Dear Parents and Carers
A Great Moment This Week:
My personal highlight this week was spending time in the classroom teaching my Year 7 History class as we explored the complex impact of Roman rule. Watching our youngest secondary students grapple with historical evidence with such genuine curiosity was a joy. There was a real sense of pride in the room as students stood up to read their analytical writing aloud, proudly demonstrating the ambitious new vocabulary they had mastered during the lesson. It was a wonderful illustration of the high standards and pride our students bring to their learning every day.
A Thought from the Head:
We have been reflecting on our 2026 examination outcomes - where Carisbrooke students achieved top national rankings in vocational and creative subjects, outperformed similar schools nationally in Mathematics, and made continuous strides in Science, Languages, and Humanities and can see the tangible result of our daily, disciplined work. It proves that with high expectations, excellent teaching, and a deep partnership between home and school, there is no ceiling on what our young people can achieve.
Looking Ahead:
There is always a wonderful buzz around school at this time of year as we prepare to welcome prospective Year 7 students and their families to our Open Evening on Tuesday 29 September.
It really is a hive of activity, with staff and students working together to showcase all that our school has to offer. We have had so many of our students volunteer to help on the evening, which, for me, says so much about our school community. They clearly feel a real sense of pride and belonging, and want to share their school with the families who may become part of it in 2027.
I feel incredibly privileged to lead a school that is so popular. With just 120 places available for Year 7, we know that many families are keen to find out more about us and what makes our school such a special place to learn.
I am very much looking forward to opening our doors next Tuesday and welcoming our prospective families. Most of all, I am looking forward to seeing our students proudly representing their school and giving our visitors a genuine sense of what it means to be part of our community.
As we move towards half-term and our Year 11 students prepare for their upcoming mock examinations, I am pleased that we are launching a programme of Year 11 revision sessions from Monday 28 September, running for the next three weeks.
These sessions are designed to give students additional opportunities to revisit key knowledge, address any areas where they may need further support and build their confidence ahead of their mocks. We are particularly keen to make sure that students who would benefit most from additional guidance are personally encouraged to attend, alongside opportunities for other students to access the sessions where capacity allows.
There has been a great deal of thought and preparation behind these small-group interventions, and I am very grateful to our staff for the time and commitment they are putting into making them as purposeful as possible.
Our aim is simple: to ensure that every Year 11 student has the support, encouragement and opportunities they need to make progress and feel confident as they approach their examinations. We will continue to monitor attendance and progress carefully so that we can respond quickly where further support is needed.
I am looking forward to seeing these sessions get underway and, most importantly, seeing our students make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we build our educational castle together.
Warmest regards
Natalie Sheppard
Headteacher, Carisbrooke College
