Dear Parents/Carers

I hope you are well.

It has been wonderful to enjoy some improved weather recently, and the students have certainly appreciated being back out on the field. We will continue to take this on a day-by-day basis, as the weather remains unpredictable, but it is always a pleasure to see our young people enjoying themselves outdoors. I want to ensure they have as much access to this as possible.

With this in mind, may I please remind you to speak with your child about expectations when the bell or whistle sounds. This signals that students should return to the school building and make their way promptly to lessons. It is not a cue to visit the canteen for food or drinks. Students are given ample time during breaks (45 minutes) to refill water bottles and purchase refreshments, and it is important that they manage this time responsibly. Of course, in genuine or urgent cases we will always support students, but developing good habits around timekeeping is essential.

You may also have seen me out in the community early in the mornings. This forms part of our strategy to improve punctuality and ensure students arrive at school on time. It has been a pleasure meeting so many of our families, and these interactions provide a gentle reminder to students about the importance of arriving promptly. Often, delays occur simply because students are waiting for friends, but punctuality is crucial—lost learning time can have a significant long-term impact, and we want all students to achieve their very best.

It has been another busy and positive week in school. The Macbeth trip was a great success—thank you to Miss Ward and the team who accompanied the students.

I also had the pleasure of joining Year 8 Hospitality as part of the “Head of Fish” competition. While it was well outside of my comfort zone, the students were incredibly supportive, and I made fish tacos for the first time! Thankfully, they were well received, and the experience was both enjoyable and memorable. Moments like these are truly special and remind me why we do what we do—supporting and learning alongside our students.

We were also delighted to welcome Sarah Hall MP, who met with our student council leaders for a Q&A session. The students asked thoughtful and insightful questions, demonstrating excellent preparation and engagement.

Today we are marking Comic Relief with a student versus staff race, which promises to be great fun. Yesterday’s bake sale was a fantastic success, and it has been wonderful to see the whole school community come together to support such an important cause.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your continued support. I have received a number of kind and thoughtful emails this week, which are greatly appreciated. While we are always here to support with challenges and find solutions, it also means a great deal to staff to receive positive feedback—it truly makes a difference.

 

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

 

Update on Late Arrival Procedures and Punctuality

Following our recent communication regarding adjustments to our daily systems, we would like to thank parents and carers for their support as we implemented the new late arrival arrangements this week.

We are pleased to report that students are now familiar with the revised entrance procedures and are using the designated student morning entrance when arriving late, whether this is due to genuine reasons or otherwise. This change has already had a positive impact, significantly relieving pressure on our small reception area and allowing it to function more effectively for visitors and essential school business.

While this operational improvement is encouraging, punctuality remains a key priority for the school. Arriving on time is essential to ensuring students begin the day positively and do not miss important learning. We therefore continue to ask for your full support in reinforcing the importance of punctuality at home.

To further support improvements, we are increasing our communication with families through email, in-app messages and phone calls where concerns arise. Our aim is to work in partnership with parents and carers to reduce the impact of lateness on both individual students and the wider school community.

This remains a particular focus as we approach the Easter break.

For parents and carers of Year 11 students, punctuality is especially important at this stage in the academic year. Establishing strong routines now is crucial in the lead up to the GCSE examination period, which is fast approaching. If your child is experiencing difficulties with punctuality, we strongly encourage you to contact Mr Horne, who will be able to offer support and guidance.

 

Attendance Update and End of Term Reminder

As we approach the final two weeks before the Easter break, we would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for your continued support in promoting strong attendance.

The end of this half term is an important point in the school calendar, where we review both whole-school and individual student attendance. It also provides a valuable opportunity for families to reflect on attendance patterns and consider any improvements that can be made moving forward.

In line with Department for Education guidance, our focus remains firmly on ensuring that all students attend school regularly and avoid unnecessary absence. Unauthorised absence is of particular concern, as this often represents avoidable lost learning time which can have a direct impact on progress and achievement.

A key measure used nationally is Persistent Absence, which refers to students whose attendance falls below 90%. At this level, a student has missed the equivalent of one half-day of school every week across the year. However, with just under two weeks remaining, there is still a meaningful opportunity for students to improve their attendance and move away from this threshold. Every day in school counts and can make a significant difference.

Similarly, for students whose attendance is currently just below our school target of 96%, the remaining days this term provide a valuable chance to improve attendance figures and move closer to, or achieve, this important benchmark.

For our Year 11 students, this period is particularly crucial. With GCSE examinations fast approaching, strong attendance is essential to maximise learning time, revision opportunities and overall readiness. In addition, colleges and post-16 providers continue to consider attendance as part of their application and enrolment decisions, particularly in increasingly competitive courses. A strong attendance record demonstrates commitment, reliability and a positive attitude to learning.

