As we approach the half-term break, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been another incredibly positive and productive week at school.

Our Year 11 students have continued to impress throughout the examination period. The Chief Invigilator has personally commented on their exemplary behaviour, calm approach, and impeccable attitudes during the exams. They have represented both themselves and the school exceptionally well, and we are incredibly proud of them.

We hope all of our students are able to enjoy some well-earned sunshine and rest over the break. However, we would also encourage Year 11 students to remain committed and focused in the final days leading up to their remaining examination papers. The finish line is now in sight, and every revision session and every exam still matters.

Meanwhile, our Year 10 students have spent the week out on work experience placements. I have been fortunate enough to visit and film some of our students whilst they were out in the workplace, and I was genuinely blown away by the professionalism, confidence, and maturity they demonstrated. Although we were unable to visit every placement, the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, and the entire year group has done us proud.

We hope this valuable experience helps our Year 10 students focus on their next steps as they prepare for the important transition into Year 11. Can I encourage families to ensure that taster days and post-16 visits are being booked where appropriate, and that students return in Term 6 ready to learn, reflect on their mock results, and begin preparing seriously for future applications and pathways.

A reminder also that phone pouches will be handed out in coaching time on the first day back after half term. Thank you to our wider community for supporting this initiative. It is essential that students have their pouches in place from day one so that we can continue supporting a calm, focused, and positive learning environment for all.

If you haven't yet purchased your phone pouch for your child they are available to buy on ParentPay. For any students who do not have a pouch on the first day back, their phones will be confiscated during coaching time until the end of each day until one has been purchased.

We would ask for your support in ensuring students engage positively with this process so that the system is fully in place as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Research continues to show the positive impact of reducing mobile phone usage during the school day. Schools implementing phone-free approaches have reported reductions in cyberbullying, improved concentration in lessons, stronger social interaction between students, and better overall wellbeing. Giving young people regular breaks from phones is increasingly recognised as an important part of supporting effective teaching, learning, and healthy development.

Finally, thank you, as always, for your continued support of the school and our students.

We wish all of our families a restful, sunny, and enjoyable half-term break.

Kind regards,

Mrs May
Headteacher

Help us celebrate 70 years of Willingdon Community School!

We’re looking for photos capturing “All Things Willingdon & Local Areas” — from local landscapes and landmarks to moments that show school spirit and community pride.

Open to all students! 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes to be won!

Email your photo to competition@willingdonschool.org.uk by 1st June 2026.

pastoral-10@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

It has been a very busy and exciting week for all of Year 10 as students have been undertaking their Work Experience placements throughout the week.

It has been an absolute pleasure to visit so many students at their placements and hear about the valuable experiences they have been gaining. Students have embraced the opportunity brilliantly, developing so many skills including communication, team work, time management, problem solving, professional behaviour, customer service, resilience, adaptability and many more. This has increased their confidence and an opportunity to gain a real insight into the world of work. Their work experience placements have helped students gain a better understanding of future career pathways and the skills employers value most.

We have been overwhelmed by the extremely positive feedback received from employers regarding our Year 10 students. Employers have consistently commented on how polite, courteous, and engaged students have been throughout the week, and how positively they have represented the school.

We are incredibly proud of the maturity and enthusiasm shown by the year group and would like to thank all parents and carers for your continued support in helping make the week such a success.

cjohnson@willingdonschool.org.uk

pastoral-9@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

This week’s assembly was a Reward Assembly, celebrating the fantastic achievements, effort and commitment shown by Year 9 students across the school. It was wonderful to recognise so many students for their hard work and positive contributions.

A huge congratulations to 9NKL for achieving the highest attendance this week with an outstanding 95.6%! Your excellent commitment to being in school and ready to learn has been recognised with a well-deserved flapjack reward. Keep up the fantastic effort!

Well done as well to 9CFR for once again being our Sparx Maths leaders. Your continued dedication and hard work in maths are setting a brilliant example for the whole year group.

Congratulations to Amelia-G S and Isaac S for being awarded the prestigious Head of Year Award. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects your positive attitude and consistent effort.

Further congratulations go to:

• Aaryan W

• Faye M

• Isaac S

• Evie M

• Margot D

• Amy B

• Matilda B

• Ralph S

  
  

for achieving their Platinum Awards — an outstanding accomplishment!

