Dear Parents/Carers

As we reach the end of this half term, I would like to thank you sincerely for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated and plays an important role in the success of our school community.

After half term, we will be placing a renewed focus on a few key areas to ensure that our expectations remain high and that every young person is able to thrive.

1. Punctuality

Punctuality to school and to lessons is extremely important. We understand that, on occasion, there may be genuine reasons for lateness. However, regular lateness — even by five or ten minutes — has a significant impact on learning. Our form time is structured learning time, including Personal Development and literacy work, and it is vital that students are present from the start of the day.

Punctuality to lessons throughout the day is equally important. We would be grateful for your support in reinforcing this message at home. Sanctions for lateness will continue to be applied consistently. Where we do not see improvement, it may be necessary to invite parents and carers into school for a meeting to discuss how we can work together to address ongoing concerns.

2. Making Positive Choices

The vast majority of our young people make positive choices every day, and we are proud of them. However, there are occasions where expectations are not met.

Attendance at lessons is not optional, even if a student does not particularly enjoy a subject. The best place for students to learn is in their timetabled lessons. While we do offer specialist interventions, including access to the Progress Hub, these are allocated through a formal referral process. Students cannot choose to attend alternative provisions without this referral. Therefore, requests for students to miss lessons simply because they do not like a subject will not be approved.

Similarly, our expectations regarding uniform are clear. We understand that not everyone may agree with every aspect of our policy; however, as a school we must apply our rules consistently and fairly. Sanctions will be issued where expectations are not met.

Our approach will always be rooted in compassion and understanding. However, this must sit alongside clear boundaries and mutual respect. Where there are repeated concerns about behaviour or conduct, we will implement Academic Board meetings. These meetings will involve parents or carers, a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and the student, so that we can agree on a clear and supportive way forward.

We will not tolerate poor behaviour or a lack of respect. Over the coming weeks, you may notice some adjustments to ensure that our standards remain high and consistent. Your support in reinforcing our shared expectations is essential so that we are aligned in our message to students.

While this correspondence addresses areas for improvement, it is important to emphasise that this affects only a small minority of students. Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is an incredibly popular and oversubscribed school, and we are proud of the family and community we have built together. The vast majority of our young people conduct themselves exceptionally well every day, but everyone deserves an environment where they can thrive, achieve and, most importantly, feel that they belong.

Monday the 23^rd February is an INSET day, so the students do not start until Tuesday 24^th February. Please make sure they are on the school site by 08.20 in full uniform. Any uniform issues need to be addressed over the half term holiday please.

Please make sure you have a lovely half term and thank you once again for your continued partnership and support.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

 

 

Uniform Issues

As we approach the half term break, we ask parents and carers to please ensure that any issues relating to school uniform, footwear and equipment are fully resolved before students return to school. This helps ensure a smooth and focused start to the next half term for everyone.

We would also like to remind families that no new piercings should take place at this point in the year. New piercings do not have sufficient time to heal and piercings are not permitted in school, meaning students may be unable to wear them on their return.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. The vast majority of our students consistently meet our high standards of appearance and we are very grateful to parents and carers for working in partnership with us to maintain these expectations.

 

Years 9 Immunisations – Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY

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 Year 9 Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY Immunisations. These vaccinations will take place in school on Wednesday 25/03/26.

https://tinyurl.com/bhpps3vx 

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

 

United Utilities Visit

A group of Year 9 students visited United Utilities this week for a work experience day. They heard about all the different jobs available at United Utilities from various employees. They took part in a CV writing workshop and a mock interview. Our students asked excellent questions and developed essential skills needed for the workplace. 

 

Ambassadors

Our amazing ambassadors have been busy this week with interviewing candidates who have applied for a position at school, taking candidates on school tours and selling valentine cards to raise money for comic relief.

 

Higher Horizons

We welcomed Higher Horizons back into school this week to deliver an options workshop to Year 9 students. Over the next few months Year 9 will be deciding which subjects to study in KS4 and which type of qualification suits them the best.

