I want to begin by thanking you for your support with the return to school. Uniforms continue to be a point of pride for all of us, children are ready to learn with their full suite of equipment and they have completed their Easter homework. Your contributions make a big difference to their success and we are grateful for your attention to it.

Thank you to our Year 11 families for attending our exams information evening yesterday. Attendance was 96%, showing just how much our community prioritises GCSE results. It was a pleasure to see parents and carers; together we will ensure every child achieves their very best. I am grateful to Mr Clarke, Ms J Walsh and the Year 11 teaching team for contributing to the success of the event. Mr Clarke’s presentation is on the website here.

This week we have commemorated Stephen Lawrence Day through afternoon assemblies in key stage 3, looking at the phenomenal work of his mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE, as she continues the work of challenging racism. On Wednesday, our Prefect team experienced leadership training with Jim Clements at the Pinewood Activity Centre. Ruby and Emeka, reflecting on the day, explained that they enjoyed learning about different leadership styles and evaluating their effectiveness in practical activities, most significantly the ‘Human Knot’.  

Mr Shah has joined the senior leadership team as Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Student Conduct. As an excellent Head of Maths and, prior to that, a fantastic Head of Year, we know he will add a great deal to the school.

Below are the important dates for this half term:

• Year 9 Options Event –  Wednesday 26th April (5.00pm)
• Trip to Spain Information Evening – Wednesday 3rd May (4.30pm)
• Year 7 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 18th May (4.00pm)
• Year 9 Options Deadline – Friday 19th May 

Industrial action is planned for Thursday 27th April. We are certain we will be open to yYar 11. We will endeavour to be open to as many other students as possible. I will make a further decision on our capacity by Tuesday. 

Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating today. 

Ms C Moran, Headteacher