Dear Parents and Carers,
What a Fabulous Week
We have had a fabulous week, and it honestly feels as though we have been back for much longer! Our new Year 7 students are settling in incredibly well and are becoming familiar with our routines, expectations and practices. They have been so incredibly polite, well-mannered and respectful, and they really are a joy to have in the building. I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud we are of the way they have started their time with us.
The building is exceptionally full at present, as we are oversubscribed, which is fantastic and is a reflection of the confidence that families have in our school. However, with a very full school comes an increased responsibility for all of us to work hard to maintain the highest possible standards, particularly around health, safety, behaviour and movement around the building.
Corridor Courtesy
Please could I ask you to speak with your child about our expectations around Corridor Courtesy.
I completely appreciate that students are eager to get to their lessons, meet up with their friends and move around the school quickly. However, there is an etiquette that we all need to abide by when moving around the corridors.
This includes:
- Speaking at a reasonable volume.
- Walking sensibly and calmly.
- Keeping to the left-hand side of the corridor.
- Moving calmly and safely around the building.
- Being considerate of other students and staff.
The vast majority of our students are excellent in this respect. There are, however, a small number who need to improve so that our high standards are consistently maintained and the school environment remains as safe and calm as possible for everyone.
Your support with behaviour and standards is incredibly important. You will have seen in the press that a number of schools have recently come under scrutiny regarding uniform rules and expectations. I therefore want to take this opportunity to thank you for the way in which you work with me and the school in relation to our rules and expectations.
As you know, by choosing to send your child to our school, you are also agreeing to support and uphold our rules and expectations. The positive relationship I have with you is something I never take for granted, and I genuinely appreciate the support you give us.
Uniform
I also want to thank our students and families for the way in which they have responded to our uniform expectations. The students have been great with the rules regarding tights and jewellery. There are always the occasional anomalies, but these have been minor and nothing that we have not been able to resolve positively.
One thing I have noticed recently is coloured hair, particularly bright colours such as red and pink. I would just like to offer a gentle reminder that bright, unnatural hair colours are not permitted under our uniform expectations.
I will also be focusing on the wearing of skirts. I will not be routinely turning young people away from school for wearing their skirt incorrectly, but I will be insisting that our expectations are followed. All skirts must be worn with a flat waistband, and this specifically means that the waistband should not be rolled up. I would really appreciate your support with this. I would much rather work positively with our students and families to ensure that expectations are understood and followed, but we do need to be on the same page. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home makes a significant difference.
Fixtures and School Events
Our fixtures have already started, and our Year 8 and Year 10 boys’ football teams have had a positive start to the season. It has been fantastic to see our students representing the school and getting involved in our sporting opportunities.
We are also looking forward to our Year 7 Inauguration Evening at St Elphin’s Church on Tuesday at 18:00.We very much look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students and their parents and carers formally into the Boteler Family.
Our Open Evening will take place on 24 September at 17:00.
I appreciate that you are already part of our school community, but if you could promote the Open Evening on Thursday 24th September at 17.00 within your own communities, that would be very much appreciated. Your recommendation and support are incredibly valuable to us.
Welcoming Our New Staff
As well as welcoming our new Year 7 students, we have also welcomed a number of new members of staff this year, and they have made a brilliant start. You will see more about our new staff in the coming editions, where we will introduce them to you properly and give you the opportunity to get to know the people who have joined our school community.
|
Miss Bass |
ITT Student (Geography) |
|
Mrs Kerfoot |
Teacher of Science |
|
Miss Bradshaw |
Teacher of Art |
|
Mrs Woulfe |
Head of History |
|
Miss Larkin |
Teacher of English |
|
Mr Chadwick |
Teacher of PE |
|
Mr Churm |
Teacher of History |
|
Miss Noone |
Teacher of Science |
|
Mrs Parsons |
Assistant SENDCO + Teacher of DP |
|
Mrs Booth |
Finance Officer |
|
Mr Hill |
Head of Year |
|
Mrs Fairbrother |
Attendance Officer |
|
Mrs Koltan |
Cover Manager + Administration Support |
Thank You
Finally, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for the way in which you work with us, for your support with our expectations and for the positive relationship that we continue to build between home and school. We are incredibly proud of our students and of the way in which they have started this new academic year. Our standards and expectations are high because we want the very best for every young person in our care.