 

National Apprenticeship Week

As part of celebrating National Apprenticeship week in lessons students have been looking at apprenticeships associated with various subjects, they took part in a webinar around ‘Women in STEM’, all students visited our careers fair, had apprenticeship assemblies, and will hear from various employers after half term. 

Please use the following website to learn about apprenticeships. 

https://naw.appawards.co.uk/

https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/

 

ROAR 

The ROAR (Russell Group or Alternative Ready) programme officially finished today, our Year 8 students have enjoyed it greatly and done exceptionally well. As part of the programme students developed their debating, critical thinking and research skills over 6 sessions with Melanie from Priestley college. Many of the students completed academic posters on the theme of Globalisation and have received feedback at a college/university level.

We had a final celebration today in our lovely Orangery where students received their project feedback and a ROAR notebook. We want to thank Melanie for all her work with the students over the last few months and once again a massive well done to our ROAR graduates!

 

Warrington Youth Zone

Warrington Youth Zone are running Girls Only Football sessions. Click here for more details: Girls only football sessions at WYZ.

 

 

Year 9 Parents’ Evening Success and Looking Ahead 

We would like to thank all parents and carers who attended our recent Year 9 Parents’ Evening. The evening was a great success, with strong attendance and many positive, purposeful conversations between families and subject teachers. 

As students approach Key Stage 4, this is an important stage in their school journey.  

 

Looking Ahead After Half Term 

Following half term, our focus turns to several key events: 

📅 Year 9 Options Evening – Thursday 12th March, 18:00 

This important evening will provide detailed information about the subjects available at Key Stage 4. Students and parents will have the opportunity to speak with subject leaders and gain a clear understanding of courses, pathways, and future opportunities before finalising option choices. 

📅 Parent Forum: Digital IT Safety – 17:00–19:00 

We are pleased to welcome PC Andrew Kevan, who will deliver an informative session on Digital IT Safety. This forum will provide practical guidance on keeping young people safe online, understanding current digital risks, and supporting responsible use of technology at home. 

📅 Year 10 Parents’ Evening – Monday 16th March, 15:30–19:00 

An important opportunity for Year 10 families to review progress and discuss next steps as students move closer to their final GCSE year. Teachers will provide clear feedback and guidance to help maximise achievement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children’s Mental Health Week

This week, our Wellbeing Ambassadors proudly hosted assemblies for all year groups as part of Children’s Mental Health Week. The assemblies focused on the theme of belonging, inspired by this year’s message, “This Is My Place,” encouraging students to reflect on what makes them feel safe, valued and included within our school community.

Through thoughtful discussions and shared experiences, the ambassadors highlighted the importance of kindness, connection and celebrating what makes each of us unique, reminding everyone that our school is a place where we all belong.

 

For Information – from Warrington Youth Zone

We wanted to make you aware of a website that has recently been brought to our attention by the Youth Zone.

The app/platform is called:

OCSN – Original, Creative, Social, Network

It has been identified as a specialised social networking platform. However, it does not appear to be consistently used in this way. Users are not required to state their age, and the platform does not seem to be appropriately moderated. Adults of all ages are reportedly able to access the platform, which may pose a safeguarding risk.

If you hear or become aware of anything concerning in relation to this platform, please report it as soon as possible to the police on 101, or to Mrs Chilton at school.

 

English Department

Friday 20th February – Year 11 English Revision Sessions for mock 2

There will be revision for English Language Paper 1 and English Literature Paper 1.

• 10:00–11:00 – securing grades 9–7 room 24

• 11:30–12:30 – securing grades 4–5 room 24

As it is half term, please make sure you arrive on time so English staff are available to let you into the building.

 

Library Opening Times during the Mock Exams

The Library will be closed for two weeks during the Year 11 Mock Exams, so we are going mobile! Mr. Corrigan will have a small selection of specially chosen books on a trolley and will be making his way around the school to make sure students still have opportunities to choose books and read them.

