Headteacher's Weekly Update 22 - Friday 27th February 2026

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope this letter finds you and your families well and that you and your children enjoyed a restful half term break.  A Friday update for you, as always.

I know you will be aware of recent social media posts referring to so-called “School Wars” across a number of London boroughs, including Waltham Forest.  As you know, I wrote to families about this yesterday.  I am very pleased to say that this proved to be exactly what we believed it would be, online noise.  Our students showed maturity and good judgement in ignoring it completely. There were no issues locally, and the atmosphere at the end of the school day was calm and positive.

As always, we worked exceptionally closely with fellow Headteachers this week and maintained close communication with local partners to ensure everything remained settled.  This work is always going on at Kelmscott, quietly behind the scenes, to ensure our community is safe.  I will always get in contact if I believe there to be a real issue.

We are fortunate to have strong relationships across schools, and many of our students share friendships that go back to their primary years, something that speaks volumes about our community.  Thank you for your continued support.  It is reassuring to see our young people rise above social media distraction and focus on what truly matters.  Although, suffice to say, this is an issue we could have all done without this week.

You will have likely seen in the media that there has been a rise in measles cases in London, with outbreaks in neighbouring boroughs.  As you know, measles is highly infectious and can spread quickly in school settings.  Vaccination remains the best protection.  The MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine is safe and highly effective, and children require two doses for full protection.  Vaccinations are available free of charge via your GP practice, and we strongly encourage families to check their child’s vaccination status.

Early symptoms of measles include a high fever, runny or blocked nose, red or watery eyes and a cough.  A rash usually appears a few days later, starting on the face and spreading to the body, and small white spots may appear inside the mouth.  If you suspect measles, please keep your child at home, contact your GP or NHS 111 before attending in person, and inform the school if measles is suspected or confirmed.  Thank you for helping us to protect our whole community.

Our attendance for the final week of half term was 92%.  While many of our students attend very well, we know we can push this even higher.  Regular attendance builds routine, resilience, confidence and academic success.  Every lesson counts, and even small improvements across the school make a significant difference.  This half term we are placing a renewed and positive focus on excellent attendance.  Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring your child attends every day unless genuinely unwell. Together, we can continue to strengthen our culture of commitment and ambition.

Year group attendance:

• Year 7 94.87%

• Year 8 93.76%

• Year 9 90.64%

• Year 10 89.58%

• Year 11 91.02%

  
  

On Thursday, our Year 10 students met with the ICEE Ltd team to take part in the second of three sessions in this year’s Success Principles Careers Workshops.  During the first session, students explored potential future career pathways, reflected on their current skill sets, and identified areas they need to develop in order to achieve their goals. They also created and refined their CVs.  In the second session, ICEE focused on personal branding and the power of effective networking. Students took part in a practical networking activity, where they connected with like-minded peers while also seeking individuals whose strengths and qualities would complement their own personal brand and skill set.  We look forward to the third and final workshop in May.

Careers Fortnight begins on Monday.  Across subjects, students will learn about the many career pathways linked to their areas of study.  These moments can be powerful in shaping aspiration, and a simple question at home, asking what careers they heard about , can spark valuable conversations about the future.

We are always proud of the strong uptake in Modern Foreign Languages at Kelmscott and to be the highest performing school in the Borough in terms of GCSE results for MFL.  Languages open doors, not only academically, but professionally and culturally.  We are sharing an excellent Department for Education article highlighting just where studying languages can take you, including careers in business, diplomacy, travel, technology and beyond.  I encourage families to take a few minutes to read it and discuss it at home.

Our inter-form basketball competition takes place this half term, and we look forward to seeing teamwork, determination and positive competition in action.  Students interested in taking part should speak to the PE department.

A reminder that hoodies are not permitted in school.  Students may wear plain black or navy coats only.  Thank you for your support in maintaining our high standards.  We also ask that students’ hair does not cover their face.  Being able to clearly see students is important for safeguarding and identification.  A hairband or similar is a simple and effective solution where needed. If presentation is linked to any wellbeing concerns, we are always here to support.

Well done to our Year 11 students who completed their mock examinations before half term.  They approached this important milestone with maturity and focus. Staff are carefully analysing outcomes to provide targeted support as we move towards the GCSE examinations in May.  The final push now begins and we are right behind them.

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8th March, we are inviting students to take part in our IWD themed activities.  This is a chance to get creative, explore ideas around gender equality, and students can work towards having their work showcased in a mini exhibition before the end of term.  The deadline for entries is 13th March, which can be submitted either directly, or via email, to Ms Ridler.  Full activity options and information are available here.   

Two opportunities I would like to share on behalf of Waltham Forest Music Service for all our Kelmscott musicians:  Firstly,  Music Production for Girls, Trans and Non-Binary Young People offered by Spark the Noise, this programme is for 13–17-year-olds who identify as girls, trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming and want to learn the basics of music production.  Full details can be found here.  Secondly the BBC Symphony Orchestra Side-By-Side day on Saturday 18th April.  A fantastic offer for Grade 3+ wind, strings, and brass players to perform alongside professional orchestral musicians.  More information can be viewed here.

We are excited to be taking part in Big Walk and Wheel 2026, which runs from 24th March to 4th April 2026.  This national initiative encourages students to travel actively to school,  whether by walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting.  Active travel supports physical health, mental wellbeing and environmental responsibility and it is a positive way to start and end the school day.  If your child is able to travel actively and safely, we would love them to take part during the event period. Further information can be found here.

Waltham Forest’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme will be running again over the Easter holidays.  The programme offers funded holiday clubs providing engaging activities, sports, creative opportunities and healthy meals for eligible children and young people.  This is a fantastic local offer that supports families during school holidays.  Further details, eligibility information and booking guidance can be found here. 

Finally, congratulations to the students who have accumulated the highest number of reward points for the last week of the half term, 9th - 13th February 2026.  As you know, these points reflect consistent effort, positive behaviour, kindness and commitment to Kelmscott values.  We are very proud of the vast majority of students who demonstrate these qualities every day.  Small, positive choices build long-term success.  A special mention goes to Ahzem Zubair in 7M , who earned an impressive 58 reward points, the highest across the entire school.

• Year 7, Ahzem Zubair in 7M with 58 points

• Year 8, Nidhi Moharana in 8L with 20 points

• Year 9, Filip Ionescu in 9S with 29 points

• Year 10, Sanjana Mathews in 10K with 33 points

• Year 11, Keiron Maskell in 11K with 11 points

With every good wish,

Mr Sam Jones 

Headteacher