These students will also be enjoying an extra reward of ice lollies and rounders in the Friday sunshine, accompanied by Doug the school dog — a well-earned celebration!

Showing just how talented and gifted the year group is, we would also like to recognise Jacob Chalk and Isobel Davies, whose Winter Wonderland poems are due to be published. This is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of your creativity and success.

This week’s coaching time has been focused on Walk to School Week, exploring not only the positive impact walking has on the environment, but also the many benefits it brings to both physical and mental wellbeing.

It was also lovely to see how many Year 9 students have now achieved their Gold Awards. You should all be incredibly proud of your achievements. Keep up the excellent work, Year 9!

Well done to our Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh students who have all achieved 100% on the countryside code and over 80% for the first aid training , map reading, food and cooking preparation and tent building lessons.

Finally, we would like to wish all Year 9 students, their families and carers, a lovely and well-deserved half-term break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in June, when students will be informed of their KS4 options in the first week back.

Have a lovely weekend. And remember — sunscreen! ☀️

The Year 9 Team

pastoral-8@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

As we conclude our final week before the commencement of the last summer term, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all parents and carers for their continued support of both their children and the wider Year 8 team at Willingdon.

As a year group, students continue to make excellent progress, and as we approach the final term, it is important to acknowledge the many achievements across the cohort. Assessment outcomes have been highly encouraging, with a significant number of students meeting or exceeding their progress indicators.

Student behaviour remains exemplary, with very few incidents reported on a daily basis. I hope this positive trend continues as students mature and prepare for the increased responsibilities associated with Year 9. With options choices approaching in the near future, it is important that students begin to consider carefully how they wish to progress academically moving forward.

Miss Turner and I have conducted several learning walks and lesson observations this week, and it has been extremely pleasing to see students so engaged in their learning. Many students were also delighted to see our school dog, Doug, who continues to foster a calm and positive atmosphere throughout the school. Doug has been particularly beneficial in supporting students who may require de-escalation or additional calming time, and he has proved to be a valuable source of support for the year group.

Congratulations to 8EMC, who achieved an outstanding attendance figure of 98.7% this week.

In addition, special recognition goes to the following students who exceeded 30 achievement points this week:

• Jude B

• Thomas D

• Rose H

• Suki L

Well done to all of you.  Treats with the team will be distributed shortly.

Overall attendance is slightly lower than last week, nevertheless, it remains extremely important that students maintain attendance above 95% so that we can conclude the academic year strongly.

I would also like to remind parents of the various events and reward opportunities taking place towards the end of term.

On Friday, we held a rewards assembly, during which students received recognition for their achievements. It was wonderful to see so many students attaining the impressive milestones of Silver and Gold awards. In addition, we will also be introducing further awards for behaviour, attendance, and Head of Year recognition.

A reminder regarding Activities Day: bookings must be completed promptly. Please note that this remains a normal school day, and students are expected to attend school as usual. The difference is that they will participate in activities throughout the day. High attendance on these occasions is essential. Should attendance levels decline, the school may need to reconsider the future provision of such activities, as students should not opt out simply because the day is activity based.

There are also a variety of exciting opportunities ahead as students prepare to transition into Year 9, and I very much look forward to continuing this journey with them.

Finally, I would like to offer one final reminder regarding the Thailand Trip in March 2028. Thank you to those parents who have already completed the expression of interest form. This is the final opportunity to register interest so that I may gauge likely numbers before proceeding with further planning. (see further information on page 8 of this bulletin).

On Wednesday, 17th June at 5:30pm, representatives from Projects Abroad will be attending the school to speak with parents and students about the trip. In addition, I have arranged introductory “taster dives” with Eastbourne Divers, which will take place in a swimming pool. This will provide students who may feel uncertain about diving with an opportunity to gain some initial experience in a safe and supportive environment.

Please may I also remind parents of our expectations regarding uniform. We have recently observed an increase in incorrect footwear, trainers and jewellery. As we move into the final term, it is important that all students attend school in full and correct uniform, particularly with regard to shoes, jewellery and blazers.

I hope you all enjoy a restful half term break. The weather forecast appears promising, and we look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready for a successful final term.

Kind regards,

The Year 8 Team

pmuller@willingdonschool.org.uk

pastoral-7@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

This week we celebrated the incredible success of our Year 7 students with their end of term rewards assembly. A huge well done to all students who received their bronze, silver and gold awards, we even had a few platinum which is an incredible achievement! We are so proud of this year group and how far they have come this year.

