Headteacher's Weekly Update 25 - Friday 20th March 2026

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope this message finds you well; a Friday update for you as always.

You may have seen recent national reports regarding cases of meningitis in Kent.  While this is not in our local area, and current guidance confirms that the risk to our community remains low, we wanted to share this information as a precaution and to promote awareness rather than cause concern.  Public Health colleagues locally have reassured us that the situation is not affecting our borough and is unlikely to do so, and they continue to work closely with local healthcare providers. As with any health matter, early recognition and prompt medical attention are very important. Symptoms to be aware of include a high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, nausea or vomiting, drowsiness or difficulty waking, cold hands and feet, limb pain, pale or mottled skin, and in some cases a rash that does not fade when pressed.  In younger children, symptoms may also include irritability, a high-pitched cry, poor feeding, or a bulging soft spot.  

Good attendance for the final week of term is vital please, it ensures students make the most of their learning time and finish the term on a strong note.  Last week, overall attendance saw a slight improvement, reaching 92.5%.  However, we would like to see this continue to rise.  Every lesson counts.

Year group attendance:

• Year 7 93.67%

• Year 8 94.56%

• Year 9 91.10%

• Year 10 91.52%

• Year 11 90.05%

  
  

Eid Mubarak to all of our families who celebrated this week; we hope you enjoyed a special time with family and loved ones.  We also celebrated St Patrick’s Day with a wonderful lunchtime performance from the Kelmscott Ensemble, who have worked really hard preparing their music.  The group performed a lively set of traditional tunes, attracting a large audience of both students and staff and creating a fantastic atmosphere.  The ensemble played exceptionally well, with the crowd particularly enjoying “The Irish Washerwoman” jig.  The Podcast Club was also on hand to record the performance, ensuring that those who were unable to attend can still enjoy it.  A short recording is now available here.

Our Careers Leader, Ms Ahmet, is inviting parents and carers to take part in our Careers Fair on Wednesday 29th April 2026.  Students in Years 8 and 10 will benefit from hearing about different career pathways, and volunteers will have the opportunity to speak to students about their role, career journey and answer questions.  We are particularly keen to hear from those working in beauty and hair, music and performing arts, catering, transport and engineering, and travel.  If you are interested, please email info@kelmscott.waltham.sch.uk with Careers Fair in the subject line, and include your job title and contact details.

Sports now, and our netball teams have had an excellent week of fixtures.  Team B showed great teamwork and improvement, with Mae and Gabriella recognised as Players of the Match.  Team A delivered an outstanding 12–0 win with strong performances from Kenza and Myah, with Kenza named Player of the Match.  It was also fantastic to see both teams play each other in a friendly match, demonstrating how much they have progressed.

Congratulations to the Year 7, 8 and 9 football teams, who have all progressed to the semi-finals of the Waltham Forest Borough Cup.   Good luck to the Year 7 and 8 teams, who have their semi-final matches next week.  The Year 8 boys’ football team also finished in the top four of the league, securing their place in the league cup play-offs.  They will face Leytonstone in the semi-final on Monday, with hopes of reaching the final.

The Year 9 boys took part in a fast-paced match on Tuesday.  Frederick Bremer took an early lead, but we responded later in the first half with a superb lofted finish over the goalkeeper from Alieu Camara.  Frederick Bremer went on to score a second during extra time, making it a closely contested game throughout.  Burt Williams, in goal, made several crucial saves to keep us in contention.  Player of the Match was Patrick Burnside, who delivered an outstanding defensive performance and did not miss a single tackle all game.

Our Year 7 lunchtime football league, run by Salaam Peace, concluded this week after another fantastic round of matches.  The league has taken place every Monday at lunchtime since the start of the year and has seen a great number of students taking part and representing their forms.  This round saw 7K crowned league champions after an impressive run, winning all seven of their matches and beating 7L 4–1 in the final.  A special mention also goes to Renis Cuka in 7L, who was named the league’s star performer in recognition of his excellent performances and leadership throughout the competition.

We are very grateful to Salaam Peace for organising and delivering the league and for their continued support of our Year 7 students.  The next round of the league will begin next week, with students placed into mixed teams to encourage new friendships across the year group.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we saw some outstanding entries including artwork and poetry.  Congratulations to Roisin in Year 7, Daisy, Edie, Myah, Nidhi and Bea in Year 8, and Erva in Year 10 for their excellent contributions, which are now part of a small exhibition. 

Next week we are taking part in Big Walk and Wheel Week, a national initiative encouraging students to travel actively to school by walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting.  With the weather improving, this is a great opportunity for students to build healthy habits, support their wellbeing and contribute to a more sustainable environment.  We would really encourage as many students as possible to take part, even if it is just for part of their journey.  You can find out more about the initiative here: https://bigwalkandwheel.org.uk

Two exciting opportunities to highlight now: 

1. Students aged 12–16 are invited to apply for a Youth Advisory Board with Save the Children, focusing on campaigning to address child poverty in the UK.  This is a really exciting opportunity for young people to have their voice heard and contribute to meaningful change.   Applications close on Sunday 12th April.  Further information and how to apply can be found here.

2. The SC Johnson–funded Engineering Experience virtual course (25th–28th August 2026) is now open for applications to Year 8 and 9 students.  Over four half days, students will take part in hands-on challenges in Cyber Security, Electrical Engineering and Space, while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills and exploring STEM career pathways.  This is not a free opportunity however some fully funded places are available, spaces are limited so early applications are encouraged.  For more information please see here.

   
   

A final reminder from me about Waltham Forest’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme that will be running again over the Easter holidays.  The programme provides funded holiday clubs offering a range of engaging activities, sports, creative opportunities, and healthy meals for eligible children and young people.  This is a fantastic local initiative that supports families during the school break.  Early booking is advised.  For further details, eligibility information and guidance on how to book, please see here.

Congratulations to the students who achieved the highest number of reward points during the week of 9th–13th March 2026.  A special well done to Crystal Cesionyte-Cisneros in 7C, who was the overall top reward points winner across the school last week, earning an impressive 32 points.

• Year 7, Crystal Cesionyte-Cisneros in 7C with 32 points 

• Year 8, Eleanor Nickson in 8C with 22 points

• Year 9, Fatima Lamarana Barry in 9T with 15 points

• Year 10, Phoebe Harper in 10M and Sanjana Mathews in 10K both with 20 points

• Year 11, Isra Ditta in 11E with 17 points.

  
  

Finally, a reminder that Thursday 26th March will be a non-uniform day with a £2 donation via the online payment system to support the Kelmscott Hardship Fund. 

With every good wish,

Mr Sam Jones 

Headteacher