Dear Parents and Carers
I wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts following what was an absolutely amazing Inauguration Evening on Tuesday Evening. This is where our Year 7 students were formally handed over by their Primary Schools to us in St. Elphin’s Church. It was a genuinely special occasion, and I could not have been prouder of our young people.
Seeing our Year 7 students stand up and sing together, only in their second week with us, was particularly moving. They have already begun to come together as one Boteler Family, and it was wonderful to see them representing our school with such pride. There were also some incredibly poignant moments throughout the evening, which reminded us of what our school is really about. We don’t simply educate young people; we support them, celebrate them and stand alongside them when they need us. Our values were evident throughout the evening. High Expectations, High Aspirations and High Standards weren’t simply words – they were something we saw in action.
A huge thank you must go to all of our staff and, of course, to our amazing young people for making the evening so special. We should all be incredibly proud of what they achieved.
Open Evening – Please Help Us Spread the Word
Our Open Evening is next week, and it is an incredibly important event for our school. Please share our social media posts, invite friends and family to our Open Evening and encourage anyone who may be considering secondary schools to come and see us for themselves.
There is so much to be proud of at Boteler. We have fantastic young people, dedicated staff, brilliant opportunities and a culture built around care, ambition and high standards. Sometimes the best advertisement for a school is simply a parent saying: “You should go and have a look at Boteler.”
So please help us spread the word.
Attendance and Punctuality – Every Minute Matters
I also want to take this opportunity to talk about something that is incredibly important to me: attendance and punctuality.
I regularly walk through the streets around Latchford in the mornings, saying hello to local businesses and chatting to people in our community. One thing I have noticed recently is the increasing number of our young people who are procrastinating on their way to school.
I completely understand that sometimes there are genuine reasons why a young person may be late. Things happen. Traffic happens. Buses are delayed. Life happens. However, there is a difference between a young person being late because of something outside their control and a young person choosing to stop somewhere on the way to school when they know it will make them late and I want to be very clear about this.
If a young person chooses to stop at the shop for breakfast, meet friends, or go for a meat and potato pie from Currall’s Bakery – and I appreciate that they are very tempting – then they are making a choice. If that choice means they arrive late to school, there will be consequences.
We will always be as positive and supportive as we possibly can be, but punctuality matters. Being on time is part of developing the habits, attitudes and responsibilities that young people will need throughout their lives.
We also have a range of rewards, trips and opportunities for our young people. Where punctuality is a genuine choice rather than the result of circumstances outside a young person’s control, persistent lateness may mean that they forfeit access to some of these rewards or trips.
I know that may sound strict, but I believe it is fair. We cannot tell our young people that we have High Expectations, High Aspirations and High Standards and then not hold them to those standards. So, please help us.
Encourage your child to leave home with enough time to get to school without rushing. If they are tempted to stop somewhere on the way, remind them that getting to school on time has to come first and just to be absolutely clear — I have no problem with asking a young person to come out of Currall’s if their visit is going to make them late. I am also happy to help them and I have even delivered toast to young people, if they haven’t had time for breakfast at home, so I would like to think I am reasonable. What unfortunately I won’t accept, however, is a bribe in the form of a Cornish pasty.
Although, I must admit, it is a very tempting offer.
Thank you for your support with this. Good attendance and punctuality make a huge difference to our young people’s education, opportunities and success.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Please keep talking positively about our school, encourage others to come and see what we are about, and most importantly, continue to encourage your children to make the most of every opportunity they have.
As I said to them this week- Be proud. Be ambitious. Be Boteler.
Beverley Scott-Herron
Headteacher
Who is your inspiration?
Sara Cox – Children in Need Run
What you are most excited about in joining the Boteler Family?
Being part of the Boteler family and wider community
An interesting fact about you…
I have worked backstage on professional theatre productions
Who is your inspiration?
My family and friends are my biggest inspiration because they always encourage me to do my best and support me in everything I do.
What you are most excited about in joining the Boteler Family?
I’m most excited about getting to know the students, staff and contributing to the positive and welcoming atmosphere here!
An interesting fact about you…
An interesting fact about me is that I love a good challenge and I’m always up for trying something new. You might also discover that I’m slightly more competitive than I like to admit!
Who is your inspiration?
I’m inspired by lots of different people for different reasons. As an Art teacher, Vincent van Gogh is a huge inspiration because of his expressive use of colour and mark-making. I’m also inspired by people such as Michael Jordan and Lucy Bronze, who show what can be achieved through determination, resilience and hard work.
What you are most excited about in joining the Boteler Family?
I’m really excited to become part of the Boteler Family and to get to know our students. I’m particularly looking forward to helping students develop their confidence and creativity through Art, encouraging them to experiment, take risks and be proud of what they create.
An interesting fact about you…
Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a prosthetic make-up artist for six years, creating make-up effects and props. I’m also a lifelong Everton supporter!
