Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome back after half term. We hope everyone had a lovely and restful break and that students have returned refreshed and ready to learn.

Although it has been a short week, it has certainly been a packed one here at school, with lots of positive activity taking place across all year groups.

I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate an important message regarding attendance, punctuality and making positive choices, which I shared prior to half term. As we move forward, we are placing a renewed focus on these areas to ensure that our expectations remain high and that every young person has the best possible chance to succeed.

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. 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 throughout the school day is equally important, and we are grateful for your continued support in reinforcing this at home. Sanctions for lateness will continue to be applied consistently, and where we do not see improvement, we may invite parents and carers into school so that we can work together to support positive change.

Making Positive Choices
The vast majority of our young people make positive choices every day, and we are incredibly 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. Students make the most progress when they are present in their timetabled lessons. While we do offer additional support and specialist interventions, including access to the Progress Hub, these are allocated through a formal referral process and cannot be chosen by students. Requests to miss lessons for this reason will therefore not be approved.

I would also like to say a huge well done to our Year 11 students, who have made an excellent start to their written mock examinations this week. Their focus, maturity and commitment, including their continued engagement with Period 6 sessions, has been a pleasure to see.

It has also been a fantastic week for Careers and STEM learning. On Wednesday, we welcomed a range of employers who spoke with our Year 7, 8 and 9 students about future pathways and opportunities. A special thank you goes to Mr Caine for organising the Sellafield STEM events this week; students have engaged enthusiastically and have developed a range of valuable new skills.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I hope you all have a wonderful and restful weekend.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

 

 

This week, all students took part in a whole-school collective worship assembly focused on standards, routines and expectations across classrooms and corridors. We are writing to share the key messages from this assembly so that you are fully informed and able to support these expectations at home.

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we believe that high standards create calm, safe and purposeful environments where all students can learn, thrive, and feel respected.

Classroom Standards

Students were reminded that nothing has changed in our expectations for learning. In every lesson, we expect:

• Full attention and focus
• Respect for others
• Positive attitudes that maximise learning opportunities

Students were also reminded that undesirable behaviour can result in consequences such as detentions, isolation, suspension, alternative provision, or, in serious cases, permanent exclusion. Conversely, positive behaviour and attitudes are recognised and rewarded.

Corridor Conduct – Non-Negotiables

Clear expectations were shared to ensure safety and calm movement around the school:

• Walk on the left-hand side
• Use low voices
• Listen to staff and follow instructions first time
• Move with purpose and do not block corridors
• Be considerate, aware of others and respectful of personal space

Students have five minutes to move between lessons, which includes using the toilet if needed.

Orderly Movement and Conduct

Students must:

• Leave classrooms calmly and orderly
• Follow the five-minute movement rule
• Avoid running, shouting, pushing or lapping corridors
• Carry timetables and be ready for lessons

Students should not visit the Pastoral Office during lesson changeovers, as staff will come to them when needed.

Appearance Expectations

Students were reminded of our uniform and appearance standards, including:

• No make-up for Years 7–9; discreet make-up only for Years 10–11
• No false eyelashes, fake nails, nail varnish, jewellery, or piercings
• No extreme hairstyles or unnatural hair colours

What Students Must Bring to School

To support learning, students should arrive fully equipped each day with:

• School bag and reading book
• Pencil case with essential equipment
• Scientific calculator (Casio fx-83GTX recommended)
• Water bottle
• Phone stored in the school-approved locker pouch
• Packed lunch if not having a school meal

We appreciate your continued support in reinforcing these expectations with your child. When school and home work together, students are far more likely to succeed academically and socially.

 

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.

 

Careers Learning Journey

Year 7, 8 and 9 had ‘Encounters with Employer’ workshops on Wednesday. We were joined by Gulliver’s World, Cheshire Police and Hayley’s Little Heroes nursey. Students received presentations about the industry, jobs available, skills required, pathways into the industry, and pay. Students then asked relevant questions. Feedback from our students was very positive.

 

 

AI Workshop

On Monday some Year 9 students will be taking part in an AI workshop led by higher Horizons and 4wardfutures. This will give students an insight into AI and how they can use it effectively. 

 

CV Writing

Year 10 will be taking part in CV writing workshops led by the DWP. This is an exciting time for Year 10 as they start to plan their future pathway. The CVs will need to be completed after the workshop and handed to their form tutor before the Easter holidays.

 

National Careers Week

Monday 2 March marks the start of National Careers Week. In a new series, The Day speaks to five young workers about their career journeys and the highs and lows of their chosen professions.

Career spotlights (Reading Level 1) – The Day

Tens of thousands of students across the country took part in Careers Week last year, having an opportunity to access the Virtual Careers Fair and take part in other careers activities.

The Virtual careers fair had close to 100 exhibitors last year for you to look at and investigate. Take a look at this years (live from 2nd March)

https://ncw26.co.uk

 

As we move further into the term, we look forward to welcoming parents and carers to several key events designed to support students at important stages in their school journey. 

Strong partnership between home and school continues to play a vital role in ensuring every student achieves their potential, and these upcoming events provide valuable opportunities for discussion, guidance, and shared planning. 

