Dear Parents/Carers
It feels like a bumper edition of the newsletter this week after the absence of the edition due to INSET Day last Friday!
I hope you and your families are keeping well and managing to stay cool during this latest heatwave. At school, we are doing everything we can to ensure our students remain safe, cool and well hydrated throughout the day.
Thank you for your support and for adapting so quickly to the temporary change allowing students to wear their PE kit during the hot weather. Your flexibility has been greatly appreciated. Please continue to keep an eye on Arbor and our social media channels, where I will post any further updates should the weather continue.
The past two weeks have been incredibly busy, with so many wonderful transition events taking place. We were delighted to welcome our new Year 7 students (current Year 6 pupils) for their transition days, followed by a fantastic Transition Evening. It was a real pleasure to meet so many parents and carers, and to see the excitement as families begin the next stage of their children’s educational journey with the Boteler family.
At the other end of the school journey, we said a fond farewell to our Year 11 students at their Prom held at the Park Royal Hotel. It was a truly memorable evening and one that made us all immensely proud. Seeing our young people dressed so smartly and celebrating together was a wonderful way to mark the end of their time with us. They were an absolute credit to themselves, their families and our school. Their manners, kindness, warmth and respect for one another were evident throughout the evening, and they reminded us all what a remarkable group of young people they are. We wish every one of them the very best for the future and thank them for the lasting contribution they have made to our school community.
This week we have also been welcoming Year 5 pupils for our Taster Sessions. Our outstanding Student Ambassadors have been working alongside our staff to support children from the primary schools. The feedback from primary colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive. Time and again they comment on the confidence, maturity, kindness and professionalism of our students. Our ambassadors are truly one of the finest examples of the Boteler family, and we are incredibly proud of the way they represent our school.
I also had the pleasure of attending the TCAT Sports Awards, where we celebrated the achievements of some of the Tust’s most talented athletes. It was an inspirational evening recognising exceptional sporting success across all TCAT schools, and it was wonderful to celebrate alongside colleagues and students from across the trust.
We also attended the TCAT Challenge Award Celebration Evening. The Challenge Award is a cross-trust initiative designed to recognise and celebrate students’ wider achievements beyond the classroom. Linked closely to our character education programme, it encourages young people to develop new skills, embrace opportunities and demonstrate the values that make them exceptional individuals. It was a fantastic evening celebrating the many accomplishments of our students.
Last week also saw the return of one of the most meaningful traditions in our school calendar – the Staff v Year 11 Football Match, held in memory of Temi Abimbola. For those families who are new to our school community, I wanted to share why this event means so much to us. Temi was a Year 11 student at Sir Thomas Boteler who tragically lost his life after drowning at Walton Reservoir during the middle of his GCSE examinations in June 2009. He was just 16 years old.
Temi was a wonderful young man who loved life. He had a fantastic sense of humour, loved football and was a passionate Manchester City supporter. His passing had a profound impact on our school community, but perhaps even more remarkable has been the incredible strength, courage and faith shown by his family ever since.
Over the past 17 years we have remained close to Temi’s family, who continue to inspire us all. They are among the kindest, most humble and gracious people I have ever met. Every conversation with them is a reminder of what truly matters in life. They often speak about the love, care and support they received from the Boteler family, and how much it means to them that Temi’s memory continues to live on through our school.
Because Temi loved football, the Staff v Year 11 Football Match was created in his honour. Seventeen years later, that tradition continues. It is about far more than football. It is about remembering a young man who should never be forgotten and celebrating the values of kindness, friendship, resilience and community that he represented.
Earlier this week I had breakfast with Temi’s family to discuss another special way of honouring his memory. We will be designing a new staff football kit dedicated to Temi, with his family helping us create it. We hope that next year’s staff team will wear it with enormous pride, remembering the remarkable young man whose legacy continues to inspire us all.
Please never take today, or the people you love, for granted. Tell those closest to you how much they mean to you. Make time for family and friends, be patient, be kind and cherish every moment together. Life can change in an instant.
Whenever we experience hot summer weather like this, I always think of Temi. Sadly, every year we hear heartbreaking stories of young people losing their lives in open water. It serves as an important reminder that we all have a responsibility to educate our children about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs, lakes and other open water. One moment can have lifelong consequences for families and communities.
As we move through these final few weeks of term, let us continue to look after one another, keep our young people safe and remember what is truly important.
There is still so much to look forward to before the summer holidays, including our Awards Evening, Rewards Trips and a number of exciting end-of-term events.
