Principals Weekly Update

Spring Sunshine and a Fresh Start

Hi everyone, and welcome to this week’s vlog.

I hope you had a wonderful half-term. We are filming outside this week to make the most of the beautiful sunshine, something that has been in short supply so far in 2026. The lighter mornings and brighter afternoons really do lift the mood and it certainly feels like spring is on the horizon.

This week, I would like to focus on three key areas: attendance, our current assembly themes and a special thank you to our Year 11 and Year 13 parents.

Attendance Matters – Every Day Counts

With the new half term underway, we are placing a sharp focus on attendance. Our goal is simple: to achieve 100% attendance for every young person.

We are launching a refreshed attendance initiative, where we will monitor weekly improvements and link rewards to positive attendance. Being in school everyday impacts everything, learning, confidence, friendships, behaviour and long-term outcomes. The more students are here, the more they benefit from the full experience of school life.

We value your support enormously. If there is anything we can do to help improve attendance or remove barriers, please do get in touch. Tutors and Heads of Learning will be communicating more regularly about this focus over the coming weeks.

Assembly Themes: Reflection, Equality and Reading

Many of you will know that Ramadan has recently begun. We send our very best wishes to all members of our community who are observing this important and reflective month. A letter has been sent to parents outlining arrangements, including PE adjustments and information about iftar boxes. If you have any questions, please contact us, we are here to support you.

Looking ahead, we also have World Book Day next week. We strongly encourage reading at home as well as in school. Reading underpins success in every subject and we want all students to develop a genuine love of books. As always, staff will be dressing up to celebrate their favourite characters, we are looking forward to the excitement that brings.

Thank You to Year 11 and Year 13 Parents

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our Year 11 and Year 13 parents. Your support during intervention sessions over half term and throughout this latest round of practice exams has been invaluable.

Students are nearing the end of this PPE cycle before the summer examinations and we are incredibly proud of their focus and resilience. Your encouragement, organisation and partnership with us truly make a difference.

For now, let's hope the sunshine continues. Have a wonderful weekend, and I will see you the same time, same place next week.