Good afternoon,

We have come to the end of another very successful year at Great Gaddesden. Looking back over the year, there have been a wide range of trips, enriching experiences, Church services, community events and achievements that make our small school the special place it is. We were thrilled with our Ofsted Inspection in January which celebrated the continued journey of improvement at our school and where we were awarded the 'Green Light' in all areas and 'Strong' for Personal Development and Wellbeing. 

It continues to be privilege and honour to lead Great Gaddesden School. In my view, an effective, happy school is one where unity, belonging, team spirit and togetherness flourishes. I am also a firm believer that a leader is only as strong as their team and therefore I would like to give thanks to all of the staff for all they do every day to make Great Gaddesden a small school with a big heart that aims to provide a great start for all of our children.  Thank you to our governors for their ongoing support and passion as well as the Church for enriching the spiritual lives of us all. Thank you also to our parents and FOGGS for all of your support and kindness. On behalf of the staff, we are truly touched by the generosity and thoughtfulness from the gifts, cards and messages shared. 

Following this morning's Leavers Service, we would like to wish the best of luck to Scarlett, Amorie, Kiera, Phoebe, Jess,  Dolly, Leo, Guney, Joey and Rían the best of luck as they move on to Secondary School. We are so proud of them all and we know they will continue to grow and flourish. We also say a fond farewell to Mrs Aikman who has been our SENDCo for the last two years. We are thankful for all of her hard work and wish her the best of luck with her future endeavours. As per my previous communication, Mrs Curtis, who has shared the role with Mrs Aikman this term, will be our SENDCo from September and will be in school every Tuesday. 

Have a lovely Summer Holiday and see you all on 3rd September.

Kind regards,

Mr M. Beach

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we come to the end of another school year, I would like to say how proud the Governors have been of everything the school has achieved this year.

There have been lots of highlights, but one of the most significant was the return of Ofsted in January. We were delighted with the outcome, which recognised the hard work, dedication and high standards that are a part of everyday life at our school.

As Governors, we have enjoyed hearing about all that has been happening throughout the year, from classroom learning and church services to school trips and the many other opportunities our children have taken part in. What always stands out is the enthusiasm and kindness shown by the children.

A huge thank you to all the staff for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. Their energy and dedication make Great Gaddesden the special place that it is. I would also like to thank Mr Beach for his leadership. Although he has only been with us for two years, he already feels firmly part of the Great Gaddesden community, and his positive impact on the school is clear to see.

Finally, thank you to all our parents and carers for your continued support throughout the year. The strong sense of community around the school is one of Great Gaddesden's greatest strengths.

On behalf of the Governing Body, I wish everyone a wonderful summer break. We hope you have the chance to relax, recharge and enjoy some well-deserved time with family and friends, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in September.

Best wishes,

Mrs S. Pugh

Chair of Governors

On Tuesday, we had our annual Maypole and Country Dancing display. The children all did brilliantly and I would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Pryke for coordinating this event, teaching the children the routines and making this village school tradition an ongoing special treat. 

This morning, we had our annual Leavers Service. 

Our Year 6 children shared their special memories of Great Gaddesden, sang their hearts out and reflected on their time at our school and looking ahead to their next steps. It was an emotional service and we are very proud of them all. 

Thank you to Mrs Woodward for leading the reflection and to Mrs Tisbury for the special message she sent in to the children. 

Please add the term dates for next year to your diaries to support the planning of holidays. In line with our Attendance Policy and statutory guidance from the Department for Education, we are unable to authorise term time holidays.

Autumn Term

• 1st & 2nd September INSET Days (School Closed for Pupils)

• 3rd September - Term Starts for all Pupils

• w.c 26th October- Half Term

• 18th December- Term Ends for all Pupils @1:30pm

Spring Term

• 4th January- INSET Day (School Closed for Pupils)

• 5th January- Term Starts for all Pupils

• w.c 15th February- Half Term

• 25th March - Term Ends for all Pupils @1:30pm

Summer Term

• 12th April 2027-  Term Starts for all Pupils

• 3rd May- May Day Bank Holiday (School Closed)

• 28th May INSET Day (School Closed for Pupils)

• w.c 31st May- Half Term

• 20th July- Term Ends for all Pupils @1:30pm

• 21st July- INSET day (School Closed for Pupils)

• 22nd July - Occasional Day (School Closed)

From September 2026, the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals (FSM) will be changing. From the start of the new school year, all parents/carers who are in receipt of Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of the amount received.

Applying takes around 5 minutes, and you will need your National Insurance number. Applications can be made using the following link: Free school meals and other benefits | Hertfordshire County Council

There is no requirement for pupils who are already receiving Free School Meals to re-apply (unless your child is in currently in Year 2). Applications for the new school year can be made from 3rd June. We encourage you to apply even if you have previously been told you were not eligible. Not only will your child receive a hot, nutritious meal at lunchtime, but the school could also receive additional funding to support pupils.

If you require any further information or support with your application, please contact the office.