Dear Parents/Carers

I hope you are well.

We are nearly in advent, and it does not seem long ago since I was saying welcome back after the October half term. The Year 11 mocks examinations are nearly at an end, and the students have been brilliant. This means that before the young people break for the Christmas period, they will have a clear picture of what is going well and where work is needed so they can embrace the new term in January fully prepared and focused. It is important that the young people do get a break over the Christmas period and recharge and our school improvement calendar builds this in. This is important for wellbeing as when January comes it is only 5 months until the GCSE examinations begin. All the revision and preparation will pay off, and we are very proud at the attitude and effort displayed and the high expectations they have of themselves.

Quite a few editions ago I mentioned that we were a volunteer school for Ofsted and the new framework. You may have seen articles in the news regarding this. The familiar single-word grades of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement and Inadequate will no longer appear. In their place, schools will receive a detailed report card that aims to give parents/carers and  staff a clearer and more balanced picture of school performance.

Key changes in the inspection model

1. Evaluation across several core areas

Instead of one overall judgement, schools will now be assessed across six core areas:

• Leadership and governance
• Curriculum and teaching
• Attendance and behaviour
• Achievement
• Personal development and wellbeing
• Inclusion

Safeguarding is judged separately using a simple Met or Not met outcome.

2. A new five-point grading scale

Each of the core areas will receive one of the following grades:

• Exceptional
• Strong standard
• Expected standard
• Attention needed
• Urgent improvement

This is intended to give a more detailed overview of strengths and weaknesses. It is really important that we do not try and correlate these with the old judgements as they are very different. Meeting the expected standard means you are doing incredibly well. If a section ‘needs attention’ this does not mean you are failing it just means that there are aspects that you need to work on for example.

3. Report cards replacing single overall grades

Schools will now receive a report card that includes:

• Grades for each inspection area
• A short narrative explanation
• Relevant contextual data such as SEND profile, deprivation indicators, and pupil demographics

This is designed to help you understand the story behind the grades rather than relying on a single label.

4. Greater focus on context

The new framework recognises that schools operate in different circumstances. Inspectors will consider factors such as local challenges, intake, SEND levels and wider community needs.

Routine inspections under the new framework began on 10 November 2025 for volunteer schools, which we are one of those. We as of yet have not had the call (which will come on a Monday morning). Of course, if we do I will let you know. Your feedback  though the Ofsted questionnaire will be really helpful as I appreciate  and value the positive relationship we have with you.

We do what we do because we want to improve life chances and our decisions are always child focussed. We are very proud of what we achieve on a daily basis,  and most of all we love what we do and our young people as they need to feel heard, feel seen and feel valued.

Thanks as always for all your support and have a lovely weekend.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

Year 11 Mock Exam Update

We are delighted to congratulate our Year 11 students on completing their mock examinations over the past two weeks. The maturity, focus and determination they have shown has been excellent, and we are incredibly proud of the commitment they have demonstrated throughout this important stage of their GCSE journey.

Before each exam, students listened attentively to the briefing delivered by our Heads of Department, ensuring they understood what to expect and how to approach each paper. Their cooperation and calm conduct during the assessment period has been a real credit to them.

Year 11 Mock Exam Results Assembly – Monday 5th January

We will be holding our Year 11 Mock Exam Results Assembly on Monday 5th January. During the assembly, students will receive an envelope containing all of their mock exam results.

To preserve the significance and authenticity of the experience, teachers have been asked not to disclose results beforehand. Receiving all grades at once, just as they will in the summer, has a powerful impact and helps students understand their overall performance across all subjects.

Year 11 Parents’ Evening – Monday 12th January

A reminder that our Year 11 Parents’ Evening will take place on Monday 12th January. This is arguably the most important parents’ evening of your child’s school career, as it provides a valuable opportunity to discuss:

• Mock exam results in detail
• Programmes of intervention and support
• Strategies for helping your child at home
• Key priorities in the build-up to the GCSE examinations in the summer

We strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend. Working together at this stage makes a significant difference to student confidence, progress and outcomes.

