Welcome from our Principal, Mr Hacker

Dear parents and carers
First and foremost, a huge well done to our Class of 2026, who have now completed their GCSE's and enjoyed a special Leavers' Assembly this week. What a great celebration of the last five years and I hope that they all enjoyed the experience and know how much we'll miss them. We look forward to giving them one final send off this evening at the Leavers' Prom to bring a final close to their time with us. We're all rooting for great success for each of them when the results come in later in the summer.
Uniform update
Last week we shared a survey with you regarding footwear from September and I can share that 91% of respondents suggested that we integrate plain black leather (or leather effect) trainers as a shoe option. We will therefore be amending the uniform policy to reflect this. To be clear, this will be for the flat, plain black (no colour or mesh e.g. running/fashion) shoe style only. The usual rules and sanctions will apply for anything outside of policy. We will provide further examples on our website of what will and will not be acceptable in the coming weeks.
I also want to clarify that when trousers are introduced for all in September, they must NOT be skinny fit, gym wear/Lycra type material.
Social Media Ban and Phones Free School
You will have seen in the media this week that the UK is to introduce a social media ban for children under 16 in 'early 2027'. I think parents, carers and all staff working in schools will largely welcome these steps and we all await the details of how this will be implemented in practical terms. In the meantime, we have included some helpful information here which explains the current situation.
We are still progressing plans to implement phone pouches from September and I'd like to thank those parents who attended the forum or have submitted queries regarding the plan. We will continue to update you as we approach the summer break.
Wishing you all a fabulous weekend in the warmer weather, on which note I would urge you all to emphasise the water safety advice we have previously shared, which can be found on the RNLI website here
Matt Hacker