Clarion News - July 2026

Letter from the Headteacher

Just last week, a Year 10 student stopped me unsolicited while walking through Claremont Park to share how proud he was to be a Clarion student. He explained beautifully how our high expectations have completely shaped his path, reflecting on how much he has grown since his primary school days. Moments like that and the flood of incredible feedback we’ve received from local employers at law firms, veterinary clinics, and neighboring schools from the latest round of work experience placements are the ultimate proof of what we are building together.As one local Primary Headteacher recently wrote to us, the Clarion students supporting their classrooms were proactive, successful, and genuinely a lovely group of young people.

This marks the end of my fourth year in this role, and celebrating Clarion’s first official year under our new identity fills me with an immense sense of pride. Our unwavering focus on raising standards has been met with incredible enthusiasm from our students, and we are seeing the benefits of this commitment in every corner of the school. It is visible in the calmer, more deeply focused atmosphere in our classrooms, the growth of peer mentoring, and the strong friendships blooming across year groups. This thriving community spirit was also on full display outside the classroom this year, as we opened our doors for the Barnet Youth Theatre Festival, parent tours, and interactive information mornings.

On a personal note, I was incredibly humbled to receive the Bronze Award for Pearson’s Headteacher of the Year, the education world’s equivalent of the Oscars. While my name is on the award, this recognition belongs entirely to our community, serving as a reflection of our students, staff, and families working hand-in-hand to create an environment where young people truly flourish.

The future is exceptionally bright for Clarion, and we are already planning our next steps for when we return in September. We are thrilled to be welcoming a brand new oversubscribed cohort of 150 Year 7 pupils into the Clarion family, while simultaneously launching an expanded Enrichment programme and an increased calendar of school trips. Furthermore, we are initiating a renewed push to ensure every single student is reading at or above their age level, because literacy is power, and we are determined to give that power to all our students.

Thank you to our parents, staff, students, and governors for your inspiring, humbling support throughout this milestone year. I wish you all a restful, safe, and happy summer holiday, and I look forward to seeing everyone back in September for another year of opportunity, growth, and joy.

All the best,

Mr Hunt Headteacher

Clarion Open Evening 2026

Clarion is delighted to announce our Open Evening on the 1st October 2026.

Meet our students and staff, hear directly from our Senior Leadership Team on our approach and expectations, see our facilities first hand, including our newly refurbished Clarion Hall. This is an opportunity to discover how we can deliver an outstanding education for your child.

Time: 5:30 - 7:30PM

Location: Claremont Road, London NW2 1TR

Scan the QR code to learn more and register your attendance.

We also welcome parents and carers to our Open Morning Tours in October. Contact schooladmin@clarion.school to sign up.

The runway event showcased some of the amazing traditional clothes and music from cultures represented across Clarion.

International Exchange Programme 2026

Our International Exchange Programme welcomed students from the High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University and Changhe High School travelled to the UK for a week of cultural exchange at Clarion, marking the next chapter in our growing partnership with our friends in China.

The visit builds on the connections formed under the Sino-British People to People Exchange Programme, and after our own students’ unforgettable week of immersion in Beijing and Nanjing, it was our turn to extend the same warmth and hospitality to our visitors.

Each student was paired up with a Clarion student buddy, who would support them with any needs. In the kitchens, visiting students joined catering sessions to learn culinary techniques, while design technology workshops gave them the chance to get creative in designing. There was also an embroidery session where students were able to hand make their own designs of famous London landmarks, supported by our textiles students and buddies.

To learn more about our international programme head to our website here: https://www.clarion.school/778/ international-cultural-relations-programme

Year 11 Taster Day

Earlier this term, Year 11 students took part in a range of taster sessions at Clarion to learn more about their preferred subjects at A Level on offer. From A Level Chemistry to Sociology and Psychology, there are a range of subjects on offer, that our specialist teachers can support students in achieving great results and working towards receiving some incredible offers from universities across the country. To learn more about Clarion Sixth Form head to our website.

