Thank you to all staff and students who were involved in the Science Live trip. It was a fantastic experience and a real credit to everyone who supported it.

We would also like to thank our Year 11 parents for their strong engagement at Parents’ Evening last night. Your support makes a real difference. As we move further into the exam season, we cannot stress enough the importance of digging deep, completing all homework, attending intervention sessions and making the most of seeing school as a place to stay until 4.00pm for revision and independent study where possible.

A reminder to Year 9 parents and students that the Options Form deadline is today. Please ensure this is submitted on time.

Thank you as well to our wider community for the many positive messages following our decision to use the minibus during the recent storm to ensure students were able to get to school safely. While we cannot do this every time, please be assured that when we have the capacity and it is safe to do so, we will always try.

We look forward to welcoming parents to our in-person Parent Forum with Adam’s Light on Monday evening at 6pm. Adam’s story is a powerful one. His mum will be joining us to share her experience as a parent, raising awareness and helping us better understand the hidden struggles some young people face. We hope many of you can attend. Please book in here if you wish to attend;

Parent Forum - Adam's Light - Monday, 2nd February 2026 6pm - In person

This week, I had the privilege of delivering assemblies for Holocaust Memorial Day. My message focused on three simple but vital words: being patient, being present in young people’s lives, and being positive. We hope you can help reinforce the importance of these values at home, especially in today’s society.

Finally, our staff version of The Traitors has really taken off, with interest from schools across the country wanting to know more. We featured in the national press this week, and next week we have our finals, where we may receive a visit or communication from a very special person. Watch this space.

We are still raising money for the NSPCC and the school through The Traitors, and we hope to see many of you at our Quiz Night tonight.

Don’t forget to book your tickets for Annie. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a fantastic production.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Best wishes,

Mrs May
Headteacher

Year 7 Sparx Reader:

81% of Year 7 students completed their Sparx Reader homework by Monday morning. Reward points are added for students who complete on time. English teachers and coaches will be contacting home to discuss students who are regularly not completing their homework. Weekly emails are sent from Sparx so that parents can keep up-to-date on their child’s progress.

Year 9 Poetry by Heart

The Year 9 Group Final took place during period 5 on Friday in front of a panel of judges. Look out for photographs next week. Selected students will go through to the regional round at Gildredge House in March. See  https://poetrybyheart.org.uk/

Year 7 Literacy in Coaching Time: Reading Strategy Questioning and Structure

This Wednesday’s session was on the reading strategy of Questioning and how questions can be useful sub-heading signposts. Ask your Year 7 about this at home.

Senior National Reading Quiz We are gathering a team of 4 students from KS3 to represent our school in the regional round that takes place on Wednesday 11 February. If you have a wide range of reading knowledge, come and speak to us in the library.

pastoral-11@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

It’s been an incredibly important week for our Year 11 students, and probably the most pivotal of their school career so far.

On Monday, students received their mock exam results, which understandably came with mixed emotions. Some were extremely proud and positive, while others approached the results with real determination, knowing that there is still time to make changes and make a difference.

Parents’ Evening on Thursday gave students the opportunity to receive feedback directly from their teachers. We hope the timing of this, alongside the mock results, allowed for some really meaningful conversations between students, parents and carers about next steps and what needs to happen moving forward.

As we reach the end of the week, we are already seeing a noticeable shift in attitude and motivation. Many students are showing a renewed determination to do well, improve their results, and focus on their next destinations and final outcomes.

The deadline for ordering leavers’ hoodies has now passed and these are on order. We’re hoping they will arrive within the next couple of weeks. Once we have them and they are distributed to students, the hoodies can be worn in place of their blazer or PE jumper as part of the school uniform.

Finally, a reminder that our Year 11 coffee morning is taking place next Tuesday, 3rd February. We would warmly welcome any parents and carers who would like to attend. Book in here:  Year Teams and SEND Coffee Mornings - Term 3

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

The Year 11 Team

pastoral-10@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Well done to all Year 10 students for a successful week at school. It has been a pleasure to walk around the school, drop into lessons, and see such strong focus and engagement across all subjects.

There have been several highlights this week. In Science, 10AA2 students were undertaking fitness activities while monitoring heart rates and oxygen levels. In English, 10AM1 and 10AB1 students were superbly engaged in their learning, demonstrating excellent focus and commitment. Our 10PE4/Pg and 10PE3/Pg GCSE PE classes also showed great ambition while completing the multistage fitness test as part of their fitness testing topic they are studying.

The Year 10 Team

cjohnson@willingdonschool.org.uk

pastoral-9@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Another week of congratulations to Year 9 for their behaviour, sporting excellence and ambition.

Congratulations to 9BMA who finally managed to break 9CFR's winning streak to win the breakfast treats for attendance on Monday for the previous week. Also, to 9NKL who were one of 5 coaching groups to have 100% attendance on Monday. They will also be receiving a reward from the attendance team.  Unfortunately, attendance as a whole in the year group is quite worrying as we have struggled to reach 90% attendance this week. This equates to students having 2 weeks off a year and as a result missing 60 lessons. As we work towards Year 10, we would appreciate the support of parents and carers in building resilience in students to attend school even if they are not feeling 100%.

Congratulations again to 9CFR who, despite their defeat this week in the attendance challenge, continue to lead the way in the termly attendance and rewards challenge.

pastoral-8@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

As we complete our fourth week following the Christmas break, we are delighted to share how pleased we are with the continued good behaviour and strong personal excellence values being demonstrated across the Year 8 cohort.