There are a number of simple but effective ways families can continue to support good attendance:

• Ensuring students attend school every day unless absolutely unavoidable
• Avoiding term-time holidays or unnecessary absences
• Supporting good routines, including punctuality and preparation for the school day
• Communicating early with the school where support may be needed

As always, where attendance is a concern, our priority is to work in partnership with families to provide support and guidance.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us ensure that every student is in school, on time and ready to succeed.

 

 

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.

 

Year 10 Careers learning Journey.

Cronton and Riverside are holding a Year 10 specific Open Evening on April 14th.

Our Open Evenings provide a fantastic opportunity to find out more about our courses, speak to our subject tutors and meet some of our current students. It is also excellent preparation for you and your child to look at the many opportunities that Cronton Sixth Form and Riverside College have to offer. 

This is a ticketed event, so you will need to register your attendance beforehand. You can either scan the QR code below or click the following link to book your ticket in advance – www.ticketsource.co.uk/cronton-riverside. You will then receive an e-ticket via email.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact a member of the Schools Liaison Team on 0151 257 2022 or email courses@cronton.ac.uk or courses@riverside.ac.uk.   

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Encounters with Employers Workshop

This week, Year 10 students had an ‘Encounters with Employers’ workshop with 12 different local employers. They learnt about pathways into these different industries as well as what the company offers. Students asked many questions and developed their knowledge about what is needed in the workplace and what various industries offer. Thank you to all our employers and college who joined us today.

 

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 have their Work Experience week on the 30^th March. If they are in school, they need to be in full school uniform. 

After Easter on the 22^nd April they have their 1:1 mock interviews with an employer. Students will need their completed CV with them on this day.

 

Boteler Wider Curriculum 

The wider curriculum programme can be found here: Wider Curriculum – Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School

Please look through it with your child and encourage them to attend the activities.

 

Kickstart Your Future with Retail Volunteering!

Are you a young person looking to gain experience, make new friends, and build your skills? Join our team at Barnardo’s Warrington and discover the exciting world of retail!

What’s in It for You?

• Gain Valuable Experience: Learn the ins and outs of retail operations, from customer service to stock management
• Develop Essential Skills: Boost your CV with skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
• Meet New People: Connect with fellow volunteers and customers in a fun, friendly environment

Requirements:

• Must be 14 years or older
• No prior experience necessary; we provide training!
• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re eager to learn, grow, and make an impact, we want to hear from you!

Apply Now at Retail Volunteer (Warrington) | Assemble

Don’t miss out on this chance to shape your future while having fun!

I have attached a copy of our poster advertising our volunteer opportunity. We would be very grateful if you could display this poster to help us spread the word

If you need any further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Join us today and help us changing childhoods, changing lives.

 

Warrington Vale Royal College

We are pleased to share details of our upcoming Level 3 Future Focus Evening on Thursday 26^th March, 6.00-7.30pm, at Warrington campus.

This event will give parents and carers valuable insight into Level 3 technical qualifications and T Levels, along with the support available to help young people achieve their best. The evening will include:

• A welcome from our Principal & Chief Executive
• An introduction to our soon‑to‑launch enrichment programme
• Guidance on transition, support and our highly regarded careers provision
• Expert advice from tutors on supporting students through the GCSE period
• A closer look at Level 3 pathways, including exciting updates to our curriculum offer – now featuring an A Level in Psychology.

We would be grateful if you could encourage your Year 11 students and their parents/carers to register and attend. All students and their parents are welcome, whether they have applied or not, as the information shared at this event is relevant to all those moving to post-16 education.

You and your colleagues are also warmly invited to attend, should you wish to learn more about our evolving curriculum and the opportunities available to your learners.

Registration link: Level 3 Future Focus Evening | Warrington & Vale Royal College

 

Reflecting on a Successful Week and Looking Ahead

Last week marked a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our partnership with parents and carers, with our Year 10 Parents’ Evening proving to be a huge success.

We are delighted to share that this event achieved the highest attendance recorded, which is a testament to the commitment and support of our families. It was incredibly positive to see so many meaningful conversations taking place between staff, students, and parents, all focused on progress, next steps, and preparing for the final GCSE year.

This level of engagement plays a vital role in supporting student achievement, and we would like to thank all parents and carers for their continued involvement.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Parent Forums

We are committed to continuing to support our families through a series of upcoming Parent Forums, designed to provide useful information, guidance, and opportunities for discussion.

📌 Understanding the Curriculum

Helping parents and carers gain a clearer understanding of what students are learning, how they are assessed, and how best to support learning at home.

