“Every Student Thriving”
Embedded Files
Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
I recently delivered an assembly to Year 11 regarding how precious 'Time' is to us all. Once passed we cannot get it back. The assembly explored how the productive use of time is like depositing cash into a high interest account : it pays dividends. Time well spent will pay you back. This, of course, was related to the constructive use of time on the run up to examinations. It's a tough gig for today's young people as they are faced with a daily tsunami of distractions that are competing for their attention and therefore their time. It affects us all. I overheard a member of staff the other day who had become annoyed as the night before they had 'doom scrolled' for two hours - time they could not reclaim. Managing these distractions will be another assembly theme for year 11 that I will be delivering in the near future. However, as winter gives way to spring it is a salient reminder, as J.R. Tolkien pointed out through the wisdom of Gandalf that, 'all we have to decide is what to do with time that is given us.'
Attendance
Attendance
Here at John Colet, we know that every day at school makes a difference. Regular attendance supports students’ learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging, helping them build strong routines and stay engaged in their learning.
Ideally, students should aim to achieve 96% attendance. This means they are at school almost every day, giving them the best possible opportunity to succeed both academically and socially. This level of attendance helps students to:
Stay on track with learning and feel confident in class
Build strong relationships with teachers and peers
Develop positive habits that support lifelong success
Every day at school counts, and even small improvements in attendance make a meaningful difference over time.
Celebrating Effort and Improvement
We understand that families may face different challenges, and we value the effort parents and carers make to support regular attendance. Our approach is focused on:
Celebrating excellent and improving attendance, including our challenge weeks with raffles and prizes, reward points for weekly 100% attendance, and certificates for full and improved attendance.
Recognising students who make positive changes through reward points and emails home
Supporting families early when challenges arise on an individual basis.
We believe attendance improves most when students feel supported, welcomed, and motivated to come to school each day.
How Families Can Support Our 96% Goal
Families play a vital role in helping students achieve their very best, and you can support attendance by:
Maintaining consistent morning and evening routines
Encouraging attendance whenever children are well enough
Planning appointments outside school hours where possible. Please note, we are unable to authorise routine optician appointments during the school day as appointments are widely available outside of school hours. We kindly ask that all routine appointments, including dental checkups and non urgent medical appointments be made after school or during the holidays.
Communicating with the school if concerns or barriers arise
By working together toward our 96% attendance target, we can give every student the best chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Please do make contact with us, or their form tutor should we be able to support in any way.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Di and Natalie, the Attendance Team
Mobile Phone Policy - 'no use, no see no hear' from gate to gate.
Mobile Phone Policy - 'no use, no see no hear' from gate to gate.
From September 2025 mobiles phones policy update: This is an area of interesting contention. Last year we moved to a ‘gate to gate’ system. The students responded to this incredibly well. Nearly all major issues were reduced. Next year we will go one step further and require that phones are off and in bags as well. Young people need to learn to be disciplined and the vast majority of our students are excellent. I therefore feel that those students who are self-disciplined should be acknowledged and respected as they will follow the rules. It is now about ensuring the very small percentage of students who are left learn to ‘switch off and bag up’.
During school hours, should you need to contact your child please telephone the School Office and we will get a message to them. Alternatively if a student needs to contact their parent/carer they should go to the Student Support office or School Office to ask them to contact home on the students behalf.
Unfortunately, at times parents try to contact students directly which causes their phone to go off during lessons - this results in the student having their phone confiscated as per our school policy and it will be a parent/carer that will have to pick the mobile phone up from the School Office. If you are unable to collect the phone please arrange for a family member, or responsible adult to collect it on your behalf. Students will not be able to pick up their phone themselves under any circumstance. A number of students have raised the issue of having to use their phone to pay for transport home. If this is the case the student needs to come and speak to the School Office. We will arrange for a loan which will need to be reimbursed the next day.
ART
ART
Here are some pictures of lino prints by Year 9 Art Students - Heidi, Arthur, Betsy, Thomas and Layla.
Also some wall hangings by Year 7 Textiles students - Amelia, Brooklyn and Rares.
Homework Club
Homework Club
Reminder that Homework club which runs everyday after school until 3:50pm
At John Colet school we now have a thriving chess club. Some of our students undertook a tournament against the Tring school. Although narrowly defeated the students showed great commitment and sportsmanship. We look forward to our next tournament.
