It was a pleasure to welcome the students back after the half-term break. I have been impressed with how well the students have returned and the positive attitude to learning they have displayed.

All the students in Years 7 – 10 are busy preparing for upcoming assessments, with Years 7 – 9 readying to take their Order C assessments and the Year 10s preparing for their end of year exams. Full details will be posted on Satchel One. Thank you in advance for your support in encouraging your child to prepare thoroughly for these key assessments.

For our Year 11 students, the second half of their exam block started this week. They continue to impress with both their attitude and application to the exams. There are just 1 ½ weeks of exams left. It is important the students maintain their focus throughout this period to ensure they can realise their potential and deliver the results their hard work deserves. Thank you for your ongoing support through the exam period….I know it is not easy!

The summer fixtures resumed in earnest this week, including:

• Year 8 Rounders - there was a first rounders fixture for the Year 8 rounders team this week against Gloucester Academy. In a really tight game that could have gone either way, the girls were edged out by ½ a rounder. Players of the match went to Caity C for her batting, and Amber H for her fielding.

• U14 Cricket - the girls U14 cricket played The Crypt this week. They came away with a victory, comfortably defending their strong total with some excellent bowling and fielding. Batter of the match was Isabella T, fielder of the match was Issy C.

• Year 9 Rounders – the Year 9 rounders team played their first rounders fixture of the season, beating Gloucester Academy 12 - 7.5. Batter of the match was Teanna M and fielder of the match was Kacie S.

• U15 Cricket – the girls U15 cricket team played their first fixture of the season against The Crypt. It was a great game, which they narrowly lost, just falling short of the target set. Sophie B was given batter of the match and Katie M fielder of the match.

I was delighted to hear that ex-SV student Zane Hunt continued his sporting success with a second place in the English National Tumbling finals. Also, ex-SV student Fin Williamson continues his bowls success with a call up to the England U25 team. Well done Fin.

I also wanted to share some great news regarding our very own Mr Wilkinson. Over the past 4 years, Mr Wilkinson has been studying and working to complete his PhD. Just before half-term he successfully defended his thesis and has now completed this huge piece of work. Completing a PhD at any stage in your life is a challenge. Completing it whilst you are working full-time and are a father of three requires dedication and discipline on an extraordinary scale. Fortunately, Mr Wilkinson combines all these qualities and more. So, it’s goodbye Mr Wilkinson and hello Dr Wilkinson.

As always, I include my weekly reminder about Free School Meals eligibility. If your financial circumstances have changed, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals. If you click on this link you will find guidance on the eligibility criteria and the application process. It's a quick process and we are notified of all FSM entitlements by Gloucestershire County Council each Monday. I would urge you to take a look if you think you may benefit from financial assistance.   

Kind regards,  

Richard Johnson 
Headteacher