Dear parents/carers,
As we reach the end of a busy and successful autumn term, I want to thank you for the support you’ve given your children and our staff. The weeks leading up to Christmas are always full of energy in school, and it’s been a real pleasure to see students working hard and contributing to the wider life of the school community.
I would also like to recognise the dedication of our staff, who go above and beyond every day to support and challenge students. Thank you to you, our families, for reinforcing high expectations at home—especially around punctuality, attendance, homework and revision routines.
As the Christmas holidays begin, please take a moment to remind your child about:
· Online safety: being careful about what they share, who they speak to, and how they treat others online
· Healthy routines: balancing rest, activities, and screen time
· Community behaviour: representing themselves well in public spaces
Record breaking numbers for September 2026!
I’m delighted to be able to share that, for the fourth consecutive year, we have received another record-breaking number of Year 7 applications for next year. This is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the hard work of our students and staff, and to the continued support of you, our families. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing partnership.
I hope you enjoy reading our newsletter, and on behalf of everyone at Cornwallis, thank you again for your support this term. I wish you and your family a restful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 6th January.
Take care,
Mrs McMahon
Headteacher
Term 3 Key Dates
6th January School reopens to students
12th January Year 8 HPV Vaccinations
14th January Year 9 Parents' & Options Evening (3.45-7.30pm)
Sixth Form Open Morning
16th January Year 11 & Year 12 World Challenge Training Day
28th January Careers Fair
2nd February Year 8 HPV Vaccinations
3rd February Year 9 University of Kent Trip
6th February Sixth Form Taster Day for Year 11
11th February House Afternoon
12th February Year 12 & 13 Parents' Evening (3.45-7.30pm)
Cornwallis Academy is now closed for the Christmas break. We will re-open to all students on Tuesday 6th January 2026.
A reminder that parents can update phone numbers and new addresses via Edulink under the ‘Update Information’ tab. Each parent has been issued their own login. If you have not yet received your log in details, please email Mr King direclty: tking@cornwallisacademy.com
Below are useful email addresses, should you need to contact someone urgently during the break:
To alert us about a safeguarding issue: safeguarding@cornwallisacademy.com
For any IT issues: helpdesk@futureschoolstrust.com
To report an absence: attendance@cornwallisacademy.com report via the Edulink app.
To contact us regarding an In Year Admission: iyca@cornwallisacademy.com
Please see the link below which includes some fantastic work from this term's class champions:
On Wednesday 10th December, nineteen of our Year 7 students took part in a Christingle service at St Luke’s Church in Maidstone. The morning was a wonderful opportunity for our youngest students to experience a Christian tradition first-hand and to explore the meaning of Christmas within the Christian faith.
Students began with some games to settle in before creating their own Christingles. As they put together the orange, candle, ribbon and sweets, they learned how each part symbolises an aspect of the Christian story, from the belief that the world God created to the light of Jesus at Christmas.
The group then reflected together on what Christmas means for Christians today: hope, kindness, gratitude, and the idea of light shining in dark times.
The service ended in a circle of candlelight, as students lit their Christingles and joined in singing Away in a Manger. A holly jolly time was had by all, and our students represented Cornwallis brilliantly throughout.
Cornwallis Academy Welcomes Hundreds at Spectacular Open Events
Over the past few weeks, Cornwallis Academy has opened its doors to hundreds of prospective students and their families for our annual Open Evening and a series of Open Mornings.
Our Open Evening was an extravagant showcase of everything that makes Cornwallis Academy special, from inspiring classroom displays and exciting department activities to engaging presentations and tours led by our fantastic student ambassadors. The atmosphere was electric as visitors explored the academy, met our passionate staff, and experienced first-hand the vibrant learning environment that defines our school community.
The excitement continued with four Open Mornings, each packed to the rafters. Families were able to see Cornwallis in action during a normal school day, observing lessons, meeting students, and discovering the opportunities available across all subjects and year groups.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us. We look forward to welcoming many of you back next year as proud members of the Cornwallis community.
On 8 November, Cornwallis Academy welcomed just under 3,000 attendees to its annual Fireworks Night, one of the school’s biggest and brightest community events to date. Among the crowd were over 70 Free School Meals families supported by the school.