Some of our Year 8 and Year 9 students have been working with the Wendover Youth Centre to set up a football session at the youth centre. In preparation for this they delivered a fantastic football coaching session at Wendover Junior School to the students there. The session was enjoyed by all the students.
Forgotten items from Monday 3rd November 2025
Forgotten items from Monday 3rd November 2025
Following on from Mr Brierly's notification in Parent Briefing on Friday 17th October, students will receive a C1 for not being fully equipped if they require the office to call home for, or for parents to drop off forgotten items to the school office for either in school or after school activities. This includes PE kit, Chromebooks, homework, pencil cases etc. Certain exceptions will be made.
Robotics Club
Robotics Club
The Robotics Club continues to amaze and grow!
We have seen a growth in the number of students attending the Robotics club. Our intrepid inventors have been working away at this half term's challenge - the ALL TERRAIN Robot. Our challengers need to build a robot to beat the course being created by our Sixth Form Leaders, can they get over the hills and see-saws? We will update you during the next newsletter. Our plucky little club is really enthusiastic and has been building a range of different things including a robotic arm! (Photo attached) Jack B and one of the sixth formers have been coding it, and we are now at the point where it can pick up items.
We are also really grateful to Mr Jennings for his generous donation of lego! If you have any lego bits, particular gears and wheels, the John Colet Robotics Club would be incredibly grateful.
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
A busy start to the new term with a number of guest speakers.
We welcomed Wing Commander Black who spoke to students about his career in the RAF and his current role at UK Space Command.
Law
Law
Law continues to be a popular career choice for a number of our students so we were delighted to have Professor Paolini and Julie O'Shea
from the Law Faculty at University of Buckingham come to speak with our students about career paths in Law and studying Law.
Following this event we were invited to watch a mock trial taking place at the university. Our Year 12 students enjoyed watching law students take part in the trial as well as the opportunity to meet High Court Judges and barristers and find out about their career paths.
Psychology
Psychology
Our psychology students recently participated in an engaging workshop on psychological profiling, led by Dr. Scally. This interactive session provided students with valuable insights into the methodologies and real-world applications of profiling.
Gardening and Eco Update
Gardening and Eco Update
The gardening team have been busy working with Mrs Mengin to help fill the planters that she made. The planters have pride of place outside our hall.
Work Experience
Work Experience
We have our year 10 and 12 students out on work experience from 29th June to 3rd July, if you are able to offer a placement please email wex@johncolet.co.uk
We have activities and guest speakers already arranged for this year but we always like to hear from people outside of our school community. If you would like to come and speak to our students or know someone who would please email tsinacore@johncolet.co.uk. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has completed an apprenticeship or can talk about roles in construction, law, plumbing and heating, marketing and finance.
Rewards and Consequences
Rewards and Consequences
Year 7
It’s been a busy start to 2026 and Year 7 are raring to go!
Year 7
It’s been a busy start to 2026 and Year 7 are raring to go!
7C won last half term’s trophy “Gordon” and all the year group are now working towards showing that they are responsible for their learning.
Well done to Ava in 7A, Chloe in 7T, Mattia in 7G and Hazel in 7J for having over 300 R points since September, what a fantastic achievement!
The league table for R points for form groups is as follows:
7Z 6087
7G 5970
7J 5247
7A 5117
7C 4999
7T 4409
Well done 7Z.
It is also fantastic to see so many Year 7s signed up to be part of this year’s school production, I cannot wait to see it.
What a fantastic start to 2026, Year 7.
Year 8
The figures for this Half Term are in, and a whopping 8,257 R-Points have been awarded to Year 8 students! Whilst the overall rankings haven’t changed much, it’s great to see those figures shooting up:
Year 8
The figures for this Half Term are in, and a whopping 8,257 R-Points have been awarded to Year 8 students! Whilst the overall rankings haven’t changed much, it’s great to see those figures shooting up:
8C - 5030
8Z - 4943
8G - 4532
8T - 4428
8A - 4015
8J - 3754
As you can see, 8G have snuck up the list and overtaken 8T for the third place spot - well done Mr Brand’s form! Maintaining second is 8Z and Mrs Johnson, and only slightly ahead, but still at the top of the tree are Miss Smith’s 8C.