📌 Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing

Providing practical advice and strategies to support young people’s emotional wellbeing, resilience, and mental health.

📌 Preparing for the Future: Post-16 Pathways and Careers (Year 10 only)

An informative session focused on next steps after Year 11, including college, apprenticeships, and career pathways, helping parents to support their child in making informed decisions about their future.

 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a time for our school community to recognise, understand, and appreciate the many different ways our brains work. Neurodiversity includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more—but beyond labels, it represents the idea that there is no single “right” way to think, learn, or experience the world. Each student brings unique strengths, perspectives, and talents that enrich our classrooms and friendships.

This week is about celebrating those differences rather than seeing them as challenges to “fix.” Many neurodivergent individuals show incredible creativity, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and originality. By learning more about neurodiversity, we can break down stereotypes and create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

Neurodiversity is also closely linked to mental health and wellbeing. Some neurodivergent students may face additional challenges, such as anxiety, stress, or feeling misunderstood. That’s why it’s so important that we create a supportive environment where everyone feels safe to talk about how they’re feeling. Reaching out to a friend, teacher, or member of staff can make a real difference, and no one should feel like they have to struggle alone.

Looking after our mental health is just as important as celebrating our differences. Taking time to rest, finding activities that help us feel calm and happy, and showing kindness to ourselves and others all contribute to positive wellbeing. As a school, we can support each other by being patient, listening without judgement, and encouraging one another to seek help when needed.

Let’s use this week as an opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate what makes each of us unique. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels accepted, supported, and proud to be themselves—both in how they think and how they feel.

For further information and support click the links: Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity support pathway – NHS Cheshire and Merseyside

For the latest Wellbeing newsletter, please click here

 

Sellafield STEM Event

Year 10 Sellafield STEM and Work experience challenge 2026

As the title suggests one of the major nuclear organisations in the world developed a ground breaking hands on experience for schools and Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is one of the first in the UK to partner with Sellafield in this amazing STEM / Work experience programme, which spans over a total of three days.

Aimed at Year 10 it takes into account a diverse range of skills that are needed in the engineering sector. As they say you don’t have to be an engineer to work in engineering. The challenges that have been designed required our students to undertake the roles of accountants, designers, project managers, manufacturers, engineers, and of course they had to work effectively under pressure, in a team.

Day 1

The whole of Year 10 took part and what a day it was, every student took it seriously and enjoyed the day. The feedback from the organisers was fantastic they could not believe how engaged our students were throughout the whole day.

Nuclear waste is very dangerous and needs to be handled safely. Our students were charged with making a mechanical devise that would be able to pick up a table tennis ball, move it to a new location and then put it down. It had to grip, move and release.

They had to design it on paper, then work to a budget as everything they used had a cost, then manufacture the devise, test it and see how it worked. After which they presented their model showed how it worked to their class and took a question-and-answer session. Not an easy task as all they had were cardboard sheets, tape, elastic bands, paper and paperclips.

During the day their form tutor had been watching and guiding, and at the end of the day picked 6 students to progress to day 2. As a testament to our students EVERY tutor stated it was one of the hardest things they had done to disappoint students as 80% of Year 10 deserved to go through.

Day 2

36 students made their way to our DT department, and working in their form groups they were tasked with.  Producing a mechanical arm made out of MDF, with an L.E.D circuit lit with a pressure pad. This had to pick up both a table tennis ball and a tennis ball. The operator could not see the balls as a wall was in the way, they had to use a mirror and work from that to clear away the nuclear waste.

Again, materials had to be purchased, designers employed to produce detailed plans, manufactures to build to the design specifications and engineers to test and improve. This time they had MDF, batteries and holders, connecting wires, equipment to make pressure pads, elastic bands, tape, screws and dowels + much more.

Students did not disappoint – they worked in their teams to a common goal, stressed at times but they overcame their challenges and were able to present to the group and show how their arm could be operated form behind a wall, and pick up waste using a mirror to guide the operator.

The day finished with more impossible decisions to be made but eventually 14 made it through to-day 3, a trip to Sellafield headquarters in Warrington to see first-hand what really happens the nuclear working environment. Date to be announced.

Well done to every student – they were absolutely brilliant, and thank you to Sellafield and their amazing STEM ambassadors for providing such a worthwhile event for our students.

Art Department

A huge congratulations to our talented Year 11 student Katrina Lam, for winning the Student Vote category at the Warrington & Vale Royal College’s Young Artist of the Year competition! Such a well-deserved achievement which shows her creativity and hard work have truly shone through. A big well done to all 13 students that entered – the art department are very proud. 

Spring Spectacular is Coming Soon!

We are now just over a week 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!