The night opened with a brilliant set by Ethan Gray, former Cornwallis student and rising DJ talent. The energy continued to build with a spectacular performance from the UK’s leading ABBA tribute act, ABBA Re-Björn, who had the crowd singing along to iconic hits. The stage then lit up with vibrant routines from the talented students of Razzamatazz Theatre School.
As the sky darkened, anticipation rose, and the fireworks did not disappoint. Our dazzling display featured over 20,000 shots, choreographed to 10 memorable songs, creating a display lasting more than 15 minutes that lit up the night with colour, music and excitement.
Families also enjoyed 10 funfair rides, along with a bustling selection of food and drink stalls, making it a truly festive community celebration.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening unforgettable.
Save the date for 2026: Saturday, 7 November. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another spectacular night.
At the beginning of December, a group of 40 year 9, 10 and 12 students went on a 4-day residential visit to Disneyland Paris, accompanied by Miss Wakeling, Mrs Manser, Mr Cullen and Mr Spurling. The students had the opportunity to test out their French language skills on the journey to Paris, as well as experiencing one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions.
The students had two full days in the theme park, hopping between the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park, experiencing the rides, the shows, parades, animation studios and character meet and greets. This was all enhanced with Disney Christmas themed events taking place throughout our stay. The students stayed in the Disneyland Park to see the spectacular closing lights show and fireworks on the Disney Castle which impressed the crowd. After two very long, but exciting, days in the Disney theme parks, the students were more confident in applying their language skills on the return journey to Maidstone. It was a magical trip and wonderful time was had by all.
We are delighted to share that Cornwallis Academy had the privilege of hosting the Scholastic Book Fair from 17th – 19th November.
The Scholastic Book Fair is a pop-up celebration of reading that brings the very best books directly into our pupils’ hands, while also raising valuable rewards for our school. This year’s fair was a tremendous success, and thanks to your support, we have raised £200 to spend on new books for our library.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who visited the fair and helped to encourage a love of reading within our school community. Your contribution ensures that our pupils continue to have access to a wide range of exciting and engaging books.
Thank you once again for your support.
Mrs Mellett and Miss Sladden
All Houses were proud to support Children in Need, with students across the Houses enthusiastically taking part in fundraising activities and events throughout the day. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our students and staff, we raised a fantastic amount and demonstrated the strong sense of community and social responsibility that runs through each House.
As part of our wider Christmas charity work, the Houses also donated to the local homeless shelter, helping to support those most in need during the winter period.
In addition, students from all Houses engaged thoughtfully with the Christingle, reflecting on its message of hope, light and care for others.
Creativity has been on full display this term through the various writing competitions and art competitions, with a wide range of imaginative and high-quality entries from across the Houses.
There have also been various activities that have contributed to a positive and festive atmosphere in the lead-up to the end of term and will be celebrated further during the House Christmas Afternoon, a well-deserved opportunity for students from all Houses to come together and enjoy the season.
A huge thank you to all the House reps who delivered our Jeans for Genes Day donations to the Maidstone Homeless Care shelter, and to everyone who kindly donated. Your generosity and willingness to help made a real difference.
The staff at the shelter were incredibly welcoming and even gave us a tour of the facility, showing how they support people in need within our community.
It was an inspiring visit, and we’re proud of the compassion and positivity shown by our students.
During this week, students from Years 7 to 11 enjoyed a fascinating World Science Day assembly delivered by Dr Cherry, exploring the current and future direction of human space exploration. Building on last month’s assembly about the history of space travel, this session looked at what is happening right now in space science and what the next generation may see in their lifetimes.
Dr Cherry guided students through life aboard the International Space Station, explaining how astronauts live, work and carry out experiments in microgravity. The assembly also explored NASA’s Artemis programme, plans for a permanent base on the Moon, and long-term ambitions to send humans to Mars. Students learned how scientific research in space leads to new technologies on Earth and prepares humanity for the possibility of living on other worlds.
The message of the assembly was clear: today’s students could be tomorrow’s engineers, scientists or explorers helping to shape the next great era of space discovery.