With your continued support, we can ensure that our students are polite, respectful, safe and ready to learn, while also making sure that the school remains a positive and welcoming place for everyone.
Beverley Scott-Herron
Headteacher
Who is your inspiration?
An odd one, but it’s got to be Jeremy Clarkson! I love how he says it like it is and doesn’t mince his words. You always know where you stand with him — although I’m not sure I’d let him loose on the school budget!
What you are most excited about in joining the Boteler Family?
Being part of something that helps students achieve and watching them grow and develop. I’m also really looking forward to becoming part of such an amazing team, getting to know everyone and making some great memories along the way.
An interesting fact about you…
I love going on holiday and exploring new places. I’m always up for an adventure — although I’m equally happy with a holiday that involves doing absolutely nothing!
Hello, my name is Mrs Fairbrother, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Attendance Officer at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. I am looking forward to getting to know our students, families and wider school community. My role is to work closely with families to support excellent attendance and punctuality, helping every student to make the most of the opportunities available to them at school. I believe that working together with parents and carers is key to ensuring our young people feel supported, happy and able to achieve their very best. I look forward to working with you all and becoming a familiar and friendly face around school.
Who is your inspiration?
My inspiration is my family. They remind me of the importance of working hard, staying positive and always supporting the people around you.
What you are most excited about in joining the Boteler Family?
I’m most excited about becoming part of the Boteler Family, getting to know the students and staff, and helping to create a positive and supportive school community where every student feels valued and encouraged to do their best.
An interesting fact about you…
I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the world twice, including visiting Australia, Southeast Asia and South America. I love experiencing different cultures, trying new things and exploring new places.
Please see our recent letter with important Allergy Awareness information: www.boteler.org.uk/docs2627/allergy-awareness
Year 11: Preparing for the Final Exams
On Monday, Mr Koltan delivered an important assembly to Year 11, outlining the key milestones ahead and reinforcing the expectations and guidance students need to follow as they prepare for their GCSE examinations.
The message was clear: the countdown to the exams has begun. Students have just nine teaching weeks until their first set of Mock Exams, which begin on Monday 16 November and run for two weeks. Following the exams, there will be a two-week marking period, with students receiving their results at a Mock Results Assembly on Monday 4 January. Results will also be emailed to parents on the same day. Predicted grades for college applications will be reviewed and updated following the mocks.
Why do we have Mock Exams?
Mock Exams are much more than simply an opportunity to test students’ knowledge. They provide a “mock-up” of the real thing, allowing students to experience what it feels like to complete a sustained period of examinations under formal exam conditions.
Students will experience the routines and expectations they will face in the summer, including lengthy examinations — for example, English Literature is a 2 hour 30 minute exam. This is important preparation for the reality of GCSE examinations, which will take place over approximately five and a half weeks.
The mocks also give students, teachers and parents a valuable picture of where each student is currently working. They help identify current working grades, gaps in knowledge and areas that require further revision and support. They are particularly important for college applications, as colleges will want to know students predicted grades in October.
Most importantly, students were reminded that how they respond to their results is what really matters. Mock results should be used as a starting point: celebrating successes, identifying weaknesses and taking action to improve before the summer examinations.
Understanding the Exam Process
Students were also taken through the practical arrangements for the Mock Exams so that they know exactly what is expected of them. Being on time and prepared will be essential.
On examination mornings, students should report to the Canteen at 8.45am, while afternoon exams will require students to report at 12.55pm. There will be a subject briefing from the relevant Head of Department before students enter the examination.
Looking Ahead
After Christmas, students will have just six teaching weeks before their second set of Mock Exams begins on Monday 22 February, again running for two weeks. These exams will provide another important opportunity for students to demonstrate their progress, identify areas for improvement and prepare fully for the summer examinations.
Following the second mocks, there will be three weeks before the Easter break and, just three weeks after returning from Easter, the GCSE examinations will begin on Tuesday 4 May. This means that the final five-plus weeks of Year 11 will be particularly important as students complete their preparation and sit their examinations.