Considering attendance, I am very happy to see that we have a number of students in Year 8 who have made it this far through the year without missing any school days!
Well done to the following for your exemplary 100% attendance:
Dominic A, Jake B, Ben B, Jack Br, Oliver C, Oscar C, Quentin F, Charlie H, Ramona H, Jacob H, Freddie K, Max M, Mia M, Isabelle P, Emerae T, Bradley W and Mae W!
This is also an appropriate moment for me to thank Mrs Johnson as she prepares to leave us for pastures new. Thank you for your hard work and dedicated support with 8Z since they joined the school - I am sure they will miss you! Mrs Bradford will be taking over as 8Z’s form tutor from next Half Term.
Outside of school, it was wonderful to see some of our students in a Pantomime at Halton Camp this week. Various students, past and present, from different year groups were involved, including our very own Mia in 8Z. Well done all - you were marvellous!
Year 9
Year 9: A Fresh Start for a Big Year
Year 9
Year 9: A Fresh Start for a Big Year
As we progress through this half term, it is important to maintain the momentum built since January. This year marks the start of GCSE programs, bringing increased academic pressure. While the end of last term saw some challenges with behaviour and focus, this new calendar year offers a fresh start.
We are looking ahead with positivity. Now is the time to re-establish our core values of being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible, ensuring every student has the right environment to succeed in their new subjects.
Outstanding Attendance
Outstanding Attendance
A major highlight is our exceptional attendance. Your commitment to being in school daily is brilliant, and we are proud that our year group is currently outperforming national averages. Consistent attendance is vital for GCSE success; let’s maintain these high standards throughout the spring term!
Recognition Points Update
Recognition Points Update
Many of our students continue to work incredibly hard, reaching a massive 30,730 points collectively.
A huge well done to 9C for holding onto the top spot, and to 9Z for climbing into second place!
Let’s make this half term about momentum, maturity, and mutual respect. You have the potential to make this your most successful year yet. Let’s get to work!
Year 10
Year 10
As the half term draws to a close, it is wonderful to see 10T leading the way with Reward Points, with 10Z and 10A hot on their heels. Well done to everyone involved and remember, it is never too late for other forms to climb the leaderboard!
We are also delighted to welcome Rory Hutchings-Wells, Sienna Winter, and Mpho Muwishi to the school. We are so glad to have you join our community.
However, we do have a concern regarding the year group's attendance, which is currently the lowest in the school. Since the students are deep into their GCSE studies, being in class is more important than ever. We would appreciate it if you could discuss this with your child to ensure they are present and ready to learn.
When we return, the students will dive straight into their Year 10 exams. Please ensure they check the school website if a replacement timetable is needed.
Year 11
Year 11
A huge congratulations to our Year 11 students for their outstanding focus and effort. This year, the cohort has already amassed a staggering 21,845 recognition points, proving that their dedication to excellence is stronger than ever!
🥇 Year-to-Date Leaderboard
🥇 Year-to-Date Leaderboard
The consistency shown by our top-performing students across the whole year is truly inspiring. These individuals have set a fantastic standard for their peers:
Florence J (11C): 213 points
Isaac T (11C): 206 points
Tais de L (11G): 205 points
Alfred P-B (11C): 200 points
Lily T(11J): 193 points
The Form Group Standings
The Form Group Standings
The competition is heating up between the registration groups! 11C currently holds the crown, but the leadership board is incredibly close.
Rank Reg Group Total Points
1st 11C 3,692
2nd 11J 3,317
3rd 11G 3,186
4th 11TB 3,135
5th 11Z 3,074
6th 11A 2,935
7th 11TA 2,506
Well done, Year 11, keep up the brilliant momentum as we move through the term. You are setting a brilliant example for the rest of the school!
Year 12 and 13
There is quite a competition in Year 12 as the form totals are as close as they can be with just one R point separating 1st and 2nd place!
Year 12 and 13
There is quite a competition in Year 12 as the form totals are as close as they can be with just one R point separating 1st and 2nd place!
12AC 982
12GJ 1091
12TZ 1092
Top R points year to date for Millie K with 144, Ben D with 136 and Aimee F with 111.