Over the course of 12 weeks, students gathered for rehearsals every Monday and Tuesday to prepare for this year's musical production. The cast included students from Year 7 to Year 13, fostering many new friendships along the way. A massive congratulations to everyone involved in the cast, band and stage crew of ROCK OF AGES! We are incredibly proud of all your hard work. The three performances were AMAZING!
Both the English Department and Year 8 cohort were delighted to welcome award-winning poet Theresa Lola for an inspiring and informative visit this term.
Theresa shared her creative journey, showcased her powerful works and guided students through imaginative exercises that truly brought poetry to life.
Our Year 8 cohort were fully immersed in the visit, and it has further provided a renewed excitement for the possibilities that poetry has to offer.
On Thursday the 4th of December we held our annual Awards evening to celebrate our students’ achievements for the last academic year. It was an amazing evening filled with celebrations and very proud staff, parents and carers. Students received awards for subject performance, pastoral resilience and for our SMILE school ethos, they received books of their choice or vouchers as well as beautiful glass trophies to keep. This year we also introduced a new specially dedicated award for a deeply missed member of staff who lost her battle with cancer recently; The Frankie Simmonds award, which was presented to a student who showed positivity and determination last year. Last year was a year to be proud of for all members of our community and we thoroughly enjoyed recognising and celebrating this.
On Monday 15th December, Cornwallis Academy hosted it's second Carols by Candelight service at St Peter's Church in Boughton Monchelsea. It was great to see so many students and staff with their families in attendance. Over 100 people turned out, more than double compared to last year. Our readers were fantastic - thank you to Theo C, Arabella S, Isabelle W, Nathaniel L, Lily O, Emilie C, Bella W, Noah W and Emily C. The school band performed the carols beautifully - thank you to Noah W on violin, Jason C on drums and Frank L on bass guitar. This year, we were delighted to have very talented soloists singing the first verse of each carol - thank you to Elijah O, Sophie H, Amber S, Emily C, Olivia B, Olivia D, Pearl L, Iris P and Jasmine W. All in all, it was an excellent evening, followed by complimentary mince pies - a fantastically festive way to end the term.
On Monday afternoon, students competed in the first House Afternoon of the school year. They were put in vertical groups, giving them the opportunity to bond with students from Year 7 - Year 13. Students competed in a range of activities celebrating their diverse talents from The Traitors and The Apprentice to Classroom Olympics, chess tournaments, an art competition and even a rowing championship. Students had fun getting to know their fellow House members and competing for the termly prize.
Well done to Hanson House for their success in the House Afternoon and for gaining the most House Points this term. Hanson House was rewarded with a non-school uniform day on Thursday 16th October.
Dear Parents and Carers,
It's with great pleasure that I write this newsletter entry as Year 7s approach the end of another busy term at secondary school. Firstly, congratulations to all our amazing Term 2 award winners, who fully deserve all the success that has come their way.
Year 7 Term 2 SMILE and Pastoral awards
Successful
Molly W
Skye C
Heidi W - S
Keston F
Clae O
Motivation
Emilie C
Jacob S
Jacob R
Emma S
Lilly T
Inspired
Ivy G
Thomas L
Jesse R
Calum B
Cody T
Learning
Shaw S
Annabelle C
Bobby
Izzy J
Evelyn S
Excited and Engaged
Wren S
Isabelle W
Olivia B
Leonie M
Summer J-C
Oliver L
Tutee of the Term
Bonnie H
Iris P
Thomas L
Emilie C
Mark M
Corne S
Catalaiya H
Arabella S
Harry S
Roza W
Drew E
Bobby C
Ava L
Keira G
Ivy G
Summer JC
Oliver S
Student of the Term - Student Support Manager
Mason M
Jasmine W
Student of the Term - Head of Year
Liban F
Iris P
Headteacher Award
Olivia B
The Year 7s have made a fantastic start to their time at Cornwallis Academy. Time and again, they have shown their maturity in adapting to Secondary School, and have already made significant contributions to life here. A huge number of them were excellent guides during Open Evening back in late September, and throughout the various Open Mornings which happened in the weeks that followed. Their conduct in assemblies has also been excellent, and in lessons it has been wonderful to see so many of them make positive contributions. Our scholarship students in Art and Football have also shown outstanding ability in those areas.