Students were reminded that success will depend on consistent effort, good organisation, attendance, effective revision and making the most of every lesson. Parents can play an important role by helping students establish good routines, encouraging regular revision and supporting them to stay focused throughout the year.
With several major milestones ahead, the assembly gave Year 11 a clear picture of the journey from now through to the summer. The key message was simple: every week, every lesson and every opportunity to improve counts.
Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4)
In school, we assess our students to see what their needs are and how we can best help them to learn and achieve. As part of this process, we will be administering Cognitive Abilities Tests (CAT4) to all students in Year 7.
CAT4 is made up of a series of short tests, which assess a student’s reasoning (thinking) abilities in key areas that support educational development and academic attainment. No preparation is necessary: it is important that your child does not become anxious as no pre-learning or knowledge is needed to complete the tests.
CAT4 has many uses and can help your child and their teachers to plan appropriately and set targets for different key stages and for GCSE exams.
The tests start on Monday 14 September 2026 and run over 2 weeks. Please refer to the timetable. There are three tests, and all three parts of the test must be completed. The tests will be taken in rooms 12 and 13 under test conditions using computers. If a student misses a test , they will sit these in the catch-up sessions.
Students are expected to bring the correct equipment which includes:
· Pen
· Pencil
· Ruler
· Eraser
· Scientific calculator
· Pencil sharpener
· Pencil case
Students must bring their own plug-in headphones to use for the tests. (not WIFI ones).
After the assessment is finished, we will be in contact with our plans, if any, for further follow up.
Mobile Phones, Smart Watches and Maintaining a Distraction-Free School
As we begin another academic year, I would like to thank our students and families for their continued support of our mobile phone procedures.
The vast majority of students have returned to school fully prepared, using their PhoneLocker pouches correctly and demonstrating the high standards we expect at Sir Thomas Boteler. The positive impact of our approach has been clear for all to see. Lessons are calm and more focused, social interactions at break and lunchtime are stronger and students are spending more time engaging with each other and with their learning rather than being distracted by notifications and social media.
This year, our approach is further supported by the Department for Education’s new statutory guidance on mobile phones in schools, which came into effect from September 2026. The guidance makes clear that schools should be mobile phone-free environments throughout the school day and explicitly includes other smart technologies with similar functions, such as devices capable of receiving notifications, messages, photos or recordings. Our systems have already been in place for some time, which means Boteler students are well ahead of the curve and already benefiting from a policy that is now recognised nationally as good practice. This guidance highlights the benefits of reduced distraction, improved behaviour, greater pupil engagement, increased wellbeing and enhanced safeguarding.
A reminder that smart watches, including Apple Watches and similar devices, are not permitted for use in school. Any smart watch brought onto site must be switched off and secured inside a PhoneLocker pouch for the duration of the school day.
We would also like to remind families that PhoneLocker pouches remain school property and students are expected to take good care of them. Any pouch that has been deliberately damaged, tampered with or rendered unusable will need to be replaced at the cost of the student and family. The vast majority of students look after their pouch responsibly, and we expect the same high standards from everyone.
Our priority remains creating the very best environment for teaching, learning and student wellbeing. Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a calm, focused and disruption-free school where every student can thrive.
Our Personal Development curriculum is designed to support students to become confident, healthy, resilient, and respectful citizens, who are fully prepared for life and work and are ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.
Through our values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance we aim to develop students citizenship and SMSC and we see it as central to the development and growth of all our students. By promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, we aim to help students develop a sense of identity and purpose, as well as an awareness of their place in society. This, in turn, can help to promote social cohesion and understanding, as well as contributing to the overall well-being and happiness of students.
Please use the link above to find out more.
The school’s enrichment programme can be found here:
Please take a look with your child and discuss with them which activities they may like to attend at lunch and after school.
Year 11 Careers Learning Journey
It is now time for Year 11 students to apply for their next steps whether that be college or an apprenticeship. The colleges are speaking with the students during this half term to ensure that they understand the application process and the courses that the college offer.
Students will be having their careers meeting with the independent career advisor in school Nadia Shalan nadia.shalan@careerconnect.org.uk please contact her if you would like to attend the meeting as well.
