Headmistress' Introduction

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

As you can see from the pictures above and below, our Year 8 students have enjoyed another brilliant week of outdoor adventures in Aberdyfi and we look forward to welcoming them home this evening.  

On Monday, our Year 13s started their mock examinations which will continue into next week.  As with the Year 11 mocks, these assessments are not about grades, but rather both students and teachers identifying strengths and areas where additional support might be needed.  Mocks are a positive learning process for all of us, even if they might feel challenging at times.  Please remember that we are here to support you — reach out if you need guidance or reassurance.

As you can see, it has been a very exciting few weeks for our sports teams, please read the highlights below.

As always, I want to thank all the staff, parents, and carers who continue to support our students in these wonderful opportunities.  Your dedication and encouragement make all the difference.

Mrs Wilkes

I am writing to share the news that our highly valued colleague, Mrs Caroline Wilkes, will be leaving AHS at the end of August 2026 to take up a new role as a Mathematics teacher at RGS High Wycombe.  While we are sad to see her go, our loss is undoubtedly their gain.

Since I joined AHS, it has been an absolute privilege to work alongside Mrs Wilkes.  On a personal level, I will miss her greatly—a sentiment I know will be shared across our entire community.  She has been a generous and deeply caring colleague who has supported us all with tireless dedication, grace, and humour.

Although this is premature, we thank Mrs Wilkes most sincerely for her commitment to AHS.

Marieke Forster

Congratulations!

Huge congratulations to some of our students who have been offered a place on the ‘Future Ready!’ Programme, delivered by Homerton College, University of Cambridge.

Admission to this programme is highly competitive; this year saw a tremendous volume of interest from across the country. With a strictly limited number of places available, being selected is a significant achievement.

Our students were chosen through a rigorous selection process, and their success is a testament to their hard work, potential, and ambition. They have fully earned their place on this prestigious course, and we look forward to seeing them thrive as they engage with the world-class resources at Cambridge.

 Well done to all involved!

Trampolining after School

There are some places available for the after-school trampolining classes on Mondays & Tuesdays, 3.30-4.30 & 4.30-5.30.  All levels and year groups are welcome, no experience needed.

Come and join our fun and friendly classes to learn a new sport!  There are limited places so booking is essential. Classes run with a small cost and run half term by half term.  If your child is interested, please contact me on 07956 154949 for more details. 

Tracy Smees
Trampoline Club 

Dining Room – Re-launch of Fusion Pre-Order App

Our caterers, Pabulum, are re-launching the pre-order service to all students, week commencing Monday 2 February 2026.

As the service was not regularly used by our previous caterer, we will be re-sending details on how to download and set up the app to all students next week, this will go to their school address. It will include details of their unique onboarding code, how to download the ‘Fusion Mobile’ app, along with how to set up their account login (NB: the service can also be accessed online at  https://fusion.crbcunninghams.co.uk/).

Allergy information, for items sold via the pre-order app, will be available to view on the Dining Room page on the school website.  A direct link will also be available within the app. However, if there are specific dietary requirements or the information needed is not available, we would encourage students to speak with Pabulum's Catering Manager, who is available in the Dining Room every day.

Finally, please note that purchases made via the app are automatically deducted from a student's existing Dining Room cashless catering account and that Free School Meal allowances will be added automatically.

If you have any further questions regarding the pre-order app or the catering service, please email the school's Data Team data@ahs.bucks.sch.uk 

Mrs Taylor-Moss
Facilities Director

Flu vaccination catch-up

On Friday 30 January, the school nursing team will be back in to administer flu vaccinations to those who missed it last term. This will be from 9:30am.

Mrs Randall

First Aid Administrator

Operation Encompass: Supporting Children and Families

At AHS, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all our students.  We are proud to be an Operation Encompass school.

What is Operation Encompass?
Operation Encompass is a national police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership.  It ensures that our school is notified when the police have attended an incident of domestic abuse where a child from our school has been present, has been exposed to, or has been involved in.

Why is this important?
We know that domestic abuse can be a traumatic experience for children and young people. By receiving these notifications before the start of the next school day, our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and trained staff can provide immediate, quiet, and sensitive support to the student.  This "early notification" allows us to understand the child's circumstances and ensure they feel safe and supported in school.

Our Commitment to Support
If we receive an Operation Encompass notification, our primary responsibility is to offer help and support. This may include:

• Providing a "soft landing" for the student as they arrive at school.

• Offering a quiet space or a trusted adult for them to talk to.

• Making adjustments to their school day or workload if needed.

• Connecting families with specialist external support services.

Support for Victims of Domestic Abuse
We understand that domestic abuse can affect anyone. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that you are not alone and that help is available.  Our DSL and our safeguarding team are here to listen and offer confidential support and guidance.

In addition to speaking with us, the following organisations offer free and confidential advice:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

• Women’s Aid: www.womensaid.org.uk

• Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk

• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

For more information about how we manage these notifications, please visit the Operation Encompass website.

Mrs Queralt
Designated Safeguarding Lead

Vacancies

2 x Afternoon Cleaners - Closing date: 2 February @ 9.00 am

KS4 Pastoral Support Assistant - Closing date: 26 January @ 9.00 am

Senior Caretaker - Closing date: 6 February @ 9.00 am

Deputy Head - Curriculum - Closing date: 1 February 2026

With thanks, as ever, for your support, and wishing all a lovely weekend,

Marieke Forster