Who is your inspiration?
Maya Angelou for her resilience, her ability to connect with others, and her core value of kindness.
What you are most excited about in joining the Boteler Family?
I am most excited to meet all the staff and students as well as get to know the wider community.
An interesting fact about you…
I have Indian heritage and recently went on a trip to meet some long-lost relatives!
Who is your inspiration?
David Attenborough
What you are most excited about in joining the Boteler Family?
I am excited to become part of the school community, getting to know the students and staff and contribute to an environment where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to reach their potential. I am excited about the opportunities that come with joining a new school and look forward to supporting with the enrichment programme.
An interesting fact about you…
I have a Dance degree!
Who is your inspiration?
My biggest inspirations in my life are my mum and dad. They have taught me the importance of hard work, determination and resilience and these are values that I model within my role as a teacher.
What you are most excited about in joining the Boteler Family?
I am most excited about becoming part of the Boteler Family and serving within my local community after 11 years teaching in Wirral. I am proud to contribute to the school and the wider community, supporting our young people to develop not only academically but also in their confidence, aspirations and personal growth.
An interesting fact about you…
I come from a very large family and have 55 cousins!
Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4)
In school, we assess our students to see what their needs are and how we can best help them to learn and achieve. As part of this process, we will be administering Cognitive Abilities Tests (CAT4) to all students in Year 7.
CAT4 is made up of a series of short tests, which assess a student’s reasoning (thinking) abilities in key areas that support educational development and academic attainment. No preparation is necessary: it is important that your child does not become anxious as no pre-learning or knowledge is needed to complete the tests.
CAT4 has many uses and can help your child and their teachers to plan appropriately and set targets for different key stages and for GCSE exams.
The tests start on Monday 14 September 2026 and run over 2 weeks. Please refer to the timetable here: Year 7 CAT Assessments 2026
There are three tests, and all three parts of the test must be completed. The tests will be taken in rooms 12 and 13 under test conditions using computers. If a student misses a test , they will sit these in the catch-up sessions.
Students are expected to bring the correct equipment which includes:
· Pen
· Pencil
· Ruler
· Eraser
· Scientific calculator
· Pencil sharpener
· Pencil case
Students must bring their own plug-in headphones to use for the tests. (not WIFI ones).
After the assessment is finished, we will be in contact with our plans, if any, for further follow up.
The Importance of Multiple Emergency Contacts
Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is our top priority. One of the most effective ways to support this is by maintaining up-to-date emergency contact information, including more than one emergency contact where reasonably possible.
Why Are Multiple Emergency Contacts Important?
- Emergency Situations: In the event of an accident, illness, or urgent situation, the school needs to contact a responsible adult quickly. Having multiple contacts increases the chances of reaching someone who can assist.
- Unreachable Primary Contact: If the first listed contact is unavailable due to work commitments, travel, or other reasons, an alternative contact ensures that critical information is relayed without delay.
- Safeguarding and Well-being: Schools have a duty of care to students, and in cases where safeguarding concerns arise, reaching an alternative trusted adult may be necessary for the student’s safety and support.
- School Closures and Emergencies: During sudden school closures due to weather, transport issues, or other unforeseen circumstances, having multiple contacts helps ensure that parents or guardians are informed promptly.
Keeping Contact Information Up to Date
We encourage all parents and guardians to regularly review and update their child’s emergency contact details. This can be done quickly and easily via the Arbor Parent Portal. If you need assistance accessing the portal or updating your details, please contact the school office.
By ensuring that multiple emergency contacts are in place, we can work together to keep all students safe and supported.
If you have not provided us with at least two emergency contacts, please can this be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Updated School Policies
Please can I bring your attention to a number of policy updates included below:
Mobile Phone Policy – https://app.iamcompliant.com/policy/preview/112217/lQIzVxeEeozH6DxD
Safeguarding – https://app.iamcompliant.com/policy/preview/7465/o6sRAMNODpUg4IJX
Prevent Statement – https://app.iamcompliant.com/policy/preview/23913/EMD4h2yr1DdTGOTu
Prevent Risk Assessment – https://app.iamcompliant.com/policy/preview/23914/aziP2aKaWa4D8wHr
All policies can be found on our school website and should you have any questions regarding them, please do contact us here at school.
We offer a broad and rounded enrichment programme which is shaped by our school community. It is accessible for all, and new activities are added each term.
If a student would like to attend an activity at lunch, they can get a lunch pass from the member of staff and go to the front of the queue so they can get to the activity on time.
Please take a look here and support your child attending.
Enrichment Programme – Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School
This Thursday will be our Open Evening and many students from Year 8 – 11 will be an ambassador, showing perspective parents/ carers and children around. If they would like to be part of this, they need to collect a letter from Mrs Mawby, return it by Tuesday and then attend a meeting period 1 in the hall on Wednesday. Open evening is from 16:45 – 20:00 and full school uniform must be worn.
