Dear Parents/Carers
I hope you are well.
We have had a super week in school. Our first Year 7 cohort has returned from our Outdoor Education Facility in Tyn-Y-Felin in Anglesey. They have had a wonderful time, and they were very blessed with the weather. We have our final cohort going next week. I am very excited because I get to go with the students on Monday. I may even do a talent show with them; however, I need to prep the staff because of course they will have to perform too! I am just praying that the weather continues to be kind to us, and we can get to do all the beach activities. The student feedback so far has been so positive, and they have really enjoyed bonding as a Form group as these relationships are important as they go through their 5 years together in our Boteler Family.
We had our Open Evening on Thursday, and it was a huge success. We had over 400 families visit us on the evening, and it was a real pleasure to be able to speak about what it is like to attend Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. The people who were the best advocates for this were our students. We had 140 Ambassadors who support with personalised Tours on the evening and a further 100 students supporting in other areas of the school. The students were so passionate and articulate about their school life and why they love being a part of our Boteler Family. I was so proud of them and also every member of staff. What was wonderful was the overview I gave in my speech in terms of what we do both academically and holistically was seen in every classroom and our vision was delivered by every member of staff. The reason I know this is because it was captured in the evaluation forms. As a Headteacher ensuring that your whole staff team are living and breathing the vision and values and that they are delivering the highest level of education possible, making every child feel valued and heard, is a big compliment. I am not complacent in any way and I understand that an Open Evening is a showcase. Of course, there are areas we need to improve and things we can learn from in our daily practice and the ones who will always tell you as is it – are our wonderful students. We will continue to strive for excellence and do our best every day as our young people will always come first.
I do need to reference the amazing relationships we have with you. It was interesting to chat to parents and carers last night about the feedback they hear in the local community regarding how we work with our families. It was wonderful to hear all the positive comments that you, our current parents and carers are making, as that means so much to us. Again, we are always working at improving our practice and that is where your communication with us is so important. Working together has such a positive impact with the young people because at the end of the day we all want the same outcome: for them to be happy, for them to thrive and to be successful, but safe in the knowledge that success looks different for every young person.
I do have the best job in the world and it it’s a privilege and pleasure to serve the young people, my families and local community, as I want to make that difference and ensure everyone in my care has the very best life chances and toolkit for success.
Thank you for all your care and support, it is very much appreciated. Have a wonderful weekend.
Beverley Scott-Herron
Headteacher
Increase to School Meal Price
I am writing to inform you that after careful consideration, The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) in conjunction with Harrison, our school meal provider, have agreed to increase the cost of school meals at all TCAT schools.
This decision has not been taken lightly as we fully appreciate the cost-of-living pressures that families are experiencing, but with the significantly higher prices that we are now facing for food commodities, supplier increases and increased labour costs, we have had to look at the price per meal costs. Overall, the daily ‘Meal Deal’ price will increase from £2.45 to £2.60. Selective menu offerings will also increase.
This continues to represent good value when benchmarked against the cost of school meals across Warrington.
The daily free school meal allowance for eligible pupils will increase in line with this price increase.
This increase will take effect from Wednesday 1st October 2025.
The increased prices will support the continuation of the wide range of food and drink offerings that are available through the day, ensuring that standards of quality and freshness are maintained.
I have enclosed some information about accessing free school meals for those families who may not be sure if they are entitled to this. To apply for free school meals, please visit:
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
If your child is currently receiving free school meals, please do encourage them to use their full daily allowance.
Thank you for your understanding with these price increases.
Mr M Frodsham
Business Manager
Student Agency
Student Agency is one of our focus areas this academic year. The basic concept of Student Agency is that students ‘own’ their own learning. This starts with students being organised and prepared for learning. This includes, firstly, the correct uniform, then equipment, then having their ESA with them for each lesson.
The next stage of Student Agency is where the academic demand increases. Our teachers will always ensure that students have been equipped with the knowledge and resources to be successful learners. The important part on the part of the student is to ‘engage and apply’.
