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- April 1, 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach the end of the Spring Term I write to you with some important updates.
Year 11 Revision over the Easter Holidays
When we return to school on Monday 20th April, we will be entering the examination season for Year 11. Whilst we recognise that students need a break, a significant part of the Easter Holidays should be used by Year 11 students for revision purposes. Guidance on how to revise effectively, and useful resources for each subject area, can be found on the Self-Directed Study Hub. Details about how to log into the Study Hub can be found here.
Why attendance matters
Concerns over low rates of school attendance continue to be a national concern and particularly the negative impact that low attendance has on outcomes for students. In short, low attendance places a child at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers. It prevents a child from being successful in school due to gaps in knowledge caused by lost learning or reduced friendships due to time in school being irregular. The table illustrates the correlation between low attendance and chronic underachievement for students in Year 11.
| Attendance Level | Days missed per year | Insights and impact and on GCSE qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| 95-100% | 0 to 9 days | Maximum Potential: A student with 95% attendance doubles their chances of achieving strong passes (Grade 5+) compared to students with attendance at 90%. |
| 90% | 19 days | 1 grade drop: A student is at risk of achieving one full grade lower than their potential across all subjects. |
| 85% | 29 days | 2 grade drop: A student is at risk of becoming persistently absent and risks achieving two grades lower across all subjects. |
| 80% | 38 days | 3 grade drop: Students are showing signs of disengagement and risk achieving three full grades lower than their potential across all subjects. |
| 70% | 57 days | 4 grade drop: Severe risk of leaving school without the basic qualifications needed for college. |
We appreciate all your support with attendance but please be mindful of our policies around authorisation of holidays in school time.
Yondr Updates
Since the introduction of the YONDR pouches, teachers across the school have reported a significant improvement in students’ concentration and engagement in lessons. Many staff have commented that students are more focused, more willing to participate, and are far less distracted by notifications or social pressures linked to phone use.
This positive shift has already begun to create calmer classrooms and a stronger learning atmosphere, benefiting students academically and socially. It is still early days, but the impact is clear, and we are delighted to see how well our students have adapted to the change.
I would like to thank you for your ongoing support with the YONDR policy. Your partnership makes a real difference in helping students get the very best from their time in school.
Blazers, Jumpers and Culottes
As the weather starts to get warmer, and hopefully stays warm, we will take a common-sense approach to the wearing of blazers. Students will be expected to wear their blazers to school and during the school-day; however, if it is a warm day they will be allowed to remove them. Blazers should not be left at home. Jumpers are not a replacement for blazers and should not be worn instead of a blazer.
In terms of summer uniform, we will communicate with you later in the summer term when we deem it appropriate for the full summer uniform to be allowed. Regrettably, despite the best efforts of our suppliers, an appropriate style of culotte, which we had hoped would be available for girls to wear in the warmer months, has not been able to be sourced.
And finally, at the end of this term, we say farewell to Mrs Ward who has recently secured the position of Deputy Headteacher at Wellfield Academy. I am sure that you will be joining me in sending best wishes to Mrs Ward.
Thank-you for your continued support and best wishes to all our community over the Easter break.
Yours sincerely,
Mr P Davies
Headteacher