It has been wonderful to have our first full week back in school and to see learners settling so positively into the new academic year. In particular, our new Year 7 and Sixth Form learners appear to have made an excellent start. Beginning a new phase of education is an important milestone, and we look forward to continuing to support them as they settle in, develop their confidence and work towards achieving their full potential over the coming years.

It has also been a pleasure to welcome so many parents and carers into school for our Year 7 and Year 12 Information Evenings. These events are an important part of the partnership between home and school, giving us the opportunity to share our plans and expectations for the year ahead and to explain how we can work together to support our learners. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and for the continued support you provide.  As you will see in the calendar below, next week there is an information evening for Year 10. 

As we begin the new academic year, we are also taking the opportunity to remind all learners of our three simple but important school rules: Prepared, Respectful and Safe. These expectations underpin everything we do and help us to create a positive environment in which every learner can thrive. They are also about much more than success in the classroom; we want our learners to understand the importance of making positive choices, showing consideration for others and contributing positively to our school and wider community.

Being prepared includes arriving at school ready to learn each day, with the correct uniform and all the equipment needed for lessons. Being respectful means treating others, our environment and our community with consideration, while being safe means making sensible choices that help to look after ourselves and those around us. Staff have spent time reinforcing these expectations with learners this week, and we will continue to have a particular focus on them over the coming week. We greatly appreciate the support of parents and carers in reinforcing these important messages at home.

Next week is our Awards Evening, and I am looking forward to seeing all the learners and recognising their achievements. 

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. 

L Cummins 

Duke of Edinburgh Information Evening

We are holding an initial information session on Monday 28th September 2026 in the school hall for prospective participants and parents. This is a chance for you to find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh Award and how we run the scheme here at school. Please come along at the following times:

Year 9 Bronze Award 5pm - 5:45pm

Year 10 Bronze Award 6pm - 6:45pm

Year 12 Gold Award 7pm - 7:30pm

The main Duke of Edinburgh website found at dofe.org has extensive guidance, plans and FAQs which should answer many of your early queries about the award.

If you are unable to come to the evening then all information will be emailed after the event. 

Miss Seery

Bus Travel – Important Reminder

For the safety of all learners, please remind your child that if they travel home on a bus which leaves from the front of school — including public buses travelling along St James Avenue — they must board at the bus stop closest to school and not at the stop before the bus reaches school.

This is important for Health and Safety reasons, as it allows school staff to supervise learners while they are waiting for and boarding buses. It also helps us to be considerate of our neighbours by avoiding groups of learners gathering outside residential properties while waiting for buses.

Thank you for your support in helping us keep learners safe and maintain positive relationships with our local community.

Engage at Upton Timetable 

The Engage at Upton timetable is now available for the first half-term and can be found using the link below and is also published on the school's website.  

We look forward to welcoming our learners to the many activities that are available.

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