On Monday 20th July, we will be holding a special fundraising event during Period 5. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a range of fun activities for a donation of just 50p, with all proceeds going to St Rocco’s Hospice in support of my Strictly St Rocco’s fundraising campaign.
I am still waiting to find out who my professional dance partner will be – and, more importantly, what dance I will be learning! I have to admit I am feeling both incredibly excited and more than a little nervous!
What has been truly overwhelming is the incredible support from our entire school community. The encouragement from our students has been absolutely amazing and something I will never forget. I feel genuinely humbled and incredibly grateful for everyone’s kindness and generosity.
If you would like to support the campaign, the donation link is here: St Rocco’s Hospice: Strictly Dancers 2026
Thank you to everyone who has already donated – it really does mean so much.
Finally, thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school. Please stay safe in the sunshine, take care in the heat, and if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am always more than happy to help.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Beverley Scott-Herron
Headteacher
Over the past few weeks, students across the school have been demonstrating their knowledge, resilience and determination as they completed their end-of-year internal assessments.
Our Key Stage 3 students completed their Working At 2 (WA2) assessments, which concluded on Friday 19th June after a two-week assessment period. We would like to congratulate all KS3 students for their focus, effort and positive approach throughout the assessments. Their Working At (WA) reports have been emailed to parents and carers this week.
Our Year 10 students also completed their Mock Examinations, finishing on Friday 26th June. These exams provided an important opportunity for students to experience formal examination conditions and prepare for the demands of their GCSE courses.
We would like to congratulate our Year 10 students on the mature and conscientious manner in which they approached their mock examinations. Their positive attitude, commitment and determination were evident throughout the examination period, and they should be proud of the effort they have shown.
We look forward to welcoming them back after the summer break as our new Year 11 cohort, ready to embrace the exciting opportunities and challenges of their final year. We have every confidence that they have a bright future ahead of them.
The results of the Year 10 Mock Examinations will be emailed to parents and carers on Wednesday 15th July.
Upcoming End of Year Events
🏆 Awards Evening – Wednesday 15th July
Our annual Awards Evening is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students across the academic year.
Invitations have been sent to the parents and carers of students who will be receiving an award. If your child has been selected, we look forward to celebrating their success with you.
🎉 End of Year Rewards Day – Tuesday 21st July
We are also looking forward to our End of Year Rewards Day, where students will be recognised and rewarded for their hard work, excellent attendance and positive contribution to school life.
If you have not already done so, please complete the online consent form using the link below before the deadline. Completing the form as soon as possible will help us finalise arrangements and ensure your child can fully participate in the day’s activities.
End of Year Rewards Trips – July 2026 – Fill in form
Thank you, as always, for your continued support throughout the year. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students over the coming weeks.
Year 8 Immunisations – Catch up Clinics
If your child is in Year 8 and they have not received their Year 8 immunisations in school, please click on the link for details of available catch-up clinics.
Blank Booking Form Clinic Appt 03.07
Copies of this form can also be collected from the school reception.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)
Bookings for Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) can now be made at www.warrington.gov.uk/haf Children on benefit related free school meals can attend for free, whilst many clubs offer paid places. Each eligible child can attend up to 16 sessions this summer. Sessions include family events, holiday clubs, and enrichment for 12-16 year olds (more added soon)
Email haf@warrington.gov.uk for more information.
Young Carers
Warrington Carers Hub, in collaboration with Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, will be delivering Water Safety training for young carers of all ages on Thursday 30 July. Please see the poster below for further details.
Congratulations to our Year 9 Ambassadors who have been extremely busy supporting both the Year 6 Transition events and our Year 5 Taster Days. Well done everyone!
We have had a great time this week hosting Year 5 students for their Taster Days. Children have taken part in lots of exciting activities and learnt about high school life. We hope everyone has enjoyed themselves. We look forward to seeing you all at our Open Evening on 24th September from 17:00.
TCAT Challenge Award
Congratulations to the 41 Year 8 students who received their TCAT Challenge Award this year. This is a fantastic achievement and one that they should all be incredibly proud of.
The TCAT Challenge Award recognises students who consistently go above and beyond, demonstrating outstanding commitment, character and contribution across school. Receiving this award is a reflection of the hard work, resilience and positive attitude they have shown throughout the year.
They attended a presentation evening at Priestley College on Wednesday evening and conducted themselves with maturity, confidence and pride, and I have no doubt they will continue to be wonderful ambassadors for our school.