It is that time of year when we start to focus on our next group of Year 7s coming up in September and we hand over to the new year team in Term 6.

We will continue to work with the new Head of Year and Pastoral Support Leader to transition them across after half term.

From the Year 7 team, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with the students this year and we will really miss them as they are a fabulous year group.  We  wish them all the very best moving up through the school! 

Mrs Naylor, Mrs Muller and Miss Clarke 

It’s that time of year again - Eastbourne Carnival is coming to town on Saturday, May 23rd, and we are still looking for people to walk with us in this year’s procession.

This year’s theme is Lights, Camera, Action and we would love to see volunteers dressed as characters from children’s films - think princesses, superheroes, Disney Villains, animals, characters from your favourite books who made it on to the silver screen. Don’t worry if fancy dress is not your scene, dressing in your CWCF tops/tabards will be great too! Or just whatever you feel comfortable in. And if you have any children who would like to take part, please feel free to bring them along.

Chris will be at Princes Park with the Children With Cancer Fund van at 12.30pm to meet you and anyone who would like to walk with us. There are no limits on the number of people who can join us on the day - the more the merrier!

Don’t forget your sun cream and stay hydrated!

Thank you so much once again for all your support and hopefully see you on Saturday!

ESCC HUGGG Vouchers for families who qualify for Free School Meals, to end after the May School Holiday

The Household Support Fund ended nationally on 31 March 2026. This was provided by the UK Government and distributed by County Council’s to support residents in East Sussex. This included the holiday supermarket voucher scheme (HUGGG vouchers) for students eligible for benefits-related free school meals. From 1 April 2026, the government introduced the new Crisis and Resilience Fund. The new fund takes a different approach, with support focused on households experiencing immediate financial hardship or crisis, alongside help to build longer-term financial resilience. East Sussex County Council took a decision to fund HUGGG vouchers for the April and May 2026 school holiday as part of a transition to the new arrangements.

As a result of these changes to the Fund, the Council will no longer be distributing holiday vouchers to all students solely based on free school meal eligibility.

Being eligible for free school meals will not automatically mean a household is entitled to a voucher or payment under the new fund.

Support will continue to be available, but it will be assessed by the County Council based on individual household circumstances and need. Families can find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

If you need help now, see cost of living support. Families eligible for free school meals can get free activities and food through Holiday food and fun.

I am writing to inform you of the intervention for Year 10 Psychology students that will be starting up after half term. Two sessions will be on offer (with biscuits) for students to attend.

·         Session 1 will be held in Hu1 on a Tuesday lunchtime. The focus of this will be on supporting students to get a grade 4/5.

·         Session 2 will be held in Hi4, on a Thursday after school from 3-4pm. This session will be for all but will aim to give some additional support for students looking to achieve a grade 6 or higher.

I hope to see lots of Year 10 students in attendance.

I also want to take the opportunity to remind parents and carers of the books and revision guides that are available to purchase for GCSE Psychology.

There is no obligation to buy one and many students already have one, however, the main books that the students would most benefit from would be:

·         My Revision Notes: OCR GCSE (9-1) Psychology, by Helen Kitching and Mark Billingham – this can be found on ParentPay. It is a good basis for revising psychology. It is not perfect and lacks detail in some areas, but it is a very solid starting point.

·         Alternatively, should you wish to purchase the full textbook, this can be found on many websites and is named OCR GCSE (9-1) Psychology (picture below). It can be found for around £25.00 but is not available through parent pay. There is absolutely no expectation to purchase this, however, I put it here in case any students are particularly keen.

If there are any concerns or worries regarding either intervention of revision materials, please contact me and I will see what support can be put in place.

Kind regards,

Mr Gardner

Subject Leader for Psychology

We are pleased to share that Willingdon Community School will be hosting a Careers Event on Tuesday, 2nd June. This is an exciting opportunity for students to explore a wide range of post‑16 pathways and speak directly with further and higher education providers, as well as local employers.

Although the event is mainly aimed at Years 9 and 10, there will be an opportunity for all other year groups to visit the event during lunch time or after school.

We would also like to welcome parents and carers to attend, from 3.00pm – 5.00pm, to explore the event with their child and speak with providers in more detail.

