It has been a real pleasure to welcome everyone back for the start of a new term. I have particularly enjoyed meeting our new Year 7 and Year 12 students, and it has been lovely to welcome back the rest of the school community. Although returning to routines after the summer break can sometimes feel a little daunting, our students have settled quickly and made an excellent start.
Students have looked exceptionally smart this week, and I have been especially impressed by the way our Year 12 and Year 13 students have embraced Sixth Form life and our updated dress code.
Our GCSE and A level results were fantastic this year. These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our students and staff, and I hope they reassure you that your child is in safe hands academically. It has also been wonderful to visit lessons this week and see students focused, engaged and settling so positively back into school life.
Alongside this strong academic start, our extra-curricular programme begins next week, with a wide range of clubs and activities available. Year 7 students attended our Enrichment Fayre this morning, where they had the opportunity to discover what is on offer. I encourage every student to sign up for at least one activity, as taking part is a wonderful way to make friends, develop new interests, build confidence and feel even more connected to school life.
Pupils have settled back into our phone pouch process really well and we were delighted to feature on Radio Stoke this morning to talk about how effective the scheme has already been. A very special thank you goes to Maddie, Oscar, Rose and Bobby, who represented the school brilliantly and did a fantastic job.
This positive start is also reflected in our excellent attendance during the first week back. Thank you for your support in helping students return promptly and ready to learn. Regular attendance matters not only because it prevents students from missing important lesson content, but also because being in school supports friendships, a sense of belonging and the development of valuable social skills.
If your child is experiencing any difficulty with attendance or settling back into school, please contact their form tutor as early as possible so that we can work with you and ensure that the right support is in place.
I had a great end to the week with a question-and-answer session with our Year 7 cohort. They certainly put me through my paces, asking thoughtful questions about my role as Headteacher as well as wanting to know my favourite colour and what my spirit animal would be! An impressively diverse range of questions.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and whatever your plans, have a lovely weekend.
“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I’ll go to it laughing.”
(Herman Melville, Moby-Dick)