Strictly Come Dancing – Fundraiser Hampers
Raffle tickets for hampers are being sold in school to raise funds for Mrs Scott-Herron’s Strictly St. Rocco’s fundraiser. The fundraising committee will be selling tickets at break and lunchtimes in the canteen. Tickets are 20p each (£1 for a strip). See Mrs Scott-Herron’s fundraising page for more details: https://stroccoshospice.enthuse.com/pf/beverley-scott-herron
Uniform Donations
We are welcoming donations of the following items of uniform.
-skirts
-bags
-phone pouches
-blazers
-ties
-PE Kit items
–barely worn school shoes
If you have any items you can donate, please could they be dropped off in the box outside the main reception. Please can we ask that any donated items be clean.
A Successful Parent Forum and Looking Ahead to End of Year Celebrations
We would like to thank all parents, carers and students who attended our final Parent Forum of the year, which focused on Post-16 Pathways and Next Steps. The evening was a great success, providing families with valuable information to help students prepare for life beyond Year 11.
It was fantastic to welcome representatives from Priestley College, Warrington & Vale Royal College, and Cronton and Riverside College, who shared insights into the wide range of courses and opportunities available. Parents and students also received practical guidance on the college and apprenticeship application process, including the importance of applying early in September to maximise the chances of securing a place on their preferred course.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another successful Parent Forum.
There will be Online Safety training for parents available from the Domestic Abuse Partnership.
Online Safety – 15 July 2026, 4-5pm
70% of teenagers have encountered real-life violent content online (Youth Endowment Fund, 2024).
This 1-hour online awareness session on online safety will help parents and carers in Warrington understand the risks and harms young people may encounter online,
The session will cover:
– Warning signs to look out for
– Potential impact
– Practical strategies to support safer internet use at home.
– Sharing explicit images (‘nudes’), including the risks, the law, and how to have open, age-appropriate conversations with young people if concerns arise.
– Q&A Session
Who should attend:
• Parents and family members
• Carers
• Guardians
Please use the below link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992559607424?aff=oddtdtcreator
Warrington Wellbeing Festival
Looking for a family day out this July? The Warrington Wellbeing Festival is coming to The Engine Rooms at Birchwood Park on Saturday 11th July (10am – 4pm). With over 60 exhibitors, 50+ live classes, live music, and dedicated kids & teens arenas, there is something for everyone. Best of all, under-17s get in completely free! Find out more and grab tickets at https://linktr.ee/warringtonwellfest
Summer Safety
The Young People’s Public Health Team has released a new Summer Safety video, providing important guidance for young people on how to stay safe during the holidays. The video covers key safety concerns including:
- Abandoned buildings
- Alcohol and substance use
- Water safety
These issues are becoming an increasingly worrying concern within our community, and we are committed to ensuring that both parent carers and young people have access to the information and support they need to stay safe.
We encourage all families to take a few minutes to watch the video together and discuss the important messages it contains. By increasing awareness and understanding of these risks, we can work together to help keep our young people safe throughout the summer.
To watch the video click the link: https://vimeo.com/1109311084?fl=pl&fe=sh
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service – Water safety
Stay Water Aware: Safety Advice for Summer 2026
Please click on the following link for tips on Water Safety – Stay Water Aware
Debate Day at Priestley College
Six of our Year 9 students recently attended a Debate Day at Priestley College, where they participated in a range of workshops designed to develop their public speaking and debating skills. The sessions provided valuable insight into how successful debates are structured and the key skills required to present persuasive arguments.
Following the workshops, students took part in a debate competition, where they impressed judges with their performance. Feedback highlighted their excellent use of numbered points to signpost arguments clearly, as well as their clear and concise rebuttals. Judges also praised the students’ confident body language and their effective use of statistics to support their arguments.
This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their confidence, critical thinking and communication skills, and we are incredibly proud of how they represented the school throughout the day. Well done to all involved!
Book Fair 2026
We are delighted to welcome the Scholastic Book Fair back from 10th July to the 15th.
Students will be able to browse during a slot in their English lessons, and the Fair will be open during break and lunch. We will also be open after school on Monday 13th. Please see the letter home for more details, including how to pay and when slots are.