Over the last week, Miss Perry thoroughly enjoyed her experience with a group of Year 7s in the church and a lovely Christingle ceremony, and Mrs Watts has been hugely impressed with those students who are participating in the 'Rock of Ages' musical.
Miss Perry and myself would like to wish all Year 7s and their families a lovely relaxing Christmas, and we look forward to welcoming them back on Tuesday January 6th.
Kind regards,
Mr Spurling & Miss Perry
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is with great pleasure Miss Edwards, our Year 8 Tutors and I share a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with you all. Once again, I have been really impressed in my return as Head of Year, on just how wonderful our students are. I have seen a vast range of excellent qualities from them this term, ranging from kindness to resilience.
It has been a really busy term as you can see below.
PSHE in Form Time – Focus on ‘Keeping Safe’
This term, Year 8 have continued their PSHE learning through weekly form-time sessions, with a central focus on the theme ‘Keeping Safe’. Pupils explored a range of important topics designed to help them make informed and responsible decisions both in and out of school.
Emergency at School: Students discussed how to respond calmly and safely in different emergency situations, including fire alarms, lockdown procedures, and when to seek help from trusted adults. They reflected on the importance of clear communication and looking out for one another.
How Safe Are Legal Drugs? Pupils examined the risks associated with legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, vapes and prescribed medicines. They learnt how these substances can affect the body, the law surrounding them, and how to make safe, healthy choices.
What Are Deepfakes? As part of developing digital awareness, students investigated how deepfake technology works and the challenges it creates in the online world. They explored how to check for reliable information, avoid manipulation, and stay safe when navigating digital media.
These sessions have helped students build confidence, grow their critical thinking skills and develop strategies for staying safe in real-life scenarios.
Children in Need – Non-School Uniform Day
Year 8 showed fantastic enthusiasm and generosity during our Children in Need non-school-uniform day. Pupils embraced the chance to express themselves while raising funds for an important national cause that supports children and young people across the UK. Thank you to all the families who contributed, your donations will make a meaningful difference.
Year 8 Poet Visit – Theresa Lola
We were delighted to welcome poet Theresa Lola into school for a workshop with Year 8. Theresa, known for her powerful and imaginative writing, inspired students to explore their own creativity through poetry. Pupils listened to live readings of her work and learnt about how poetry can be used to express identity, emotion and personal experience. It was a memorable visit that sparked some brilliant discussions and impressive pieces of writing from our students.
Awards Evening Winners
Art - Jelil A
Geography - Adam A
Resilience in Learning - Amalie A
Physical Education - William B
Computing - Harry B
Food Technology - Chloe B
English - Leighton B
Geography and Design Technology - Isla B
English and History - Francesca C
Resilience in Learning - Harry C
Maths - Elsie C
Physical Education - Millie C
Spanish - Oliver D
Food Technology - Jack F
French - Lily-May H
Art - Katie K
Religious Education - S
Religious Education - Frankie Millen
Computing - Mollie Nimmo
Dance - Theo Oxley
SMILE - Sophie Parry
Maths and French - James Prowse
History, Music and Design Technology - Mason Quinn
Dance - Rosie Smithers
SMILE - George Stewart
Spanish - Amelia Todd
Science - Dominykas Varnalis
Music - Cadence Watts
Drama - Ella Wilkins
Science - Evainne-Ava W
Pastoral Resilience - L
Pastoral Resilience - Alice Lovell
Year 7 Art Scholarship Award - Mara C
Year 7 Dance Scholarship Award - Lexie M
Football Scholarship: Players Player Award - Sonny Y
Football Scholarship: Coaches Player Award - Bailey S
Football Scholarship: Player Of the Year Award - Elliott P
Drama, Year 7 SMILE Academic Achievement Award - Lukas B
The Caitlin Goodsell Performing Arts Award - Lukas B
Year 8 Term 2 SMILE Recognition Awards
Well done to the following students for being nominated in the SMILE Recognition Awards. A huge achievement 😊
Successful
Sophie M
Leighton B
Frankie M
Isabelle S
Motivation
Harriet M
Lyon F
Olly W
Inspired
Chloe B
William B
Evie L
Ethan H
Learning
Oliver D
Max L
Isabel G
Hannah F
Heath V
Excited and Engaged
Ernie K
Holly O
Jake B
George S
Ruby P
Tutee of the Term
Connie T
James P
Oscar H
Layla S
Jacob C
Lily-May H
