Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends,
Welcome to the 2025–26 academic year!
Friday saw our new Year 7 and 12 students join us, and by Monday everyone was back, and the school was buzzing with energy. Students were upbeat and eager to be back, and I suspect many parents felt a little relief too after six weeks of juggling work and holidays! (My mum, back in the 80s, used to say “roll on school” from week one of summer as my brothers and I squabbled over Subbuteo or smashed windows with over-enthusiastic garden cricket shots!)
I hope you made the most of the beautiful weather and created some good family memories. I love the freedom of summer, but term-time routines are vital.
This week, teachers have been setting the tone for the year ahead – showing students how to enter classrooms, where to sit, how worksheets are handed out, homework schedules and even how to pack up and leave at the end of lessons. Heads of Year and tutors have been talking to students about good habits at home too, from packing bags the night before and keeping consistent sleep schedules to completing homework, limiting scrolling time, and making space for hobbies and downtime. These routines, built together at school and at home, give your daughters the confidence, independence and resilience to thrive, especially as GCSEs and A levels approach.
And now for some brilliant news. Our students have achieved outstanding results this summer. Year 11 placed us in the top 10% nationally for value added. 89% achieved five or more GCSEs, including English and Maths at grade 4 or above, with 48% of all exams graded 7–9. 93% passed Maths and English at grade 4 or above. We are glad to welcome back so many Year 11s into the sixth form to continue their studies at A level.
Year 13 celebrated our best ever A-level results. 74% achieved A*, A or B grades and 47% achieved A* or A. Five students secured Oxbridge places and 40 students are off to Russell Group universities and 80 to other universities to study a wide range of courses including architecture, mechanical engineering, economics, medicine, acting, modern languages, chemical engineering, law, art, computer science, English literature, chemistry, sports science, classics, history, mathematics, nursing, Veterinary medicine and nutrition and dietetics.
We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication of Year 11 and 13 – and that of our dedicated and passionate staff. A huge thank you to parents and guardians too. Your support makes an enormous difference.
Here’s to another fulfilling year ahead for all of us – we need each other to succeed!
Anne Kennedy
Co-Headteacher