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June 2026

The end of the school year is always an incredibly busy time, and it can be easy to overlook the importance of taking a moment to pause and reflect. It is a valuable opportunity to celebrate achievements and recognise the progress that has been made throughout the year.

As I have been reading the children's reports, I have found myself reflecting on the year gone by. It has been a delight to read about their progress, how much they have enjoyed school this year, and to learn more about the individual qualities that make each child so special and unique. It has certainly been a year filled with wonderful opportunities and memorable experiences. From visits and residential trips to visitors in school, as well as productions and performances, there has been so much to celebrate.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their hard work, commitment and dedication throughout the year. Their efforts have helped to create the many opportunities and experiences that our children have enjoyed.

However, whilst the end of the year is a time to reflect, it is also a time when we naturally begin looking ahead and with that, comes change.

There are many changes ahead for our children as they move to new classes, new year groups and, for our Year 6 pupils, new schools. There are also changes for our staff, with new classes and classrooms, and valued colleagues moving on to exciting new roles and adventures.

Whilst change can sometimes feel challenging, it is through new experiences that we grow, learn and develop. While some aspects of the year ahead may feel exciting and others may feel a little daunting, change is a natural and important part of life.

As we look ahead to September, there will also be some changes within our staff team. We will be saying goodbye to valued colleagues who have contributed so much to our school and welcoming new members of staff to our community. I would like to particularly thank those colleagues who are leaving us and wish them every success and happiness as they begin a new chapter.

We still have some wonderful events to look forward to before the end of term, including our Awards Assembly and Leavers' Assembly, which provide a fitting opportunity to celebrate all that has been achieved this year and to say farewell to our Year 6 pupils as they begin the next stage of their journey.

As the school year comes to a close, I would like to wish everyone a happy and restful summer holiday. I look forward to seeing some of the children at our Food and Fun sessions over the summer and to welcoming everyone back in September for another exciting year ahead.

Dr. Sarjeant

Attendance & Punctuality

Regular attendance at school is a priority which will in turn provide pupils with the best possible chances in life to succeed and to achieve their goals. Punctuality is also a legal requirement and pupils must attend on time. Persistent lateness has a detrimental effect on a child’s learning and also disrupts other pupils within the class and throughout the school.

We have seen an increase in lates recently. Please be reminded that if a child arrives after 9:00, and therefore enters through the main office, a late slip must be completed. This is due to safeguarding reasons - we need to have accurate records of which children are on-site at all times. Please do not allow children to enter the building via the main office without a member of staff being aware and a late slip being handed in.

Many thanks for your continued support and cooperation with this vital aspect of school life.

School ESSENTIALS GRANT

The School Essentials Grant will open on 1 July 2026. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.wales/school-essentials-grant-help-school-costs
If you think you may be eligible, please contact the office in person or via admin.pencoedps@bridgend.cymru

Who is eligible?
Families with children in reception to year 11 on lower incomes and who get certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance) can apply for £125 per child and extra funding for your school. All children in local authority care also qualify for the grant.

The School Essentials Grant can help cover the costs of:

school uniform, including coats and shoes
school activities, including learning a musical instrument, sports kit and other equipment for after school activities
classroom essentials, including pens, pencils and school bags
IT equipment
uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to: scouts, guides, cadets, martial arts, sports, performing arts, or dance

If you have any queries contact the school office.

transition arrangements

Please see key dates and information regarding upcoming transition arrangements.

10th July (AM) and 16th July (PM) Transition sessions in new classes - more info to follow
10th July - Parents will be informed of their child’s new class teacher via Dojo. Photos of all teachers will also be shared.
10th July - ‘All about my child’ activity to be shared with parents electronically
W/b 13th July - New classes to be created on Class Dojo
16th July - Reports shared with parents via Dojo

Our current year 6 pupils have separate transition to Pencoed Comprehensive on Thursday 2nd July.

Staffing update

Mrs Williams

It is with a mixture of sadness and immense gratitude that we announce Mrs Williams will be leaving us at the end of the school year, following an incredible 31 years of dedication to PPS.

