Parent/ Carer Bulletin - Week Commencing 2nd November 2026

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Headteacher's Message

As we reach the end of our first half-term, there is so much to celebrate across our school community. This week, our Year 10 learners have been out on work experience, and we have been absolutely delighted by their success. The feedback we have received from employers has been overwhelmingly positive, with so many praising the commitment, enthusiasm and positive attitudes demonstrated by our learners. From care homes and schools to engineering companies, and even supporting the construction of our new school building, our learners have embraced a fantastic range of opportunities. We are incredibly proud of the way they have represented themselves and our school, and I would like to thank all the employers who have supported them throughout the week.

Last night, we also hosted our Annual Sixth Form Open Evening, and it was wonderful to welcome so many of our Year 11 learners and their families, alongside a fantastic number of external applicants interested in joining our Sixth Form. The level of interest and enthusiasm across the wide range of courses on offer was particularly encouraging, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We look forward to working closely with learners and parents over the coming months to ensure a positive and smooth transition into Sixth Form.

Finally, today marks the end of our first half-term, and I would like to thank all our learners, families and staff for their continued hard work and support. School will reopen to all learners on Monday 2nd November, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for another successful half-term. Attendance will be a key priority as we move into the next half-term, and we are looking forward to recognising and rewarding learners who demonstrate excellent attendance. There will be some exciting opportunities for learners to be rewarded for their commitment to attending school every day, so please see the information below for further details.

I hope all our learners and families enjoy a well-deserved half-term break, and I look forward to seeing everyone in November.

Forthcoming Events

Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening
4:00pm – 7:00pm
12
November
Years 10 & 12 Meet the Tutor Evening
4:00pm – 7:00pm
19
November
Year 9 Learner Progress Evening (online)
4:00pm – 7:00pm
10
December
Christmas Celebration Concert
5:00pm – 6:30pm
15
December
Last day of term
8:35am – 3:10pm
18
December

Other School News

Response to Parent/Carer Surveys : Bullying

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Below is a summary analysis of Parent/Carer survey responses from six year groups (Years 8–13) during the 2025–26 academic year, focusing specifically on bullying. The findings show that the majority of Parents/Carers and Carers reported that their child had not experienced bullying and where it did exist it was, in the main, dealt with effectively. However, where concerns were raised, the main themes related to consistency of responses, behaviour and disruption, cyber safety, learner confidence in reporting concerns, and social areas feeling unsafe for some learners,

Overall Bullying Statistics (Years 8–13)

A total of 381 Parent/Carer responses were received across the six year groups. Responses to the statement: “My child has been bullied and the school dealt with the bullying quickly and effectively.” The parent/carer survey responses present a broadly positive picture regarding bullying within the school. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (62.7%) stated that their child had not experienced bullying, reflecting the positive culture and supportive environment across the school community. In addition, 13.9% of Parents/Carers agreed or strongly agreed that where bullying concerns had arisen, the school dealt with them quickly and effectively. These findings suggest that the school’s proactive approach to safeguarding, pastoral care and anti-bullying education is having a positive impact. While a smaller proportion of respondents expressed concerns or uncertainty, the feedback provides valuable opportunities for the school to continue strengthening communication, visibility of processes and confidence in reporting and resolving concerns. Many Parents/Carers praised staff for kindness, support and positive relationships with learners. Parents/Carers particularly valued supportive Heads of Year, pastoral care, staff listening to learners and positive relationships with teachers. The Anti-Bullying Policy states that the school is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all learners and reinforces the school rules of being Prepared, Respectful and Safe. Click on this link to see the school Anti-bullying Policy.

The Anti-Bullying Policy states that all concerns about bullying will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Incidents are recorded on CPOMS and staff are expected to take firm and decisive action. There were some concerns raised regarding social media, online behaviour and cyber safety. The policy identifies cyberbullying as a specific form of bullying and promotes online safety education through PSHE, assemblies and anti-bullying initiatives. Also, DC Andrew Kevan from the Cyber Crime Unit in Cheshire, delivered assemblies to all year groups and delivered a presentation to parents/carers on two occasions. Click on this link to see the Stay Safe bulletin that was highlighted to all learners in their form groups in November 2025. Click on this link to see PSHE lessons across Key Stages 3–5, which contain a clear anti-bullying theme, including bullying prevention, respectful relationships, discrimination, harassment, abuse, prejudice, online harm, and challenging harmful behaviours.