Year 11 Mock Exam Timetable

Food Hamper Support for Families

As we approach the festive season, we want to remind families about our ongoing partnership with the MCKS Charitable Foundation UK (MCKS). MCKS continue to support schools nationwide by donating food, toiletries, and essential sanitary supplies for families who may need a helping hand.

Thanks to their incredible generosity and the commitment of their sponsors, we receive a delivery every fortnight. This has allowed us to support a number of our families throughout the year, and we know how much this help can mean — especially as Christmas approaches, which can bring additional pressures for many households.

We understand that asking for support can sometimes feel difficult, but we want to reassure you that we are here for you. If you feel your family would benefit from a food hamper or any additional support at this time, please do reach out. Contact your child’s Head of Year or Mr Leonard (jleonard@boteler.org.uk). All enquiries are treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

Christmas can be a wonderful time, but it can also be a challenging one. Please know that you are not alone — we are here to support our community.

A heartfelt thank you to MCKS for their continued generosity and partnership.

End of term is nearly here!

With the term nearly drawing to a close, it is essential that students remain present and engaged in their learning. Each day counts, and attending school consistently over these final weeks helps ensure that students are able to complete their work, participate fully in lessons, and finish the term on a positive note. We kindly ask parents to support regular attendance, as your partnership is key to helping students achieve their best.

Years 7 – 11 Childhood Flu Immunisations – DATE CHANGE

Please click on the following link to view a letter and consent form from the Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral School Age Immunisation Service, regarding the upcoming Flu Immunisations. Please note that the date of this has changed and the Immunisations Team will now be in school on Tuesday 16^th December.  

https://tinyurl.com/45brdxys

If you have any questions, please contact the Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral School Age Immunisation Service.

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)

Visit from UTC

We welcomed UTC in this week to talk to both Year 8 and 9 about the pathways available to them through UTC Warrington. Please take a look at their website here: UTC Warrington – UTC Warrington and look out for information after Christmas about their Open Evenings. Fliers were also given out to our students. 

PSB Christmas Fayre

We are holding our Annual PSB Christmas fayre on Monday 15^th December from 15:00 – 17:00 for our students in the school hall.

If you can donate any toys/games/teddies/health and beauty products/raffle prizes then please drop off at reception.

Year 11

Warrington Vale Royal

Come on a campus tour

Are you leaving school this year and still unsure of your next steps? Warrington & Vale Royal College is here to help. Our campus tours are the perfect opportunity to discover the exciting courses we offer and experience our industry-standard facilities first hand.

Book a campus tour through our website: Campus Tours | Warrington & Vale Royal College

How to Apply

For those ready to take the next steps and apply, we have a couple of options:

Apply online:

Discover All Courses | Warrington & Vale Royal College

Request a paper application form:

Request a paper application form | Warrington & Vale Royal College

Our website also offers information on entry requirements and our handy FAQs page is there to help with any questions you may have.

Upcoming interviews

If your child has already applied, please check their email inbox. They should have received/are shortly due to receive an email about your compulsory upcoming course interview.

Priestley College Year 11 Application

Please be reminded that if your child is applying to Priestley, they need to submit their applications by no later than Sunday 30 November to guarantee a priority admissions interview by the end of January.  

They will continue to accept applications until 28 February but cannot guarantee a priority interview for those who apply after November.

Reaseheath College Open Events (College & University Centre)  

Do you have students in Year 11, 12 or 13 who would like to further explore our courses and visit our campus? Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for them to: 

• Discover our courses and explore our amazing facilities 
• Meet expert tutors and support staff 
• Apply, interview, and even leave with a conditional offer on the day if they’re in Year 11! 