Duke of Edinburgh Prep

Camping gear and maps were out on the Clarion site this past term as a group of Year 12 students prepared for their upcoming trip to Epping forest as part of their Duke of Edinburgh expedition. This is an opportunity for students to develop their practical navigation and survival skills as well as teamwork and confidence. To learn more about Duke of Edinburgh opportunities we encourage students to speak with their form tutors or head of year.

Clarion hosts Year 5 Taster Days

This term Clarion was delighted to open its doors to two special groups of future students, hosting our Year 5 Taster Days and Year 6 Transition Day for 2026.

Year 5 students from across Barnet and beyond joined us to discover everything Clarion has to offer, while our Year 6 students, soon to join us this September, had the chance to settle in and get a real feel for life at Clarion ahead of their transition. Both groups met our current students, explored the education, support, and extracurricular opportunities on offer, and took part in a range of classes and workshops alongside our students and teachers.

It was a brilliant week of first impressions and familiar faces alike, and a wonderful reminder of the community our students step into at Clarion.

If your family is considering joining us for September 2026 or September 2027, we extend our warm welcome for you to join our Open Evening 2026 on October 1st. If you can not make the date we also have Open Mornings through October, please contact the school to book a tour via schooladmin@clarion.schoo l

To register your attendance follow the link: https://www.clarion.school/104/latest-news/post/68/clarion-open-evening-2026

Barnet Youth Theatre Festival 2026

Barnet came together to celebrate the very best of young talent, as schools from across the borough gathered for a vibrant showcase of original and devised Drama work, spanning everything from GCSE and A-level NEA pieces to extra-curricular projects that had been months in the making.

A guest panel of renowned theatre practitioners joined us to watch the performances and award certificates of excellence to the most exceptional teams on the day, a fitting recognition of the hard work and passion that had gone into every piece on show.

This year’s festival was a true collaboration, bringing together: Clarion, Finchley Catholic School, Mill Hill County School, Saracens Secondary School, St James Catholic Secondary School, Claremont Primary School, Martin Primary School.

Our guest panel of experienced drama and theatre professionals took time to deliberate and provide feedback to all student performers. Ultimately they came together to announce that our overall winners for standout performance were the students of Martin Primary School!

Sports Day at Stone X Stadium

Clarion once again returned to the Stone X Stadium for our annual Sports Day, where students across the school competed for their houses and to build on personal records from the previous year.

This July we were fortunate to have perfect conditions for track and field events and students and staff both tested themselves through the day.

After an amazing day of events and competition, Draco finsihed the day with the highest collection of finishes, so lifted the house trophy for 2026!

Winning house representatives: Noah, Rebecca and Izabel

Jack Petchey Awards

On Thursday, 9th July, our school community came together at the Arts Depot for an inspiring evening at the Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Award Celebration.

The event shone a bright spotlight on our incredible young people, who represent all key stages across the school. The night was a powerful testament to their immense resilience and determination. These students have proven themselves to be exceptional role models, consistently bringing our core school values to life. Through their everyday actions, they perfectly embody:

Ambition: Striving to reach their full potential and aiming high. Respect: Treating others and their environment with kindness and consideration. Effort: Dedicating themselves fully to their personal goals and responsibilities.

Our Clarion award recepients:

Neekan 8D, Yousef 8A, Archie 9A, Audrey 9P, Kylie 11A, Bryle 12D, Farah 12A, Mak 12A, Rama 13B

Staff Honours: Leader & Coordinator Awards

The celebrations did not stop with our students! We were absolutely thrilled to see our dedicated staff recognized on stage:

The Leader Award: Celebrated an outstanding staff member nominated by the young people themselves for going above and beyond to motivate and support them. Mr Opoku has been supporting students for over 26 years and for many of them has been an incredible Year Team leader supporting year groups from year 7 all the way to year 11.

The Outstanding Coordinator Award: Honoured the exceptional behind-the-scenes work of our Jack Petchey Coordinator, ensuring our students get the recognition and grant opportunities they truly deserve. Recognition is being given to staff who has worked with the charity for 10 years or longer.