Hospitality & Catering
On Friday 26th June, we hosed the ‘Food Teachers Day 2026: One Mission, Many Classrooms’ Event, led by Ms Fallon. The event celebrated the important work and impact of secondary school Food/Hospitality teachers, ensuring that children and young people have inspiring food experiences! It provided an opportunity, at a local level (but delivered nationally), to learn, share and interact together. Teachers were updated on the national food teaching agenda, considered looking beyond what we currently teach, and explored food/Hospitality teaching strategies. It was a great day, and we are lucky to have played an important part in the future of food related education. #FoodTeacherDay #FoodEducation #TeachFood
Physical Education
Year 8 Rowing Regatta success
On Wednesday 24th June, our two Year 8 rowing crews competed in a regatta against high schools from all over the North West. The event, held at Warrington Rowing Club, was a part of the All Aboard Youth Rowing initiative and was the culmination for our students who have worked incredibly hard over the year to improve their rowing ability. The crews completed two time trial races each, and the results have been worth the wait…
OUR BOYS CREW CAME 1ST IN WARRINGTON AND 2ND OVERALL OUT OF 38 SCHOOLS!
OUR GIRLS CREW CAME 6TH IN WARRINGTON AND 11TH OVERALL OUT OF 27 SCHOOLS!
We are immensely proud of our students who have represented their school impeccably all year. Hopefully this is just the start of their rowing endeavours!
PE@Boteler: PROMOTE-ENGAGE-EXCEL
Our Elite Athletes Shine
On Tuesday evening this week, we celebrated our elite sports athletes at the TCAT Academy Sport+ Awards Evening at Priestley College.
It was a privilege to recognise the outstanding achievements of students who consistently demonstrate the dedication, resilience, discipline and commitment required to perform at the highest level in their chosen sports. These young athletes embody the values of elite performance, balancing sporting success with their academic studies while inspiring those around them through their determination and character. We are immensely proud of every student recognised and grateful to be part of a Trust that champions sporting excellence and provides opportunities for our talented young people to thrive.
Huge congratulations to Tom D who was awarded 3rd place for the Trust Sports Personality of the Year award.
PE and Sport Year Group Awards
As we reflect on another successful school year, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of students across every year group. Our awards, delivered in assemblies this week, recognise excellence in many forms, from Outstanding Performer and Outstanding Contribution to Academic PE and Leadership awards. Each recipient has demonstrated commitment and consistency to make the most of every opportunity.
These awards also recognise the many students who have embodied our school values of compassion and endurance. Through their actions, attitudes and achievements, they have supported others, overcome challenges, and inspired those around them. They are a true reflection of our school community and the high standards we strive for every day.
Congratulations to all of our award winners and to every student who has contributed to another fantastic year. Your achievements remind us that success is built through effort, perseverance and a willingness to keep improving. Together, you continue to bring our PE Department’s mantra to life: Better Never Stops.
Get ready for our Sports Festival – Thursday 16th July
The countdown is on for one of the biggest events of the school year – Sports Day 2026 on Thursday 16th July! This exciting all-day festival promises action, teamwork and plenty of house pride as every student takes part in a day packed with competition and fun.
This year’s event will see our six houses battle it out across four activity areas:
🏓 Pickleball – Fast-paced rallies, quick reactions and tactical play.
🏉 Rugby – Strength, determination and teamwork will be put to the test.
⚽ Football – Expect exciting matches, spectacular goals and fierce competition.
🎯 The Famous Challenge Zone – A favourite every year, featuring giant inflatables and a variety of fun team challenges that will test speed, skill, communication and resilience.
Every point earned throughout the day will count towards the overall house championship, making every game and every challenge more important than ever. Whether you’re representing your house on the pitch, cheering on your teammates or conquering the inflatables, everyone has a part to play.
Sports Day is about much more than winning. It’s a chance to celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, determination and school spirit while making lasting memories with friends.
Keeping Everyone Safe in the Heat
With another warm day forecast, the safety and wellbeing of our students remains our top priority. We have put several measures in place to help everyone enjoy the day safely, including:
- Additional shaded areas around the field.
- A dedicated shaded area at each outdoor activity zone.
- Water stations with drinking water readily available throughout the day.
- One activity taking place indoors to provide a break from the sun.
- Additional rest breaks where required, with staff continually monitoring conditions and student wellbeing.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
You can support your child’s safety and comfort by ensuring they:
- Apply sun cream before coming to school and bring additional sun cream to reapply during the day.
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the event (please avoid fizzy drinks).
- Wear or bring a cap to protect themselves from the sun.
- Arrive wearing their full school PE kit and appropriate trainers for sport.
- Students have already been briefed during assemblies this week on expectations for the day and how to stay safe in the warm weather. They should also bring either some change or a payment card if they wish to purchase refreshments from the stalls.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us make Sports Day a safe, enjoyable and memorable event for everyone.
The only question left is… which house will come out on top?
