Dear Parents/Carers

I hope you are well. It is wonderful to see the sunshine at last, and I hope it is a sign that spring is on its way. The brighter weather certainly helps to lift everyone’s spirits.

Our Year 11 students are continuing to perform well in their mock examinations, and I am delighted with both their attitude and the high expectations they set for themselves. Standards remain the foundation on which we build success, and I will continue to emphasise their importance.

I would encourage you to revisit the comprehensive information available on our website regarding school policies and protocols. While we always work incredibly hard with families to remove barriers and provide support, some expectations are non-negotiable. At times, I am concerned that the flexibility and kindness we offer may be misinterpreted as an opportunity to negotiate school rules. This is not the case. The standards we have set will remain in place. Exceptions will be rare and only considered where there is a significant need for intervention. Expectations around items such as bags and pencil cases should be a given. If there is a genuine barrier, I am always willing to help; however, we do expect everyone in our school community to adhere to the rules.

I would also like to draw your attention again to punctuality and attendance. Whilst we saw improvement last week, it is still not where we want it to be. That said, improvement is positive, and we will continue working together to build on this progress. Thank you for your ongoing support.

With regard to uniform, as previously communicated, we are moving to a new supplier from September. Our main supplier will be Touchline, and I am pleased to be working with them as they are able to offer a wider range of bundles and value-for-money options. The uniform itself is not changing, with the exception of the school skirt.

The expectation is that all students will be wearing the new skirt by September. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing a new skirt now, please wait a couple of weeks until the full communication is shared, after which you will be able to purchase the updated version. Thank you to the student group who have been trialling the new skirt; they are very positive about the colour, the fit, and the improved quality. Although the change is subtle — a deeper blue — the fabric is of much better quality, offering greater longevity, and it will also be more affordable.

I am also exploring further ways to support families, as I appreciate that uniform costs can be significant. We may look to introduce a new PE kit in the next couple of years that would be considerably more cost-effective; however, we are not in a position to make that change just yet.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at bscott-herron@boteler.org.uk

Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

 

Attendance Reminder

A quick reminder about the importance of regular school attendance. Attending school every day helps students stay on track with their learning and build good habits for the future.

If your child is unwell or unable to attend, please inform the school as soon as possible. Your support in ensuring your child arrives at school on time and attends regularly is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your cooperation. Miss Mannion

 

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 Meetings – Year 10

Year 10 have started their Careers meeting with our independent Careers Advisor. Students will be sent their action plan to their school email. In September, students need to be ready to apply to college for their post 16 education. This next term they need to be researching courses, pathways and the qualifications needed.

Good attendance and behaviour is needed as colleges ask for references from school.

 

Work Experience – Year 10

It is very important that your child hands their Work Experience form in by Wednesday 11^th March to Mrs Slough. If they have not secured a placement they will attend school as normal and modern work experience activities will take place throughout the week.

 

Year 9 – Options

As Year 9 students approach selecting their options, it is important that you and your child think about their post 16 pathway as well as what transferable skills they have. All Year 9 students have received PHSE lessons on options as well as a workshop led by Higher Horizons giving them insight into how to decide which subjects to take.

The following websites will be useful in supporting their choices:

GCSE options 2025: What GCSE options are there? – BBC Bitesize

Careers in… – Careers – BBC Bitesize

Careers – BBC Bitesize

 

Upcoming Key Dates

📅 Parent Forum: Navigating the Digital World: Keeping Your Child Safe – 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.

Please confirm your attendance by clicking on the link below

Parent Forum Attendance Confirmation: Navigating the Digital World: Keeping Your Child Safe – Fill in form

 

📅 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.

Please confirm your attendance by clicking on the link below

Year 9 Options Evening – Attendance Confirmation   – Fill in form

 

📅 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.

Please click on the link below for further details 

Year 10 Parents’ Evening 

 

 

 

 

New NHS Mental Health App Directory for Children and Young People

A new NHS-backed digital platform has launched in Cheshire and Merseyside to help children and young people find safe, trusted, and effective mental health apps online.

The directory has been developed by the Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M-RIC), a partnership between Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and University of Liverpool. Importantly, the platform was co-designed with children and young people through workshops and surveys, ensuring it reflects their real needs and experiences.

The directory includes apps that support a wide range of issues, including low mood, anxiety, sleep difficulties, eating disorders, and neurodivergence.

With so many mental health apps available online, it can be hard to know which are reliable. This directory helps by featuring only apps that have been carefully assessed against strict safety and quality standards—giving reassurance to young people, parents, carers, and professionals.

This new resource is intended to provide early, accessible support, including while families are waiting for treatment, helping ensure children and young people receive help from the very first point of referral.

 

We have been made aware of a new social media challenge that is causing concern, and we wanted to share this information with you.

Please remain vigilant. If you have any worries or concerns, we strongly advise that you contact the Police and make a report.

 

 

English Department

Notice for students attending the Macbeth Theatre Trip

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 date of the trip is Thursday, 19^th March 2026
• Students are to meet with staff in R23 at the end of the day in full school uniform
• The coach will leave school at 15:30 and return to school at approximately 20:00
• 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 alternatively, your child may bring snacks or purchase refreshments at the theatre
• This performance will include audio description, captions and will be BSL interpreted

 

World Book Day 2026 – ‘The Footy and Booky Quiz’

To commemorate World Book Day, Year 7 gathered in the Hall for the Footy and Booky Quiz, bringing together the worlds of football and reading. Students enjoyed hearing from Premier League stars and their favourite authors alike. 

Don’t forget that students in Year 7 have been given a voucher to claim a free book, and that students in other year groups can use the link to below to claim theirs.

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

And vouchers are here: 2026 digital token – UK

 

Hospitality and Catering

In Cooking Club, students have made delicious protein balls. They contain peanut butter, oats, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon and chocolate chips. Packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats, they support muscle recovery, provide sustained energy, and help curb hunger. Perfect for a quick snack or post exercise refuel. Each ball is one serving of only 150 calories. 

 

Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students received a workshop from Helen Aspinall owner or The Gluten Free World bakery. Students sampled amazing gluten free chocolate chip cookies and Helen baked their popular old fashioned school cake with the help of Ava. The bakery is situated in Runcorn, and all products are Gluten Free. They also offer dairy and egg free options too. Ms Fallon said ‘As a mother of a coeliac and dairy free child I have first hand experience of the difficulties of being able to buy free from products which are affordable, not filled with sugar and additives, but most importantly are tasty. Helen’s bakery is a local solution to this ever-growing problem and much needed in the community.’ Thanks so much Helen for taking the time to visit our students, explain your business and  vast experience in the catering industry. If you would like to buy or pre-order products details can be found at Gluten Free | The Gluten Free World | England 

 

Spring Spectacular is Coming Soon!

We are now just over three weeks away from our Spring Spectacular dance show, and excitement is building as everyone involved works incredibly hard to prepare for the big performance. Dancers have been rehearsing during lunch breaks and after school, showing fantastic dedication and energy.

With the show fast approaching, students should make sure they are checking the rehearsal schedule carefully so they know when their time slot is. It’s also important to keep practising on the days they are not scheduled to rehearse so that every performance shines on stage.

We can’t wait to share all the amazing routines with you — it’s going to be a fantastic show you won’t want to miss! 💃✨

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from reception. Please note that students and children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

 

 

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!