Dear parents and carers, 

As we move into the summer, which is always a blessing in schools as students can be outside at social time, the weather may occasionally be deemed hot enough for us to announce some adaptions to the uniform for that day. You will be aware that all schools in the trust have the same uniform policy so when it comes to decisions on adaptions, headteachers contact each other with a view to maintaining consistency. We will let you know should the situation arise.  

On Monday I met with the Heads of House and Head Students (6th Formers) to discuss how student voice will look from September. I have mentioned before how we appointed 8 Head Students, all of whom are incredibly strong, and impressively they have already put together a framework for how it will look. I will share it with you once it has all been agreed.  

It was a lovely day yesterday for the Ariel Charity Day “The Big Wellbeing Challenge” and from what I saw, the students enjoyed it. I recognised the games they were playing and took part in one of them, but I wisely declined the offer to do the “limbo” challenge. The stone painting was a popular activity too.  

We have worked incredibly hard with year 11 not only during school time but holidays, weekends, and evenings. The year group has been really committed, and they will benefit from it. It is getting serious now; the exams begin. My thanks to you as parents and carers for everything you have done for them and are doing so that they will be successful.  

Starting on 13 May 2026, we will be introducing SLT Surgeries, giving you, as parents and carers, the opportunity to speak to a member of the SLT team regarding anything that you would like us to address. Further information to follow. 

I would like to finish by highlighting how courteous our students are daily. It is further highlighted by visitors all the time when I say that it is a real pleasure to have a conversation with them. I chatted with some year 7 and 8 students this week - I often just sit with groups in the dining hall or get invited to join a group at an outside table - and they tell me about their day and ask me about mine. Another example was at the beginning of the week when students were getting off the bus in the morning and unprompted, they all thanked the driver. It made my day.  

Enjoy the long weekend. 

Mr Nixon

Headteacher