Road Safety Reminder – Keeping Our Learners Safe

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

As the evenings become darker and the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, we would like to remind all families of the importance of road safety.

Dark clothing, rain and poor visibility can make it much harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during the journey to and from school.

We ask that parents/carers take extra care when dropping off and collecting learners from school. Please drive slowly and cautiously around the school site and surrounding roads, remain alert to pedestrians and cyclists, and be considerate of other road users. With increased traffic and reduced visibility during the darker months, it is particularly important that everyone takes care to avoid accidents and help keep all members of our school community safe.

Please take a few moments to talk to your child about staying safe on the roads.  

We would be grateful if you could remind your child to:

  • Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing where possible, especially when travelling in the dark or in poor weather.

  • Stop, look and listen: Always check carefully in both directions before crossing the road, and use designated crossings wherever possible.

  • Put phones away: Avoid looking at mobile phones or wearing headphones when crossing roads. Stay alert and pay attention to traffic and surroundings.

  • Take extra care in poor weather: Rain, fog and wet roads can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances for vehicles.

  • Cycle safely: Ensure bicycles are fitted with working front and rear lights when required, and that helmets are worn correctly. Check that bikes are in good working order before setting off.

We want all our learners to arrive at school and return home safely each day. A short conversation at home can make a real difference in helping young people develop safe habits and make sensible decisions when travelling independently.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community safe.

Kind regards,

Mrs Bradbury
Deputy Headteacher

GCSE Revision Guide Distribution

 

The GCSE Revision Launchpad window closed last week, and all stock has been ordered and will be delivered to the school over the next few days. If you have placed an order for your child, subject departments will be distributing all items to learners after the half-term break during the first two weeks of November.

There will be another opportunity to purchase these supplementary GCSE revision materials when the next sales window opens at the start of the Spring Term.

Homework Year 7-13 Parents/Carers

 

Dear Parents and Carers,  

Show My Homework (Satchel One) is where all homework details will be posted for Parents/Carers and Learners to access.  Parents/Carers can see the instructions, and the due dates for each piece of homework.   

We expect learners to check their Show My Homework account daily to ensure that they organise their week, in order to complete set tasks on time. Evidence based research and our experience tells us that homework completion significantly improves learners' progress.   The research also informs us that when Parents/Carers are involved and supportive with homework, learners’ progress is even further enhanced.   This additional progress can be up to an additional 5 months of progress per year!

It is fantastic to see that the majority of our Parents/Carers are engaging with the platform regularly and checking the homework tasks that have been set so far. However, we are keen to support all Parents/Carers in using this platform and so if you are having any difficulties using the platform please do get in touch with me.

Incomplete homework

We do not use the markbook facility on Show My Homework.   When homework has not been completed on time the teacher will put a question mark symbol (?) on the Edulink register.   To monitor the number of Homeworks not completed, Parents/Carers can access Edulink.

Common Questions and Answers for Parents/Carers

Common questions This can be accessed on the the following link Common questions for parents | Satchel Help Center

Once again, thank you for your ever continuing support, and please do get in touch if you need any further support with Show My Homework.

Kindest regards, Mrs Bradbury, Deputy Headteacher

Attendance Matters - 35/35 Day Challenge

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are excited to launch our 35/35 Day Attendance Challenge for all learners in Years 7–13! Learners who successfully complete the challenge will be entered into a raffle to win a range of fantastic prizes! ??

This challenge is about more than prizes. Every day in school is an opportunity to learn, build friendships, develop confidence and make the most of the experiences available to our learners.

Our learners are valued, and we are always pleased to see them in school! Their presence makes a difference, and our teachers enjoy supporting them, celebrating their successes and helping them reach their full potential.

We would really appreciate your support in encouraging your child / children to attend school every day, arrive on time and make the most of every opportunity.

35 Days. 35 Opportunities. Make Every Day Count!

 

Community News

Parent Carer Forum October Newsletter

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please find below link to the latest parent carer forum newsletter:

Our October newsletter has landed!

Newsletters | Live Well Cheshire West

Emma Walker

Live Well Co-ordinator (Children’s)

Children and Families Service

Cheshire West and Chester Council

Tel: 01244 972292

Email: emma.walker@cheshirewest.gov.uk

web: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk;
www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

 

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