A Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I am delighted to be writing to you again, at the end of my first term at St. Paul's Way Community School. This has been a busy term for the School with SATs for Year 9, GCSE exams for Year 11 and the completion of the new School Improvement Plan. That plan is currently being considered by both Governors and staff, and I would be delighted to send a copy to you, if you would like one. Please contact the School Office if you would like to read and/or comment on the plan, which details the work of the School over the next academic year.

Since I last wrote to you, we have seen another highly successful Arts Week, the Year 10 "Getting Ahead" conferences and Sports Day. In each of these events, students and staff excelled themselves, reminding us all of the talents, abilities and expertise within the School, and providing a real focus for our pride in the School.

I firmly believe that, as Head of St. Paul's Way Community School, I have the best and most exciting job in Britain. As we look to the next academic year, I am confident that the School is poised to achieve even greater successes and that, working in close partnership with you, we will see the School take its place as the one of the most exciting and dynamic places in which both to study and work.

School starts on Wednesday 3rd September for the new Year 7 only and on 4th September for the rest of the School. (Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd September are important training days for staff, to ensure that we are prepared fully for the next academic year.)

We have the highest expectations for each student and wish to continue to emphasise that their second best is not good enough, either for you, for themselves or for us. Every student is expected to be on time for School each morning, dressed appropriately, and with their homework diaries and all the books they need for that day's studies. I know that I can rely on you to help us ensure that these standards are applied.

The School continues to strive to improve its attendance, and requests for leave to remove students from School during term time are consistently refused unless there are truly exceptional circumstances to grant that leave. Like you, the School is well aware that missed days from School are missed opportunities for students to make progress.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff - both teaching and core - for their tireless efforts this term and wish them, and you, a good and peaceful holiday.

Simon Harris
Headteacher