Thursday 17 July 2025

Headmistress' Introduction

Dear Parents and Carers

Firstly, the hugest thanks for the much valued support of all students, parents, carers and staff throughout 2024/25.   It has been a joyous year, our strong, independent and confident students have thrived, and we are looking forward to building on our successes in 25/26, with your help. Thank you!

Last week, I attended House Drama. Huge thanks to all students, staff, judges and parents and carers who made the evening such a huge success.  The performances, using the stimuli quote of 'All the world's a stage' were captivating, it was an absolute privilege to see such commitment and confidence in our students. Well done to Anya and Deepali for winning the judges' particular prizes, Ascott House for 1st place, Waddesdon House for 2nd and Hughenden House for 3rd.  But overall, well done everyone, I highly recommend this evening to all in our community next year.

On Monday afternoon, we held our Colour Awards, again a very lovely afternoon celebrating the impressive achievements and effort of our brilliant students.  Our hugest thanks to Bridget Harrington, Alumna, who spoke so eloquently about her open and positive approach to seizing every opportunity, to Mrs Bush and Dr Weir, our Chairs of Governors, for assisting, and all other staff, parents and carers, and students for making the afternoon a delightful event.  Particular thanks to Phoebe (Year 12) and Mr Warner for the musical interlude.

On Tuesday evening, we held our Summer Showcase (pictured above and below).  An absolute delight of an evening, thank you so much to all students, staff, parents and carers who made this possible.  Again, I highly recommend this evening to all in our community next year, our students are simply brilliant, and I am immensely proud of them. 

Sadly, we need to say our final goodbyes of this year. Mr Elgin first joined AHS in 2013 as an English teacher, later taking on the roles of KS3 English Coordinator, Digital Champion and Thinking Skills lead, before becoming Curriculum Manager for English in 2017. He has led the department to develop an exciting, broad curriculum, introducing students to a diverse range of texts from myths and Classical epics to contemporary texts and contemporary approaches to linguistics. More recently, Mr Elgin has been supporting us to further develop literacy and reading across the School, particularly in the context of a digital, AI influenced 21st century world. He will be very much missed by staff and students alike, and we will always remember his starring roles in the Staff Pantomime, such as the beanstalk and the magic carpet.

We say a heartfelt goodbye to Mr. Stephen Pitchers, our Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development, who is moving on to a new role in Kent. We thank him for all he has done to enhance our students' journey beyond the academic, coordinating countless trips and visits, enriching our extra-curricular activities and supporting student House and fundraising events. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and significant contributions to our school community and wish him all the very best in his new venture.

Summer Holiday Club Places Still Available!

If your child is eligible for the HAF programme (if they are in receipt of free school meals) they will be allocated a unique 16-digit code to enable you to book activities.

Once you’ve got your code, you’ll be able to log into the Holiday Activities website – where all the activities taking place are displayed.

Mrs Ali Lucero
(Pupil Premium Lead) 

Mirroring Apps

Children of all ages are accessing the internet, often on their own devices. There are a number of safety measures parents can take but most don't know what is good and how to install mirroring Apps. This is a guide to what they are and some examples. 

Relationship & Sex Eduction Training

We’re pleased to share Brook’s RSE at Home offer – their FREE webinar series for parents and carers who want to further support their children’s relationships and sex education at home.

These short, 30-minute webinars are delivered online via Zoom, where Brook’s experienced staff provide support and practical guidance on how to start conversations and navigate potentially tricky topics at home, such as consent, online safety and healthy relationships.

Vacancy

Caretaker - Closing date 21 July

Start of Term Dates for September - Reminder

First day for students who are transferring from other schools to Year 12 at AHS - Wednesday 3 September

First day for Year 7 and ALL Year 12 students ONLY - Thursday 4 September 

All students return to AHS - Friday 5 September.

Wishing all well for a very happy summer.  As ever, thanks for your much appreciated support for our School during the past year.

Marieke Forster