Dear Parents/Carers

I hope you are well. As we approach the end of term, I would like to thank you all for your continued support, especially during this busy period leading up to Christmas. Your partnership makes a significant difference to our school community, and it is truly appreciated.

As a reminder, even though we are nearing the end of term, it is important that our high standards of behaviour and punctuality are maintained. We ask for your support in ensuring that students continue to arrive on time and uphold the expectations we set for conduct around school.

Looking ahead to January, please note that 70-denier tights will be compulsory for any student choosing to wear a school skirt. This update is part of our ongoing effort to maintain a consistent and smart uniform across the school.

Key Dates – Week Beginning 15th December:

• Christmas Carols at Local Care Homes – Monday 15th December throughout the school day.
• Students’ Christmas Fayre – Monday 15th December after school.
• Christingle Service at St. Elphin’s – Tuesday 16th December at 18:00. All welcome; free of charge.
• Boteler 500 Community Christmas Party – Wednesday 17th December at lunchtime.

End of Term Arrangements:

School will close for the festive period on Friday 19th December at 12:25.

We will be holding an Alternative Activities Day on the Friday, filled with fun, enrichment and festive activities. Students may wear non-uniform clothing, but we ask that this remains appropriate—no crop tops or fancy dress, please. We do recommend something Christmassy to help us celebrate the end of term.

If your child is entitled to a Free School Meal and requires one on the day, please contact our Business Manager, Mr Frodsham, by Tuesday 16th December at: mfrodsham@boteler.org.uk

We are incredibly proud of all our young people and how hard they have worked this term. Their resilience, positivity and commitment to school life continue to impress us, and it is a privilege to see them grow and succeed. Thank you for your continued support in helping them thrive.

Thank you again for your continued support. I wish you and your families a wonderful weekend.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

 

 

KS3 WA1 Internal Assessments: 5th -16th January 2026

KS3 WA1 Assessments

Final week attendance push

As we head into the final week before Christmas, we’d like to offer our sincere thanks to all parents and carers for your continued support, especially during this surge of seasonal illnesses and the so-called “super flu.” We know it hasn’t been an easy few weeks for many families, and we truly appreciate your efforts in keeping us informed and helping children attend whenever they are well enough to do so.

This last week of term is always an exciting one. While the festive spirit can definitely be felt throughout the building, our focus on learning remains strong right up until the final day, where students can enjoy the festivities on Friday. Every day in school counts, and good attendance helps ensure children finish the term feeling confident, connected, and proud of what they’ve achieved. So much has been achieved.

Please don’t forget the Boteler Christmas Raffle is imminent and the draw will take place on the last day of term. To be in with a chance of winning, your child needs a positive aggregate of conduct points (House Points minus Behaviour Points) and attendance of 96% or above; with 96% earning 1 raffle entry, 98% earning 3 entries, and 100% earning 5 entries—however, if your attendance is below 96% due to authorised absence, this will not be a concern for the raffle or cinema criteria.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support, resilience, and partnership. We look forward to a wonderful final week of the term and a joyful lead-up to the holidays.

 

Final call for Christmas support for families

As we approach the Christmas period, we want to remind all families that our school is here to offer support wherever it is needed. We understand that this time of year can place additional pressures on households, and we want to reassure you that no one needs to struggle alone.

We continue to work closely with our local churches and the community foodbank, who provide invaluable help to families requiring extra support. If you feel you may benefit from a referral or signposting, please let us know—our team is here to assist in confidence and without judgment.

We would also like to highlight our ongoing partnership with the MCKS Charitable Foundation UK (MCKS), who continue to support schools nationally by donating food, toiletries, and essential sanitary supplies for vulnerable students and families. Thanks to their generous sponsors and continued commitment, we receive a fortnightly delivery that enables us to support a number of families within our school community.

We know that reaching out for help can sometimes feel difficult, but we encourage anyone who may need support to contact us. A conversation is all it takes, and all enquiries are treated sensitively and respectfully. If you feel your family might benefit from assistance—either short-term or ongoing—please get in touch with your child’s Head of Year or with Mr Leonard (jleonard@boteler.org.uk).

Together with our community partners, we hope to provide a small measure of relief and care during what can be a challenging time. Please remember, you are never alone, and we are here to help.

 

E-Bikes and E-Scooters – Stay Safe and Legal!

Please click on the link below from Cheshire Constabulary regarding E-Bikes and E-Scooters.

E-bike and E-Scooter Dear Santa Letter 2025

 

 

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)

 

TCAT Parliament

On Wednesday, TCAT Parliament visited Warrington Youth Zone where they had a tour and listened to what activities and support, they offer the young people of Warrington. The Parliament is now going to gather student voice on who uses the facility, what they enjoy there and what else they would like them to offer in the future. Please take a look here at all the exciting projects, sports, support and crafts you can do there Home – Warrington Youth Zone

 

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.

