Parent/ Carer Bulletin - Summer Half Term 2026

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Headteacher's Message

Welcome to the final bulletin of this half term.

Year 11

We were delighted to celebrate a truly special leavers’ assembly with our Year 11 learners today. The whole day was filled with pride and laughter as learners marked the end of this important chapter together, signing shirts, sharing memories and celebrating their achievements with one another and staff. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise how much they have grown and contributed to our school community. While it is a farewell for some, it is certainly not goodbye for many, and we very much look forward to welcoming a large number of our learners back into our Sixth Form to continue their journey with us.

Sixth Form

What a fast paced half term we have had in 6th Form. We have welcomed A Level examinations and met coursework deadlines that have allowed our learners to showcase their ability, and we know these go on for a few more weeks after the half term too. We said our official ‘goodbye’ to Year 13 during our annual leavers’ assembly where learners were able to receive messages from loved ones and see photos of their time at school. We wish them all the best in their A Levels.

Year 12 should now be actively preparing for their end of year assessments which begin the week commencing June 15th. All learners are aware that entry into Year 13 is dependent on passing these end of year assessments. We wish all Year 12 learners an enjoyable half term break and look forward to the final half term of the year where we up our ‘Next Steps’ activities preparing learners to apply for apprenticeships and university.

Community news

Once again our learners have made an invaluable contribution to the volunteering for the Chester Half Marathon, they assisted by packing the goody bags and also running the baggage storage on the morning of the race itself. Mrs Smale has again received very positive feedback from the organisers and runners.

Thanks to the learners involved and your support of the gingerbread socks appeal we raised £598 in support of Down Syndrome Cheshire.

I would like to wish all of our learners and their families a wonderful half term break in the much awaited sunny weather and look forward to welcoming learners back for the final half term of the academic year on Monday 1st of June.

With very best wishes,

Mr L Cummins

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Forthcoming Events 

Year 7 Learner Progress Evening (Virtual)
4:00pm – 7:00pm
18
June
Year 12 Next Steps Evening
5:30pm – 6:30pm
09
July
Last day of term
8:35am – 3:10pm
17
July

Other School News 

Engage@upton - No clubs Monday 1st June

 

Please note that due to staff training there will be no after-school clubs running on Monday 1st June.

PSHE update

 

In addition to the outlined PSHE scheme of learning as outlined on the school website.  In the first PSHE lesson at the start of Half Term 6, learners across all year groups in school will be shown a video presentation by Matt Pinkett on Toxic Masculinity.  Matt Pinkett is an experienced English teacher and respected author of three books.  More details about Matt and his books can be found on the links below.

https://www.engenderingchange.co.uk/meet-matt

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18640099.Matt_Pinkett?scrlybrkr=73eb20fb

The new Relationships, Sex & Health Education guidance (RSHE) in effect from September 2026 states that schools should pro-actively engage parents and make sure they are aware of what is being taught in RSHE.  At Upton-by-Chester high school, we value the relationship we have with our parents and carers and ensure that our Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHE) topics, including RSHE, are easily available on the school website.  However, we understand that parents and carers may not always have time to actively seek out this information.  Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with the link to the topics each half term so that you may discuss them with your child/children ahead of the lessons.  If you would like further information regarding any of the topics covered, please contact Miss Welch, Head of PSHE via email at welchs@uptonhigh.co.uk 

KS3 PSHE Topics (Years 7-9)

KS4 PSHE Topics (Years 10&11)

KS5 PSHE Topics (Years 12&13)

Sally Welch

Head of PSHE

Yr 11 & Yr 13 Catering Accounts

 

Yr 11 & Yr 13 Catering Accounts

As we approach the end of your child's academic year, and possibly their time at Upton High, it is important that any negative catering balances are settled with Aspens as a matter of urgency. 

To view your child’s balance and make a payment, go to Scopay.

If you need to register for a Scopay account, or are experiencing difficulties making payments, please contact finance@uptonhigh.co.uk

Best of luck to all learners with their exams and best wishes for the future!

Martin Boothman
Operational Finance Manager

Pastoral Support at Upton-by-Chester High School

 

At Upton-by-Chester High School, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing, safety, and personal development of every learner. Heads of Year oversee the academic progress and holistic development of learners in their Year group, ensuring that all learners are supported to achieve their full potential

Your child’s Form Tutor is the first point of contact for any pastoral concerns and will work closely with families to provide guidance and support.

In addition, each year group (Years 7–11 and Sixth Form) has a dedicated non-teaching Pastoral Support Manager (PSM). PSMs provide additional pastoral care where needed and are all trained Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s wellbeing, friendships, emotional health, attendance, behaviour, or safeguarding, please contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance.

Support Available

Our pastoral support may include:

  • One-to-one mentoring meetings with the PSM
  • Regular weekly or fortnightly check-ins
  • Positive reports and encouragement to help build confidence and self-esteem
  • Referral to internal support services, including SEND and the Internal Alternative Provision
  • Referral to school counsellor
  • Allocation of a Service Learner mentor
  • Young Carers support
  • Support and signposting to external agencies, including mental health and wellbeing services
  • Liaison with families to ensure learners receive the support they need both in and out of school

We aim to ensure that every learner feels safe, supported, and able to thrive throughout their time at Upton-by-Chester High School.

Mrs K McCarthy

Deputy Headteacher

Updating Parent/ Carer Contact Details

 

It is very important that we hold the most up-to-date contact details for you. Should you need to update anything you can complete a form on our website https://www.uptonhigh.co.uk/page/?title=Online+Forms&pid=537 or email us at admin@uptonhigh.co.uk

Careers Bulletin

 

Click on the link below to see the latest information:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ab57VM41x7_yzr0Q19PUj0r4KoWn--X2iSfZR7Kl_yc/edit?usp=sharing

Community News

Crisis Resilience Fund for May Half Term

 

We are writing to remind families that the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is still open for applications for May half term holiday payments. 

Families eligible for Free School Meals 

If you are receiving means-tested Free School Meals (FSM) and need help with essential costs during the holidays, you can apply online until Sunday, 31 May 2026: 

School Holiday Support Payment | Cheshire West and Chester Council 

If you have already applied and been awarded the fund before the Easter break, you will have already received your May half term payments.  

Please note: school holiday payments are no longer made automatically to families who are receiving Free School Meals, so you will need to apply if you need support. 

Applications for the summer holidays are expected to reopen in June. More information will be shared soon. 

The Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund in April 2026. It ensures that financial support for families who need it. The fund also gives longer term support to boost income and manage debt so that people feel more confident and secure when unexpected money problems arise. 

Not just school holidays 

As well as the school holiday support payments, there are a number of other costs that the Crisis and Resilience Fund can help with. Visit the Crisis and Resilience Fund webpage for more information about support with: 

  • Crisis payments 
  • Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) 
  • Housing Payments and Discretionary Hardship Payments 
  • Heating oil support 

Crisis and Resilience Fund | Cheshire West and Chester Council 

Other support 

There is also information and support available on the Council’s cost of living webpages, which bring together resources about financial help, advice services, and emergency assistance: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living  

If you have any queries in relation to this email, please contact  HouseholdSupport@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Welcome Back to Your Parent Carer Forum Update

 

From shaping national SEND reform to influencing local services right here in Cheshire West and Chester, this newsletter is packed with  your voice!

This month, we’re bringing you everything you need to stay informed, supported, and connected.

From coffee mornings and webinars to major updates on SEND services and national reform, this newsletter keeps you in the loop and at the heart of the conversation.

Newsletters | Live Well Cheshire West