Upcoming Reaseheath College & University Centre Open Events: 

• Saturday 29th November 2025
• Saturday 31st January 2026

Find out more and book a place at our Open Events via Experience Reaseheath | Reaseheath College

Work Experience for Year 10 and 11  – Sellafield offer

An amazing opportunity for work experience in July with Sellafield. Your child has been emailed the information to their school email. If interested please see Mrs Mawby and complete the application form.

It was wonderful to welcome Bati, one of our Alumni, back last week on his Year 12 work experience. Bati is currently at Carmel college studying A levels. During his week here, he developed the skills needed for the work place and a successful future, taking every opportunity to learn and enhance his future pathway.

Strengthening Parental Engagement  

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we are committed to building strong partnerships between home and school. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) consistently shows that effective parental engagement can significantly enhance student progress, motivation, and wellbeing. 

Below are some simple but powerful strategies parents and carers can use to support learning at home: 

Strategies to Support Your Child’s Learning 

• Talk regularly about school – Ask about what they learned today, what they enjoyed, or what they found challenging. 

• Establish a routine – Set a consistent time for homework and revision to build good habits. 

• Encourage organisation – Help your child pack their bag the night before and check they have the equipment they need. 

• Celebrate small wins – Recognising effort helps build confidence and resilience. 

• Stay connected with school – Attend Parents’ Evenings, Parent Forums, and events to stay informed and involved. 

• Use school platforms – Keep an eye on school emails, websites, and apps for key information and updates. 

Your involvement really does make a difference, and we are grateful for the strong relationships we continue to build with families across our community. 

Reminder: Year 7 Parents’ Evening 

A reminder that Year 7 Parents’ Evening will take place on Monday 8th December, from 15:30 – 19:00. This is the first Parents’ Evening for our Year 7 students, and it is a wonderful opportunity to discuss how they have settled into secondary school and to celebrate their progress so far. 

If you haven’t already booked your appointments, please do so as soon as possible. 

Mental Health Support Team- Parents/Carers Questionnaire

Our Mental Health Support Team are currently carrying out their annual audit and would appreciate your feedback: 

Warrington Mental Health Support Team (NHS) are allocated to your child’s school.  Their role is to help support children and young people with mild to moderate mental health needs or difficulties. They help support and enhance the current mental health provision already provided within our school and to help to enhance the provision.

As part of the Warrington Mental Health Support Team (NHS) one of their roles is to understand what the current mental health provision looks like in the school. It is important that we understand the current situation so that the team can work in partnership to offer more support in relation to mental health.

It is essential to hear from everyone involved with a child/young person which is why they are really interested in a parent/carer perspective. Any answers you give will remain anonymous. 

We would like to thank you in advance for completing the form.

Please click the link: Mental Health Support – Parent/Carer – Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School

English Department

Theatre Trip – Macbeth

The English department are delighted to offer our students the opportunity to watch a Storyhouse Original production of Macbeth at Storyhouse, Chester. This adaptation of Macbeth promises: “a bold new production bringing the original text to life with power, pace and atmosphere. This is the Macbeth you know and love: the witches, the prophecy, the blood-soaked ambition – all in a haunting, high-stakes world where fate and power collide.”

The English department has reserved tickets for 40 students to experience the above production on Thursday, 19^th March 2026. The coach will leave school at 15:30 and return to school at approximately 20:00.

• Tickets will be offered to Year 11 students only, due to popularity and availability.
• Places will be given on a first come, first served based.
• Payment and return of reply slip must be made to confirm attendance. Failure to provide the reply slip will result in losing trip space. No refund will be made.
• The performance will start at 17:00 and will be followed by a Q&A with members of the cast and creative team.
• We recommend your child brings a packed dinner with them.

We are very pleased and grateful to say that a significant contribution to the cost of this trip has been made by the Boteler Trust. Therefore, the cost of the visit is £6; this includes show ticket, and coach travel.

For a trip letter containing the required reply slip please see Miss Ward in Room 23.

