Headteacher's Weekly Update 26 - Friday 27th March 2026

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope this message finds you and your families well; a Friday update for you as we finish the Spring term.

Attendance was significantly affected last week due to Eid, with overall attendance at 80.32%.  We hope we can improve our overall figure as we head towards the final term of the school year.  Our attendance is still better than both the LA and national average which is pleasing.

Year group attendance:

• Year 7 83.72%

• Year 8 82.04%

• Year 9 80.89%

• Year 10 79.07%

• Year 11 75.03%

  
  

It was wonderful to see so many Year 9 families at the Options Evening on Thursday.  This is such an important stage as students begin to consider their GCSE pathways, choosing three or four option subjects.  I was particularly impressed by how many students already had a clear sense of their interests and future goals, showing thoughtful consideration and maturity in their decision-making.

A reminder regarding Peripatetic Music Lessons for the summer term: an expression of interest form has been shared today.  Parents can access this via the Forms section in the EduLink One app.  The deadline for responses is midnight on Tuesday 31st March.

Our students have recently benefited from a range of enriching opportunities, including a fantastic creative experience through the UCL Art workshop.  On Thursday, Year 10 Art students took part in the second stage of the UCL Widening Participation Programme, engaging in an intaglio printmaking workshop led by art graduates.  As part of this, students developed sketches exploring their feelings about their community and what makes East London special.  These ideas are now being transformed into a series of experimental prints, contributing to their GCSE coursework while building their skills in drawing and etching.

The outcomes of their work will be exhibited, alongside pieces from students at neighbouring colleges, at UCL East from 21st April.  Parents of participating students will receive an invitation to the Private View shortly.

This week, our SEND Easter Workshop offered students an engaging, interactive opportunity to develop problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills while exploring the meaning and traditions of Easter.  The event began with an inclusive lively egg-and-spoon race, with enthusiastic participation from all students, followed by the annual Easter Egg Hunt across Teletubbyland, where teams demonstrated excellent collaboration. The workshop concluded in the Bridge classroom with an Easter-themed quiz and activity booklets featuring fun facts, jokes and interactive challenges, including activities for the holidays with a small reward on return. The workshop was a memorable celebration of teamwork, inclusivity and seasonal fun.  Families can access the Bridge Easter Workshop resources to recreate the activities at home.

A sporting round-up now: 

Year 7 Football Final - On a very wet and windy Wednesday afternoon, our Year 7 boys faced Leytonstone School in the Football Cup final.  Leytonstone took an early lead with two goals, but we responded quickly with one of our own.  Despite some brilliant moments of football, with the boys stringing together some lovely passes, we were chasing the game and ultimately lost 7–3. The opposing goalkeeper made several crucial saves, making it tough to stay in contention.  Well done to the boys for their determination and persistence until the final whistle.  Renis Cuka, who scored all three of our goals, was named Player of the Match.

Year 8 Boys Football, League Cup Semi-Final - Our Year 8 boys played Leytonstone in the League Cup semi-final on Monday.  They had a strong first half, creating numerous chances and looking the better side, but went into the break 2–0 down.  In the second half, they conceded a third goal but showed great resilience, scoring two quick goals to bring the score to 3–2.  Despite pushing hard in the final stages, they were unable to find an equaliser.  It has been an outstanding first 11-a-side season for the Year 8 team, finishing fourth in the borough’s top division, a fantastic achievement.

Year 8/9 Girls Basketball Interform - Over fifty girls from Years 8 and 9 took part in the interform basketball tournament.  Each Year 9 form combined with its corresponding Year 8 form to create mixed teams, all competing for the title of 2026 champions.  The girls played with great energy, and the standard of basketball improved steadily throughout the event.

• Winners: 8/9E

• Runners-up: 8/9M

• Player of the Tournament: Myah Farrugia (8S)

  
  

Year 9 Boys Basketball Interform - Year 9 boys competed in their interform basketball tournament, with each form group facing off for the title of 2026 champions.  The matches were played at high intensity, showcasing excellent skill, teamwork and determination.

• Winners: 9C

• Runners-up: 9M

• Player of the Tournament: Samuel Burnside (9C)

  
  

Congratulations to all the interform basketball players for their enthusiasm, effort and sportsmanship.

This week’s celebration assemblies have been a real highlight.  There has been a lovely atmosphere across the school as we recognised and celebrated our students’ hard work, achievements and positive contributions.

Congratulations to our regards points winners this week:

• Year 7, Roisin Khan in 7M and Claire Berberi in 7L both with 32 points

• Year 8, Bea Burgess in 8L with 23 points

• Year 9, Filip Ionescu in 9S with 33 points

• Year 10, Robert Jr Basilio in 10C with 35 points

• Year 11, Jasper Naughton Greany in 11M with 14 points.

  
  

A special well done to Robert Jr Basillo in 10C, who achieved the highest number of points across the school with an impressive total of 35.

Over the Easter break, we will be sharing expressions of interest for next year’s Stratford-upon-Avon residential trip, which is open to all year groups, and for potential residential trips to Paris and Barcelona, which will be open to Year 8 and 9 students.  Please do keep an eye out for these exciting opportunities which will be made available via the Forms icon in the EduLink One app.

Useful links for families who would like to explore the wonderful opportunities our community has to offer;  Waltham Forest Council has launched  Discover Waltham Forest, a brand new go-to guide for everything happening across the borough. This online resource brings together events, activities and family-friendly opportunities all in one place. 

Waltham Forest Holiday Activity Programme (HAF) Easter activities run from Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April 2026, excluding bank holidays.

Space4All youth sessions for ages 11 to 25, continue to run throughout the Easter period. 

The Feel Good Too Centre, 1 Pavilion Walk, E10 5UE, is hosting an Easter Multi-Sports Programme, from Monday 30th March to Thursday 2nd April, daily from 10am to 2pm.  Offering fun and engaging sports sessions, including games, skills drills and end-of-day matches in a variety of sports.  Lunch is provided. 

Since opening, Soho Theatre Walthamstow has welcomed over 3,500 local children to take part in workshops and creative activities.  For the summer programme, a limited number of tickets priced at £15 or less are available for those who live, work or study in the borough. The programme includes a wide range of performances, comedy, cabaret and family shows.  These tickets are in high demand and sell quickly, please see here for more information.

The Violence Reduction Team in Waltham Forest will be running a programme of activities over the Easter half-term (30th March – 10th April), including pop-ups, StreetBase outreach, business engagement and joint patrols, all aimed at supporting young people and promoting community safety.  Please see here for further details.

A communication was sent out to parents/carers this week regarding exam expectations and resources for our Year 10 students, who start their exams after the Easter break on Monday 13th April.  This is an important revision period for both Year 10 and Year 11 students, however, it is also key to strike a healthy balance between work and rest.

As we reach the end of term, I would like to wish all our families a restful and enjoyable Easter break.  I hope the weather is kind and that you are able to relax and spend quality time together. 

We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday 13th April at the usual time.

With every good wish,

Mr Sam Jones 

Headteacher