Wow, what a week we have had! We were delighted to take so many students to the Rose Theatre in Kingston to see their production of Cinderella this week, and to see how much the students enjoyed the show was a real highlight. The show was an update on the classic tale, where ‘Ella’ goes from feeling like a scullery maid for being asked to help with her new twin stepsisters, to understanding that family is all that matters around Christmas time, and that everyone is just trying their best. We loved seeing the students laugh, clap along, and even get special interactions from the cast at the end, and we hope they came home full of Christmas cheer.

Plans have also been underway for next week’s House Netball, and for the Christmas concert, where I believe a choir of some 120 students will be taking the stage! Having popped into rehearsals, we know how hard they have been working to perfect their performance, and that it will be a wonderful sight on the night.

It may be helpful to know that in PDC this half term, we have been helping students to learn how to protect themselves and others, both in the community and online. This is especially important now that many of them will be travelling in the dark, and because lots of them will be using social media to stay in touch.

When it comes to staying safe when out and about, we have given Y7 students our top tips, which you can see in the lesson slide below. When it comes to online safety, we spoke at length about age restrictions, and how most social media apps are not recommended for those under 13 years of age, for data protection reasons. The exception to this is WhatsApp, which is not recommended for those under the age of 16 – despite the fact it may be the app that we use the most to stay in touch. While we do not wish to demonise these apps, which students get a lot of enjoyment from, our conversations in lessons aim to make them aware that they may have permission to use technology designed for children older than they are, and so parental guidance in using it isn’t just necessary, it’s encouraged!

🏆 WEEKLY WINS 🏆

7CX: Rose T and Katie M participated in a dance show; Amelia H completed her martial arts graduation; Courtney MF medalled at Cheer; and Anjni N completed a T60 at swimming.

7CY: Eloise C hand-made beautiful Christmas decorations for our classroom!

7EX: the form group were supportive of the actors when watching Cinderella; Hannah R got put on the ‘goodie good’ list in English and Caoimhe P and Robyn P took part in a netball tournament.

7EY: Imogen C did her front somersault on floor; Ellie S got the lead role of Santa in her theatre school show; Rosie K completed her First Aid qualification in Air Cadets; Amelia C scored two goals in her football match in her new team and Emilie V did her back layout on trampoline.

7MY: there was lots of festive cheer at the theatre; Eliza G came second out of the girls in cross country; Vinnie C played in the Brighton U13s Girls’ Football Team and Grace E can now do a standing back handspring on a tumble track.

7PX: We represented our school very well in Kingston on a school trip to watch Cinderella.

7PY: Darcey C got into Leatherhead and Dorking Gym Club; Elizabeth D managed her back tuck and Luci W won her horse-riding competition! Well done one and all!

Despite the wet and gloomy weather this week, Year 8 have continued to shine, showing enthusiasm, excitement, and courageous confidence in all their lessons. It was a privilege to see this in action with 8MX in History, in which Lia R and Serena A shared mature and thought-provoking ideas about Plantation. Meanwhile, 8PX impressed me in Art with Mrs Dacey, carefully sketching detailed eye portraits and developing their shading techniques - a special shoutout to Edie K, truly an artist in the making!

On Tuesday, our new Senior Prefect Team inspired us with their vision for improving student experience, including their commitment to ensuring everyone has a joyful journey through school. They also launched their first Epsom Pantry drive ahead of the Christmas break to support families in need. It was wonderful to hear about the opportunities available for Year 8 to get involved as Junior Ambassadors - be brave, Year 8, and sign up! This is a fantastic chance to showcase your leadership skills.

Looking ahead, next week brings us House Netball, a brilliant opportunity to represent your house, earn points, and embrace your competitive spirit. We will also come together for our Celebration Assembly, where I look forward to recognising the dedication, hard work, and achievements of our wonderful Year 8 students.

🏆 WEEKLY WINS 🏆

8CX: Arlia P was accepted into the National Youth Choir. Well done, Arlia!