 

Upcoming Key Dates 

📅 Parent Forum: Digital IT Safety – Tuesday 10th March, 17:00–18:00 

We are pleased to welcome PC Andrew Kevan, who will deliver an informative and practical session on Digital IT Safety. 

This forum will provide guidance on: 

• Keeping young people safe online 

• Understanding current digital risks and trends 

• Supporting responsible and safe use of technology at home 

We encourage all parents and carers to attend this important and relevant session. 

 

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

This key evening will support Year 9 students and their families as they prepare to make GCSE option choices. Subject leaders will be available to discuss course content, expectations, and progression routes, ensuring families feel informed and confident about the decisions ahead. 

 

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

This important evening will provide families with the opportunity to review progress and discuss next steps as students move closer to their final GCSE year. Teachers will share feedback and strategies to help students maximise their achievement. 

 

 

 

 

 

Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Eating Disorder Awareness Week is an important time for our school community to come together, learn, and support one another. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or body type. This week, we encourage open conversations about body image, self-esteem, and healthy relationships with food, while also challenging harmful stereotypes and stigma. By raising awareness, sharing reliable information, and promoting kindness and inclusion, we can help create a school environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available and reaching out is a sign of strength.

Video: Eating disorders can affect anyone

As part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, we also want to highlight the vital work of BEAT, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity. Beat provides essential support to individuals affected by eating disorders, as well as their families and friends. They offer free, confidential helplines, one-to-one web chat, online support groups, and a wealth of educational resources to help people better understand and cope with these illnesses. By sharing Beat’s services within our school community, we hope to ensure that anyone who is struggling knows they are not alone and can access trusted, professional support whenever they need it.

For support please click the link below:

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 – Community

 

English Department

Year 11 Revision

In preparation for the second week of written mocks, there will be an English Language paper 2 and Anthology poetry support session 10.30-11.30 am on Sunday 1^st March in room 24. 

 

Literacy and Collective Worship

Last half term we held a writing competition to provide students with the opportunity to share how they practice spirituality. We are pleased to share our three winning entries with you from Jody Sharpe, Lily Fairbrother and Bea Fox.

 

Jody Sharpe 7EH

Spirituality is about connecting with yourself, others and the world.

It starts by noticing your thoughts and feelings and thinking about who you really are, being present and paying attention to what is around you and reflecting on what matters to help you grow.

Try to be kind and understanding.

Enjoy nature or creative activities and learn from different ideas. Live your values through honesty, gratitude, patience and generosity.

Some things in life are mysterious and that’s all good.

Being curious and open can make life feel more meaningful. Take time each day to pause, notice and appreciate small moments because it doesn’t last forever.

Use your time wisely.

 

Lily Fairbrother 9SW

 

Bea Fox IICS

Throughout my time at school my spiritual journey has been one of steady growth and reassurance. As I have moved through various stages of my education, I have come to understand more deeply that God has been with me very step of the way. During times ay uncertainty or self-doubt, I have learned to trust that I am not walking alone. This awareness has shaped not only how I see myself, but also how approach challenges, and my role within the school community.

School can be a place where it is easy to get caught up in influences and behaviours that do not reflect God’s ways. There are moments when fitting in and seeking approval can feel tempting. However, through reflection and guidance, I have learned to be more intentional about my choices. My faith has helped me pause and ask whether my actions align with the values that God calls us to live by. This has not always been easy, but it has strengthened my sense of identity and given me clarity about who I want to be. Knowing that God is present in both big decisions and everyday moments has given me confidence to stay true to my beliefs.

One of the most significant parts of my journey has been finding the confidence to voice my faith within the school community. Over time, opportunities, such as presenting reflections during assemblies have helped me grow in confidence. These experiences encouraged. me to speak openly about my faith, connecting it to real-life situations faced by students. Through this, I have learned that sharing faith can be both meaningful and accessible.

Away from the formalities of assemblies, I have grown comfortable expressing my faith through day-to-day conversations Whether through encouragement to peers, discussing challenges, or simply being present and supportive, I have learned that faith is often expressed is simple, genuine ways. Living out Christian Values through compassion has shown me that faith is not just something to talk about but practice daily.

I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from school staff throughout this journey. Teachers have played a vital role in helping me recognise my strengths and develop the skills I need to lead and communicate effectively. It has opened doors for me to share my faith and take on greater responsibility within the school. I have grown in leadership, learning how to serve with purpose.

This journey has led me to take on the roles of Senior Head Student and Head of Collective worship, which are not only leadership roles, but opportunities as to serve God. As Head of Collective Worship, I help shape moments of reflection and prayer, encouraging others to pause and consider how faith applies to their lives. As Senior Head Student, I strive to lead by example, demonstrating integrity and respect in everyday life. These roles have challenged me to live out my faith more intentionally and to be a visible example of Christian values in action.

Looking back, I see that school has been more than an academic journey, it has been a spiritual one. Having been constantly reminded of our Christian values, woven into school life. I have grown spirituality, leaning to trust God and know that he walks through every challenge, loving me for what he intended me to be, through the gifts of talent he has created for me. As I continue forward with gratitude for the support I have received, I hope to seek and serve others and live faithfully.

