As Executive Headteacher of Carisbrooke College, I am constantly reminded of the remarkable achievements our students make every single day. Whether it’s acing an exam, completing a challenging project, or showing kindness and respect to their peers, our students are achieving in so many ways. And it's not just about the outcomes, but the journey — the perseverance, growth, and resilience that our students demonstrate throughout their time with us.

This week has been another busy and productive one here at school. Year 9 students have been sitting their trial exams, while we’ve also seen sporting fixtures, after-school clubs, and the start of our Year 11 Additional Sessions aimed at supporting their preparation for the upcoming exams. The level of commitment and hard work is inspiring, and we are proud to see our students taking responsibility for their learning and progress.

Next week we have flu vaccinations on Monday for those students whose parents have given consent and we are also hosting a Help Your Child to Revise evening on Thursday, specifically for the parents and carers of Year 11 students. This will be an invaluable opportunity for you to gain insights on how best to support and encourage your child in their revision as they prepare for their GCSEs. The session will also provide a chance to ask any questions you may have about the revision process. This is just one of the ways we aim to work in partnership with our families to support our students’ success. The GCSE timetables have been distributed to all Year 11 students this week.

This week, we’ve had meaningful discussions with our students about the importance of maintaining a clean and respectful school environment, particularly regarding litter. I am delighted to report that these conversations have had a positive impact, and students are becoming more aware of the importance of looking after their break areas. As a result, litter levels have significantly decreased, and our school environment is cleaner and more pleasant for everyone. We are incredibly proud of this progress, and I hope this positive trend continues.

Unfortunately, whole school attendance has dipped slightly this week, largely due to the ongoing bugs and illnesses circulating. If your child is unable to attend school due to illness, we kindly ask that you inform the school each day of their absence. Additionally, please support us in encouraging your child to catch up on any missed work. You can leave a message with your child’s Head of Year via voicemail, or alternatively, you can contact us through the Arbor App.

At Carisbrooke College, we are always focused on supporting our students’ achievements — both academic and personal. We are incredibly proud of everything they accomplish, and we are grateful for the ongoing support from our families in helping our students thrive. Together, we can ensure that every student continues to reach their full potential.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Have a lovely weekend.

Natalie Sheppard
Executive Headteacher - Carisbrooke College