A fantastic range of further and higher education providers will be joining us, including:

• Bede’s School

• Bexhill College

• Brighton Aldridge Community Academy College (BACA)

• Brighton, Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC)

• BN1 Arts

• East Sussex College Group

• Military Preparation College for Training (MPCT)

• Plumpton College

• Seaford Head Sixth Form

• University of Brighton

In addition, we will be joined by representatives from:

• The British Army

• The NHS

• Sussex Police

• Hospitality and Construction sectors (to be confirmed)

This event forms an important part of our commitment to ensuring all students feel informed, confident, and inspired as they begin to consider their future pathways.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Kind regards,

Sarah Rooney

Careers Adviser

Summer 2026 - Uniform Ordering Procedure

We are writing to advise you of the order processes for Summer 2026.

We are asking Parents to place their uniform order via ParentPay.  You should already have ParentPay log in details for your children in Years 7-10 and for Year 6 parents the log in details are being sent with this letter.  Please note we do not take debit/credit cards.

If you wish to collect your child’s order before the end of the school summer term, all pre-paid orders must be placed on ParentPay by Monday, 20^th July 2026.  We will email you when your order is ready for collection.  Please collect your orders ASAP in case of any returns.

For any late orders placed during the summer break we will make these orders up ASAP and we will email you when your order is ready and you can collect your order from school on the following holiday dates ONLY.

Friday, 24th July between 9am - 1pm

Friday, 28th August between 9am – 1pm

Friday, 31st July between 11am-2pm

Tuesday, 1st September between 9am – 1pm

Please note any orders placed after the 28^th August cannot be guaranteed to be ready for collection before the beginning of the new term in September.  Also, any late orders placed in the first week back to school in September, cannot be guaranteed to be ready for collection that first week back.

There will not be the facility to try on uniform in school, so you would need to email us via uniform@willingdonschool.org.uk if you subsequently needed to make a return or exchange.  After the end of the school summer term, you will only be able to make exchanges or returns on the above dates.  There will also be no facility to purchase extra uniform at the time of collection as all orders must be placed on ParentPay.  If you do have a return, it must be returned to school before the end of August.  Any orders placed after the 1^st September and needing a return or exchange must be returned within 30 days.

If you do not have ParentPay login details, these can be requested by emailing agwilliam@willingdonschool.org.uk  by Monday, 20^th July.

PLEASE NOTE – Uniform will not be available to purchase/try on at any other time during the holiday period or on our Inset Day on the 2^nd September.    It is therefore advisable to order and collect your uniform in plenty of time before the end of the summer term, in case exchanges are required.

If you need to return any items for an exchange, please ensure you return the item in its original condition, complete with tags attached and with the bag, so we are able to resell the item. 

If you have ordered a calculator, this can be collected with the uniform order.  Phone pouches ordered for the new Year 7s, will be handed out on the first day in coaching time.  Maths sets ordered will be handed out in the first Maths lesson.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs S Tomalin
Headteacher’s PA

Transition into Post-16 Guide

Don’t forget about School to Adulthood. It is our co produced online transition guide created with students from East Sussex schools for young people with SEND.

It’s a practical, flexible resource to support conversations about post‑school options, independence, minder: employment, college life and preparing for adulthood, with real student experience videos. The guide can be revisited at any point. It can be used independently or alongside families and professionals to build confidence and inform planning.

Please continue to use and share this resource within your setting and across your networks.

https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/what-i-wish-my-parents-or-carers-knew-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers-on-managing-childrens-digital-lives/

This opportunity will be available to students currently in Years 7, 8 and 9.

Please note that, due to diving licence restrictions, students currently in Year 7 must be 14 years old by March 2028 to participate.

I have already spoken to students during assembly and shared some introductory information about the trip. The visit will involve travelling to Thailand and then onward to the island of Koh Tao, where students will work towards a diving qualification before taking part in a marine conservation programme. Alongside this, there will be a variety of cultural and enrichment experiences, including visits to elephant sanctuaries, local food markets, and other exciting excursions.

We will be working alongside Projects Abroad to deliver this experience. Representatives from the company will be attending an information evening for parents, carers, and students on Wednesday 17th June at 5:30pm at the school, where further details about the trip, itinerary, costs, and expectations will be shared.

If your child is interested in attending, please complete the Google Form, link below. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thailand - Google Form

Please also see rough guide above, outlining some of the activities and experiences included within the trip. Click on the image to open the PDF.