Mrs Williams originally started her career at PPS as a newly qualified teacher long before our current school building was even a thought! Over more than three decades, she has been instrumental in championing Music and the Expressive Arts, bringing endless creativity and joy to generations of pupils.

Her unwavering commitment and warmth will be deeply missed by the entire school community. We thank her for everything and wish her the absolute best as she embarks on an exciting new career change!

Mrs Maund

We are also delighted to congratulate Mrs Maund on her recent acceptance onto the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) programme. As she embarks on a new school leadership opportunity, we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks for her 24 years of exceptional service at our school.

Throughout her time at PPS, Mrs Maund has made a lasting impact across many areas of school life, including the last five years of dedicated leadership as Acting Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. Having taught across the full age range, she has supported and inspired countless pupils, while building strong, positive relationships with staff, parents and families.

Thank you, Mrs Maund, for your commitment, professionalism and the lasting difference you have made to our school - We wish you every success in the next chapter of your career.

Mrs Pullen

We are also saying a heartfelt goodbye to Mrs Pullen, who is taking early retirement at the end of this school year after 18 wonderful years at PPS.

Mrs Pullen has supported countless pupils and staff across the entire school, working across both the LRC and mainstream classes. In recent years, she became a highly valued member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and has done an outstanding job as our Interventions Manager.

Her meticulous, conscientious approach to her work will be greatly missed, alongside her legendary, unwavering energy.

A special message from all of us: We wish you the absolute best with your early retirement, Mrs Pullen—please do actually try to rest and take it easy!

Mr Raymond

Having been with PPS for 12 years, Mr Raymond has been a cornerstone of our leadership team, serving as Assistant Head, Deputy Head, and most recently as Acting Headteacher. As previously shared, he is moving on to a prestigious national role as a His Majesty’s Inspector (HMI) with Estyn. While we will miss his incredible energy, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our pupils, we are immensely proud to see him take his expertise to a national level.

Thank you, Mr Raymond, for over a decade of brilliant leadership at PPS—we wish you every success across Wales!

Mrs Songhurst

We are also saying a very fond goodbye to Mrs Songhurst, who is leaving PPS at the end of the school year.

Mrs Songhurst’s journey with us began first as a parent when her eldest son started at the school. She then officially joined our team as a staff member 6 years ago. Throughout her time with us, she has supported pupils across our Foundation Learning classes, where her calm and steadying influence has been a wonderful asset to both our youngest learners and her colleagues.

Mrs Songhurst is embarking on an exciting new career path. We thank her for her years of care and dedication to the PPS family, and we wish her the best of luck in this next chapter!

Miss Snow

We are also saying goodbye to Miss Snow, who is leaving PPS at the end of this school year to embark on an exciting new career path with HMRC.

Miss Snow joined our team three years ago, following her Welsh language sabbatical. During her time with us, she has been a valued member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as a Phase Lead. Her enthusiasm immediately breathed new life into our Welsh provision, placing a vibrant focus on the language and culture across the whole school. As a key part of our Welsh team, she also worked incredibly hard to help us secure our Siarter Iaith Bronze Award.

Thank you, Miss Snow, for your leadership and hard work. We wish you the best of luck in your next chapter!

Staffing update - New Staff

deputy Headteacher Appointment

Hello everyone,

My name is Mr Jones, and I am currently Deputy headteacher at Llysfaen Primary School in Cardiff. Over the past 20 years, I have worked in a variety of schools and roles within the education system, and I look forward to bringing that experience to support the fantastic work already taking place at Pencoed Primary School.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of the staff and children during my recent visits and am excited to meet everyone else from September.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer holiday – I look forward to seeing you at the start of the new school year.

Mrs cooper

We are absolutely delighted to officially welcome Mrs Cooper to the PPS team this September!

Mrs Cooper first came to our school as a supply teacher, and she has done a fantastic job covering PPA (Planning, Preparation, and Assessment) across the school this year. She is already a passionate advocate for Literacy and Welsh within our school, and we are thrilled that from September, she will have her very own class.

Please join us in giving Mrs Cooper a wonderful, warm welcome as she steps into her exciting new role at PPS!

Mr Lloyd

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Mr Lloyd will be officially joining the PPS team this September!