8CY: Mrs White has noted the improvement of the form group in History. Great job guys!

8EX: Riya R and Lucy G have been remarkable members within the form group by supporting other students or for cheering everyone up!

8EY: for being proud of their musical performances on the keyboards during their music lessons.

8MX: for helping each other become more organised, often reminding each other of what equipment they need to have ahead of the day! It has become such a supportive atmosphere!

8MY: Hannah S received a merit in her grade 4 piano exam last week and Lauren H supported some fellow form-mates with their Maths homework! 

8PX: for the amazing effort from the 14 students who have no demerits! Their determination, focus and drive has really paid off!

8PY: the form group was absolutely mesmerised by Yan Tung L's amazing piano performance in Music.

It has been a privilege to drop into Year 9 lessons this week and see the hard work continue. From brave and mature presentations in Business Studies to creative festive baking in Food, Nutrition and Preparation, Year 9 are applying themselves with dedication and commitment – well done Year 9!

In assembly this week, we were introduced to our two new Head Girls and the rest of the Year 12 Senior Prefect Team, who shared their vision and goals for the school this academic year. It was inspiring to hear their plans and values, and how they would love Year 9 to get involved in the school community, including the chance to apply to be part of the Junior Leadership Team. Be bold, Year 9, and sign up!

We are preparing for a busy week ahead. On Wednesday, students who have signed up for House Netball will have another opportunity to work as a team in their forms and earn points for their house – good luck to all playing! Many students are also busy practising and rehearsing at lunchtimes and after school for the much-anticipated Christmas Concert on Thursday evening. We can’t wait for this exciting event and to hear some beautiful festive music!

Finally, a reminder to please check that your daughter has packed her blazer each morning. It needs to be worn under her coat on arrival and throughout all lessons.

 
⭐ STARS OF THE WEEK ⭐

9CX: Yube C - for showing kindness to everyone and for always starting the day with a positive attitude and a smile.

9CY: Georgia J - for her lovely reading during form time.

9EX: Hannah L - for achieving 50 points for Civic Responsibility and Intellectual Curiousity.

9EY: Sienna W - for her positive attitude, resilience and integrity.

9MX: Bonnie B - for her positive attitude, attendance throughout this term, accumulation of merits and for being such a good friend.

9MY: Isla R - for all the points she has earnt this half term - putting her on top of the form's leaderboard.

9PX: Amelia T - for the intellectual curiosity she has shown over the past week.

9PY: Sofia D - for her positive attitude and for always smiling and doing the right things.

We’re into the home stretch now of this half term, with just two weeks remaining, and while December normally brings enough excitement by itself, a highlight of mine this week was our assembly yesterday led by the new Senior Prefect Team. While it is always a pleasure to hear about the goals and vision of the new SPT, I was most excited about the opportunity this presents for Year 10. Our Year 12s spoke about the new positions that Year 10 can apply for to help with the leadership of the school: Junior Prefect, Junior Ambassador and Wellbeing Ambassador.

As I always say, Year 10 are an exceptional year group, with the potential to be incredible leaders, so I implore any Year 10 who is interested in developing these skills to make an application. Please do speak with your daughter at home about this and encourage her to take the brave next steps. It may seem far away, but in two years’ time the current Year 10 will be our new Head Girls and Prefect Team, and this could be the platform that propels them towards that!

Next week will undoubtedly be one of joy. We have our Christmas Concert on Thursday, with a record number of students performing, as well as our (early) Celebration Assembly. I am very eager to celebrate the accomplishments this year group have achieved over the past half term.

Finally, please could I ask that you ensure your daughter is fully prepared for her day at school, with correct uniform, equipment and homework. Whilst it is normal for a bit of lethargy to creep in as the days get shorter, we really want to ensure that standards remain as high as always.

Have a great weekend.

⭐ STARS OF THE WEEK ⭐

10CX: Abi H - for her impressive approach to revision this week.

10CY: Katherine T - for a beautiful piano performance at the Year 10 Music concert last week and for producing some great revision resources during form time.