 

World Book Day 2026

It is World Book Day on the 5^th March 2026, and we have a range of book-related events planned in school. As part of World Book Day, you can take your child to choose one of these books for absolutely free in participating bookshops. 

Students in Year 7 will receive a voucher in their regular Library lessons, and students in other year groups can download an e-voucher.

Information on the books is here: Books Archive – World Book Day

And vouchers are here: 2026 digital token – UK

 

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.

 

Hospitality and Catering

Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students have made exquisite profiteroles filled with whipped cream and topped with melted chocolate. This dessert is made from choux pastry which is notoriously complex to learn.

A professional Patissier takes many years to master this high-level skill and look what our students have achieved! 

 

Physical Education

Help Us Strengthen Rugby League at Our School 🏉

We are excited to share that rugby league continues to grow in popularity across our PE lessons, after school clubs, and competitive fixtures. With inspiration drawn from game played in competitions such as the Super League and the Rugby League World Cup, many of our students are developing a real passion for the sport or continue to play the sport to a good standard both inside and outside of school.

To continue offering high-quality opportunities, we are seeking sponsorship from parents and carers to help us purchase:

• New rugby posts
• New rugby post protectors (safety padding)

Why Do We Need New Equipment?

Our current posts and protectors have been in place for several years and are showing signs of wear and tear. Rugby league is a dynamic, high-energy sport and fit for purpose rugby post protectors are essential to:

• Reduce the risk of injury
• Provide appropriate impact cushioning
• Meet recommended safety standards for school sport

Ensuring our equipment is safe and well maintained is a top priority for our PE department.

 

Enhancing Learning and Skill Development

High-quality posts allow our students to:

• Develop tactical awareness
• Experience the game as it is played competitively

Reliable equipment ensures lessons run smoothly and maximises active participation time.

 

Supporting School Teams and Competitions

We are proud to enter and host regional local competitions and festivals, giving students the chance to represent our school. Updated posts and protectors will:

• Help us host fixtures safely
• Present a professional and welcoming environment for visiting schools
• Inspire pride in our sporting provision
• Offer potential opportunities for local clubs to use our pitches outside of the school day for training and fixtures

How You Can Help

We are inviting parents, carers, and local businesses to sponsor this exciting upgrade. Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated and will go directly towards purchasing:

• A new set of rugby posts
• High-quality, durable safety protectors

If you or your business are interested in sponsoring, please contact the PE department (cburbidge@boteler.org.uk). Sponsors will be acknowledged with their logo on the new post protectors and in our newsletter and on our school social media.

Your continued support makes a real difference to the opportunities we can provide. Together, we can ensure our students have safe, inspiring, and high-quality sporting experiences for years to come.

Let’s build something strong — on and off the field. 

 

Strengthening Community Links through Sport: Thriving Together with the Warrington Wolves Foundation

At our school, we are incredibly proud of the strong partnerships we continue to build within our local community. One of our most valued and influential partners is the Warrington Wolves Foundation, whose commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of young people across Warrington aligns with our own vision.

Through this partnership, we are excited to highlight Thrive. Sn additional support programme launched to enhance the impact of the Foundation’s successful 12-week initiative, EveryBody Counts.

Building on Success: EveryBody Counts

EveryBody Counts is delivered in partnership with Public Health and aims to support children and families to make healthier choices around nutrition, physical activity and wellbeing.

Now, we are taking the next important step.

Introducing Thrive: Supporting Healthy Habits for Life

Recognising that habits formed in early childhood must be reinforced during adolescence, Thrive has been developed as a High School follow-on programme. It is specifically designed for students in KS3 and KS4 (Ages 11–16) who may benefit from additional support in areas such as:

• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Emotional wellbeing
• Confidence and self-esteem

Delivered at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Thrive consists of 12 weekly 60-minute sessions, carefully structured around four key pillars:

Mind
Students will build resilience, self-esteem and develop a positive mindset. Sessions focus on confidence building, emotional regulation and coping strategies to help young people navigate challenges both in and out of school.

Body
Participants will gain an improved understanding of physical development through mobility work and functional strength training. The aim is to promote lifelong enjoyment of movement and physical activity.

Fuel
Thrive promotes healthy nutrition and sustainable lifestyle habits. Students will develop a practical understanding of balanced meals, food preparation and cooking skills — empowering them to make informed choices independently.

Future
This pillar focuses on life skills, aspirations and purpose. Young people will be encouraged to set goals, explore future pathways and understand how investing in themselves today shapes tomorrow.

Investing in Our Young People

The core aim of Thrive is to invest in our young people’s futures by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in life. By reinforcing the work already taking place in school, we are ensuring continuity of support at a critical stage of development. Our collaboration with the Warrington Wolves Foundation reflects our shared belief that education extends beyond the classroom. Together, we are creating opportunities for students to develop healthy habits, resilience and ambition that will last a lifetime.

We look forward to seeing some of our students embrace the opportunity to Thrive. 

If you wish your child to be considered for this programme or you would like further information please email cburidge@boteler.org.uk

 

 

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.

 

 

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!