A massive congratulations to all of our medallion recipients and staff winners. You make our school community incredibly proud!

Ms Micun Psychology Lead

Staff National Award Winners

This year a number of our incredible staff were nominated for Pearson education national awards. They are truly deserved and a great testament to the progress being made at Clarion. There are four awards in which staff received bronze awards, a special achievement for both themselves and the school.

The Award for Unsung Hero - Ms Brohan

Ms Brohan strengthens the school community through her calm, supportive presence and genuine kindness. She builds trusting relationships with students, often becoming a key source of emotional and practical support. Her actions, whether helping vulnerable students navigate difficult circumstances or simply offering reassurance, demonstrate her deep commitment to ensuring every individual feels valued, safe, and understood.

The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School – Ms Cherrih

Ms Cherrih makes an exceptional impact beyond her own classroom, inspiring students to become thoughtful, responsible citizens and supporting colleagues to develop their own practice through coaching and whole school CPD and she has guided numerous students through the process of applying to study History at Oxford.

The Award for School Partnership – FBB and Clarion

This partnership has measurably reduced exclusion risk, improved behaviour and attendance, and strengthened emotional wellbeing among students most vulnerable to school disengagement. By ensuring every young person has a trusted adult, it is transforming life trajectories through relationships, character development and belonging.

The Award for Headteacher of the Year

Mr Hunt’s leadership has resulted in tangible improvements in the school; stronger teams, improved staff retention, enhanced professional growth and renewed community trust. His ability to lead people with clarity, compassion and ambition has created a stable, high-performing staff body and a school community that feels proud, supported and confident in its direction. This impact is evidenced through staff voice, in a recent staff survey 100% of teachers report that they would recommend Clarion as a great place to work.

Sarah Sackman MP hosts social media discussion

This July Sarah Sackman MP for Finchley and Golders Green hosted a student panel discussion on the upcoming social media ban for under 16s here at Clarion.

Our students were extremely well spoken and had the opportunity to share their views, experiences and critiques of the social media ban in a respectful and constructive manner.

At Clarion we welcome our students to speak up and share their voices, this was an incredible opportunity for them to speak first hand to a local representative of the community in government. We extend our thanks to Sarah Sackman MP and her team for making the time to listen to the young voices of Clarion.

Year 7 House Winners

To end the summer term girls from Year 7 took part in a house football tournament to compete and develop their skills. Through a number of games each team represented their houses well and at an impressive level. The tournament culimnated in a penalty shoot out between Draco and Phoenix.

After an incredible set of penalty kicks Draco’s team came away with the win. Congratulations to all the girls who took part and we hope to see you continue your development further next year!

Clarion at the Festival of Education 2026

On the 2nd of July, Mr Hunt and Mrs Stephenson took to the stage as guest speakers to share the story of Clarion’s breakthrough Trusted Adult scheme, the model that is transforming our school culture by ensuring every student has a trusted adult to turn to.

The session took the audience behind the scenes of how the model came to life at Clarion, from the practical steps that built staff buy-in and student trust, to the way it was implemented across the whole school community. Through real examples, data, and lived experiences, Mr Hunt and Mrs Stephenson showed just how far belonging, safety, and relationships have shifted at Clarion, leaving attendees with simple, powerful strategies to take back and embed a supportive safeguarding culture of their own, one where no child goes unseen.

It was a fitting continuation of the recognition the scheme has already earned. The Trusted Adult scheme has previously been presented to audiences in the Houses of Parliament, and Alistair Strathern MP saw the model in action first-hand when he visited Clarion in November last year, witnessing how it fits into the wider culture of the school.

A brilliant opportunity to reflect on our own journey and to see leaders from other settings leave inspired to build the same culture of belonging in their own schools.