Mr Lloyd will already be a familiar face to many of our pupils and families, as he previously completed one of his student teacher placements with us. We are thrilled to welcome him back and to be able to offer him a post as he officially starts his teaching career.

Please join us in giving Mr Lloyd a wonderful, warm welcome to the PPS team!

Mrs Ellis

We are also delighted to officially welcome Mrs Ellis to the PPS team this September!

Mrs Ellis has been a fantastic supply teacher with us this year, providing wonderful stability and support across the school during periods of staff absences. We have valued her flexibility and presence this year, and we are thrilled that she was successful in gaining a full-time position with us.

Please join us in giving Mrs Ellis a very warm welcome to her official new role at PPS!

School news

WINNER AT THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD OF WALES

Isla in year 6 travelled to Anglesey during the half term break to compete in the national Eisteddfod having qualified through local and regional rounds.

Quite incredibly, Isla went on to win the entire competition, competing against 20 finalists from across the country.

This is a huge achievement, and we believe a first for our school!

We would like to also pay a special thank you to Mrs Newton and to Isla's family who travelled up to Anglesey and supported her throughout the process.

sports day

Despite some very unpredictable weather, we successfully held all four of our Sports Day events, involving pupils from Nursery all the way up to Year 6.

It was incredible to witness not only the immense effort and competitive spirit on display, but also the wonderful encouragement and kindness the pupils showed to one another.

A huge thank you to all the families who were able to join us and cheer the children on, and to our fantastic staff for all their hard work in organising these special events.

Careers day

It was a pleasure to host 15 visitors to our annual careers day on Friday 12th June. Comprising mostly of parents and carers across our school community, children from years 3-6 had the opportunity to speak to a range of professionals including an archaeologist, environmental officer and forensic scientist!

A huge thank you to everybody who gave up their time and contributed to the success of the day.

Food and fun update

Thank you to everyone who applied for a place on this year's Food and Fun Programme.

We have now allocated all available places and letters have been sent home to families who have secured a place. Parents and carers of successful applicants have also been added to the dedicated Food and Fun Dojo page, where all future information and updates will be shared.

Due to the high level of interest, unfortunately we have not been able to offer a place to every child. Families whose children have not secured a place have been added to a waiting list and will be contacted should any spaces become available.

Thank you for your interest and support. We are looking forward to a fantastic Food and Fun programme this summer!

Thanks,

Miss Hill & Mrs Patrick

PARCH: PEncoed 'Anti-Racism' champions

In May, our PARCH children (Pencoed Anti-Racist Champions) delivered an inspiring assembly to Middle and Upper School, outlining their mission to make our school a fairer and more inclusive place for everyone. The champions did a brilliant job presenting the hard work they’ve accomplished this year, engaging their peers with a meaningful poetry performance and an educational video on anti-racism. It was a proud moment for the school, as the children received the message with great maturity and took the team’s message seriously. We are incredibly impressed by the leadership shown by our PARCH team in fostering such a positive and respectful school community.

Table tennis News

Over the last five weeks, 40 eager pupils took part in our Summer Internal Table Tennis Competition. After many hard-fought matches throughout May and June, we are delighted to announce that Freddie in year 6 emerged as our tournament champion. Well done, Freddie!

Thank you to Mr Hopkins and Sam (Barney's mum) for assisting with the tournament and providing the children with such a fabulous sporting opportunity.

Netball News

What a day was had on Friday with the two netball teams. Both teams played against very strong oppositions and gave 100% despite the heat! Miss Abell was so proud of how they represented PPS. It was a great tournament for the Year 6's to end their time playing Pencoed Primary School. Well done everyone!

Thank you to Miss Abell and Mrs Thompson for accompanying the teams to Litchard Primary.

pupil voice - impressive pitch to governors

A huge well done to year 4 pupils Raynor and Ryan, who successfully pitched for a new school 3D printer! Working with Miss Cole, the boys prepared a brilliant presentation and stayed after school to deliver it to the Governing Body. The governors were so impressed by their pitch that they have agreed to fund the purchase. Incredible work, boys!

calan mai

We had a wonderful time celebrating Calan Mai in school on Friday 1st May. The children loved learning about this traditional Welsh start-of-summer festival through music, activities, and maypole dancing.

