Parent/ Carer Bulletin - Week Commencing 22nd June 2026

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Headteacher's Message

This week, I would like to congratulate our Year 10 and Year 12 learners on the exemplary attitude, behaviour and commitment they have demonstrated throughout their recent PPE examinations. Examination periods can be challenging, but our learners have approached them with maturity, resilience and determination. Just as importantly, they have shown a willingness to reflect honestly on their performance and identify what they need to do over the next 12 months to ensure they leave Upton with the very best set of qualifications possible. It has been wonderful to see so many learners revising during the school day; I do not think I have ever seen quite so many flashcards, mind maps and revision resources being used around the school. Their dedication bodes extremely well for what they will achieve as they move into Year 11 and Year 13.

I would also like to congratulate our Year 9 learners who have recently taken part in Peer Mentor training. Over the coming year, these learners will play an important role in supporting others within our school community. The selection process was highly competitive, and everyone chosen should be extremely proud of their achievement. Their successful applications reflected the qualities, values and commitment that we look for in our learners and future leaders. I am looking forward to seeing the positive contribution they will make to the school over the coming months and the difference they will undoubtedly make to the experiences of younger learners.

Next week, we are excited to welcome almost 300 Year 6 learners into our school as part of their transition programme ahead of joining us in Year 7. Welcoming new learners and their families into our community is always one of the highlights of the year, and we are looking forward to helping them begin the next stage of their educational journey. This year has seen the highest number of applications to the school, and we will be welcoming a cohort that is above our normal admission number of 280. This reflects the confidence that families continue to place in our school, and we are delighted that so many young people will be joining the Upton community in September.

As we look ahead to the final few weeks of this half-term, I would like to thank all our learners, families and staff for their continued support. The achievements highlighted above demonstrate the strength of our school community and our shared commitment to ensuring that every learner can thrive, achieve and realise their potential.

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Forthcoming Events

School Summer Showcase
4:30pm – 5:30pm
29
June
Year 12 Next Steps Evening
5:30pm – 6:30pm
09
July
Last day of term - School closes at 1.20pm
8:35am – 1:20pm
17
July

Other School News

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Sixth Form Update from Mr Lewis

 

Year 12 Next Steps 

Our wonderful Year 12 learners have completed their end of year PPEs this week and we hope they have gone well for them all. We must now move onto planning our future pathways. Each year we run a hugely important 'Next Steps Day'. During the day we will cover how to write a fantastic personal statement or an excellent covering letter,  for those learners wanting to attend university or those who are choosing an apprenticeship respectively. This is taking place on 26th of June, and attendance to the day is essential in standing out from the rest when applying for preferred routes.

This also ties in with the trip to Liverpool Edge Hill on the 10th of July. All of our opportunities are desired to enable our learners to be more informed in their decision making. Edge Hill is a campus university and this in itself provides an opportunity for our learners to see if this environment is more suitable for them or actually a city based university would be their preference. We have many learners who have been on this visit, or similar,  in the past who have then gone on to apply to the likes of Warwick, Loughborough , Lancaster,  Keele and indeed Edge Hill because they have come away from the day knowing that the campus university is for them. During the visit there are further experiences to support applications, university and other routes, and university life. 

Leavers Ball    

With a great fondness we must sadly say goodbye to our Year 13 who have finished their A Levels this week. We all hope they have gone well and we are delighted to have been part of your journey. We wish each and every learner, and their families, all the very best. We hope that they stay in touch and share their successes with us in the future. However, we will get to celebrate their time with us at their Leavers Ball on July10th. The event starts at 7.15pm and the venue will close to us at 11.15pm, we look forward to seeing them there.

Kind regards

Mr Lewis

Director of Key Stage 5

Aspens Cooking Programme Opportunity for Year 12 learners

 

We are excited to offer Year 12 learners the opportunity to take part in a new extracurricular cooking programme in partnership with Aspens.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YULE3yqLETOHgzyKqR7TypbLbLrFPfCuOB39GI_FWGM/edit?usp=sharing

The programme is designed to help learners develop practical cooking skills that will support them in university, independent living, and everyday life. It may also be of interest to those considering a future career in hospitality, catering, or the wider food industry.

During these after-school sessions, learners will learn how to prepare healthy and affordable meals for four people on a budget of just £5. Sessions will take place in the school kitchen and will provide step-by-step guidance to help learners build confidence and develop valuable life skills.

As an added benefit, Aspens will provide the ingredients for learners to take home so they can recreate the meal independently and practice their new skills. There is no cost to learners, as both the programme and ingredients are provided free of charge.

Key benefits include:
• Learning to cook affordable, nutritious meals
• Developing confidence and independence
• Preparing for university and independent living
• Exploring careers in hospitality and catering
• Receiving free ingredients to practise at home

Places are limited to approximately 10–12 learners per session. Sessions will run after school on selected dates throughout the term. Learners who are interested in taking part should speak to their form tutors or Miss Downs.

Last chance to purchase Year 11 and Year 13 Group Photos

 

Dear Parent/Carer,

As the end of the school year approaches, we would like to remind you that it’s not too late to purchase the leavers group photograph via :  www.tempest-orders.co.uk

Please enter the following reference number, followed by your email and name to view on the website.

Year 11 – Reference No.  8ACC30F41F

Year 13 – Reference No.  1CF7EEF42D 

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding placing an order, please call 01736 751555 (option 3) or click on the “contact” button on our website home page (htempest.co.uk) where our friendly team will be happy to help.

Tempest Photography

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 and Resilience Fund

 

We are writing to inform families about summer holiday support from the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

Summer holiday support is available for families  

Families who receive Free School Meals and need help with essential food costs during the summer holidays can apply for support through the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). 

Applications for summer holiday payments will open on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 and close on Monday, 31 August 2026. 

Apply online: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund/school-holiday-support-payment 

Changes to the CRF from September 2026 

The Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund in April 2026. It ensures that financial support is available for families who need it and gives longer term support to boost income and manage debt. 

To support families during the transition to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, so far payments have been awarded to all applicants who were in receipt of FSM and provided requested evidence. The same approach will apply during the summer holidays. 

From September 2026, however, the Crisis and Resilience Fund will solely be there to help people who experience an unexpected financial crisis. Applicants will need to explain the financial shock they have experienced and how this has placed them in crisis. 

Expanded Free School Meal eligibility from September 2026 

From September 2026, all pupils in households receiving Universal Credit will become entitled to free school meals (FSM).  

Pupils who already qualify because their household earnings are £7,400 or less will continue to qualify. The change will extend entitlement to more families, meaning more children will be able to apply to receive Free School Meals. 

To find out more, visit: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/free-school-meals  

Not just school holidays 

If you aren’t in receipt of Free School Meals, the Crisis and Resilience Fund can still help you with various costs. Visit the 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 

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  

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