To learn more about our patterns Football Beyond Borders campaign on trusted adults follow the link: https://www.footballbeyondborders.org/news/launching-lost-boys-taskforce-to-backtrusted-adult-guarantee

Trips Day Experiences

To end the term year groups each took part in a number of extracurricular trips as part of our Trips Day. From visiting the London Eye and the Sealife aquarium, to a day trip out to Bournemouth and high flying at Go Ape, students have had a range of exciting activities to take part in together.

A huge thank you to all staff that supported in facilitating the events across the day and ensuring everyone had a safe and enjoyable experience.

Tennis / Table Tennis Coaching Sessions

Tennis and Table Tennis Sessions at Clarion

Sessions are available before and after school through the week on the following timetable, please register to sign up.

Every Food Break 2 - Table Tennis Drop In

Monday - Tennis After School - 3.10 - 4.30pm

Tuesday - Table Tennis Before School 7.45 - 8.30am

Tuesday - Table Tennis After School 3.10 - 4.30pm

Wednesday - Table Tennis After School GIRLS ONLY 3.10-4.30pm

Thursday - Tennis After School 3.10 - 4.30pm

Friday - Table Tennis Before School 7.45-8.30am

Students must sign up via the QR code before they can join.

Hampton Court Palace

Mastering the Tudors: History Students Visit Hampton Court Palace

Our History department recently took a group of 50 young people on an immersive educational visit to the historic Hampton Court Palace. The purpose of the trip was to participate in a unique, expert-led workshop specifically designed to deepen their historical understanding and directly boost their final exam revision.

Walking through the corridors of power used by Henry VIII and his courtiers, our students stepped out of the classroom and directly into the heart of the past. Visiting an iconic heritage site like Hampton Court Palace is incredibly important; it transforms abstract textbook facts into a tangible reality, helping students grasp complex concepts like Tudor politics, architecture, and religious reform. This hands-on connection to real historical evidence sparks critical thinking and brings their curriculum vividly to life right before exam season.

We are incredibly grateful to the Jack Petchey Foundation for fully funding this entire experience through their Educational Visits and Learning Experiences Grant scheme. Their generous support covered the essential ticket and workshop costs, ensuring that this valuable academic opportunity was accessible to all 50 of our young historians. Congratulations to all the students involved for their exemplary focus and hard work during the revision sessions!

Ms Micun Psychology Lead

Science Museum Trip

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate ninety of our incredible Key Stage 3 students who were rewarded with an action-packed, exclusive trip to London’s iconic Science Museum! These students earned their golden tickets through their phenomenal hard work, dedication, and standout achievements across IT, Science, and PSHE this term.

The day was packed with high-energy learning, focusing on two massive themes: Power Up (Future Tech & Careers): Students dived into a hands-on gaming and computing experience, sparking major excitement about the future of tech. They explored cutting-edge digital careers, coding, and how IT is actively reshaping the modern world.

Under the Sea (Protecting the Planet): Shifting focus to environmental science and PSHE, our young innovators explored the fragile beauty of our oceans. They investigated the real-world science behind climate change, plastic pollution, and how global communities can work together to protect our ecosystem.

This unforgettable day of exploration was fully funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation Grant scheme. Thanks to Jack Petchey’s generous support, our students were able to step outside the classroom, interact with world-class exhibits, and see exactly how their school subjects connect to the future of our planet and their own future careers. A massive well done to all ninety KS3 students for representing our school so brilliantly, the future is bright with these changemakers leading the way!

Ms Micun Psychology Lead

Forty Hall Trip with ARP

Our ARP students recently enjoyed a fantastic educational visit to Forty Hall Farm, where they had the opportunity to learn about animals, food production, and the natural environment through a range of hands-on experiences.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting and feeding the pigs. Students enjoyed getting up close to the animals and learning how they are cared for on the farm. They also visited the sheep and had the opportunity to observe them closely while learning about their role in farming and agriculture.

During the visit, students explored the vegetable growing areas and learned how vegetables are planted, grown, and harvested. They gained a better understanding of where food comes from and the work involved in producing fresh fruit and vegetables.

Students were particularly excited to taste a freshly grown cucumber straight from the farm. For many, this was a new experience and an excellent opportunity to try fresh produce while learning about healthy eating.

