Principal's update - 17 October 2025

Dear families,

As we wrap up the final full week of term, I want to take a moment to celebrate the energy, achievement, and community spirit that’s been on full display across the academy.

Our sports teams have been busy once again, with a packed schedule of fixtures. A huge congratulations to our Year 8/9 netball team, who were my Team of the Week after winning 3 out of 4 games and finishing second in their Dixons league—a brilliant result and a testament to their teamwork and determination.

We were also proud to welcome colleagues from Queensland, Australia this week. They were incredibly impressed by the improvements across our school and the commitment of our staff and students—thank you to everyone who helped showcase what makes our academy so special.

Students also took part in a Rethink Food event, celebrating the community work we’re doing to promote sustainability and wellbeing. And today, we rounded off the week with an incredible Culture Day and Family Feast—a joyful celebration of unity and cultures from around the world. Thank you to all families who joined us and contributed to the feast—it was a truly heartwarming way to end the term.

Looking ahead:

• Next week, our Year 10 and Year 11 students head off to Paris—including a visit to Disneyland! We wish them a safe and exciting trip. Meanwhile, Year 11 will also be taking part in revision activities to help prepare for their upcoming mocks.
• After the break, we return on Monday 3 November at 8:18am. Please ensure students arrive fully equipped, in full uniform, and ready to learn.
• Year 11 will begin their mock exams, starting with Spanish speaking assessments, and Year 8 and Year 10 reports will be shared with families.

Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone—students, staff, and families—for your efforts this term. Over the past two years, we’ve seen:

• Attendance increase by 8%
• Suspensions decrease by 70%
• 30% more students passing English and Maths

These are incredible achievements, and they reflect the hard work, belief, and collaboration across our academy community. I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together next term.

Have a safe and restful break.

Mr A Jacobs