10EX: Maisy R - for representing Team GB Gymnastics in Italy and achieving 2nd place.

10EY: Rosie H and India E – for their dedication and hard work in their studies each week.

10MX: Olivia B - for being wonderfully polite and delightful in form time, for always greeting everyone with a smile, contributing positively, and for maintaining 100% attendance.

10MY: Madiha S and Teni S - for their excellent revision resources for the English assessment.

10PY: Katana R-E, Betty V and Imogen D - for their wonderful performances in the Year 10 concert - we are so proud of you!

It was lovely to see so many of you at our Parents’ Evening yesterday. I know that some of you arrived feeling a little anxious after seeing the reports and exam result data this week, but it was heartening to see and hear how positive you felt when leaving, having discussed the steps your daughter needs to take to improve and the support she will be receiving.

Similarly, in my assembly message this morning, I reminded students that these are just mocks—a test of what they can remember so far—and that we still have time until the summer of 2026. That said, it can feel disheartening when students have worked hard on an assessment and the results don’t reflect this, or when peers are celebrating and we don’t feel like joining in.

My message was clear:

“Popcorn is prepared in the same pot, in the same heat, and the same oil, yet the kernels do not all pop at the same time. Do not compare yourself to others. Your turn to pop is coming.”

The Year 11 team is so proud of what our students have achieved. For some, this may have been a wake-up call about how much work is expected outside of the classroom, but together we can achieve—and dare I say it—have fun along the way!

During form time next week, we will support students in reflecting on their mock data and setting SMART goals. Please do discuss this at home so you can be part of the journey.

Finally, a reminder that our Year 11 Study Hub runs every Wednesday from 3.00pm to 4.00pm in OK1, providing a quiet space for students to work.

Have a lovely weekend.

The Sixth Form areas have been transformed into a festive Christmas wonderland! There are two ways you can get involved and spread the Christmas spirit:

1. Christmas Kindness Slips

Please complete a kindness slip for any Sixth Form student or member of staff. Once collected, these will be sorted and distributed. It only takes a moment to write, but it will mean a lot to the person who receives it.

2. Christmas Donations

We are collecting donations for Epsom Pantry – Your Local Pantry. Suggested items include:

• Tinned soups, fruit, vegetables, beans and pulses

• Pasta, rice and pasta sauces

• Long-life milk, cereal, cooking oil

• Tea, coffee, biscuits

• Tinned meat or fish, long-life juice

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste)

• Period products

Donation boxes are located outside Mr Phillips’ office and the HOYs office upstairs.

Year 13 – Post-Mock Advice

Mock exams have now come to an end, and we are looking forward to having Year 13 back in the building! Teachers will be marking and returning papers with percentages only, along with clear action points. A report will be sent to parents shortly, providing an update on progress and summer forecasts. There is still time to make changes, and the Year 13 Parents’ Evening in January will outline next steps. If you have any concerns, please contact your daughter’s tutor or myself.

Advice from Mr Phillips – What Happens Next?

Hopefully, you can see lots of success in your mocks. Inevitably, many of you will want to do even better—whether in the public exams next term for vocational qualifications or in the second set of mocks and final exams in the summer. What happens next is up to you:

• Complete the tasks set before Parents’ Evening next term.

• Build a revision timetable starting now.

• Try the ideas staff suggest—if what you’ve been doing hasn’t worked, it’s time to try something different.

• Don’t waste time feeling sad; use your energy to make positive changes. The most powerful person in your life… is you.

Year 12 – January Assessments

Assessments will take place in lessons from Monday 6 January to Monday 13 January 2026. These will cover work completed so far. For vocational subjects, public exams may carry more weight. Some subjects may combine assessments for both teachers, while others may set separate tasks. Please speak with your subject teacher to clarify expectations.

ePraise Highlights:

• Well done to Marta N 13OJM for achieving 206 points so far this term.

• Congratulations to Jess K 12TEA and Genevieve 12ELR for achieving over 160 points this term.