We are extremely proud of our students for their enthusiasm, curiosity, and positive behaviour throughout the visit. The trip to Forty Hall Farm was a memorable experience that combined learning, exploration, and enjoyment while supporting students’ understanding of the world around them.

Mr Figueiredo ARP ASC Lead Teacher

National Thank A Teacher Day

On Thursday 17th June students across the school showed their appreciation for teachers and staff on National Thank A Teacher Day. Hundreds of cards were written out expressing gratitude and encouragement for our amazing staff.

Head to our school social media to see a video from the day!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZsPOgKshiN

Year 7 Middlesex Trip

This term our Year 7 students visited Middlesex University for an immersive all-day experience of university life. The day featured an engaging campus tour where the Year 7s toured the captivating Hendon campus, led by student ambassador tour guides. They also took part in a hands-on LEGO workshop - learning “what is a university?” and “how is a university different from school?” through building and presenting their own university designs.

After this they discovered what courses are on offer for students at university, as well as their achievements and inventions beyond graduation, gaining priceless insight to life beyond secondary school and the exciting options open to them. The students were fortunate to visit at the end of the university term, as there were a number of final year design projects on display in the Arts and Design building. Shown above is a set design piece made by hand, just one of a number of incredible pieces our students enjoyed.

Thank you to Middlesex University and their student ambassadors for hosting us and putting on a great event for our students.

STEM Challenge at Middlesex University

This term a group of our talented Year 9 students took on the STEM Challenge at Middlesex University, organised by MCS Projects.

The day brought together talented young people from across Barnet for a series of hands-on, practical STEM activities led by university students recruited from some of the country’s leading institutions. As well as getting stuck into the challenges themselves, our students took part in a Q&A session with the university team, gaining a valuable insight into life beyond school and the exciting options available to them in science and technology.

Thank you to both MCS and Middlesex University for hosting us and putting together a great event for our students.

ARP Coffee Morning

This term, Lighthouse ARP was delighted to welcome parents and carers to our latest Coffee Morning, ‘Supporting Every Voice’ We were privileged to welcome Dr Costa, Educational Psychologist from Barnet Educational Psychology Service, who shared valuable insights into how communication develops and practical ways families can support their children at home.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr Costa for delivering such an engaging and informative session. At Lighthouse, we believe that every young person deserves to be heard, understood and valued. Together, we can continue supporting every voice and helping every student reach their full potential.

Mr Figueiredo ARP ASC Lead Teacher

Enrichment Student Experience

Every fortnight across the school in Year 7 - 9 students take part in enrichment activities, from knitting and origami to martial arts and padel. Here are just some of the highlights over the last term:

Attendance Matters

Why attendance matters

At Clarion we expect 100% attendance from all our students.

‘DfE research shows that pupils with higher attendance achieve better outcomes in all subjects.’

When you attend school every day, you give yourself the best chance of achieving great grades by not missing important learning and improving your chances of success in exams.

Good attendance also builds great character, helping you develop confidence, friendships, and a strong connection to school life.

Year 7 Updates

Dear parents and carers,

What a spectacular end to the summer term! As we wrap up our first year at Clarion School, it is time to look back at the milestones, laughter, and hard work that defined our Year 7 journey. Highlights of the Term

A Wild Day Out: We had a fantastic time at London Zoo! It was wonderful to see everyone exploring the exhibits and learning about conservation, a perfect way to celebrate all our hard work this year. Enjoy a well earned summer break and we look forward to welcoming back students for the beginning of Year 8.

Mr Francis

Year 7 Team Leader

Year 8 Updates

This has been a fantastic and very busy end of term for our Year 8 students. Throughout the year, they have demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience, and a willingness to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

One of the highlights of this half-term was our exciting trip to the London Eye and SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Students thoroughly enjoyed taking in the spectacular views across the capital before exploring the fascinating marine exhibits. The visit provided valuable opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom while creating lasting memories with their peers, despite the very hot weather!