Engage means to pay full attention to the teaching and instruction. Apply means to use new information and apply it independently to the task in hand. Of course this isn’t always straight-forward and shouldn’t be easy. In the is case we expect students to go through the ‘Brain, Book, Boss’ approach.
Brain: Think deeply on your own – can I arrive at an answer?
Book: Still don’t know? Check your workbook or ESA for guidance.
Boss: Still unsure? Go to the teacher who will guide you to the response.
Student Agency is about not giving up and being proactive and resilient in your learning. Good life skills for the future of all our students.
Does your child ride a bike to school? Does your child wear a helmet?
We continue to see a high number of students cycling to school. Of course, an essential mode of transport for many and the many health benefits that come with exercising using a bike are reasons for encouraging your child to cycle to school. However, we do not see many students wearing helmets and keeping themselves safe.
Wearing a bike helmet is essential for your child’s safety when riding a bike. Here’s why it matters:
- Reduces the Risk of Head Injuries
- Head injuries are the leading cause of serious injury or death in bike accidents.
- Helmets are designed to absorb the impact during a fall or collision, reducing the risk of traumatic brain injuries by up to 85%.
- Sets a Positive Example
- Wearing a helmet teaches your child the importance of safety and responsibility.
- It encourages lifelong habits of protecting themselves while engaging in activities like biking, skating, or scootering.
- Compliance with Laws
- Many regions have laws requiring children to wear bike helmets. Following these laws keeps your child safe and helps avoid legal penalties.
- Boosts Visibility
- Helmets can ensure your child is seen on roads or when in the community, therefore reducing the risk of a collision.
Please can we ask you to reflect on the reasons why your child may not wear a helmet and at this moment, it is our recommendation that they do. We will be looking at potential funding to ensure that all children have access to a bike helmet, where we could look at enforcing their use when using a bike to commute to school.
Safe parking at the end of the school day
We appreciate that there is limited parking at the end of the school day when picking up your child, however, on far too many occasions cars are parking in the yellow bus stop markings. This is putting our students at risk, with busses then having to stop outside of the zone, often then stopping on the Pelican Crossing. Further to this, we are then seeing one lane of Knutsford Road blocked, and cars speeding to get out and around the busses, often cutting in front of other cars. We know this will not apply to many, however, we want to increase the awareness of this concern as we all have a duty to ensure that our students are safe when they leave school.
Childhood Immunisations
Reminder to Parents and Carers
Childhood vaccinations are among the most effective ways to protect children from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and meningitis. With cases of preventable diseases on the rise, ensuring child vaccines are up to date is more important than ever.
• Why vaccinations matter: Vaccines strengthen the immune system and protect against life-threatening infections. Unvaccinated children are more vulnerable to illnesses, hospitalisation and life-long disabilities. If your child is not vaccinated, they are not protected.
• Vaccination schedule: All childhood vaccinations offered by the NHS are free and begin in the first weeks of a child’s life. As children grow up, they will be offered more vaccine appointments, right up until they are teenagers. Visit the NHS website to find out the NHS vaccination schedule.
• How to check vaccination status: Review your child’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record) or contact your GP practice. If any vaccinations have been missed, make a catch-up appointment. It is never too late to catch up.
• Booking appointments: Parents are encouraged to contact their GP if their child is due or overdue for any vaccines. The Living Well Bus also provides all routine UK immunisations. The bus visits Warrington frequently and you can check dates and locations for the bus on Warrington Borough Councils website.
Year 11
Please support your child with their attendance at 6th form and college open evenings/days this half term. It is crucial that they attend to find out about courses the colleges offer, how to apply and qualifications needed.
A message from Cronton and Riverside for our Year 11 students.
Year 9 -11 Careers Learning Journey
We are delighted to inform you that the Warrington Pledge Your Future Your Choice Move On Fair, organised by The Cheshire and Warrington Pledge is returning on Wednesday 1st October 2025 and is taking place at Warrington Youth Zone, Dallam Lane Warrington WA2 7NG.
