Headteacher's Weekly Update 17 - Friday 16th January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope this letter finds you and your families well; a Friday update for you as always.  It has been another busy and purposeful week in school, with lots to celebrate and a few important reminders to share.

I led assemblies this week focussing on herd mentality, the bystander effect and morbid curiosity, exploring why people sometimes follow the crowd, stay silent, or spectate when they know something isn’t right.  Students were encouraged to think critically about the impact of “just watching” or “not getting involved,” particularly in school, in the community and online.  We discussed how silence can unintentionally enable harm, and how choosing to speak up, report concerns or refuse to join in can make a real difference.  The central message was clear: each of us has a responsibility to be part of the solution and small, positive actions can have a powerful impact on others.  A conversation for you to pick up at the dinner table this weekend perhaps?

This week, attendance has returned to pre-Christmas levels, with the whole school sitting at 92%. While we are seeing the usual high levels of colds and flu affecting many students, it’s encouraging to see so many attending regularly.  Every day in school is an opportunity to learn and every day truly matters.

Year group attendance:

• Year 7: 92.91%

• Year 8: 93.83%

• Year 9: 91.00%

• Year 10: 91.60%

• Year 11: 88.90%

Our Year 9 students had their first taste of formal exams in the main hall this week, with all the regulations and expectations we apply at GCSE level.  They adapted quickly, approached the experience with maturity, and acquitted themselves very well. Just as importantly, these assessments provide valuable learning opportunities, helping students reflect on exam technique, preparation and subject-specific strengths as well as areas for development.  A really positive milestone in their journey.

For Year 11 families, you may have seen that the Department for Education has recently launched a new Education Record app, designed to give young people easier access to key information about their qualifications and achievements.  We are currently reviewing the guidance and mobilising as a school to ensure we are ready to support students in using this effectively once fully rolled out.  Further information will follow.

We continue to work closely with BeeZee Bodies, a brilliant local organisation promoting healthy habits, wellbeing and positive lifestyle choices for families across Waltham Forest.  Their work is a great example of community support in action.  Please see here for more information.

In an age where misinformation spreads quickly, the BBC has produced a series of Bitesize activities aimed at helping young people recognise fact from fiction online.  These resources are timely, accessible and well worth exploring with your child.

I do want to raise a concern that has cropped up a few times recently: knock-down ginger after school.  While this can appear to young people as harmless fun, it can be frightening and distressing for members of our community, particularly elderly residents or those living alone.  I would really appreciate your support in talking to your child about the impact this behaviour can have and why it is not acceptable.

Our chess team competed yesterday at the Waltham Forest Chess Championship held at Norlington School, and we thank Mr Hassan for organising the team.  Kelmscott was represented by Dennis Hazar (7M), Nilufar Omarova (7L), Lukas Grazulis (8C), Asliddin Omarov (9T), Samuel Burnside (9C) and Milo Rossiter (10M).

In his first appearance, Lukas Grazulis finished 2nd in the Year 7/8 category, while Samuel Burnside claimed his back-to-back championship, finishing first in the Year 9/10 category.  Milo Rossiter came 2nd and Asliddin Omarov finished 3rd in the same category.  This success means Kelmscott has now been crowned champions three years in a row, an outstanding accomplishment that reflects the commitment and talent of our students.

A special mention must go to Nilufar Omarova, who also made her first appearance and became the first female competitor to represent Kelmscott in this championship - one to watch in the coming years.  We are immensely proud of all our students for their dedication and excellent sportsmanship. 

In football, 7O were crowned inter-form champions, beating 7K 6–2 in an exciting final. Participation across tutor groups was fantastic, and we are especially grateful to the community group Salaam Peace for helping facilitate the competition, we really appreciate their support.  Next week, the competition begins again, with plenty of motivation for form groups to try and knock 7O off their perch.

You may recall from my update to families on 12th December, I mentioned that I am keen to start a new section in this newsletter celebrating the successes of Kelmscott alumni.  If you know any former students who have gone on to exciting achievements, whether running their own business, making a positive impact in the community, excelling in a specialist field, or working in a high-profile role, please do get in touch.  Sharing their stories will not only celebrate their accomplishments but also inspire our current students and show them the possibilities ahead.

An important message from the Art Department - The AQA Art, Craft and Design Exam papers were given to all year 11 Art, Photography and CDA students this week, students have the lessons and home learning tasks to prepare for the ten hour exam on the 21st and 22nd April. The sketch book forms 75% of the final grade for this exam and the project overall is 40% of the GCSE course . It is imperative that your children keep up with the Home learning tasks as part of their ongoing weekly revision. Supporting resources, the exam paper and the art handbook can be found on their respective Google Classrooms and art rooms are often available after school and at lunchtime in order to support students' with their work. We are really excited to see what wonderful ideas and artwork the students will produce during this time.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Walthamstow Wetlands on our doorstep and it is always inspiring to see the rich abundance of wildlife around us.  The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, taking place from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th January 2026, offers a wonderful opportunity to get outside and observe the birds in your garden, local park or nearby green spaces.

To take part, simply spend one hour watching the birds, record what you see and submit your results online or by post, even if you spot nothing at all.  I look forward to hearing about your experiences and comparing results with many of our keen birdwatchers.

Finally, a reminder that Waltham Forest is running a series of webinars for parents, offering guidance on supporting young people with the modern demands of life,  including navigating social media safely and confidently.  These sessions are highly topical and provide practical advice.  For more information please see here.

Well done, as always, to our rewards points winners for the week of 5th - 9th January 2026, your effort, attitude and contribution to school life continue to be recognised and celebrated.  A particular well done to Leonardo Festante in Year 10, top of the whole school last week with 23 points.   Keep up the good work.

     ➪ Year 7, Mariam Raza in 7E with 16 points

     ➪ Year 8, Clara Hubbert in 8E and Bogdan Popescu in 8K both with 15 points

     ➪ Year 9, Filip Ionescu in 9S with 17 points

     ➪ Year 10, Leonardo Festante in 10S with 23 points

     ➪ Year 11, Lukas Petrovas in 11L  with 8 points

Thank you for your continued support and partnership with the school.

With every good wish,

Mr Sam Jones 

Headteacher