Please note that all our telephone calls are now recorded for monitoring, safeguarding and training.

Monday 2nd - 6th June 2025 (Week A)

Click here for Year 11 Examination Timetable

Key Dates: June

16th - 20th: Reading Week
18th, 19th, 20th: School Production, 6.30pm (tickets required)
21st: School production, 6.30pm (ticket required)
24th: Year 8 Retreat (M Side)
25th: Year 8 Retreat (T Side)
26th: Year 8 Parents' Evening (all students finish 3pm)
27th: Year 11 Prom, Marriott Hotel (invited students)
30th: Year 6 Transition Day 1
30th: New Parents Induction Evening

Key Dates: July

1st: Year 6 Transition Day 2
1st: New Parents Induction Evening
3rd: Sports Personality of the Year, 6pm
8th: Year 7 Paulton's Park Reward Trip (invited students)
11th: Year 8 Chessington Reward Trip (invited students)
11th: Year 10 Celebration Assembly
14th: Year 7 Celebration Assembly
15th: Year 8 Celebration Assembly
16th: Year 9 Celebration Assembly
16th: Year 7 & 8 Summer Disco, 6.30pm - 8pm
17th: Sports Day, HMS Temeraire
18th: Last day of term

Headteacher's Address

Although a very short half-term, it has been extremely busy and as always much to reflect upon.

 As you would expect, the appointment of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of our Catholic Church has featured highly in the lives of both staff, students and Governors.  This historic event provides a unique opportunity for our children to engage in discussions about faith, leadership and our role as a family of faith.

 Students in KS4 have been working hard towards their GCSE examinations. We recognise the incredible amount of dedication, hard work and commitment students have demonstrated.  Parents at home are doing an amazing job in supporting, encouraging (and possibly nagging in some cases), behind the scenes.  In school we have been providing focused revision sessions prior to each examination.  Students have coped well with the high impact revision sessions provided pushing their brains/memory/skills application to the limit.  Our examinations are carried out under very strict conditions as laid down by the Exam Boards.  Students who fail to meet these (i.e. watches left on/phones etc) inevitably face consequences beyond the school’s control.  It is a huge shame for students that all that hard work comes to nought in these cases.  My thanks to staff for all the additional revision.  Also, especially to Mrs Robinson and the Examination Invigilators who oversee the process and make it work seamlessly.   

 We are delighted with the progress on the new Arts and Culture block.  At the moment we are on schedule and in the real ‘nitty gritty phase’ of making internal design decisions.  A huge amount of time is being used to ensure that we create a ‘state of the art’ educational setting for learning.  This significant investment reflects our commitment to providing an outstanding educational environment/learning opportunities for our students. We will have much to do, as the new rooms will require brand new equipment throughout.  Parents’ contributions to the Building Fund will help towards this; my thanks to all who contribute to this.

 A recent article in the news celebrates our amazing outcomes; particularly attendance.

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/education/hampshire-12-best-state-secondary-schools-attendance-why-it-matters-gcse-exam-season-5127862  Year 7 managed several days this year with 100% attendance (all 240 students present).  A significant achievement. Our outstanding attendance reflects incredibly well on how students feel about school and the learning which takes place.  Once again, a huge thank you to parents for your support.   

A reminder that hair must be kept clean and tidy. Hairstyles should be appropriate and not contain exaggerated colours, styles or adornments. No unnatural coloured braiding/weaves/dreadlock braiding beads or metal cuffs or extensions allowed. Braiding should not be worn unless part of culture and if so hair should be the same natural    colour throughout.  Hair extensions are not permitted.  Hair which is shaven should be no shorter than grade 1 and equal throughout. Hair with shaved head designs and undercuts are NOT permitted.  Make-up, nail varnish, false nails and conspicuous hairdressings are NOT permitted.  These are not suitable for School. 

 Tattoos, including henna tattoos are NOT permitted. The wearing of all forms of jewellery is NOT permitted. Exceptions are made for a watch and/or crucifix to be worn underneath the shirt.  A maximum of one small gold/silver stud earring may be worn in each earlobe.  Multiple stretched/bars/dangly earrings/facial piercings/clear piercings/body piercings and stretchers are NOT permitted.  Badges are NOT permitted, with the exception of those awarded by the School.

 As we enter the half-term, let us continue to find inspiration in our school mission statement “I can do everything with the help of God who strengthens me”, Philippians 4:13. This reminds us of the strength and resilience our faith provides, especially during challenging times. We are always happy to support families during these, so please share and make contact if we can help.  Feel free to join our Parent Prayer Group by contacting Fiona, Chaplain on 023 92 823766 extension 224 or email chaplain@saintedmunds.org.uk

God Bless,

  Mr S Graham
Headteacher