Dear Parents and Carers,

Our new Year 7 cohort have made an excellent start at Cornwallis Academy. The transition from primary to secondary can be challenging, but the students have shown remarkable resilience, enthusiasm, and maturity in adapting to their new environment.

Behaviour across the year group has been overwhelmingly positive. Pupils are demonstrating respect for staff and peers, following routines well, and engaging constructively in lessons. Several students are already emerging as role models within their tutor groups. They are beginning to build strong relationships with staff and peers, contributing to a supportive and inclusive school culture.

Effort levels have been commendable. Teachers report that students are approaching tasks with curiosity and determination, and homework completion rates are high. A large number of pupils have already received many House Points for outstanding effort and progress. Overall, the Year 7s have settled exceptionally well, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements as the year progresses.

Last week, all Year 7 students attended an Aim Higher session, where two very engaging presenters discussed ways in which they can further build their confidence moving forwards. Students participated really well during the session.

The Year 7 students looked very smart on Friday for their school photographs. We hope that many of you will take the opportunity to purchase the photograph which marks the start of their time at secondary school.

We hope that all students and their families have a relaxing holiday, and come back refreshed and ready for Term 2 on Monday November 3rd.

Kind regards,

Mr Spurling & Miss Perry

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we draw Term 1 to a close, we are delighted to share the fantastic progress and achievements of our students over the past weeks. It has been an exceptionally busy term, and our students have settled into the new academic year exceptionally well. Their commitment to learning has been truly impressive, with attentive, focused engagement in lessons and a positive attitude that has set a brilliant tone for the rest of the year.

Jeans for Genes Non-Uniform Day
We were thrilled to see the enthusiasm for our Jeans for Genes non-uniform day. Thanks to your support and generosity, we raised a fantastic total for this important charity. The contributions will make a meaningful difference to children living with genetic disorders, and we are proud of our students’ commitment to giving back to the wider community.

Anti-Racism Workshop
This term, our students participated in a thought-provoking Anti-Racism workshop, which aimed to promote understanding, reflection, and meaningful discussion around issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion. The sessions encouraged students to explore the impact of prejudice, challenge stereotypes, and consider the importance of empathy and respect in their daily interactions. It was inspiring to witness the maturity, thoughtfulness, and insight demonstrated by our students as they engaged in open dialogue, asked thoughtful questions, and reflected on their own attitudes and behaviours. The workshop provided a safe and supportive environment for students to share perspectives, consider real-world examples, and develop strategies for actively promoting fairness and inclusivity both within the school community and beyond.

Macmillan Coffee Morning
Our Macmillan coffee morning was another outstanding success. Thank you to all parents, carers, and staff who contributed with baking, donations, and time. The event raised a fantastic total for Macmillan Cancer Support, and the atmosphere of community and generosity was truly heartwarming.

Open Evening
We were delighted to welcome a record number of families to our Open Evening this term. A massive thank you to our students who supported the event, either by assisting in departments or by guiding visiting families on tours. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and knowledge of school life were widely praised, and feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.

Aim a Little Higher Workshops
Students participated in the “Aim a Little Higher” workshops, which were carefully designed to highlight the importance of education and to help students understand how their learning today can directly influence their future opportunities. The sessions encouraged students to think about their personal goals, aspirations, and the steps they can take to achieve them. Through a combination of interactive activities, thought-provoking discussions, and real-life examples, students were inspired to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth. The workshops emphasised the value of resilience, dedication, and setting high expectations for oneself, while also showing how education can open doors to a wide range of career and life opportunities. It was incredibly rewarding to see students actively engage with the content, ask insightful questions, and leave the sessions feeling motivated to aim higher in all aspects of their academic and personal development.

Student Voice Representatives
We are pleased to announce that our Student Voice representatives have been selected. Congratulations to: Caelan Clarke-Gardner, Lyon Fuller, Theo Wilson, Dylan Kinnill, Lacey-May Butler, Francesca Capeling, James Prowse and Max Stratton. These students will be representing their peers this year. Earlier this term, they attended the first Student Trust Conference at New Line Learning, discussing ideas and initiatives with students from across the trust. Their contributions will help shape the future of our school community and ensure that student perspectives remain central to decision-making.