Dominykas V
Emily B
Harry B
Elsie C
Adam A
Millie H
Seth H
Lili M
Katie K
Liam B
Student of the Term
Frankie M
Sienna K
Francesca Le
Mason Q
Headteacher Award
Ophelia M
Finally, to all our fabulous Year 8 students, rest up and enjoy your Christmas. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all on your return (dressed and equipped correctly 😉)
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Mr G Robinson – Head of Year 8 – grobinson@cornwallisacademy.com
Miss G Edwards – Year 8 Student Support Manager – gedwards@cornwallisacademy.com
Dear Year 9 Families,
I cannot believe it is the time of year when I am writing and wishing you all a Happy Christmas. This year going so fast and has begun with students achieving lots of house points and awards, making me proud to be head of year 9. When visiting lessons around the academy, our students have been motivated and working hard in their learning environments, showing a positive work ethic and maturing into lovely young adults.
Throughout term two, many students have been involved in sporting fixtures, lots of our students have attended after school clubs run by staff and are spending extra time at school to deepen their learning experience. Several students participated again in our annual play, this year the Performing Arts Department produced an outstanding performance of ‘Rock of ages’. It is such a rewarding event for all the children and staff involved. Disappointingly, I could not attend this year and after speaking to staff who went, I definitely missed out.
This week we are running another house afternoon. This has been expanded with staff running specialist activities which your children were able to sign up for. Hopefully this will be another successful afternoon where students get the opportunity to work with children from different year groups in a range of different activities.
A few weeks ago, many students in the year group had their flu vaccination. We have been thanked by the nurses who visited the school, they mentioned the politeness and cooperation of all the students. Please do thank your children for making the vaccinations so easy.
I want to remind you of our forthcoming options and parents evening next term, Wednesday 14th January 2026. It is vital that you attend this evening as there will be important information regarding your child’s GCSE options. They will need to complete the application with their choices by Friday 23rd January. It is also an opportunity for you to talk to you children’s core teachers. I am looking forward to seeing you all there, enabling me to share in your children’s successes.
Finally I am in the process of writing the assembly for the last day of term where we will be celebrating and giving out rewards for students that have consistently shown the Cornwallis SMILE attributes and rewards for four different attendance categories, 100%, 96%+, better term 2 attendance than in term 1 and 100% attendance for the 19 days of December. This is such a lovely time where I can praise the students who are continually making me proud in their work and those who are keeping their attendance above the expected 96%. Well done to everyone named who will receive an award and thank you to those who are respectful, kind and work so hard in lessons. It doesn’t go unnoticed.
Let me also take this time to thank all parents and guardians for your support again this term, It has been a long one and the children are ready for a rest. Please enjoy the break and do reach out to me, Mrs Lawson or Mrs Ashby if you need our support. I wish all families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and successful New Year. See you all again on Tuesday January 6th 2026.
Year 9 Term 2 SMILE and Pastoral awards
Successful
Michaela M
Elise H
Alex K
Finlay L
Maja C
Motivation
Sami D
James H
Olly L
Connor S
Alice S
Inspired
Fletcher E
Frankie G
Zenn K
Freya F
lana S
Learning
Callum L
Savanna D
Evie N
Gavin P
Ted W
Excited and Engaged
George B
Ollie G
Harrison D
Finley N
Molly H
Tutee of the Term
Alice C
Callum C
Freya S
Nyall Sm
Rosie H
Jake T
Chimanada O
Eddie H
Steish A
Callen L
Layla D
Jayden W
Bethany C
Elliot A
Ava W
Francis M
Oliver K
Lara C
Raya A
Elliot V
Student of the Term - Student Support Manager
Ivy Mae A
Harry P
Head of Year Award
Olivia A
Charlie B
Headteacher Award
Thomas W
Kind regards,
Year 9 Team
Dear Year 10 Parents and Carers,
As 2025 draws to a close and we begin to look forward into 2026, I would like to start off by congratulating our students on a successful start to their GCSEs. I have noticed a real growth in maturity within the year group and a determination to be successful as I have conducted learning walks throughout the term. This is fantastic to see in the lead up to the new year.