 

Christingle Service

 

Warrington Youth Zone

Please follow the link for festive updates and event information from Warrington Youth Zone: Christmas has arrived at Warrington Youth Zone 🎄🎅

 

Year 10

Year 10 students visited Keele University this week to learn about life at University. They gained valuable information on courses, types of Universities, accommodation, financial support, societies as well as having a tour around the campus. Students really enjoyed the trip and it has inspired many to think about attending University as part of their career pathway.

 

Year 11

Year 11 students are receiving a University talk on Monday as part of their Careers Learning journey and then Warrington Vale Royal are in school to help any Year 11 students who have not completed their college applications yet. Please make sure your child sees Mrs Mawby if they have not applied to college yet.

 

Work Experience Opportunity

An opportunity for Year 10/11 to gain work experience with Sellafield. The closing date is Boxing Day.

Work Experience – Sellafield Ltd

 

We are delighted to share the success of our recent Year 7 Parents’ Evening. It was fantastic to welcome so many families into school and see such positive engagement between parents, carers, and teachers. 

The evening provided a great opportunity for families to gain insight into how well our Year 7 students have settled into life at Sir Thomas Boteler. Staff were proud to share the progress many students are already making academically, socially and personally. 

Thank you to all parents and carers who attended and for the supportive conversations that took place.  

What’s Coming Up in the First Half Term Back 

We have a busy and important few weeks ahead, with several key events designed to support students and strengthen our partnership with parents: 

Year 11 Second Parents’ Evening – 12th January 

An essential opportunity for Year 11 families to discuss progress as students prepare for their final GCSE months. Teachers will share personalised guidance on revision, coursework and exam readiness. 

Year 9 Options Evening – 22nd January 

This evening will help Year 9 students and families understand the full range of subjects available at Key Stage 4. Staff will be on hand to discuss pathways, course choices, and long-term aspirations. 

Parent Forum – 26th January (18:00–19:00, Main Hall) 

Our next Parent Forum will focus on Supporting Your Child With ADHD. 
This session will provide practical advice, key information, and helpful strategies for parents and carers. It will also offer an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences within a supportive environment. 

Year 9 Parents’ Evening – 9th February 

A great opportunity to discuss progress before students finalise their options. Teachers will provide feedback to help guide informed choices for the next stage of their education.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Cheshire Prize for Literature

Please click on the link below for details of the next Cheshire Prize for Literature competition which is now open for entries.

English Cheshire Prize flyer

 

Science Department

Get into Medicine – Priestley College

9 Year 11 and 3 Year 10 students travelled to Priestley College to attend a get into medicine workshop.

They enjoyed a thought-provoking session on pathways into the profession, what will be required and what to expect when they leave school and join the college community.

Firstly, the were informed of the many different roles available and different University courses with their entry requirements regarding A-Level courses.

Then they were introduced to some of the second-year students who are currently progressing to university, along with the NHS Cadet program at Priestley.

After looking at the different types of bone fractures that occur the NHS cadets then led a session on how to tie an arm in a sling, not as easy as you think!

After this they engaged in a session on medical ethics and discussed some of the many questions debating both sides of the theoretical situations. This then led to the medical interview questions where examples were given and again discussed.

To finish the students were given a tour of the campus for a feel of college life and what awaits them should they attend Priestley College.

 

Physical Education

Wider Curricular Boxing Intervention – start the day the right way.

Over the past term, a group of our students have been taking part in a new wider-curricular boxing intervention designed to support focus, behaviour and emotional regulation. Led by trained coaches from the local community and supported by school staff, the sessions take place weekly and have quickly become a popular and positive addition to our enrichment programme.

The aim of the intervention is not to teach competitive fighting, but to use the discipline of boxing as a structured tool for personal development. Each session combines controlled physical activity with guided reflection, allowing students to practise self-management skills in a safe, encouraging environment.

The programme begins with warm-ups and basic technique work, which help students channel energy productively and develop fine motor control. Coaches emphasise respect, self-discipline and safety throughout, reinforcing expectations that transfer directly back into the classroom. Students also take part in short, structured goal-setting exercises, allowing them to recognise improvements in their focus, resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Staff have already noticed improvements in participating students. Many are demonstrating better concentration, increased confidence and a more thoughtful approach to managing their emotions. Students themselves report that the sessions help them “reset,” relieve stress and approach their learning with a clearer mindset.

We are proud of the effort and engagement shown by everyone involved so far. As the programme continues, we look forward to tracking progress and exploring opportunities to expand the intervention to benefit even more students in our community.

Extra curricular sport goes from strength to strength

This term has been an exceptional one for extra-curricular sport at our school, with participation, enthusiasm and achievement all reaching new highs. From energetic lunchtime clubs to intense inter-school competitions, our students have shown outstanding commitment and team spirit across a wide range of activities.

