The academic year is in full swing now as our first full week is completed. I continue to be impressed with the positive attitude that the overwhelming majority of our students are demonstrating. It is a pleasure to visit classes and see the great learning taking place and also to see our new Year 7s settling in so well.

I am pleased that we have delivered a strong attendance figure for this first full week. Research shows the importance of starting the year well, and it is encouraging to see so many students with a 100% for the year to date.  I talked last week about the huge impact attendance can have on attainment using data from our Class of 2025.  But great attendance is about more than just performance. It’s about forming good habits, it’s also about the sense of belonging to our community. Thank you for your support as we aim to ensure great attendance at our school.

Homework is a key element of learning for all students. For students in Years 8 – 11, homework will have started. It will start for Year 7 in the week beginning 29 September. We know that many students will benefit from access to a quiet space to complete homework and revision. That’s why we offer Getting Ready and Get It Done, supported study sessions which take place in an IT room. Getting Ready takes place from 8.00 – 8.45am and Get It Done from 3.15 – 4.30pm. Any student attending in the morning will be able to get some free toast!! We also have a dedicated supervised room called  Study Hall for our Year 10 and Year 11 students. Study Hall has prepared resources including past papers and study packs to support students in their GCSE studies. Please do encourage your child to take advantage of these excellent opportunities. 

Our extra-curricular provision is an area we have been working to expand over the past few academic years. The range of clubs offered has expanded significantly, and it is our ambition to have something that appeals to all our students. This week saw our sports clubs start, and it was great to see so many taking advantage of the wide range of sports offered. Full details of the clubs taking place will be circulated to students and parents next week.

Next Thursday sees our Open Evening for students looking to join the school in September 2026. The evening will run from 6.00 – 8.00pm. I am proud of our school and believe we have a compelling offer for prospective parents and students. The standout feature of the event is having so many of our students helping out. The visitors always comment on what a wonderful job they do, and I know that will be the case once again this year. The details of how you give consent to your child helping out on the evening have been sent separately.

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 have a look if you think you may benefit from financial assistance.  

I do hope you enjoy a great weekend. 

Regards 

Richard Johnson  
Headteacher