Full payment and return slip is due by Friday, 19^th December 2025 to enable the department to purchase the reserved tickets. If the final payment date is missed, then students will lose their place and no refunds will be given.

Please note that the performance will include audio description, captions and will be BSL interpreted.

Drama Department

This week several of our Drama Students were involved in filming and recording voice overs for an educational video.  The students worked with professionals and experts in the fields of performance and technical careers.  At the moment we are sworn to secrecy on the content and aim of the project, but we are hoping for a big announcement to be made in April 2026 when it will be launched.  The students spent the day learning video and recording techniques. It is brilliant to be able to offer them an opportunity to engage with where studying Drama can lead and the wide range of careers that are possible in the industry.  Ms Armstrong, Head of Drama.

Christmas Comes to TCAT

On Wednesday 3^rd December 2025 our dancers and senior choir will be representing our school performing as part of Christmas comes to TCAT 2025. They are working very hard rehearsing, and it will be a fantastic festive evening. If your child is taking part you can purchase tickets from Mrs A Graham.

Physical Education

Celebrating Excellence: Harry Stewart Wins the U12 Made of Steel Award

We are thrilled to announce that one of our talented students, Harry Stewart, has been awarded the prestigious U12 Made of Steel Award by the Warrington Wolves! This incredible achievement is a testament to Harry’s dedication, perseverance, and consistent outstanding performances.

The Made of Steel Award, presented annually by the Warrington Wolves, recognizes young athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent, resilience, and commitment to their sport, embodying the core values of excellence both on and off the field. Harry has proven himself to be a true embodiment of these qualities, showcasing not only skill and determination but also a willingness to push through challenges and inspire others along the way.

Get active, stay active

The Youth Sport Trust paints a concerning picture of a nation at a crossroads, with inactivity rising and wellbeing declining.

By 2035, if current trends continue:

• Almost half (48%) of children will spend three hours or more on screens for entertainment each day, up from 34% in 2025.
• More than a third (34%) will fail to be active for even 30 minutes a day, well short of the UK’s Chief Medical Officers’ guidance of 60 active minutes.
• Annual Type 2 diabetes diagnoses in children will double, reaching 500 new cases each year.
• Obesity rates among 10-11 year olds will surge to 24% by 2035, with more than 180,000 children classified as clinically obese, up from 22% in 2025.
• Schools will see declining attendance, engagement, and belonging among the least active pupils.

You can act now and encourage participation at one of our various PE and Sports clubs throughout the week.

Football results w/c 24^th November 

U14 girls vs Culcheth: won 1-0 (Kacey W)

U15 boys vs Kings (0-0)

U15 boys Beamont Collegiate Academy: won 3-2 (Calton D x2 and Joe D)

U13 boys vs Birchwood HS: lost 2-0

Year 8/9 Girls Football Tournament

Tuesday 25th November

As the girls’ football season comes to a close, the Year 8/9 team travelled to Great Sankey High School for their final tournament. Despite the freezing conditions and a strong turnout from several schools, the team showed real determination.

Placed into a group of tough opponents, the girls played three matches in total. They faced narrow defeats against Lymm and St Greg’s, with one match decided by a last-minute goal.

Their final game, however, was a fantastic showdown against Culcheth, ending the season on a high with a well-deserved 1–0 win.

Well done to all the players — you’ve grown in confidence and ability throughout the year, and your teamwork has gone from strength to strength. We’re already looking forward to an exciting season ahead! Mrs Hughes 

Using Boxing to Empower Students

We are always looking for innovative ways to support our students’ growth, both academically and personally. One of the most exciting initiatives we’ve introduced this year in PE is the use of boxing as a tool to help boost student attendance, engagement, and emotional regulation. Boxing, often viewed purely as a physical sport, has proven to be a powerful outlet for students, offering benefits that extend far beyond fitness.

