Students and staff end the first week of the Autumn Term, buoyant from an excellent start, yet also dampened by sad news, both nationally and locally. It was wonderful to see students return so positively, we have high hopes for the year ahead and all that our students can experience and achieve.

This week, along with the nation, we mourn the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. In school, we will reflect upon the life of service of the Queen and what this time represents in terms of its historical significance to our country. As per the announcement on Saturday, Monday 19 September 2022 will be a Bank Holiday and school will be closed as a sign of respect, on the day of Her Majesty’s funeral. We hope that families, should they wish, will use this day to observe and honour her memory and the life of service that she gave. This week, lessons and all the usual activities of school will continue as normal and attendance is expected. On Friday, during form time, we will all take a moment to reflect upon the life of the queen, observing a minute’s silence at the end of form period.

On Thursday, we welcome Year 10 parents and carers as we share the secrets to success on Key Stage 4. The evening starts at 6.30p.m., with refreshments from 6.15, in the Thomas Theatre. The evening will set the scene for Year 10, as well as giving a point of contact with the Form Tutor, to build our relationship at the start of these important two years.

Also this week, we are holding a celebration breakfast and tea, for students who gained the most positive achievement points in the last academic year. Students and their parents or carers will receive invitations to this informal event, which recognises their hard work.