Netball
Netball training continues to flourish, with students from all year groups demonstrating impressive progress. Attendance has risen week by week, and our developing squads are showing sharper footwork, stronger passing and growing tactical understanding. Coaches have praised the students’ attitude and teamwork, noting that the positive atmosphere at training has helped new players feel welcome and confident to get involved.

Basketball: Competing with Pride
Our basketball teams have also been making their mark in inter-school competitions. Students have represented the school brilliantly, displaying determination, respect and impressive skill on court. Whether winning tight matches or learning from tough opposition, the teams have shown resilience and a desire to improve—qualities that reflect the very best of our sporting ethos.

 

Football: Strong Performances Across the Leagues
Football has remained one of our busiest and most successful sports, with teams competing across multiple leagues. Highlights this term include several hard-fought victories, excellent defensive displays, and some standout individual performances. More importantly, students have shown fantastic sportsmanship, supporting one another and representing the school with pride at every fixture.

Rugby League: Competing in North West Champion Schools
Our rugby league teams have enjoyed an exciting term as part of the prestigious North West Champion Schools competition. These fixtures have provided valuable experience for our players, who have risen to the challenge with courage, teamwork and impressive physicality. Coaches have been delighted with the squad’s development and are confident the team will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Badminton: A Lunchtime Success Story
One of the biggest surprises this year has been the rapid growth of our Badminton Lunch Club. With over 50 students attending regularly, the sports hall is buzzing with energy every week. The club has become a welcoming space for students of all abilities, from beginners looking to try something new to experienced players refining their technique. Its popularity reflects the increasing enthusiasm for staying active during the school day.

We are incredibly proud of all the students who have taken part in extra-curricular sport this term. Their enthusiasm, dedication and positive attitude make these programmes such a vibrant part of school life. As participation continues to grow, we look forward to even more success, teamwork and unforgettable sporting moments in the months ahead.

 

Fuelling the Future: How Diet Shapes Young Athletes’ Performance

For young teenagers, sports are more than just games—they’re opportunities to grow stronger, build confidence, and learn lifelong habits. But one factor often overlooked in athletic success is nutrition. What teens eat doesn’t just affect their health in the long run; it has a direct and powerful impact on their sporting performance today.

Energy to Perform
Teen athletes need a steady supply of energy. Carbohydrates—found in foods like whole grains, fruit, pasta, and potatoes—are the body’s main fuel source for high-intensity activity. When teens skip meals or rely on sugary snacks, their energy levels rise and fall quickly, making it harder to stay sharp and active during practices and games.

Strength, Recovery, and Growth
Protein plays a crucial role in building and repairing muscle. Lean meat, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and tofu help young bodies recover after training and grow stronger over time. Without enough protein, muscles fatigue faster and injuries become more likely.

Hydration Matters
Even mild dehydration can slow reaction time, reduce concentration, and lower endurance. Teen athletes should make water a routine part of their day—not just something to chug right before a game. For longer or more intense training, adding electrolytes can help replace what’s lost through sweat.

The Power of Good Habits
A balanced diet isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Eating regular meals, choosing whole foods over highly processed ones, and including a variety of fruits and vegetables help teens stay energized, focused, and ready to perform.

The Bottom Line
Young athletes don’t need extreme diets or expensive supplements. What they do need is real food, eaten at the right times, and enough of it to support their active lives. When teens fuel their bodies well, they not only improve their athletic performance—they build habits that can support a lifetime of health.

 

Student excellence

Year 7 student, Tobias, has recently been awarded his black belt in Karate. Earning a black belt in karate is a long-term commitment that requires discipline, perseverance, and consistent practice. Students must master a range of skills, including precise techniques, kata (formal movement patterns), self-defence applications, and controlled sparring. Along the way, they demonstrate not only physical ability but also mental focus, respect, and personal growth. Testing for a black belt often includes performing advanced techniques, showing strong understanding of karate principles, and proving dedication built over years of training. It’s not just about skill—it’s about character, effort, and the journey of improvement.

Well done! Your school is very proud of you.

 

Christmas Comes to TCAT

On Wednesday 3^rd December 28 students represented Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School by dancing and singing as part Christmas Comes to TCAT 2025 at The Parr Hall in Warrington. 

Students from all 14 academies across the Trust came together for a prestigious festive celebration showcasing the remarkable performing arts talent thriving within the TCAT community.

The evening featured a joyful variety of performances and our students shone on stage with their stunning performance of ‘Christmas Lights’. The dancers light up costumes wowed the audiences as the choir serenaded them demonstrating not only their skills but also their confidence, collaboration, and passion for the arts.

The students have also performed every morning this week as part of our advent assembly bringing the Christmas spirit to life! We are incredibly proud of the students hard work and dedication they have shown throughout all the performances. 

Music Department