Headteacher's Weekly Update 34 - Friday 13th June 2025

Dear Parents/Carers

I hope this letter finds you and your families well, a Friday update for you as always.

Today marks a significant milestone for our Year 11 students, as we celebrate their final formal day at school. It’s been a joyful occasion filled with the traditional rites of passage, leavers’ assembly, shirt signing, photographs, laughter and a few tears. It’s been a privilege to reflect on the achievements and commitment of this wonderful year group.

Many students have commented on how quickly their five years at Kelmscott have flown by and they are absolutely right. As I have said before, their conduct during the exam season has been exemplary, demonstrating maturity, focus and resilience. They should feel incredibly proud.

Although a few exams remain next week, the finish line is now clearly in sight. A well-earned summer break lies ahead, followed by results day in late August. Before then, we look forward to welcoming students and families to our Year 11 Graduation on Thursday 19th June (6.00pm arrival for a prompt 6.30pm start). We have an inspirational guest speaker lined up, I know you will enjoy hearing from them. If you have not done so already, please register for tickets. Kindly note that all guests must be pre-registered and over the age of 21 to attend.

As we approach the end of term, we would also like to ask families to consider donating any good-quality, spare or unused uniform to the school’s uniform bank. We are particularly in need of:

• Shirts, trousers, skirts, jumpers, and blazers (sizes 11–12 and above)

• School shoes (sizes 2 and above)

Donations can be dropped off at reception during the school day. Thank you, as always, for your generosity.

A reminder about our Everyone’s Invited parent lecture, previously referenced in last week’s newsletter. This important session takes place on Tuesday 18th June, from 5:30–6:30pm in the school hall. It offers a valuable opportunity to reflect together on how we can support a safe, respectful, and inclusive school culture. We warmly encourage you to attend. For tickets please see here.

It has also been a week of Kelmscott success stories. On Wednesday, Waltham Forest Music Services hosted the 2025 Battle of the Bands. Kelmscott proudly entered two bands: Some Girlz (Years 7 and 8), performing Creep by Radiohead, and Rule of Sock (Years 7–9), who delivered a fantastic version of Zombie by The Cranberries. Both groups gave incredible performances, cheered on by a sell-out crowd. We are thrilled to announce that Some Girlz won the KS3 category, this is a fantastic achievement.  The fabulous prize is a recording session at the world famous Abbey Road. Congratulations to all involved, including their manager, producer and roadie, Mr Taylor. Watch the performances here. (Some Girlz at 1:44 | Rule of Sock at 2:21)

Students from Years 9 and 10 who attended Brightening Air at the Old Vic last month were also fortunate to take part in a follow-up theatre design workshop this week. Led by professional designers, students explored the creative process behind staging a production and created their own miniature set models using sustainable materials. Highlights included a tiny train and track, fireplace, stained glass windows, and furniture. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the creativity behind live performance.

This afternoon, another group of students visited Tate Modern, one of the world’s leading galleries for modern and contemporary art. They group viewed the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, the world’s largest collaborative art piece displayed in the Turbine hall.  Students were moved by its scale and emotional impact, engaging with volunteers who shared stories behind the project. Inspired by this visit, students will now lead a collaborative art initiative during Pride Month with six other Waltham Forest schools. We look forward to seeing the results of this meaningful and creative project.

Yesterday also marked the conclusion of our exciting ‘Echoes of the Past: Unearthing Walthamstow’s Hidden Histories’ project with Clio’s Company. Students from Kelmscott and Mission Grove Primary shared their performances, developed after a visit to All Hallows, alongside stunning artwork produced by our students. As part of this wider work, esteemed local historian, writer and long-time resident, Neil Houghton will lead a guided walk through Walthamstow on Saturday 28th June, exploring the area’s rich cultural and social history. For full details on how to apply, please refer to the original MyEd message sent on 10th June.  Please note that students must be accompanied by a parent/carer. Unaccompanied students will not be able to join.

Thank you to everyone who attended Tutor Parent Day on Thursday. We hope you found your visit helpful in supporting your child’s progress. Please take a moment to share your feedback to help us improve future events. 

A reminder that the final deadline to pay for End of Year Trips is midnight on Sunday 15th June. We will not be able to accept any payments or sign-ups after this point. Please also ensure that your child’s consent form has been completed, students will not be able to attend without it.

We have received useful feedback from families regarding the trip booking system. While we are proud of the broad range of co-curricular activities we offer, we understand the frustration when students miss out. We are reviewing our systems and aim to provide an update before the summer on planned improvements.

A gentle reminder that students should be arriving at school by 8:30am at the latest. We have noticed some arriving closer to 8:40am, which is the formal start time. Arriving early allows for a calm and punctual start to the day. Your support is appreciated, strong punctuality and attendance are directly linked to better academic outcomes. Students with excellent attendance are 4.7 times more likely to achieve strong GCSE passes in English and Maths.

Finally, it’s been an exciting few weeks for sport at Kelmscott:

In athletics, our Year 7 and 8 girls had a fantastic showing, including:

• Ada Yeow (8S) – 2nd in 200m

• Myah Farrugia (7S) – 1st in 200m

• Eleanor Nickson (7C) – 2nd in 800m

• Both relay teams also placed 2nd

  
  

This week, Myah Farrugia and Talihya Lottrie both won their 100m heats. Once again, our relay teams finished 2nd, an impressive run of results.

The Year 7 and 8 boys also stood out:

• Burt Williams (8O) – 2nd in 800m

• Ronan Kelly (7K) – 3rd in 800m

• Ruari Cullinane – 2nd in triple jump (as a last-minute call-up)

  
  

In cricket, the Year 7 and 8 boys played Willowfield in a nail-biting match. Despite a narrow loss, Adeem Hamid (7S) earned Player of the Match for his performance.

Finally, Rounders Club continues to thrive, with thirty nine girls from KS3 and KS4 joining Mrs Shepard and Ms Knight on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. A brilliant turnout.

Looking ahead, we are excited for next week’s Interform Football competitions, more details to follow in my update to families next week.

Congratulations to all our reward points winners:

• Year 7, Halimah-Anniyah Noor in 7C with 15 points

• Year 8, Frederick Pomeroy in 8C with 26 points

• Year 9, Dima Shehab in 9O with 44 points

• Year 10, Aleka williams in 10L, Hilary Herrera in 10K and Ataullah Achekzai in 10E 

• Year 11, Esha Latif in 11C 

Finally, congratulations to Dima Shehab in 9O, who was last week’s top Rewards Points earner with an incredible 44 points this a brilliant achievement.

With every good wish,

Mr Sam Jones 

Headteacher