Another particularly meaningful experience was our visit to the University of West London. Students gained a valuable insight into university life, explored the campus, and learned about the wide range of future pathways available to them. The visit encouraged them to think positively about their aspirations and the opportunities that education can provide.

As we come to the end of Year 8, we are incredibly proud of all that the students have achieved. They have grown in confidence, independence, and maturity, and are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them in Year 9, particularly with their upcoming GCSE option courses.. We wish everyone a safe, enjoyable summer break and look forward to seeing their continued success in the year ahead.

Ms Ott

Year 8 Team Leader

Year 9 Updates

As we come to the end of Year 9, I would like to congratulate our students on everything they have achieved this year. While the final term presented some challenges and many students found the adjustment difficult, they demonstrated resilience and should be proud of all they have accomplished.

Throughout the year, students have embraced a wide range of opportunities, including the Women in STEM trip, National STEM Challenge Day, the City University visit, the Rewards Trip to Go Ape, Careers Drop Down Day, and acting as buddies for our international students. In doing so, they have consistently demonstrated the Clarion attributes and represented the school with maturity and pride.

As students move into Year 10 and begin their GCSE courses, expectations will naturally be higher, with increased responsibility and independence. I encourage parents and carers to use the summer holidays as an opportunity to help their children develop a positive growth mindset, ensuring they return in September ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

I wish all of our Year 9 students and their families a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer holiday, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in September as our new Year 10 students.

Ms Ahmed Year 9 Team Leader

Year 10 Updates

Reflect, Refine, and Rise: Celebrating our Year 10s!

As this academic year draws to a close, we want to celebrate the incredible progress of our Year 10 cohort. They have consistently demonstrated what it means to “make the right choices” reflected in their academic progress, maintaining excellent behaviour, and stepping up as true leaders. From being welcoming buddies to our international students and volunteering during transition days, to serving as peer champions and active members of our school panel, they have made us incredibly proud.

Trips Day & Mock Results: A Week of Milestones

Southend-on-Sea: To celebrate their hard work, the cohort enjoyed a fantastic, adrenalinefueled end-of-year trip to Adventure Island!

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The Launchpad to Year 11: We also held our pivotal Mock Results Assembly. Under the banner of “Reflect, Refine, Rise,” students were reminded that these results are not a finish line, but a diagnostic tool. It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate wins, identify learning gaps, and build a consistent plan over the coming months.

Looking Ahead

Over the summer, we encourage students to gently bridge their gaps by consolidating tricky mock topics. When we return in the autumn, we will shift focus to establishing a steady 30-minute daily revision routine. Have a wonderful, restful summer break. We can’t wait to see you back, ready to lead the school as Year 11s!

Key Date for the Diary

See you on Wednesday, 2nd September to begin your Year 11 journey.

Tan Year 10 Team Leader

Year 11 Updates

This Is Not Goodbye – Your Future Starts Here

As your Head of Year, it is difficult to put into words just how proud I am of you. I have watched you grow, mature and overcome challenges throughout your journey. I have seen the difficult days, the moments of doubt and the pressure of Year 11. But I have also seen your determination, your resilience, your laughter, your friendships and the incredible young people you have become.

You came into this year as students preparing for GCSEs. You leave Year 11 as stronger, more confident and more determined young people, ready to take the next steps towards your future. I know many of you will feel excited about the freedom of summer and the opportunities ahead. You deserve to rest, celebrate and enjoy this moment. You have worked hard for it.

For many of you, Clarion school has been more than just a building. It is where you have grown up, formed friendships, discovered your strengths and been supported by teachers who know your story. We know the challenges you have faced. We know what motivates you. Most importantly, we know your potential.

That is why I would love to see you return to Clarion Sixth Form.

This community knows you, believes in you and is ready to help you achieve even more. When I look at this year group, I do not simply see students. I see future university graduates, teachers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, creatives and leaders. I see young people with the potential to make a genuine difference in our society.