Recently we had our annual awards evening, and it was a real pleasure to present the awards to our students for their efforts and dedication throughout the last academic year. A huge well done again to all those who received an award.
We are incredibly proud of what Year 10 have achieved over the first two terms of studying their GCSEs. Thank you for the support you also provide at home — it plays a crucial role in their success.
Year 10 Work Experience (Monday 6th July – Friday 17th July)
Preparation for Work Experience has begun and details have been sent home outlining what is required to set up your child’s work experience placement. It is important to get a head start on this process as placements will start to fill up quickly. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain invaluable experience and to extend their understanding of the world of work.
Students should think carefully about career areas they may be interested in and consider their choice of placement. Appropriate work experience can not only strengthen and add value to applications for work and higher education after leaving school, but also provide the relevant experience or insight required for some university courses and future pathways.
Students must take responsibility for organising their own placements. They can shadow a parent/guardian, family member or friend as taking advantage of any links to local businesses is usually the most productive way to arrange a successful experience.
Work Experience deadline dates are outlined below to confirm your child’s Work Experience placement: -
• Friday 24th April 2026 - Deadline for forms - Both the Placement Checklist Form and the Parent Permission Form must be returned before this date.
• Friday 17th July 2026 – Deadline to return completed Work Experience Diary to Form Tutors on TEAMS.
If you are struggling to organise a Work Experience placement please do let us know and we will support.
Wishing you and your family a safe, restful and enjoyable Christmas and a happy new year.
Warm regards,
Mr McMahon
Year 10 Term 2 SMILE and Pastoral awards
Huge congratulations to the following students below who have won an award for this term. Awards include those students who have demonstrated our school ethos for S.M.I.L.E (Successful, Motivated, Inspired, Learning, Excited & Engaged) our also our pastoral award winners too. Well done to all 😊
‘Successful’ Award winners:
Alina P
Alister M
Noah W
Andrew G
Emily C
‘Motivated’ Award winners:
Connor G
Sophie H
Tommy W
Rubie C
Emily C
‘Inspired’ Award winners:
Danielle M
Cody H
Emilia D
Caydence P
Charlie P
‘Learning’ Award winners:
Isabelle B
Terezka B
Kenzie L
Caydence P
Alex M
‘Excited & Engaged’ winners:
Will K
Charlie P
Flourence H
Darcie O
Lilly H
Form Tutor Awards
10LW – Miss Willetts
Beau W - For always remaining engaged during form time.
Taha K - For always willing to help both myself and his peers during form time.
10MR – Mr Ray
Lottie M - Always smiling and positive in the morning during form time
Joshua G - Always smiling and positive in the morning during form time
10LT – Mrs Ticehurst
Cameron A - For always demonstrating resilience and enthusiasm for Maths target form
Matilda B - For always demonstrating resilience and enthusiasm for Maths target form
10SP – Mr Pope
Terezka B - For always striving to do your best
Harry B - For always striving to do your best
10DG – Mrs Glover
Lexi A - For her excellent attendance, contributions to form time
Finley G - For excellent contributions to form time debates
10CM – Mr Mortimer
Mia T - Great attitude to learning, always polite and helpful. Mia is a great example to all other students.
Finlay W - Great attitude to learning, always polite and is a brilliant example to other students.
