Parent Update: Start of Term (September 2023)

Dear Parents/Carers, 

As we approach the start of the new academic year, I am writing to give you some key information for the start of term and the year ahead. 

Start of Term Arrangements 

The first day back for students is Tuesday 5th September. We will have a staggered start to the school day as follows: 

• Year 7, 10 and 11 to arrive by 8:35am 
• Year 8 and 9 to arrive by 9:30am

Equipment: Getting Ready for September 

Please ensure that your child comes prepared each day with their full equipment and school uniform. This includes the following:  

1. School bag
2. Pencil case 
3. Pens 
4. Pencils 
5. Ruler 
6. Calculator 
7. Eraser  
8. Sharpener 
9. IS book and knowledge organiser (KS3) and revision guides (KS4) – These will be handed out at the start of term. 
10. Personal reading book – Students can borrow a book from our school library at the start of term. 
11. Full school uniform – Blazer, shirt, tie, trousers/skirt/shorts, black socks and shoes. More information can be found below. 
12. Full PE Kit 

Attendance Matters! 

Thank you to all our parents and carers for their support over the year in ensuring our students attend school well. I would like to highlight the importance of students attending school every day to reach their full potential. Students with attendance over 97% are very likely to make better progress in their learning than students with lower attendance. 

It is vitally important that students attend school on the first day, and first week back in September in order to help them settle into their classes and school routine. Thank you for your support in ensuring your child returns to school on the first day of term. 

If your child misses a day of learning, then they are required to catch up using a “Return to School” catch up card, which can be collected from reception. More information can be found on our website. 

I would like to remind all parents and carers that we do not authorise holidays taken during term time, except in circumstances that are exceptional and unavoidable. To assist parents and carers in booking holidays and events during school holiday time, a full list of term dates and INSET days is on our school website here. 

Please note that students in Year 11 (from September 2023) finish at 3:50pm on Tuesday-Friday each week. We appreciate your support in ensuring that any appointments (e.g. medical) are booked outside of this time. 

School Uniform: Reminder 

Our students wear their uniform with pride, and we thank you for your support in ensuring that your child comes to school in the correct uniform (our full uniform policy can be found on our website).   

As you prepare your child for September, I would like to remind you of the following: 

Uniform 

• Skirts and shorts must be tailored, and knee length 
• Trousers must be tailored  
• Students are required to wear school shoes (trainers are not acceptable) 
• Students are required to wear black socks 
• A plain black V-neck jumper or cardigan with no logos 

Lycra/stretchy skirts, shorts and leggings are not acceptable. 

Piercings and make up 

The only piercings we allow are as follows: 

• A pair of small sleepers or stud earrings (one in each ear) in the ear lobe only. 
• A small, plain silver, gold or clear plastic nose stud. This must be removed for PE. 

Make-up should be minimal and natural looking. We expect students to have natural hair colours as would be expected of someone working in a formal workplace environment. 

To confirm, the following is not acceptable 

• False eyelashes, acrylic nails or any nail extensions are not allowed. 
• Further facial piercings, including but not limited to nose rings, septum rings, tongue piercings, are not allowed. 

Academy Key Dates  

Finally, I would like to bring your attention to some key dates for the upcoming academic year. Our term dates can be found on our website. You can also find out about the other exciting academy events taking place this year by looking on the “Events” page. 

Our Parents Evening schedule can be found below. Please note that all Parents Evening events take place in person between 4:15pm and 7:15pm. We will provide information about booking appointments nearer the time of your child’s Parents Evening.  

We are excited to be welcoming all our students back in September, in full school uniform, Ready to Learn and ready to make a positive contribution to both our school and our wider community. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to working with you throughout this academic year. 

 Yours Sincerely,    

Adrian Esch  

Interim Head of School