Horsenden Primary School

Message from the Headteacher

There is something truly special about the start of a new school year – a fresh chapter waiting to be written – and already, our children are off to a brilliant start.

Whether your child is returning to familiar faces and routines or stepping into Horsenden for the very first time, I’d like to extend the warmest of welcomes back to all our families. I am incredibly proud of how quickly the children have settled – showing focus in their learning, care in their friendships, and a real sense of pride in being part of our school community. It is a joy to see.

At the same time, I want to acknowledge that the start of this term has brought sadness for many, following the death of our much-loved colleague, Mrs Gilani. Her kindness, wisdom and dedication touched the lives of so many children and staff here. She will be deeply missed, and we continue to hold her family in our thoughts.

This term, we also welcome several new members of staff who have already begun making a positive difference to our school. We’re delighted to have:

Miss Page – Year 4 Teacher
Mr Thomas – Year 5 Teacher
Mr Lewis – PE Specialist
Miss Cox – HLTA, Nursery
Miss Rahman – TA, Nursery
Mrs Aarabi – TA, Reception
Mrs Charles-Cherry – TA, Reception
Miss Ali, Miss Khan and Miss Neave – Specialist SEN Support

Please do say hello if you see them around the school – we know you’ll make them feel just as welcome as you always do.

Thank you once again for your support, your kind messages, and for preparing your children so well for the year ahead. We’re looking forward to a positive, productive and enriching year of learning together.

Dates for your Diary

See the bottom of the 'Updates' page for more details about upcoming diary events!

Remembering Mrs Gilani

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Mrs Gilani, who was a much-loved and dedicated member of staff at Horsenden for over 10 years. She touched the lives of so many children, families and colleagues with her kindness, care and quiet strength, and she will be greatly missed.

As a school community, we want to honour her memory together. A Book of Condolence is available in the school office foyer, and we warmly invite parents and carers to write a message, memory or reflection. This will form part of a lasting tribute to Mrs Gilani.

On Wednesday 10th September, children in Years 2 to 6 will attend a special memorial assembly. During this time, pupils will be invited to contribute to a memory box by placing inside it their cards, pictures or written memories of Mrs Gilani.

We hope these acts of remembrance will bring comfort to her family and to all of us who knew her, while also celebrating the lasting difference she made in our school community.

Meet the Teacher Sessions

Please come along to our Meet the Teacher sessions on Wednesday 10th September. These will take place in your child’s classroom and are a valuable opportunity to find out more about the year ahead.

There will be a choice of two sessions:

· 3.30pm – 4.00pm

· 5.00pm – 5.30pm

During the meeting, your child’s teacher will share information about the curriculum, routines and expectations for the year. There will also be time to ask any questions you may have.

If you have children in more than one year group, you are welcome to attend one class at the first session and another at the second session. Please don't worry if you can't attend as all information will be available on your child's year group webpage after the sessions.

We look forward to seeing you there and working together to ensure a successful year for your child.

Summer Home Learning Project

A huge well done to all the children who took part in our Summer Home Learning Project! We’ve been so impressed by the creativity, effort and imagination that went into your work.

Here are some fantastic examples of the ‘Story in a Bottle’ creations. Each bottle represents a different book or story – can you work out which ones they are? Take a closer look and see if you can guess!

PE & Swimming

PE and swimming lessons begin next week!

If your child is in Year 1 to 6, please refer to your letter emailed to you this week outlining the days and times for your child’s sessions.

Reception children will be notified separately about their PE arrangments.

On PE days, children should arrive at school in their PE kit and will remain in it for the day.

For swimming lessons in years 3, 4 and 5, please remember to pack a swimming costume, towel, and a swim cap if your child has long hair, on your swimming day. Being prepared ensures every child can fully take part.

Please also remember to NAME YOUR UNIFORM, KITS and ITEMS. That way we can get any lost items back to the right child quickly. Many thanks for your co-operation.

Autumn Clubs - FEW SPACES AVAILABLE

Our Autumn Term After-School Clubs start week commencing Monday 8th September 2025, with most running for 13 weeks (excluding half-term week of 27th October).

New clubs this term are Magical Maths (from 24th Sept) and Choir for KS1 & KS2 plus Paint Through Music with our very own Music Tutor, Miss Monti. These will run alongside our other clubs Multisports, Lego, Fashion Design, Cooking, Chess, Tennis, Dodgeball, Football and Pilates/Yoga.

Key Info:

Clubs run 3:20–4:20 pm (children escorted from class)
To collect: enter at Horsenden Lane North gate (NO ON-SITE PARKING)
First-come, first-served
Booking links and prices are in the letter emailed to you in July. You can also download a copy from our website.

Year 6 - Applying to high school

It’s time to start thinking about your Year 6 child’s high school application.

High school tours and open days take place in September and October. Please download the High School Prospectus from our High School page here for the full list of Ealing schools and their tour dates, and how to apply.

For Brent and Harrow high school tours and information, please check their council websites (Brent – click here, Harrow – click here).

The prospectus also has lots of information about how to apply and admissions criteria for each Ealing school.

Applications must be submitted by 31st October. You must apply to your local council you live in, no matter where the school is located. Before applying, we strongly recommend attending our Apply for High School Parent Information Session on Tuesday 30th September at 5pm in the main school hall.

For any queries please call the Office team on: 0208 8422 5985 or email us at admin@horsenden.ealing.sch.uk

or visit our website at: https://www.horsenden.ealing.sch.uk/

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