 

Art Department

Warrington & Vale Royal College’s Young Artist of the Year Award is back! It is open to all students in Year 10 and Year 11, and we strongly encourage our Art students to enter! Please see Mrs Guttridge for more information. 

 

Dancers visit Motion 26 at Priestley School of Performance

On Tuesday 10^th February we took a trip to Priestley college to watch their annual dance show ‘Motion 26’. We took the Year 10 and Year 11 BTEC Dance students as well as some Year 9 students who are interested in choosing BTEC Dance as an option. The dancing was very impressive, and the choreography certainly inspired the students as well as Mrs Hughes and Mrs Graham! It was a privilege to watch an ex- Boteler student performing too and showing our students what they can aspire to. 

 

Spring Spectacular

Spring Spectacular has officially begun! Rehearsals are already under way for our next dance show. It is not too late to sign up. Rehearsals are a Tuesday and Thursday lunch and Thursday after school. See Mrs Hughes, Mrs Graham or Miss Wright in these rehearsals to sign up. You can be a part of our group pieces or create your own.

 

It has been another exceptional half term for PE and Sport, with our students continuing to embody our department vision: Promote participation, Engage fully, and Excel in performance and character. We are incredibly proud of the commitment, resilience and success shown across a wide range of activities.

🏐 Girls’ Netball – Warrington Schools’ League Success

Our Girls’ Netball teams have enjoyed a fantastic run of results in the Warrington Schools’ League with Year 7 winning three out of four matches in their latest round of fixtures. The highlight was an outstanding 11–2 victory over local rivals Cardinal Newman CHS – a performance full of teamwork, movement and clinical finishing.

A special mention must go to Emily, who delivered a commanding performance at Centre. Her work rate, vision and control of the game were exceptional – this girl can play! We are extremely proud of the whole squad and their continued progress this season.

Year 7 Results:

STB v Cardinal Newman 11–2 POM Emily
STB v Padgate 12–0 POM Emily
STB v Penketh 5–11 POM Phoebe

Well done on a fantastic start to the netball season for our Year 8 and Year 9 teams also. Your dedication to training in the lead-up to the tournaments this half term, combined with your enthusiasm and commitment during the matches, means we could not be prouder of you all.

The first tournament of the season was for the Year 9 team. On the night and showed great teamwork, determination and skill throughout. After each match, the opposition voted for Player of the Match and the results were:

Year 9 Results

STB v Cardinal Newman 2-7 POM Shelby C

STB v Kings 2-9 PIM Shelby C

STB v Birchwood 0-6 POM Shelby C

Year 8 had a very successful , but exhausting  evening, playing six matches. The students’ effort and determination paid off, as you can see from the results below. Once again, Player of the Match was chosen by the opposition, and many teams said they struggled to pick just one!

Year 8 Results

STB v BCA 8–0 POM Matilda
STB v Penketh 2–0 POM Dora
STB v Padgate 4–0 POM Emily
STB v Birchwood 4–4 POM Emily
STB v Kings 5–3 POM Dora
STB v St Greggs 0–4 POM Dora

A special thank you goes to Academy Sports+ student Emily W in Year 10 for your commitment to supporting and helping to run netball training and matches so far. We couldn’t do it without you, and I know the students really appreciate your help.

Well done to all the students who have taken part in Round 1 – and remember, it’s not too late to join! Training is on Thursday after school from 3–4pm in the sports hall. Just bring your kit and have a go!

 

🏃 Year 8 Sportshall Athletics & U13 Rugby League

Our Year 8 Sportshall Athletics teams have represented the school with energy and determination, showing great all-round athleticism in competition.

