Back To School - September 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are looking forward to welcoming all our students and families to the start of a new academic year at Notley High School and Sixth Form. Whether your child is returning or joining us for the first time, we are proud to be working in partnership with you to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and challenged to achieve their very best.
We are also proud to share the outstanding achievements from last week’s A‑Level and BTEC Results Day: over 80% of our students who applied to university secured their first‑choice offers, while others have successfully gained places on highly competitive apprenticeships. The overall pass rate was 98.7%. These accomplishments reflect the hard work and ambition of our students, and were recently featured in the Halstead Gazette. You can read the full article here: https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/25389739.braintree-hedingham-students-thrilled-levels/
Our Priorities for 2025–26
This year, our focus is on strengthening consistency and confidence across the school, both in the classroom and beyond. Our key priorities include:
- Embedding consistent, high‑quality teaching and learning across mathematics;
- Expanding enrichment opportunities through more clubs, trips, and extra‑curricular activities;
- Raising student confidence and engagement in lessons, building on improved conduct;
- Reducing the use of supply teachers, supported by strong new appointments and the addition of a cover supervisor (a qualified teacher) who will lead PE enrichment and provide cover as needed;
- Embedding our new Key Stage 3 assessment and reporting system to provide clear, meaningful feedback. Mr Sadler, our new Assistant Headteacher, will write to you separately about this.
Alongside academic progress, we continue to prioritise wellbeing, safety, and personal development. Our pastoral, safeguarding, and mental health teams are here to support every child.
Welcoming New Staff
At the very end of term we welcomed several new members of staff. Miss Russell (English); Mr Cook (Maths); Mrs Elder (Maths); Miss Ryan (Science). These are all additional appointments not replacements for current staff.
In addition, we are pleased to welcome several new members of staff this September, who bring valuable experience, fresh ideas, and enthusiasm to our community:
Senior Leadership Team
- Mr J Woodley – Deputy Headteacher and teacher of Business Studies
- Mr P Sadler – Assistant Headteacher and teacher of English
- Mr E Sainsbury – Head of Sixth Form and teacher of Business Studies
Middle Leadership
- Mr D Ramsey – Head of Faculty (Art and Design Technology)
- Mrs G Lister – Raising Standards Leader for Year 8 and teacher of Design Technology
Classroom Teachers
- Miss R Harbord – Teacher of Science
- Mr G O’Halloran – Cover Supervisor
- Mrs K Smith – maternity Food Technology cover for Mrs White
Internal promotions
- Mrs S King – Pastoral Manager Year 8
- Miss K Murdoch – Designated Safeguarding Lead (and Associate Member of SLT)
Support Staff
- Miss R Wade – Pastoral Manager Year 7
We are confident they will make a positive contribution to our students’ experience.
Expectations for the Year Ahead
To help all students succeed, we expect them to:
- Attend school regularly and on time (school begins at 8:40 am);
- Arrive prepared and ready to learn;
- Show respect for themselves, their peers, staff, and our school community;
- Take responsibility for their learning and behaviour;
- Follow all school rules and policies.
Thank you for supporting us by reinforcing these expectations at home. Students are also expected to bring each day:
- A bag large enough for books and folders;
- Black or blue pens, a purple pen, pencils, eraser, ruler, sharpener, highlighters
- A scientific calculator;
- Any necessary books or subject folders.
If you need support with equipment, please contact us confidentially.
Uniform Expectations
Our motto – Dress Smart, Book Smart, Think Smart – reflects our high standards. All students must follow the school uniform policy:
- School tie, blazer, and white shirt;
- Black trousers or school-specific skirt;
- Black school shoes (not trainers, sandals, or boots);
- PE kit on designated days only;
- Minimal jewellery (one small stud per ear; no facial piercings);
- Natural hair colour, no extreme hairstyles;
- No acrylic nails or false eyelashes;
- Make-up should be minimal and discreet.
You can find full details of our policy on the school website.
Absence Reporting
If your child is unable to attend school, you must contact the school every day of the absence —either via the dedicated absence line (01376 556300) before 8:30 am or by emailing the attendance team. Please include your child’s tutor group and reason for absence. If your child has a medical appointment, please provide an appointment card or letter to ensure it is authorised.
Our New Website – Live Today!
We’re excited to launch our brand-new school website today: www.notleyhigh.com
It’s faster, mobile-friendly, and easier to navigate. Our Parents’/Carers’ section is your go-to hub for:
- Quick links to EduLink and Arbor for attendance, timetables, reports, and communication;
- Safeguarding, Careers, extra-curricular and enrichment, canteen menu;
- Headteacher’s bulletins and Notley News.
Under the ‘School’ section, you will find:
- Term dates, and school-day details;
- Calendar, news and events;
- Staff contact information.
Policies are under ‘Key Information’.
Communication and Drop-in Support
We truly value the partnership between school and home. We also know clear communication is vital:
- Look out for our Weekly Headteacher’s Bulletin, emailed every week with key news and updates;
- You’re welcome to attend our Headteacher’s Drop-in Sessions, held every Friday at 8.45am—feel free to drop by with any questions or just to say hello, except for the following dates the Drop-In session will be held from 4pm – 5pm: 26th September, 24th October, 21st November.
Key Dates for Your Diary
Year 7
- Thursday 18th September – New Reporting System (DPR) Presentation;
- Thursday 25th September – Parents’/Carers’ Information Evening;
- Thursday 7th May – Parents’/Carers’ Evening.
Year 8
- Thursday 18th September – New Reporting System (DPR) Presentation;
- Thursday 15th January – Parents’/Carers’ Evening.
Year 9
- Thursday 18th September – New Reporting System (DPR) Presentation;
- Thursday 26th February – Parents’/Carers’ Evening;
- Thursday 12th March – Options Evening;
- Friday 27th March – Options Form Submission Deadline.
Year 10
- Thursday 5th February – Parents’/Carers’ Evening;
- Wednesday 22nd April – ‘A Year to Go’ Presentation Evening.
Year 11
- Thursday 16th October – Revision Drop-in Session;
- Thursday 23rd October – Parents’/Carers’ Evening 1;
- Thursday 4th December – KS5 Vocational Options Information Evening;
- Tuesday 27th January – Revision Drop-in Session;
- Thursday 26th March – Parents’/Carers’ Evening 2 (Invitation Only).
Year 12
- Thursday 11th September – Parents’/Carers’ Welcome Evening;
- Thursday 4th June – Parents’/Carers’ Evening.
Year 13
- Thursday 27th November – Parents’/Carers’ Evening.
Sixth Form (General)
- Thursday 13th November – Sixth Form Open Evening (for September 2026 admission).
We look forward to another year of learning, growth, and shared success. On behalf of all staff at Notley High School and Sixth Form, thank you for your continued support.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Mr M Barrow
Headteacher
