Headteacher's Weekly Update 6 - Friday 10th October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

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

I am delighted to share some of the enriching experiences our students have engaged in this week, alongside important updates and our usual celebrations.

Our students have had a wealth of opportunities to explore, learn and grow:

The UK Bebras Challenge, the nation's largest computing competition, is open for entries from 4th to 15th November.  This exciting challenge introduces computational thinking to students aged 10 and above, with participants completing 15 multiple-choice questions focusing on computational and logical thinking.  It's a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their problem-solving skills and engage with the world of computing.

As part of our Careers programme, a group of Year 10 students visited Informa, a brand licensing company in Blackfriars, to explore careers in branding, licensing and event organisation.  Working in teams, students designed a global event concept with a £3 million budget, supported by Informa employees and graduates, and presented their ideas with detailed budgets.  In the afternoon, they toured the Brand Licensing Exhibition at ExCeL London, Europe’s leading licensing event,  where they saw iconic brands like Angry Birds, Shrek and PlayStation in action.  It was an inspiring and immersive experience for all involved and we are very grateful to those who  facilitated this incredible opportunity. 

Students had the opportunity to experience high-quality theatre performances through the Globe Players, who have been bringing theatre into schools for over fifty years.  These visits provided students with a deeper appreciation of Shakespeare's works and the art of performance.

Sports now and the Year 9 Girls’ Netball Team played two fantastic home matches, taking on Willowfield and Lammas.  In their first match against Willowfield, the girls defended brilliantly and scored some excellent goals, finishing with an impressive 6–2 victory.  They continued their strong form in the second match against Lammas, winning 4–1. 

The Year 7 and Year 8 boys played a friendly football match, with the Year 8 team coming out on top with a 3–1 win.  Player of the Match: Fadlullah Shobande.

The Girls’ Football Team played their first 11-a-side football match and secured their first point on the scoreboard this season, drawing 2–2 against South Chingford.  Player of the Match: Melany Kocheva.

Finally the Year 9 Boys’ Football Team achieved a convincing 6–1 victory over Holy Family, with Player of the Match: Ibrahim Mahmood.   A fantastic week of sport all round, congratulations to all our athletes.

We are very pleased to announce the launch of our Model United Nations (MUN) Club, led by some of our Year 11 students.  This initiative allows students to simulate the workings of the United Nations, engage in debates on global issues, and develop skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and critical thinking.  It's inspiring to see our students taking the lead in fostering global awareness and leadership within our school community – something that is much needed at the current time.

World Mental Health Day is today, serving as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health.  This year's campaign focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies World Health Organization.  At Kelmscott, of course, we believe in prioritising mental health every day, ensuring that our students have the support and resources they need to thrive.

Today also marks World Homelessness Day.  As the weather turns colder and the nights draw in, it is a timely reminder of the challenges faced by those without a safe place to call home.  Here in Waltham Forest, Community Living Rooms are open across the borough, offering warm, welcoming spaces for anyone in need.  It is also an opportunity for us all to reflect on kindness, compassion and how small actions can make a big difference in our community.  For more information please visit; Community Living Room and Streetlink to connect with local support services.

A careers opportunity to highlight; students interested in a career in law are invited to attend a free virtual work experience event, hosted by leading law firm Browne Jacobson on Tuesday, 28th October from 9:00am - 4:15pm.  The day is open to all school, college, and university students who want to explore opportunities in the legal profession.  Attendees will also hear about the new Barrister Apprenticeship Programme, an exciting new route into law.  Browne Jacobson will be among the first UK firms to offer this pathway, with applications launching at the event.  For more information please see here.

TfL is currently consulting on a proposal to expand the Superloop network with a new express bus route, SL14, running between Stratford Bus Station and Chingford Hatch.  The route would provide direct rail connections at Leyton, St James’s Street and Blackhorse Road stations, and could include stops near many local schools.  This is an important opportunity to help shape transport in our community.  Your feedback could make a real difference, so we strongly encourage everyone to engage with the consultation.  Have your say by participating in the consultation here.

This week, I had the pleasure of touring our school with prospective parents.  It was wonderful to witness our students engaged in focused learning, participating in exciting practicals in Science, PE and Food, and immersed in their artwork.  Our teachers were equally inspiring, demonstrating their passion and dedication to their craft. These moments highlight the vibrant and dynamic learning environment we cultivate at Kelmscott; it makes me a very proud Headteacher.

Finally, congratulations to our top reward points winners for the week Monday 29th September - Friday 3rd October 2025.  A special mention to Kristian Gospodinov (8M), who topped the school with an impressive 26 reward points this week. 

➪ Year 7, Zain Isa Suhail in 7C and Abigail Michale in 7O both with 24 points

➪ Year 8, Kristian Gospodinov in 8M with 26 points

➪ Year 9, Mohammed Tanveer in 9K with 21 points

➪ Year 10, Rebeca Sukai in 10E with 20 points

➪ Year 11, Aleka Williams in 11L and Toby Long in 11O with 15 points each

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mr Sam Jones 

Headteacher