Mental Health Awareness Day

On Friday 10th October, we celebrated World Mental Health Day as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting positive wellbeing across our school community. To mark the occasion, students and staff were invited to wear yellow accessories — a colour chosen to symbolise hope, happiness, and support for mental health awareness.

It was wonderful to see so many pupils taking part and showing their support for this important cause. Throughout the day, we also took the opportunity to remind students about the importance of looking after their mental health, supporting one another, and knowing where to go if they ever need help or someone to talk to.

House Afternoon
This term’s House Afternoon was a lively and enjoyable experience for all. Students spent time with peers from different year groups, participating in a range of activities including The Apprentice, Taskmaster, The Traitors, Indoor Olympics and How It’s Made. It was fantastic to see such high engagement levels, collaboration, and friendly competition, as well as students building new connections across the school.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their achievements, enthusiasm, and contributions this term. Thank you for your continued support in making Term 1 such a successful start to the academic year. We look forward to another productive and exciting term ahead.

Kind Regards,

Mr King

Dear Year 9 Families,

This has been such a busy term as they always are when we return after the summer break. The children in year 9 have participated in a number of activities in lessons and around the school. The weeks have gone so fast and we have had a number of new starters who have joined the year group who have settled really well into academy life.

Every week I run an assembly for the year group and each week the year group file into the lecture theatre in silence, sit quietly, attentive and always look so smart. It is my one opportunity of the week to get everyone together and it always make me feel so proud to have a year group that have so much potential.

The school has been busy running open evening and open mornings for our new cohort in September 2026. We have had record numbers of families join us here at the academy and a number of our year 9’s have been exemplary tour guides and have represented the school with pride. Thank you so much to the following students for your help: -

Raya A

Bethany C

Rubie O

Carlos C

Ollie G

Blake H

Alce C

Monty M

Elsebeth G

Cameron G

Archie W

Harry P

Sarlett L

Natasha S

Matilda M

Fifi O’S

Phoebe M

Michaela

Callum C

Charlie B

Zoe S

Kevin C

Ivy Mae A

Freya L

Kiera H

At the start of term we launched the Zen Den, this is a reflective space developed by the RE department, some of our students have already used this space for some quiet time. Some of the year 9 students have also had the opportunity to attend an anti racism workshop which was run by the PSHE team and some external speakers.

The school ran another successful Macmillan coffee morning this year and raised a substantial amount of money for the charity. Our year 9 students all had the opportunity for coffee and cake and our Duke of Edinburgh students supported and helped to serve and collect money. The event was very positive for everyone. We have also been running other charity events, we had a non school uniform day which raised a large amount for Jeans for Genes day and we have also collected many second hand clothes which were taken to Maidstone homeless shelter. Many of the year group have taken part in these charity drives and it is so nice to see my year group supporting other people who are less fortunate.

Last week all the students went to a workshop run by two external speakers called ‘Aim higher’ This was an inspirational talk to encourage students to try their hardest. This was useful to the children who all found it fun and informative.

We have had some of the year group attend trips abroad to Naples and some students are visiting Wakefield and Disney land Paris later this year.  With so many extra curricular events taking place the students always have such selection to choose from.

Whilst writing to you, I want to take this opportunity to remind you about a few important expectations.

• School uniform: Please could you check over your child's uniform this half term period to ensure all is accounted for. Blazers are a compulsory part of our school uniform and must be worn at all times whilst in the building and school shoes must also be smart and presentable, some children are wearing shoes, rather casual in style. We are looking to ensure all students have work style shoes so please when purchasing new ones bear this in mind.

• Skirt length: We have also found that girls are regularly turning over their skirts making them shorter. I know this is most likely done on the way to and from school. If you can discuss the concerns of wearing very short items of clothing in a work environment.

• Jewellery / Make up: Jewellery is starting to become an issue, only a watch and small stud or small sparkling earrings can be worn, any other items will be confiscated. There have also been cases of false nails, eye lashes and excessive use of make up, none of which are acceptable in school.