In Year 13 the form totals are a little more spread out but still all classes are in contention!
13A 683
13B 781
13C 593
In the individual competition, Joely B leads the way with 88 but Ollie D is close by with 81. Closer still is Shayen P with 79.
It is wonderful to see the sixth form students collecting R points for a wide variety of activities. Well done!
Year 7 - Enrichment Week 2026 - Activities
Year 8 - Enrichment Week 2026 - Activities
Year 9 - Enrichment Week 2026 - Activities
Remember to sign up your child before the deadline passes. The letters for all trips have been emailed home.
PE Department
PE Department
The U12s Girls' football team make John Colet School History
The U12s Girls' football team make John Colet School History
After producing a superb performance to defeat Dr Challoner’s High School 3-2 in the semi-final of the County Cup the girls have secured a place in the final. We are incredibly proud of all the girls for their effort,determination and teamwork. What a performance!
The date of the final will be confirmed soon…
U13 Schools Indoor Cricket Competition
U13 Schools Indoor Cricket Competition
The first bit of cricket of the year started for the year ⅞ girls taking part in the ECB U13 Schools Indoor Cricket Competition 2026. With 3 teams finishing joint top, it came down to runs scored and although Colet had the fewest runs of the 3 teams, they can be so proud of finishing 3rd and being the only team to beat the event winners.
U15s Indoor Cricket Competition
U15s Indoor Cricket Competition
The U15s also participated in the ECB Schools Indoor Cricket Competition. The competition consisted of 4 teams with each containing several county players for the Colet girls to challenge themselves against. Despite losing their opening game to the eventual winners, Colet went on to win the next 2 games, finishing in 2nd place.
The new year has started with back to back wins for the John Colet School netball teams. Well done to all years for their continued hard work and team work!
Some more football action for the boys team this half term. Securing some great wins, teamwork and sportsmanship. The boys continue to represent John Colet School with fantastic individual and team performances during league games, cup games and friendlies.
Basketball success
Basketball success
We are incredibly proud to share some fantastic news from our sporting community. Evie in Year 9 has been selected to compete in the Inter-Regional Tournament, a key stage of the England Talent Pathway (ETP).
This prestigious tournament brings together the top 24 players from each region across the UK, all competing for a place in the Super Region Tournament, with the next step on the pathway towards Great Britain international selection.
This is a huge achievement and a testament to Evie’s hard work, dedication, and talent on the court. Congratulations, Evie! We can’t wait to hear how it all goes and wish you the very best of luck.
Got a sporting success story to share? Please email the details, along with a photo to Mrs Lark, Subject Team Lead for PE plark@johncolet.co.uk . We would love to celebrate and include your achievements in our newsletter.
Tooled Up
Tooled Up
If you haven’t signed up to ‘tooled up’ yet I urge you to. We subscribe to a library of resources for parents designed to boost children’s resilience, self-esteem and mental health to help them thrive throughout their educational journey and beyond.
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If you already have an account, simply log in here using your email address and password. If you forget your details, use the reset password function to reset your account.
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Once you are logged in, click on the Resources button in the top left corner to discover the vast library of evidence-based support at your fingertips
Spiced Cod One Pot Recipe
Spiced Cod One Pot Recipe
Fork biscuits recipe
Fork biscuits recipe
Early Help
Early Help
In Buckinghamshire, there is a wealth of support available for families within our community for a wide range of needs. Sometimes, it can be tricky knowing where to turn and what is available. The Family Centre Plus has a welcome desk where young people, families and parents can drop in and talk to someone between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Families will be supported to know what supports and services are available to help them with their needs as they emerge. The Family Centre is also contactable on 01296 383 293.If you would like any further information on Early Help support please do contact Mrs Pearcey- Student Engagement Coordinator on 01296623348.
Free School Meals
Free School Meals
If your circumstances have changed recently and you think you are eligible for free school meals please get in touch via pupilpremium@johncolet.co.uk and we can complete a simple check for you.
Lost Property
Lost Property
We have accumulated numerous items of unnamed lost property including coats, shoes, trainers, water bottles and school uniform etc. If you are missing any items, please ask your child to visit the school office, before or after school, or during break or lunch. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of each term.
Please name all items as this ensures that we can get them back to their rightful owner. Thank you.
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