Room 4a will be open at lunchtimes for Year 11 to complete their applications. They must register a personal email and check this regularly once they have applied as the college will invite them to interview via the college app and their email.
Colleges are holding their open days and evenings it is important that you regsiter your child to attend and go with them.
Any questions please contact Mrs A Mawby amawby@boteler.org.uk
🌟 A Positive Start – Let’s Keep It Going!
It has been fantastic to see such a positive start to the new academic year. Our first full week back has seen strong attendance across the school, and we would like to thank our students and families for helping us get the year off to such a positive start.
However, the key now is maintaining this momentum.
Attendance is one of the most important factors in a young person’s success at school. Every day and every lesson provides an opportunity to learn, develop relationships, build confidence and make progress.
📚 Every Lesson Counts – Learning Lost
Our Attendance Matters graphic shows just how quickly missed learning can add up.
For example:
- 99% attendance = 1 day missed = approximately 5 lessons missed
- 97% attendance = 1 week missed = approximately 25 lessons missed
- 95% attendance = around 1.5 weeks missed = approximately 35 lessons missed
- 90% attendance = around 3.5 weeks missed = approximately 90 lessons missed
This is why we want every student to understand that attendance isn’t simply about being present in school. It is about protecting their learning.
At Boteler, our message is simple:
Every day counts. Every lesson matters. Every opportunity to learn makes a difference.
We know that sometimes children are genuinely unwell or have circumstances that mean they cannot attend. Where there are barriers to attendance, we encourage families to speak to us so that we can work together to provide the right support.
Let’s protect the excellent start we have made and keep attendance high throughout the half term.
🏆 Boteler Rewards – Ready to Learn
We are also excited to launch our Boteler Rewards Programme for Autumn Term 2026.
Our first focus for this fortnight is:
🎯 READY TO LEARN
We are looking for pupils who:
- Arrive at lessons on time
- Have the correct equipment
- Are prepared and ready to begin learning
- Demonstrate a positive start to lessons
- Show strong routines and preparedness
Being Ready to Learn is about getting the basics right and creating the best possible conditions for learning.
Teachers will be recognising students who consistently demonstrate these behaviours, with rewards available throughout the term.
There are some fantastic rewards up for grabs this term, including breakfast experiences, cinema trips, Pick & Mix hampers, Amazon vouchers and an Amazon Fire Tablet.
The focus will change throughout the term, giving every pupil multiple opportunities to earn recognition.
⭐ This Fortnight’s Challenge
Are you Ready to Learn?
Make sure you arrive on time, bring the right equipment and start every lesson positively.
Be Ready. Be Engaged. Be Rewarded.
🤝 Working Together with Parents and Carers
We are looking forward to another busy half term of opportunities for parents and carers to engage with school, access support and work alongside us to help our students succeed.
Research consistently shows that when schools and families work together, students are more likely to attend regularly, achieve highly and feel supported in their education. Your engagement makes a real difference.
To support this partnership, we are pleased to share our programme of parental engagement events for this half term. These events provide opportunities to meet staff, receive important information, share feedback and access support that will help your child succeed.
📅 Key Parental Engagement Dates – Half Term 1
September
📍 Italy Trip Information Evening
10th September | 18:00 to 19:00
Location: School Main Hall
📍 Inauguration Evening
15th September | 18:00 to 19:00
Location: St Elphin’s Church
📍 Open Evening
24th September | 17:00 to 20:00
Location: School
October
📍 Year 11 Parents’ Evening
5th October | 15:30 to 19:00
Location: School
📍 Parent Forum (KS4)
1st October | 18:00 to 19:00
Location: School Main Hall
📍 Parent Forum (KS3 Sparx Reader)
15th October | 17:00 to 18:30
Location: School Library
We encourage all parents and carers to attend any relevant events and take advantage of the opportunities to connect with school, share feedback and access information that supports your child’s education.
Together, we can ensure every student is supported to thrive, achieve and make the most of every opportunity at Boteler.
We look forward to welcoming as many families as possible throughout the half term.
Click here for the Sparx Reader letter from Miss Ward.