Meanwhile, our U13 Rugby League team are currently competing in the North West Champion Schools League and recently secured an impressive 16–10 victory against Crompton House CofE. This was a superb team performance and we are particularly proud of the boys who are new to Rugby League and have transitioned from other sports. Their willingness to step outside their comfort zones truly reflects our ethos of promoting opportunity and engagement for all.

🏀 Basketball Success in the Ball Hall

Our Basketball programme continues to go from strength to strength. Across three rounds of fixtures, our U15 and U16 teams have lost just one match. Most recently, they secured a thrilling 41–38 victory against Lymm High School in our very own Ball Hall. The atmosphere was electric, and the composure shown in the closing stages demonstrated real growth and maturity.

🚣 All Aboard Youth Rowing

Through the All Aboard Youth Rowing programme, students have shown tremendous dedication over the winter months. Their commitment culminated in competition at the North West Schools’ Indoor Rowing Championships. With lighter mornings approaching, they will now return to the water as they prepare for their regatta finale in June. We look forward to seeing their hard work translate onto the river.

🥊 Boxing Intervention & Fitness Development

Our KS3 and KS4 morning boxing intervention sessions continue to have a powerful impact. Beyond improving physical fitness, these sessions help students regulate emotions, build discipline and develop resilience.

In addition, our Tuesday Fitness Club has engaged a growing number of students. Sessions focus on the safe and effective use of resistance equipment, teaching correct technique in compound lifts and fundamental movement patterns. Developing knowledge alongside physical competence ensures students build confidence and train safely.

🎓 Academy Sport+ – Liverpool John Moores University Visit

A standout academic enrichment opportunity this half term was the Academy Sport+ trip to Liverpool John Moores University, where students explored the world of sport science in state-of-the-art laboratories.

• Session 1 – Dr Ben Edwards: Students learned about altitude training and physiological adaptations. Dr Edwards, whose research has taken him from the Sahara Desert to Mount Everest and who has worked with Olympic athletes, guided students through testing in the altitude chamber at a simulated 2,000 metres.
• Session 2 – Joe (Cardiovascular Scientist): Students examined the cardiovascular system using ultrasound technology, gaining hands-on experience in analysing blood flow and heart function.
• Session 3 – Dr Daniel Owens: In a session titled “Sport and Nutrition in Action”, students designed detailed nutrition plans for a professional footballer and cyclist. Dr Owens’ experience working with Formula 1 drivers, England Rugby Union and Warrington Wolves brought elite sport to life.

Experiences like these truly promote aspiration and demonstrate the academic pathways linked to sport.

 

💃 Dance & Creative Performance

Mrs Hughes and Mrs Graham recently accompanied students to Priestley College to watch their annual dance production, “Motion 26.” The standard of performance and choreography left our students inspired. Dance at our school continues to grow from strength to strength. Students are currently preparing for our Spring Dance Spectacular, and we have launched a new leadership-focused Dance project with local primary schools to develop confidence, responsibility and creativity.

 

⚽ Lunchtime Clubs & Participation

Hundreds of students have engaged in our vibrant lunchtime club programme, with activities including Football, Badminton, Pickleball and Dance. Providing inclusive, active opportunities remains central to our commitment to promote participation and foster lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.

🔜 Looking Ahead

There is much to look forward to next half term:

• Entry into the 11-a-side Warrington Football Cup
• Hosting Rugby League tournaments across all age groups (boys and girls)
• Our Spring Dance Show
• New partnerships with local sports clubs and providers, including:
  • THRIVE Programme
  • A specialist Goalkeeping Masterclass with professional coach Chris at GKN

This half term has been a true reflection of our PE department vision in action:

Promote – Providing inclusive opportunities for all students

Engage – Encouraging commitment, leadership and personal growth

Excel – Celebrating performance, progress and sporting success

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We look forward to another exciting and successful half term ahead.

 

 

Encounter Youth and Westy Youth are back!

All high-school age young people are welcome. E-mail our school youth worker kwellens@boteler.org.uk if you have any questions, or feel free just to turn up!