• School equipment: Please could you double check that your child has a full pencil case for when we return in term 2 and if any items are missing please could these be replenished. Compulsory equipment is as follows; 2 black pens, pencil, rubber, ruler, sharpener, protractor, compass and a scientific calculator (preferably a Casio fx-83GTX or Casio fx-85GTX). Students also need a reading book in school at all times.

If you have any concerns about the uniform policy or the required equipment please do contact me.

I want to remind you about the year 9 parents and options evening taking place on Wednesday 14th January 2026. This event is essential to ensure that you and your children are fully prepared to select their GCSE options. If you have any questions about the event then please contact me.

This term has been busy as always and the start of year 9 has been really positive for all students in the year group. I wish all of the children and you as families a really restful half term break and we look forward to welcoming you all back at the start of November.

Kind regards

Year 9 Team 

Dear Year 10 Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of the Autumn Term, we would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a fantastic and purposeful start to Year 10. This has been a big step for our students as they begin their GCSE journey, and we are so proud of the maturity, determination, and enthusiasm they have shown throughout their first full term of study.

Over the past few months, students have begun to explore their GCSE subjects in greater depth, building on the foundations they developed in Key Stage 3. It has been fantastic to see them engaging thoughtfully in lessons, asking great questions, and taking real ownership of their learning.

Teachers have been especially impressed by the effort and curiosity shown across a wide range of subjects. This is exactly the mindset that will help our Year 10 students flourish over the next two years.

A reminder that strong attendance and punctuality are vital for all students to fulfil their full potential. We also know Year 10 can be a demanding year, and we’re committed to supporting our students’ wellbeing as well as their academic progress. Please encourage your child to talk to their tutor, teachers, or the pastoral team if they need support at any point. 

We are incredibly proud of what Year 10 have achieved this term. Their hard work, positive attitude, and resilience has set a strong foundation for the journey ahead. Thank you for the support you provide at home — it plays a crucial role in their success.

Wishing you and your family a safe, restful and enjoyable half term break.

Warm regards,

Mr McMahon

Top 10 Student House Leaderboard

1st Brandon S 41

2nd Noah W 37

3rd Amber S 37

4th Betty K 30

5th Mia H 30

6th Balazs O 29

7th Mia T 28

8th Lottie M 28

9th Scarlett A 28

10th Harry B 27

Key dates

• Cornwallis Fireworks Display – Saturday 8th November 2025 – Doors open at 2pm with Fireworks from 6pm

• Children in Need Non-school uniform day – Friday 15th October 2025

• Cornwallis Awards Evening – Thursday 4th December 2025

• 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

Dear families,

Our Year 11 students have made a fantastic start to the academic year. Throughout the term, they have shown real maturity and focus in their approach to learning, especially as they prepare for their upcoming PPEs.

The entire Year 11 pastoral team is incredibly proud of the dedication, effort, and progress students have demonstrated so far. It’s been great to see such a positive and determined attitude across the year group.

Term 1 has been packed with events, and our Year 11 students have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. Highlights this term have included the Jeans for Genes non-uniform day, the trip to Naples, supporting at Open Evening and Open Mornings, the Macmillan Coffee Morning, whole school photos, the Aim a Little Higher assembly, and GCSE music performances. As always, students approached each event with commitment, energy, and a fantastic attitude, embodying the Cornwallis SMILE throughout.

A special thank you goes to our amazing Year 11 prefects, who went above and beyond when guiding prospective Year 7 students and their families around the Academy. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting their dedication, professionalism, and pride in their role.

Careers meetings for Year 11 students have now started, giving everyone the chance to start thinking about their next steps after school. These one-to-one sessions are a great opportunity to talk through future plans, whether that's college, sixth form, apprenticeships, or something else.

Each meeting is focused on helping them explore their options and get advice that's right for them. It’s a key part of preparing for life after Year 11 and making confident, informed choices.

These meetings will continue into next term to make sure everyone gets the chance to take part. I would like to encourage students to talk with parents and carers about the advice they’ve received and to start thinking about what direction they’d like to take.

