HEADTEACHER'S BLOG - 12th SepteMber 2025

Attendance Message

From Mrs Greatrix, Vice Principal

HOW DO WE DO IT?

In a time where we are hearing more and more about low attendance in schools, here at Lordswood Boys' School, we continue to buck the attendance trend! 📈

We are delighted to report that our students have happily returned to school following the summer break. How do we know this? Well, our daily attendance information tells us that almost 97% of students attended school this week and as our school numbers continue to increase, that means even more students hear our message that 'every day in school counts'. ⏱️

Our FREE bagel🥯 breakfast in school each morning is a great success and students come into school early to socialise together. Being around teachers and friends in a school environment is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential. Time in school also keeps children safe and provides them with access to extra-curricular opportunities and pastoral care from the staff.   

Our students know that even one or two days missed can impact their future success; did you know that Year 11 students with near perfect attendance are almost twice as likely to achieve a grade 5 in Maths and English? Research published by the Department for Education shows that if students are persistently absent, by the age of 28, they could be earning up to £10,000 LESS than someone who had good attendance in school. 💰

We understand just how important our work with parents/carers is and your son now has the support of our newly appointed Attendance Officer, Miss Edwards, 🏫 meaning that you now have even greater access to support from us to help your son maintain or improve his attendance during this year. 

We look forward to celebrating even more attendance success stories 🎉 with you through the blog this year. Your support and cooperation plays such an important part in your son's education and makes a real difference when it comes to his progress and future success. 

For more information about how you can help your son reach his potential, visit The Education Hub 🌐or contact our Attendance Officer in school attendance@lordswoodboys.co.uk 📧

🌟 Making a Difference Every Day: Academic Support & Well-Being Team Update 🌟 

Our Academic Support and Well-Being Managers have already made a fantastic impact this term, and it’s clear just how much they are valued by our students. Whether it’s being a friendly presence at lunch, supporting in lessons, joining Literacy Time, welcoming new Year 7s who may be feeling a little unsure, or organising trackers, coffee mornings, and lunchtime clubs, their efforts are making a real difference. 🙌

It has been wonderful to see the positive influence they are having across the school, and we are so grateful for the energy, care, and commitment they bring each day. 💛

They are even having the opportunity to show off their hidden FIFA skills 🎮⚽ as they enter the Yellow 'Inclusion' Corridor in school.

A huge thank you to the team for everything you’re doing to support our students’ well-being and success.

Literacy Highlights

From Ms Russell, Assistant Principal

The Lordswood Publishing House

A HUGE congratulations to Jeron in Year 8 who is soon be a published author! 

Jeron took part in the Publishing House last year as part of Peak Performance and submitted his entry to the Young Writers' competition 'Grimm Tales'. 

His story has been chosen to be featured in a published anthology with other students across the country & we are so proud!

Personal Development Updates

From Ms Sandhu, Assistant Principal

Welcome to the beginning of a new academic year, a fresh chapter filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. As we embark on this journey, I encourage you to fully embrace our Autumn term virtues that will guide you not only in your studies but throughout your lives: leadership and respect.

Leadership is not just about holding positions of authority; it is about inspiring others through your actions, taking responsibility, and showing courage in the face of challenges. Each of you has the potential to lead by example, whether in the classroom, on the courts, or within your community. True leaders uplift others, listen with empathy, and strive for excellence while remaining humble.

Equally important is the virtue of respect, respect for yourselves, for your peers, for your teachers, and for the diverse ideas and cultures that enrich our learning environment. When we show respect, we create a safe and supportive space where everyone feels valued and empowered to share their unique voices.

As we step into this academic year together, let us commit to cultivating these virtues. Let us lead with integrity and act with respect, building a community that thrives on kindness, collaboration, and mutual understanding.

I wish each of you a successful and fulfilling year ahead. May you grow not only in knowledge but also in character.

Welcome back, and let’s make this year extraordinary!

Safeguarding Updates

From Mrs Metcalfe-Molinari, Assistant Principal

September is always a busy time of year in school; full of excitement and anticipation as students transition to their new classes.  Whilst this is an opportunity for fresh starts and new challenges for our young people, many will be feeling anxious and apprehensive.

The NSPCC offers lots of advice and support for students of all ages who are worried about returning to school.  Their recent article: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/news-opinion/2025/childline-expecting-increase-in-contacts-from-children-with-concerns-about-going-back-to-school/ shares lots of support and advice to help students navigate this.  There is also a helpful section for parents, with plenty of tips on what you can do to help.

In school we encourage students to share their worries or concerns with their Literacy Tutor or Head of Year, or any other trusted member of staff.  The non-teaching Safeguarding Team are also available every day and offer students a safe space and support.  Students who might find it difficult to share their anxieties face to face are encouraged to interact with the Wellbeing section of Class Charts, where they can share how they are feeling using the emojis.  This will prompt a wellbeing check in with their Head of Year so that appropriate signposting and support can be put in place.

We recognise that when students feel happy and supported they thrive and we are here to ensure that every boy can achieve his full potential.

💥 Game On: Launching Our New LBS Sports Provision! 💥 

We are delighted to launch our new LBS Sports Provision Schedule. If you have any questions please come and speak to a PE member of staff who will be happy to support. 

Sport fixtures and training schedules 

⚽ Year 7 Football Trials  ⚽

Last night we hosted our Year 7 Football Trials, and what an amazing evening it was! 🎉

We were delighted to see over 60 students take part — such a fantastic turnout. The effort, enthusiasm, and talent on display were brilliant 👏.

Mr Noble and Mr Cutler were really impressed with the players’ attitude, commitment, and quality throughout the trials. 🌟

The provisional squad will be announced soon 📝 — well done to everyone who came along and gave it their all. We’re really excited for the season ahead! 💪⚽

⚽Year 8 Football Training ☀️

This week saw the Year 8 Footballers back in action with their first session of the year 💪.

Under the guidance of Mr Badu, the team worked hard through a series of SAQ drills and ball mastery exercises 🔥. The focus, energy, and determination on display were fantastic to see! 👏

With their first fixture of the year coming up next week, the squad is already showing great promise — we can’t wait to see them put their hard work into action on the pitch! ⚡⚽