NUVIA Nuclear Early Careers Fair – Exhibitor
📅 Tuesday 22 September
🕓 4:30–7:00 pm
📍 The Engine Rooms, Birchwood Park
We are pleased to share details of our upcoming Nuclear Careers Evening, designed to help students and early-career individuals explore apprenticeship, graduate and professional opportunities within the nuclear sector.
This free careers event offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the wide range of pathways available within the UK’s thriving nuclear sector.
Whether students are interested in apprenticeships, trainee programmes, higher education routes, graduate opportunities or their first professional role, this event will provide valuable insights into careers within one of the UK’s most innovative and future-focused industries.
Students will have the opportunity to:
✅ Meet employers from across the nuclear industry
✅ Learn about apprenticeship and graduate opportunities
✅ Explore careers in engineering, science, project management, commercial and business support functions, skilled trades and specialist technical roles
✅ Speak directly with current apprentices and graduates about their experiences
✅ Receive careers advice and guidance from industry professionals
✅ Build connections and gain a better understanding of potential career pathways
This event is suitable for:
- Secondary school students
- Sixth form and college students
- University students
- Recent graduates
- Early-career job seekers
Event Information
✅ Free to attend
✅ Free parking available
✅ Registration required as places are limited
We encourage careers leaders, advisers, teachers and parents to share this opportunity with students who may be interested in STEM, engineering, business or technical careers.
Book your free place today and discover where a career in the nuclear industry could take you.
Please note: A photographer will be present at this event. By registering, attendees consent to photographs being taken and used by NUVIA for promotional and communications purposes.
🌟 A Strong Start – Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
We have made a really positive start to the new academic year, and it has been fantastic to see our students returning to school with enthusiasm and commitment.
Our attendance during the first full week was very encouraging, but the message this week is simple: we need to maintain this momentum.
Good attendance is one of the most important things we can do to support our students’ progress. Every day in school provides valuable opportunities to learn, develop confidence, build friendships and receive support from teachers.
📚 Every Day Counts – Don’t Lose Learning
Our Attendance Matters message highlights just how quickly missed lessons can add up.
At 99% attendance, a student has already missed around 5 lessons. At 97%, this rises to around 25 lessons, and at 90% attendance, approximately 90 lessons have been missed.
This is why we encourage every family to make attendance a priority wherever possible.
Every lesson shapes your future.
Where there are difficulties affecting your child’s attendance, please speak to us. We want to work with families to identify barriers and provide the appropriate support.
🎉 Celebrating 100% Attendance
It was also fantastic to celebrate students who have started the year with 100% attendance.
This week, we held a live attendance draw, with five students randomly selected from those who had achieved 100% attendance. It was brilliant to recognise their commitment to being in school every day and give them the opportunity to be rewarded for their excellent attendance.
Congratulations to our five winners – and well done to every student who has achieved 100% attendance so far.
Let’s keep going!
🏆 Boteler Rewards – Ready to Learn
Our first Boteler Rewards focus of the year continues this fortnight:
🎯 READY TO LEARN
We are looking for students who consistently demonstrate excellent routines and are prepared for learning.
This means:
✅ Arriving at lessons on time
✅ Bringing the correct equipment
✅ Getting settled quickly
✅ Demonstrating a positive start to learning
✅ Being prepared and ready to participate
These small habits make a big difference. Being ready to learn means students can make the most of every lesson and maximise their opportunities to succeed.
Teachers will be recognising students who demonstrate these behaviours, with some fantastic rewards available throughout the term.
Are you Ready to Learn?
Make sure you arrive on time, have everything you need and start every lesson positively.
⭐ Be Ready. Be Engaged. Be Rewarded.
🤝 Working Together with Families
The start of a new academic year is an important opportunity to establish strong routines at home and at school.
We encourage parents and carers to support their children by:
Establishing a consistent bedtime and morning routine.
Checking that equipment and uniform are ready the night before.
Encouraging children to arrive at school on time.
Talking positively about school and the importance of learning.
Checking Arbor regularly for attendance, achievements and communication from school.
When school and home work together, our students are better placed to succeed.
💙 Our Focus This Week
High attendance.
Strong routines.
Ready to learn.
Positive engagement.
Sport & Performance
PE and Sport Extra-Curricular Timetable
All clubs have started this week! No need to sign up, turn up and take part! No fee for any of our clubs!
Sport fixtures results
Year 7 boys football:
STB 3-0 Cardinal Newman HS
STB 0-0 Padgate HS
Year 8 boys football:
STB 6-0 Padgate HS
Year 9 boys football:
STB 0-3 Birchwood HS
Year 10 boys football:
STB 1-3 Culcheth HS
Academy Sports+ Programme
Applications are now open for our Academy Sports+ Programme. This is for students who compete at a high level in a variety of sports. Please see letter below detailing all of the information.
www.boteler.org.uk/docs2627/elite-athlete-programme
