there are loads of adult-oriented events too, including a Primary Teachers' Tea Party at Naturezones.

Our Biosphere Reserve status is a prestigious UNESCO designation, like World Heritage status, that recognises our unique combination of people, wildlife and landscape. It celebrates all our local efforts, individual and organisational, to live sustainably within our remarkable environment and to protect, conserve and enhance it for future generations.

{item_alt_tag}

Dates for your diary

Transition Day
8:45am – 3:15pm
07
July
Inset Day - Students not in School
8:45am – 3:15pm
08
July
Year 7 Trip to Splashdown
7:30am – 7:10pm
21
July
Year 8 Trip to Paultons Park
7:00am – 6:30pm
22
July
Development Day - Students not in school
All Day
27
July
Development Days - Students not in School
All Day
from 01 Sep until 02 Sep
01
September

Useful Links

Term Dates and College Day

Attendance

Arbor (Communications and Payments)

Latest News

School Clubs

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}