Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to this week’s blog update as we enter October. As the term moves forward, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every family who attended our recent events and to all who completed our Start of Year Parent Survey.
A Great Moment This Week: Our Open Evening
The highlight of our week was welcoming around 300 prospective families to Carisbrooke College for our Autumn Open Evening. It was a wonderful opportunity to open our doors, show off our classrooms, and introduce our dedicated teaching team.
We were overwhelmed by the warmth of the feedback from visiting parents:
- “We were impressed by the orderly nature of the school and the variety of displays in the classrooms. The children here seem so happy and proud of their school.”
- "Thank you for a lovely evening. We were very impressed with the school and the positivity from everyone we spoke to."
- “The student helpers were amazing”
- "Lovely school, it is sooo much better than when I attended many years ago!"
Our student ambassadors were outstanding representatives of our school values, and I could not be prouder of how brilliantly they showcased our community.
A Thought from the Head:
Highlights from Our School Improvement Review:
Something I have been reflecting on deeply this week is how external evaluation helps sharpen our strategic drive. This week, we underwent a comprehensive School Improvement Review conducted by the HISP Multi-Academy Trust team, and I am delighted to share some of their key findings:
Inclusion & SEND Transformation:
The review team commended our 5-stage Graduated Response, noting that early identification and appropriate provision are firmly embedded. They praised our SMART target setting, intelligent rebranding of The Keys for lesson planning, and our strong, co-produced communication with families.
Teaching & 'Strong Starts':
The codification of our teaching model—Every Lesson is a Stone—and our structured Strong Starts were highlighted for ensuring learners with additional needs access retrieval and core learning seamlessly.
Relational Culture & The 3Cs:
The team observed our relational approach to behaviour, noting clear evidence of staff using 'Chance before Consequence' to create a supportive, positive learning environment. They also praised our transition work for vulnerable young people as going 'above and beyond'.
Staff & Student Voice:
Staff highlighted a strong culture of safeguarding, transparent leadership, and high engagement with StepLab peer coaching. Crucially, our students spoke openly about feeling safe, having high ambitions, and feeling well-supported in subjects like Mathematics, Drama, Technology, and PE.
Looking Ahead: Responding to Your Parent Survey Voice
Listening to our community and acting on feedback is central to our relational ethos. Following 126 detailed survey responses across Years 7 through 11, we have a clear whole-school picture:
High Standards & Culture: 92.1% of parents agree or strongly agree that the school maintains high standards for learning, personal responsibility, and behaviour (rising to 97.1% in Year 10).
Positive Start to the Year: 88.1% of families report that their child has made a positive start to the academic year.
Safety & Wellbeing: 86.5% of parents confirm their child feels safe, valued, and supported at school.
Year 7 Form Tutor Support: 95.2% of Year 7 parents feel their child is exceptionally well-supported by their Form Tutor and pastoral team.
“You Said, We Did” Action Plan
KS4 Assessment, Revision & Post-16 Pathways (Years 10 & 11):
You Said: While culture and safety scores are high, parents requested far clearer information on mock exam dates, revision resources, and Post-16 careers guidance.
We Did: We will soon be publishing a comprehensive Key Stage 4 Assessment & Post-16 Pathways Roadmap outlining mock dates, subject revision links, and application timelines.
Pastoral Contact Visibility:
You Said: Some families were unsure of direct contact lines for their child's pastoral team.
We Did: Information is in the Parent/Carer handbook on our website but is shown here for you.
Year 7 – Tina Lythgoe
tina.lythgoe@carisbrooke.iow.sch.uk
Year 8 – Orla O'Callaghan
orla.ocallaghan@carisbrooke.iow.sch.uk
Year 9 – Nikki McDowall
nikki.mcdowall@carisbrooke.iow.sch.uk
Year 10 – Julie King
julie.king@carisbrooke.iow.sch.uk
Year 11 – Ellen Suddell
ellen.suddell@carisbrooke.iow.sch.uk
Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and engagement as we build our educational castle together.
Warmest regards
Natalie Sheppard
Headteacher, Carisbrooke College