10RP – Mrs Petch
Filip K - Filip is polite, friendly and always works hard during wellbeing on whatever task he has been set
Rubie C - A great new addition to our form, Rubie is polite and friendly, and contributes well to well-being sessions
Student Support Manager Awards
Lilly H - For a fantastic start to Year 10 and always striving to do her best
Finley N- For 100% attendance and such a positive start to Year 10
Head of Year Awards
Sophie H - For demonstrating excellent efforts and ATL and for being a role model across the year group
Sam Ma - For demonstrating amazing resilience and for being such a role model to the rest of the year group
Headteacher Award
Isabelle B – For outstanding efforts and dedication and for always demonstrating the Cornwallis SMILE
Key dates
Year 10 Parents evening – Thursday 21st May 2025
Year 10 Pre Public Exams (PPEs) – Monday 20th April – Friday 1st May 2025
Year 10 Work Experience – Monday 6th July – Friday 17th July 2025
Warm regards,
Mr McMahon
Dear families,
The Year 11 cohort has continued to demonstrate enthusiasm and energy, which has played a significant role in many students making outstanding progress across their subjects. This term has been extremely challenging, yet I could not be prouder of their resilience and determination.
The recent PPE series has been one of the greatest challenges for our cohort this academic year. I would like to commend our Year 11 students for their application, conduct, and maturity throughout this process. It is hoped that these experiences will help ease any anxieties or concerns they may have about examinations, enabling them to feel more confident and prepared for their GCSEs.
Upon reflection, I would like to reinforce a couple of key messages to ensure all students are best prepared for their learning and future assessments:
Engage in extra-curricular sessions. We have a dedicated timetable of extra-curricular opportunities specifically for Year 11 students. We strongly encourage as many students as possible to attend these sessions to deepen their knowledge and understanding. The benefits in the classroom are significant and will contribute to further progress in their grades. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support of the school. Your commitment is greatly appreciated and makes a truly positive impact on our community.
Equipment is essential. Students should attend school with a fully stocked pencil case, and they must have their own scientific calculator to become familiar with its functions.
Please ensure that all Year 11 students are dressed in the correct school uniform when they return to school. Thank you for your support in maintaining our standards.
Year 11 Term 2 SMILE and Pastoral awards
Successful
Jaden F
Edi P
Alex T
Charlie H
Charlotte S
Motivation
Heidi W
Gabriela G
Summer H
Aaron S
Holly L
Inspired
Louie P
Nadia V
Zac F
Mylee-M
Naomi I
Learning
Hope G
Elliot B
Caiden W
Charlotte B
Freddie M
Excited and Engaged
Oscar J
Tia A
Aderemi S
Liam P
Elliot S
Tutee of the term
Sam L
Brooke M
Chloe C
Elliot S
Nazeeha A
Oliver N
Zack C
Dulcie R
Pheonix H
Yasin Efe Ba
Katie G
Jackson R
Mia E
Jack C
Student of the term - Student Support Manager
Hareem F
Aaron S
Head of Year Award
Sofiia K
Jayden F
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support of the school. Your commitment is greatly appreciated and makes a truly positive impact on our community.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all Year 11 families for their continued support over the years.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The Year 11 team
Dear families,
It has been a busy term for our sixth form community. We held our sixth form open evening on Thursday 27th November and welcomed many families from our year 11 cohort as well as from New Line Learning and numerous other secondary schools. Staff enjoyed discussing the subjects we offer and visitors were spoilt with tasty treats in our café upstairs. We look forward to taster days with prospective sixth formers towards the end of next term.
We have also had sixth form open mornings so that students and families can visit whilst the school is in action and they can get a feel for the environment they would be a part of in terms of learning and in social time, our current sixth formers have been excellent guides and answered all sorts of questions about sixth form life.
Our sports teams have continued to perform outstandingly; our Kent Panthers Basketball team remain unbeaten in all of their competitions and our First XI football team have enjoyed success in their matches.
We are now within the last few weeks of completing UCAS applications for our students who wish to go into further education and form tutors are supporting them to ensure they are all on track, we have an impressive list of Universities they have applied to including Cambridge, Bangor, Leeds, and Southampton.
We are also pleased to have student art displayed in our communal area which brightens up our environment so a huge thank you to the year 12 artists.
Finally, we had our Christmas Sixth Form Rewards trip on Thursday the 18th December for which our staff nominated students for dedicated academic effort, positive pastoral attitude and community-minded excellence. The deserving students were taken to Battersea Glide to spend time Ice skating, perusing the Christmas stalls and seeing the sights of London. A fun time was had by all!
Kind regards,
Sixth Form Team