The weather brought a few challenges on the day, meaning we had to move the maypole into the hall for some of the sessions, but the children adapted brilliantly! Thank you to everyone who came dressed in their brightest, most colourful summer clothes to help us mark the occasion.

let Play grow club

Pupils have been thoroughly enjoying our new 'Let Play Grow' after-school club. Designed to encourage independent, mixed-age free play, the club is already sparking some incredible creativity.

Recently, the children worked together to build a brilliant, mega-sized gutter ball track! It is wonderful to see pupils of all ages playing, building and developing their social skills together so beautifully.

Please note: There will not be any clubs from Monday 6th July to the end of term.

Thank you to staff for volunteering to run these clubs trhoughout the year.

Pupil News

Ella in Year 4

Welsh Martial Arts

Savannah in Year 5

Cubs Badges

Emily in Year 4

Drama & Football

Harri in Year 4

Cross Country

Ella in Year 4

Drama

Leo, Archie & Harri inYear 4

HYC Rugby

Liv & Jess Year 4

Gymnastics

in Year 4

Rugby

Archie in Year 4

Rugby

Sophia & Cohen in Year 4

Football

Phoebe in Year 2 & Sion in Year 5

Cross Country

Year 4

Football Tournament

Oscar in Year 2

Gymnastics

Luna in Nursery

Swimming

family engagement

community links

Some members of PPS crafting group joined the community craft group in the church hall. What a lovely get together bringing so many talented people together.

If anyone who would like to join the community group they meet every Monday 10am-12pm.

Griff

Some of our younger pupils enjoyed designing their own Griff!!

Year 6 enjoyed writing poems about Griff…fantastic!

Angel

Sunbeams enjoyed spending some time with Angel! We think Angel enjoyed having lots of their attention!

generation Games

Mrs Jenkins and some of our Reception children

happy 1st Birthday

Mrs Jenkins was excited to celebrate a special birthday in Baby and Toddlers recently!

forest school

Pupils in year 4 thoroughly enjoyed their latest Forest School session. After tucking into a lovely breakfast cooked over the campfire, they got creative using a variety of tools to craft their own unique medallions. Well done, Year 4!

well-Being

staff recognition award

Mrs Jones -for going above and beyond supporting staff and pupils.

Well-being CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

Mr Markham-Jones- For his inspirational determination and commitment in completing a Half Marathon and achieving a personal best finishing time. His perseverance, resilience and dedication are a fantastic example to us all.

pride awareness

June marks “Pride Awareness Month”.

Pride Month celebrates acceptance, equality, and the achievements of LGBTQIA+ people. It brings communities together through events and helps promote positive mental health by inspiring a sense of belonging, hope, and support for everyone.

For more information please click on the link below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/curations/pride-month

Dates for your diary

July

Thursday 2nd July - Year 6 Transition Day & Year 6 Parent/Carer Information Evening @Pencoed Comprehensive
Monday 6th to Wednesday 8th July - Year 5 Residential to Llangrannog
Thursday 9th July - Year 6 Prom
Whole school transition - 10th July - am session
Whole school transition - 16th July - pm session (Pupils will be dismissed from their NEW classes)
Wednesday 15th July - Year 6 Leavers Assembly- Parents/Carers invited to attend 9.30am.

Inset Days - 2026

Monday 20th July

The 2026-27 Inset Days will be shared ASAP.

Safeguarding

At Pencoed Primary School, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. If you have a concern about the safety or well-being of a child, please report this immediately to either Dr. Sarjeant, Mr Raymond, Mrs Maund or Mrs Brennan (Designated Safeguarding Leads). In addition, advice can be sought from Mrs A. Williams, Designated Governor for Child Protection.
If you are a parent or a visitor to the school and you are worried about the safety or well-being of a child or family please ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Leads or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Please access our child protection and safeguarding policy here - https://www.pencoedprimary.co.uk/school-policies-1/

Please let us know if you have any comments regarding the contents of this newsletter or any other matter relating to Pencoed Primary School. All issues will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. If you would prefer to make a personal appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Email: admin@pencoedps.bridgend.cymru or contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk
Phone: 01656 815730

For regular updates

please check Class Dojo

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