Mr Opoku Year 11 Team Leader

Sixth Form Updates

It has been a very busy half term for both Year 12 and 13. The official examinations are well underway and students have been completing compulsory coursework submissions.

Year 12 have been taking part in multiple workshops around Study Skills, Time management and Effective appropriate use of AI. They have Work Experience in Summer Term 2 as well as a workshop run by ARU Anglia Ruskin University and a trip to The University and Apprenticeship fair.

Year 13 have been accepting offers from universities including several Russell Group universities. Congratulations to our students who achieved an amazing number of offers from universities, we wish you all the best in your next chapters. We encourage students to get in touch with the school to share your valuable lessons and experience. See you soon for Year 13 Results Day on 13th August 2026.

Ms Hodgson Director of Sixth

Form

Counselling Support

We are proud to have an experienced counsellor, Jon Thompson, who runs one-to-one support sessions for students identified as needing extra support. Jon works for FYP (Forever Young People) and helps students understand the difficulties they are facing, work through a booklet to help set targets, and learn strategies to cope with problems that may arise in their future. If you would like more information about this, please contact Mrs Hammond or Ms Thomas.

Forever Young People uses thought, emotional intelligence and ethical practices to create an inclusive and meaningful future through our teenage mentoring programs and coaching which engages young people through conversational-based learning. We aim to provide young people, children, and community groups with coaching/ mentoring that will support them with their low emotional well-being.

To learn more visit: www.foreveryoungpeople.com

Sixth Form Updates

Motivation starts with believing you can do it even on the tough days. Staying motivated is often more about systems than willpower. When the “spark” disappears, these strategies help keep the momentum going:

1. The “5-Minute Rule” - If you’re procrastinating, tell yourself you’ll only do 5 minutes of work. Usually, the hardest part is starting; once you’ve opened the book, you’ll likely keep going.

2. Mix Up Your Environment - Don’t just sit at the same desk every day. The “Library Effect”: Study where others are working to trigger “body doubling” (working better because others are doing the same).

Topic Zones: Associate specific spots with specific subjects (e.g., Biology at the kitchen table, History in the library).

3. Use Gamified Rewards - Instead of “working until I’m tired,” work for a specific prize: “If I finish this practice paper, I get to….”.

Temptation Bundling: Only allow yourself to listen to your favourite upbeat playlist or eat a specific snack while you are doing the task you dislike most

Tick-Lists: Use a physical checklist (aka PLCs). Crossing off a task provides a genuine hit of dopamine that fuels the next one or create bingo cards, so each time you cover the topic, you are closer to BINGO!

4. The Pomodoro Remix - Standard Pomodoro is 25 mins work / 5 mins break. If that’s too short, try 50/10. Use the break to move your body—stretch, walk, or grab a drink—to “reset” your brain’s focus.

Remind yourself of the bigger picture. Is this for a specific university course? An apprenticeship? Or just to prove to yourself that you can master a difficult skill? Keep that goal visible.

Important dates:

13th August 2026: Results Day for A-Levels and AS Levels.

2nd September 2026: Year 12 Induction Day

Ms Micun Deputy Lead for Sixth Form

Dates for your diary

JULY

Friday 17th July - Break up for summer

AUGUST

13th August - Year 13 Results Day

20th August - GCSE Results Day

SEPTEMBER

2nd September - Year 7 and Year 12 Induction Day

3rd September - Year 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 staggered return day

4th September - normal school timetable

OCTOBER

1st October - OPEN EVENING 2026

2nd October - Inset Day

7th October - Parent Champion Meeting

12th - 22nd October - Year 11 and 13 Assessment Weeks

15th October - Trips Day

23rd October - 3rd November - Half Term

NOVEMBER

27th November - Staff Wellbeing Day

DECEMBER

7th - 18th December - Year 11 and Year 13 Mock Exams

11th December - Year 12 Student Progress Evening

18th December - End of term

21st December - 4th January - Winter Christmas Holidays

JANUARY

5th January - Inset Day

14th January - Year 13 Student Progress Evening

21st January - Year 11 Student Progress Evening