23 October 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of our first half term, I would like to thank you for the support you continue to give your child and the Academy. It has been a busy and positive start to the school year, with many opportunities for students and families to come together. Working closely with you helps us to support each child’s learning, wellbeing and wider development.
This week, our Academy value has been Integrity, with a focus on taking responsibility, making good choices and doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. These are important messages for students to carry with them both in school and in the wider community, particularly as we head into the half-term break.
Students have also been building good learning habits and learning how to revise ahead of Assessment Week next half term. This has included a focus on retrieval and revision, helping students to recall what they have learnt and identify where they need further practice. Encouraging your child to spend short, regular periods reviewing their learning, alongside time to rest over the break, will help them return feeling prepared.
Next half term, there will be plenty of opportunities for students to get involved beyond the classroom. Families can find the full range of clubs, including new additions, on the Academy website. Clubs are also advertised on screens around school, including in the corridors and lunch hall. We have received positive feedback about the new activities and would encourage students to try something that interests them.
We want every student and family to feel welcome and involved in Academy life. Our PTFA gives parents and carers an opportunity to share ideas, support school events and contribute to our community. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 17 November at 6.00pm. Our Parents’ Forum will follow on Wednesday 25 November at 6.00pm. We would be pleased to welcome you to either event.
As students enjoy the half-term break, please take a moment to talk with your child about staying safe, both online and when spending time with friends. With darker evenings approaching, it is helpful to agree where they will be, who they are with and how they will get home. If your child is taking part in Halloween activities or attending a fireworks event, please help them plan how to enjoy these safely and show consideration for others in the community. Our message about Integrity remains just as important outside school: making sensible choices, treating others respectfully and speaking to a trusted adult if something does not feel right.
Please also remember that the clocks go back one hour on Sunday 25 October.
Students finish for half term on Friday 23 October and return on Monday 2 November. Friday 27 November is a staff training day, so students will not attend school.
As always, thank you for your continued support. I hope you and your families have a safe and restful half term, and we look forward to welcoming students back in November.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Hillier
Assistant Principal, SENCo