Kind regards,

Mr Roche

A reminder to Year 7 students that Sparx Reader homework is due by Monday, 1st June. This will mean students have had two weeks to complete this piece of work. Please ensure you find a quiet moment to complete your careful reading. Towards the end of June, KS3 students will complete their reading assessment. Careful reading on Sparx Reader will help prepare students for this.

This Wednesday’s session focused on reading backwards and forwards to find evidence to support ideas.

Top tip: Remember to use quotation marks around quotations.

In July, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 will take part in an author visit by Anthony McGowan, Head down to the library to borrow one of his books before the event. Great to see students reading and borrowing these books.

Well done to 7AED, 7EGA, 7JBA, 7RKO, 7SPA an 7ZKE who logged their class reading on the year group library this week.

We have seen a significant increase in requests for term-time holidays. As a reminder, these absences will not be authorised unless there are truly exceptional circumstances. We appreciate your continued support in ensuring your child attends school regularly.

I would like to congratulate our Year 11 students on their strong attendance during their exam period. Their commitment and resilience have been excellent, and we wish them a restful half term and every success in their upcoming exams.

Well done also to our Year 10 students who completed their work experience placements this week. This has provided them with valuable insight into the importance of punctuality, attendance and workplace expectations.

We have noticed a dip in attendance this week across Years 7, 8 and 9. While we understand that illnesses are circulating, we encourage students to attend school whenever they feel well enough to do so. If your child becomes unwell during the school day, we will always contact you. Should your child require medication in school, this can be stored securely in Student Support, please email studentsupport@willingdon.org.uk to request a medication form.

With warmer weather expected over the bank holiday, we hope you all enjoy a safe, healthy and restful half term. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 6.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Music Department is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for Year 7 students to try a woodwind instrument this summer term.

We are offering up to 5 free small-group lessons before the summer holiday for students interested in learning:

●        Flute

●        Clarinet

●        Saxophone

No previous musical experience is required, and students who do not currently play an instrument are especially encouraged to apply.

What’s Included?

●        Up to 5 free group lessons

●        Free use of an instrument during the taster programme

●        Small friendly groups of up to 5 students

●        An opportunity to discover a new skill and enjoy making music with others

The programme is designed to give students a fun introduction to woodwind playing, with the hope that they may wish to continue lessons in September through our regular school music tuition programme.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for enthusiastic Year 7 students who:

●        Are interested in music

●        Would enjoy learning a new instrument

●        May not currently play an instrument

●        Would benefit from increased confidence, creativity, and teamwork through music

Expressions of Interest

If your child would be interested in taking part, please contact:

Mr Parry
Head of Department for Music
sparry@willingdonschool.org.uk

Places are limited and will be allocated based on interest and availability.

We look forward to welcoming some new woodwind players into the Music Department!

Mr Parry

Reference: The makers of Taskmaster are casting families for a fun new primetime Channel 4 show.

Dates: Filming half term October 2026.

I am writing to you from Avalon Television Limited, a multi-award-winning production company, producers of Taskmaster and Junior Taskmaster (Channel 4), Dogs Behaving Very Badly (Channel 5), Not Going Out (BBC One), The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show (BBC Two), as well as many more.  Please see our website here: https://avalonuk.com/productions/

We are looking for children and their families to take part in an exciting new entertainment show.  The chosen households will take part together in an array of creative, fun and head-scratching games from the comfort of their own homes – in the hope of beating the other households to win a cash prize, as well as having a lot of fun as a family! The tasks will be set by Alex Horne of Taskmaster fame.

More information, T&Cs and the application form can be found at www.avalontvcasting.com

We would also like to reassure you that Avalon Television takes its duty of care when filming with children very seriously and there are robust safeguarding protocols in place. All crew, production team and on-screen talent in direct contact with the children will have an Enhanced DBS check done. In addition, the licensed chaperones’ sole focus is to ensure that the children are monitored, happy, informed as to what is going on and they will make sure they have breaks and sustenance.

Please note that a parent or legal guardian must get in touch. We cannot respond to emails or applications from children.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

Alexandra Lockyer

Casting Producer

Avalon Television Limited

Appointments are available to book via Edulink One. A short guide on how to make a booking can be found here: https://youtu.be/d99kiS3BLWw?si=CNtu7xAZRtHRpmFM

We hope all students now enjoy a restful half term break and return refreshed and recharged for the final term of Year 10.

Thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support.

The Year 10 Team