This week has been full of energy, reflection, and forward-looking moments across the school. Prospective Year 12 students, including many of our Year 11 students, took part in their induction day on Wednesday as they prepare for their next chapter in our Sixth Form, while our current Year 12 have been out on valuable work experience placements across this week. Our additional Year 6 transition evening was well attended, providing key information and additional support for families with students with SEND. Year 10 students have also started receiving results from their recent assessments—important feedback that will help shape their next steps. As I write, the first of our Sports Day events is taking place, with fantastic levels of participation and team spirit from students of all year groups.

We have also had some very good enrichment opportunities this week. A small group of Year 7 students represented the school at the Notley Family of Schools Singing Festival, sharing their talents and collaborating with pupils from local primary schools. Our Year 10 Child Development students visited the NHS Expo for hands-on insight into healthcare and childcare careers. Last week, we also celebrated the BAT25 Book Awards Ceremony—a joyful event recognising creativity and a shared love of reading across the secondary schools in our Trust.

Looking Ahead: New School Day Structure from September 

From September, we will be introducing a revised structure to the school day. The start and end times remain unchanged, but we have made some carefully considered adjustments to improve the rhythm of the day, strengthen support for students, and maximise time for learning.

Students will begin and end the day with Tutor Time. Morning Tutor Time will be a short 5-minute check-in to ensure a calm and prompt start. Afternoon Tutor Time will provide space for reflection, key messages, assemblies, and planned interventions. Mrs Howells will explain how this will work for our Sixth Form students.

Social time has been structured to ensure students have sufficient time to eat, use the toilet, and take a break—while avoiding extended periods of downtime that can lead to disengagement. To support this, we are introducing an additional serving hatch in the main canteen, keeping the Year 7 canteen in place, and opening additional toilet facilities as previously shared.

Mobile phones will continue to be handed in at the start of the day and returned at the end, following our current routine. Extracurricular activities will continue during lunch and after school, with a full timetable shared in September.

Students will be walked through the new structure on Monday. While some elements bring added structure, our goal remains the same: a calm, purposeful, and positive environment where all students can succeed.