Promoting Attendance through Boxing

One of the main challenges in education is ensuring that all students attend school regularly and are motivated to engage with their studies. By incorporating boxing into our school activities, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in student attendance. Boxing is a high-energy, engaging activity that students look forward to, and it’s become a motivational tool that encourages them to attend school so they don’t miss out. For many students, the chance to participate in a structured boxing session provides an added incentive to get to school each day, fostering a sense of commitment and responsibility.

Enhancing School Engagement

Boxing is not just about physical fitness; it also encourages discipline, focus, and resilience—skills that can directly translate into better classroom engagement. Through boxing, students learn to set goals, stay focused, and overcome challenges, which are valuable life skills both in and out of the classroom. By integrating boxing into our school culture, we are providing students with an opportunity to channel their energy in a positive and structured way, which helps them stay engaged in their academic work.

Moreover, boxing fosters a sense of achievement and self-confidence. As students progress and improve their skills, they experience a boost in self-esteem, which often leads to a more positive attitude toward school overall. This newfound confidence can improve their approach to learning, making them more likely to participate in class discussions, tackle assignments with enthusiasm, and seek help when needed.

Supporting Emotional Regulation

One of the most significant benefits of boxing is its ability to support emotional regulation. For students who may struggle with anger, stress, or anxiety, boxing offers an excellent outlet for managing difficult emotions. The physical activity involved in boxing helps release pent-up energy, while the focus required during training can provide a sense of calm and control.

Additionally, boxing encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, as students are taught to stay calm under pressure, think strategically, and control their impulses. These lessons are transferable to everyday situations, helping students manage their emotions in a healthier way, both in and out of school. By offering boxing as a regular activity, we are giving our students the tools they need to handle stress, frustration, and anxiety more effectively, leading to a more positive school experience overall.

Looking Ahead

As part of our commitment to developing well-rounded students, we’ll continue to explore the many benefits of boxing. We believe that by offering students diverse and dynamic ways to engage with school, we can help them thrive both academically and personally. We look forward to seeing how this initiative evolves and encourage all our students to take part, whether they’re looking to improve their fitness, boost their self-confidence, or simply try something new. Boxing isn’t just about punches and footwork—it’s about building strength, resilience, and character, both in the ring and in life.

Get Involved!

If you’re interested in learning more about how boxing can benefit your child, or if you’d like to sign them up for upcoming sessions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to cburbidge@boteler.org.uk for more information. Together, let’s continue to empower our students and help them become the best versions of themselves.

Netball Update: Training Hard and Ready for the Season!

Our netball squad has shown incredible commitment and determination as they continue their Thursday training sessions in preparation for the fast-approaching season. Every week, the girls arrive ready to work hard, sharpen their skills, and push themselves to new levels. Their focus on teamwork, movement, and tactical play has been inspiring to watch, and the progress they’ve made is a real credit to their dedication.

With the season now only a few weeks away, excitement is building. The team is eager to put their hard work into action and showcase their development on the court. If their training effort is anything to go by, we’re set for a fantastic season ahead!

Well done to all our players and a special mention to Miss Ellams for training the girls each week—keep up the brilliant work! 🏐

Join the Girls-Only Fitness Club! 💪🏽

Looking to get fit and have fun? Our Girls-Only Fitness Club is the perfect place for you! Whether you’re new to fitness or already love working out, we’ve got something for everyone.

Why join?

• State-of-the-art equipment: From treadmills to weight machines, our Studio23 Gym has everything you need to build strength, improve endurance, and reach your goals.
• A supportive environment: Train with a group of like-minded girls who motivate each other to push harder and achieve more.
• Personalised workouts: Our experienced trainer Mrs Stockton will guide you through fun, challenging, and tailored workout sessions, helping you improve at your own pace.
• Boost confidence: Get stronger, healthier, and feel great as you track your progress week by week!

When: Every Wednesday after school
Where: Studio23 Gym
How to Join: Just turn up in your school PE kit.

Big thank you to Mrs Stockton for leading this fitness class every week with a smile!

Music Department