Dear Parents and Carers

So, just another quiet week in education. Nothing much to report and so shall keep it short and sweet. I hope the Meet The Tutor evenings were helpful and that it’s merely the start of your relationship with the tutor this year. Meanwhile, we welcome back the students from both the biology residential and geography field trip – with thanks to those staff who have made all the arrangements: Mrs Heath, Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Abraham, Mr Hood and Ms Hancock.

Ofsted – What can I Say?

Not very much it seems. Their report will be ready to share just after half term and I really look forward to being able to share their descriptions of our students and my colleagues. It is of course a gruelling experience but, again, we welcomed a really professional team. Thank you to all my staff who enjoyed endured the past few days and of course the students and so many parents and carers who supported with panels and surveys. I wish to also pay tribute to our Governing Body and Trustees; volunteers who (again) gave up their days and evenings to be there for the school in ways I deeply admire (see below). However, the inspection is now in the past and we have much to do – starting next week with Open Evening on Thursday.

Open Evening -Thursday 3 October 2024

I hope that your child has volunteered to take part in Open Evening and ask that if they are not yet signed up they do so early next week. It is an ideal way to support their community, give a little back to their school, and to develop confidence and leadership skills. Depending on their levels of confidence and interest, there are many things that students can do to help.

And finally…

I hope you will indulge me in saying a few words about a man that I doubt any of you will know. His name is Nick Hughes and he served as a governor and then Chair of Governors in a school in Birmingham for over twenty years. When I was headteacher at that school I came to know him professionally and personally. Professionally, he was tough – incredibly challenging on behalf of children, but also equally supportive and keen to help solve complex problems. Despite being a Blues fan, he was funny, kind and incredibly wise. His own two children had prospered at the school and he wished to help others receive the same gift of education in a new role as a governor.  We thought the world of him.  A few weeks ago, he passed away and as I prepare to attend his funeral wanted to mention him and draw attention to those people who volunteer in schools and elsewhere for no other reason than to help others. May he rest in peace.

Yours faithfully
Barry Doherty
Headteacher