We are pleased to see that many Year 11 students have already started attending after school revision sessions this term. These sessions are a fantastic way to reinforce learning, fill any gaps in understanding, and build confidence ahead of the GCSE exams.

As we move closer to exam season, it’s really important that students continue to make the most of these sessions. Regular attendance will make a big difference to their progress, helping them to stay on track and feel more prepared when it matters most.

We encourage all students to keep up the momentum and take advantage of the extra support available. Every session counts!

Attendance and Punctuality reminder:

Attending school every day and arriving on time to lessons is one of the simplest but most powerful ways for students to set themselves up for success. Every school day builds on the last. Missing even a few can cause gaps in understanding, make it harder to keep up, and increase stress. Being present and punctual helps you:

• Stay on top of your work

• Build strong habits and self-discipline

• Take full advantage of support from teachers

• Participate fully in discussions and group work

• Avoid falling behind and feeling overwhelmed

Success doesn't come from just showing up once in a while, it comes from consistency. It is vital that our Year 11 students make the most of every minute they have left at school by being in every day and on time to all lessons.

Key information and dates for Term 2:

• Blazers – Please can I ask that you remind students of this compulsory requirement.    

• Please remind students that they should be coming to school each day fully equipped. This includes, a bag, reading book and stationery. (Clear pencil cases required for exams)

• Attendance and punctuality.

PPE’s – 10th November to 28th November 2025 (All students have been given their individual timetables. Any questions or concerns please contact the year team)

Sixth Form Open Evening – 27th November 2025

Awards Evening – 4th December 2025 (5.30pm to 7.30pm)

Parents Evening – 18th December 2025

Last Day of Term – 19th December (Half day – 12.15pm)

We hope you all have a great and restful half term.

The Year 11 team

Dear families, 

I am unsure if this is a view shared by our students and you as parents and carers, but this term seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. 

We've welcomed our largest ever year 12 cohort and represent one of, if not the largest sixth form in the Maidstone area. 

This means that my annual target of learning all of my students' names by the end of term 1 hasn't quite been met but I am getting there !

Everyone has settled well into sixth form life and the adjustment to post 16 learning.  As is always the case; sometimes the biggest adjustment is managing more non contact time. Success post 16 is always aligned with excellent attendance and effective use of time as well as commitment to s

Our first parent consultation evening took place this week for our year 13 students and it was  lovely to see so many of you again for what might well be your last ever parent's evening. There is a second evening later in the academic year when our year 12 parents will be invited to meet with class teachers.

As term two arrives, we begin the real push on UCAS for those that are hoping to continue their education at university.  The early entry deadline for OxBridge, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry passed this week and we have our first application to read Mathematics at Cambridge and I'd like to thank all of my colleagues who have been involved in bringing the application together. 

For all other applications, the deadline for equal consideration for most courses is Wednesday 14th January 2026. Although this seems a long way off, as with this term, I am sure next term will pass equally quickly. If your son / daughter has not yet begun their application please encourage them to do so. We are here to support them through this process and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

For those year 13s who are not considering a university pathway but have yet to put a plan in motion, please remind them they can book a one to one meeting with our Careers Advisor, Ms McIntyre who will be pleased to offer support and guidance on what is out their for school leavers. 

On our return we have both the November English and Maths resit exams (your child will have received their personalised timetable already) and also our series of PPE (mock) exams for our year 13s. These are incredibly useful in helping your child identify both areas of knowledge that are secure and topics that may need some revision. The schedule is very busy and your support in ensuring your child arrives on time and prepared is appreciated.  

Our reward trip for students nominated by their class teachers takes place at the end of term 2 and I will write to you next term with more information on the trip and how students are nominated and selected. 

Our first Discovery meeting took place for the students that are joining me on the World Challenge Norway Expedition this week and this marks the start of more regular contact with our Expedition Team. I look forward to sharing further updates with you as the expedition approaches. 

Finally for this term I'd like to thank you all for your continued support. As always, if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either myself or Miss O'Brien. 

Kind regards,

Mrs Woollett, Head of Key Stage 5