As we return following the half-term break, I wanted to take a moment to say how wonderful it has been to welcome everyone back into school. Learners have returned well and have engaged in their learning.
A particular mention must go to our Year 11 and Year 13 learners who continue to work incredibly hard as they progress through their examination period. Their commitment, resilience and determination have been truly impressive. We are immensely proud of the way they have approached this important stage of their education, supporting one another whilst maintaining their focus and ambition. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to parents and carers for the support, encouragement and guidance you have provided throughout your child's journey at Upton-by-Chester High School. The partnership between home and school is invaluable, and we are grateful for the role you have played in helping our young people reach this significant milestone.
One aspect of our school culture that I am particularly proud of is our commitment to kindness, inclusion and service to others. Later this term, we will be sharing with learners the outcomes of our latest kindness initiatives as we finalise the logging of actions completed across the school community. Our certificate has been awarded and our new banner for the front of school should be arriving in the coming weeks. We have also received the celebratory video shown below. I absolutely love this aspect of our school culture because it says so much about the character of our community. Thank you for your continued support in helping us foster these values. You can enjoy the celebration video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQ1u9N3CQI
Meanwhile, a number of our Year 10 learners have once again been demonstrating resilience, teamwork and determination as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition. Mr Rutter had the opportunity to visit the groups this week and was delighted to see how well they were all doing. From navigating challenging routes to supporting one another and maintaining high spirits throughout the experience, our learners continue to represent the school exceptionally well. Experiences such as these help develop confidence, independence and character, and we are incredibly proud of all those taking part.
As you read through this week's bulletin, I would also encourage you to take a look at the latest update from Kier, who are delivering our new school building as part of the Government's School Rebuilding Programme. It is exciting to see the significant progress that continues to be made on site. Since work began in October 2025, the steel frame and precast concrete structure have been completed, with roofing works, drainage and internal concreting now well underway. Over the coming months, the project will move into the next phase, including the installation of windows, brickwork and internal mechanical and electrical systems. What has been particularly pleasing is the strong partnership between the construction team and our school community, with opportunities already being provided for learners and staff to visit the site and learn more about the project. The images in the update really bring to life the scale of what is being achieved and offer an exciting glimpse of the facilities that will support future generations of learners at Upton-by-Chester HIgh School.
Following our attendance drive last half-term, I am pleased to let you know that 832 learners achieved 100% attendance in summer term one. You can see all the winners of the drawn shown below.
As always, we are looking forward to another busy and exciting week ahead, with even more opportunities for our learners to become involved in the rich life of the school. Whether through academic study, enrichment activities, leadership opportunities, sporting events or community projects, there is so much for our young people to engage with and enjoy.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we continue to create a school community that enables every learner to thrive.
Best wishes,
Mr L Cummins