This event is free and open to ALL between 4pm-7pm, especially those in Year 9 – Year 13 including parents/carers who may also be looking for opportunities. The purpose of this event is to enable students to explore ideas of what subjects to study, careers to pursue, connect with businesses and understand educational pathways and employment opportunities. If you would like to attend please book on following the link below.
There will be over 65 exciting exhibitors at the Warrington Pledge Careers Fair including representatives from local employers, further and higher education providers, independent training providers and charities offering volunteering and placement opportunities! Exhibitors will include large and small employers from a range of sectors. The link below will take you to the present list of exhibitors:
This really is a unique and inspiring opportunity to meet local employers and education providers to ask questions around careers pathways and opportunities!
To register prior to the event, simply book at the following link:
The Cheshire and Warrington Pledge Partnership is a fully funded programme creates a sustainable bond helping bridge the gap between local employers and educators, so that young people develop the right skills for their future careers. We are always looking to bring more businesses onboard from sole traders to large corporates, so as a parent or carer, would you or the company you work with be interested in getting involved to inspire young people and raise business profile? Please get in touch if you would like further information on how you can help to inspire the next generation!
Italy Visit 2026!
The Italy visit for 2026 has now been booked!
The next payment instalment of £70.00 is due by 22nd October.
The balance is due by 1st July 2026.
Tyn-Y-Felin
Our first group of Year 7 students have returned from their residential at Tyn-Y-Felin, and it has been a real success. Students embraced every activity, building new friendships, developing teamwork skills, and growing in confidence. It was wonderful to see them supporting each other and settling so well into life at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. We are already looking forward to seeing the next groups enjoy the same memorable experience.
KS4 Parent Forum – Sign Up Now
A reminder that our next Parent Forum will take place on Wednesday 8th October. This session will focus on KS4 Exam Preparation and Study Skills, offering practical strategies for supporting your child through their studies and revision. The link to confirm your attendance is now live.
https://forms.office.com/e/wSVTJLdmJZ
We encourage as many parents and carers as possible to join us for this valuable event.
This term as part of Collective Worship, students have been exploring our Christian value of Hope. We have discussed what it means to have hope for ourselves and for the future. The Worship Ambassadors have planned and led Collective Worship all week where they have focussed on the story of Noah’s Ark and the symbol of hope we still see today, the rainbow. We are guaranteed periods of rain in our lives but when the rainbow appears we are reminded that God will not let us down, we have to trust and stay faithful to him. The scripture we have studied reminds us to show the same grace to others:
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” – John 13:34
This reminds us to live our lives supporting others and asking for help from our friends. It is easier to show care and kindness to the people we like, but how can we be a friend to everyone?
Spiritual Pause: How can we be a rainbow in the storm for others? How do we expect others to bring hope into our lives? In a world full of bad news, what can we do to shine light into the darkness?
Think about the impact of a kind word and a friendly smile and try and make a difference to someone else’s day.
Wellbeing Council
Our Wellbeing Council is a student-led group dedicated to promoting mental, emotional, and physical health within our school community. It provides a platform for students to voice ideas, organise activities, and create initiatives that make our school a more supportive and inclusive environment. Being part of the council not only allows our students to contribute to positive change but also helps develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Joining the Wellbeing Council is a great opportunity to make a real difference, support peers, and help build a school where everyone feels valued and empowered. If students want to join, they can come to Room 4A on Tuesday lunch times.
English Department
Drama Department
Physical Education
Football results
Year 8 boys football team:
STB 0-2 Birchwood
What’s on this week?
Please see the timetable below to see all of the clubs, fixtures and activities on offer from the PE department. All team sheets for fixtures will be up by Monday lunchtime in the Ball Hall. Students should come down to see if they have been selected and to get information on the fixtures.
