Headmistress' Introduction

Dear Parents, Carers, and Students

On behalf of the entire staff at Aylesbury High School, I extend a very warm welcome back to all students following the festive break.  I trust you enjoyed a restful and joyful Christmas season.

As we returned on Tuesday, our Year 11 students came back straight into their mock exams.  These provide an invaluable opportunity for students to practice exam technique, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence for the upcoming GCSEs.  We are sure that they will approach these mock exams with a positive mindset and a focus on demonstrating all the hard work and dedication they have invested throughout their studies. Please remember that they are a collaborative process between School and students; if any students have any concerns, please reach out to us, we are here to support.

At the end of last term, we said a fond farewell to Mrs Osgerby, my PA, and Ms Trunkfield, one of our Science Technicians, both of whom had been at the School for many years.  We wish them both a long and happy retirement.  

We would like to welcome Mrs Sophie Winter, my new EA, and wish her every success in her new role.  

Values 

Our school mission is brought to life through our values.  We want our students to acquire knowledge & skills in their everyday learning but most importantly, it is about unlocking the potential within every student.  This term we will focus on our Boundless Aspiration value.  We encourage students to celebrate their achievements and embrace challenges and mistakes as learning opportunities.  We want your daughter to learn that success doesn't always mean getting full marks on a test; success is driven by a growth mindset and effective study skills, such as breaking down complex tasks into steps.  Celebrating achievement can reinforce the connection between attitude, effort and success.

Our School Cabinet will be visiting forms this term to discuss our values and to share experiences across year groups about how we live them at AHS.  Our mission is to draw the very best from every student in our community.  With your help, we can unlock your daughter's true potential and equip her with the tools to thrive both in and out of the classroom.  Together, we will continue to foster a generation of students with the intellectual capacity, self-belief and discipline to truly pursue their boundless aspirations.

How you can help: 

Encourage your daughters to explore their unique talents and support them to find a pathway that is right for them. 

When your daughters faces disappointment, help them to pivot the conversation away from "I failed" to "What did I learn that will help me next time?"

Encourage your daughters to map out their homework or revision schedule.  You could ask them to verbally walk you through the steps they plan to break down a big project before they start.

Mrs Hartwell
Head of Art 

After-school careers talks from Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust 

Open to students in Years 7-13

Discover careers in pharmacy: Thursday 12 February 2026

• • This critical area of healthcare is much wider than you might first think. You might be based in a hospital, participating in ward rounds to take patients’ drug histories and speak to patients’ families. Or you might be in a community pharmacy, GP surgery, health centre, clinic or nursing home. Find out the roles of a pharmacist, pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant, and the different career pathways you can take.

  • 5 – 7pm Thursday 12 February 2026

  • See full agenda and book tickets – Discover careers in pharmacy – Stoke Mandeville Hospital – Thursday 12 February 2026

Discover careers in biomedical science: Thursday 12 March

• Celebrate Healthcare Science Week by finding out about the exciting specialities of infection sciences, blood sciences and cellular sciences. Explore the vital roles behind-the-scenes which support the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

• 5 – 7pm Thursday 12 March 2026

• See full agenda and book tickets – Discover careers in biomedical science – Stoke Mandeville Hospital – Thursday 12 March

 Discover careers in nursing and midwifery: Thursday 30 April

• Thinking of a career in nursing or midwifery? Or thinking of a profession such as doctor or paramedic which mean you’ll be working closely with these colleagues? Hear from local NHS professionals who will share real-life experiences, explore different career pathways and find out which role is right for you. You’ll also get tips on university applications from our two partner universities.

• 5 – 7pm Thursday 30 April 2026

• See full agenda and book tickets – Discover careers in nursing and midwifery – Stoke Mandeville Hospital – Thursday 30 April

Parking 

As we start a new term, we would like to remind parents to be thoughtful when collecting students from School.  We have received another complaint about illegal parking and also about inconsiderate waiting for students, blocking pavements and leaving engines idling in roads that are designated as private and for residents only.

We kindly ask that you be mindful to our neighbors when parking near the school. Keep driveways clear and park thoughtfully, switching engines off and not blocking pavements or private roads or drives. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep the surrounding area safe for all users.  

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

Marieke Forster