Miss Turner and I have visited a number of lessons this week, and we were particularly impressed by some of the English lessons we observed. Behaviour and engagement in learning were impeccable. It is always encouraging to see students making the most of their lessons and contributing positively in class.

Due to continued seasonal illness, attendance has dipped slightly this week. We completely understand that there are a number of bugs circulating at the moment. Even so, Year 8 attendance currently sits at 94%, which is still very pleasing.

With the recent cold and rainy weather, please could we ask that students come to school appropriately dressed. A number of students are currently attending without suitable outdoor coats, which can result in them being cold or wet during the school day.

On Thursday, the Year 8 team conducted a uniform roll call, and we were extremely pleased to see very few issues. It is clear that students are taking uniform expectations seriously. However, we would like to remind parents that students must attend school wearing their school blazer and correct leather look school shoes. Please do consult the school website if you are unsure about the required footwear.

Congratulations this week go to 8DBR for leading the year group with 94% attendance. Biscuits will be arriving on Monday as a well earned reward.

We would also like to recognise our top achievers of the week:

• Ralph A

• Josh F

• Sheldon H

• Calista S

• Phoebe S

All of the above students achieved over 30 reward achievement points this week. This is an excellent achievement and sets a fantastic standard for the rest of the year group. Well done to you all. Chocolate is on the way.

The “Traitors” bug has well and truly hit the school! Students have been attending lunchtime sessions to watch the scheduled episodes. On Wednesday, students watched as the Year 8 team was dramatically eliminated, with myself “murdered” and Miss Turner “banished”. We were very disappointed to be taken out of the game after the second week, though naturally we felt we were strong contenders! Further episodes and information will be shared, and footage will also be posted on social media for parents to enjoy.

Last Friday, Year 8 were treated to an inspiring assembly delivered by Rhianne Cleverly. Alongside her role at Love Local Jobs, Rhianne is a professional footballer for Rugby Borough Women’s Football Club and previously captained Lewes Women’s Football Club for six seasons in the second tier of women’s professional football. She has also proudly represented Wales at international level. Rhianne delivered a powerful message around resilience and dreaming big, sharing the challenges she has overcome in pursuing a career in a traditionally male dominated sport. She also gave students a preview of the Dare to Dream programme they will take part in during Year 9. Student engagement and behaviour were excellent, and we are incredibly proud of how Year 8 conducted themselves.

On Friday, Mrs May delivered a thoughtful and sensitive assembly on the Holocaust. Once again, students demonstrated maturity, compassion and dignity throughout. Their conduct in assemblies continues to set a high standard across the school.

Looking ahead, we still have five places remaining on the Belgium Battlefields trip taking place in June. There are also spaces available on the upcoming post half term drama trip to see a production about former England football manager Gareth Southgate. Please consult Mr Keast and Mrs McCarthy if you need any more information.

Wishing you a fantastic weekend.

The Year 8 Team

pmuller@willingdonschool.org.uk

pastoral-7@willingdonschool.org.uk

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Well done to Abdulla,  Lyla, Reuben, Louie and Jessica for successfully getting the most achievement points in the year group last week, and as a result being part of the ‘Treats with the Team ‘ group. (photo below)

This week we have seen an increase in students eating lollies during breaks and lunches. Please can you ensure your child does not bring these into school , as many are running around whilst eating them, which is an obvious choking hazard, and also the sugar / E numbers are not helping focus levels in classes afterwards.

Our Staff Traitors episodes are still continuing to be a massive hit with the Year 7’s, and this week we have shown the 2^nd and 3^rd episodes. The Year 7’s are still very excited about the outcomes, however please can we remind you that this is a charity event, with proceeds going to the NSPCC, so please keep donating the 50p’s for each viewing to go towards this great cause.

We have another Coffee Morning scheduled for next Friday, please book in here for an informal opportunity to come and talk to the team over a cuppa.

Year Teams and SEND Coffee Mornings - Term 3

The Year 7 Team

Raystede are extremely short of newspaper and desperately need some more, do you have any that you could kindly donate? Our small animal enclosures have newspaper placed underneath their bedding. As you can imagine, we get through a lot of it!

If you have some newspapers or blankets stashed away that you do not need, your child can bring them to G2 in school or parents/carers can drop them off to our Welcome Team at the Raystede entrance. We are unable to accept any shredded paper.

Unfortunately we are unable to accept newspaper drop offs at our charity shops.

As school leaders, you see first-hand the impact technology is having on children’s learning, behaviour and wellbeing. You also play a vital role in setting the boundaries that help pupils to focus, feel safe and succeed. I am grateful for the leadership you show every day in meeting these challenges. I want to give you backing and clarity on this that helps you hold those boundaries, including as you work through these questions with parents and communities.  

I have always been clear that mobile phones have no place in schools - I know many of you feel the same. But it is clear that the previous guidance did not deliver the clarity or consistency that schools need, or help enough in setting out for parents that this is a clear national position. That is why we have strengthened it to be explicit - all schools should be phone-free environments for the entire school day. That includes lessons, time between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime. It means, for example, it is not appropriate for phones to be used as calculators, or for research during lessons. 

This guidance is intended to remove ambiguity and support firm, confident leadership. Schools should not only have clear policies, but should make sure those policies are applied consistently across classes and at all times, and we want parents to back these policies too. This is a clear national reset on mobile phone use in schools. 

To reinforce the importance of implementation, Ofsted will, for the first time, examine both schools’ mobile phone policies and how effectively they are applied when judging behaviour during inspections.  

We recognise that embedding change takes time and effort. Attendance and Behaviour Hub lead schools — all of which already operate effective phone-free approaches — will support schools that would benefit from additional help. These schools have worked with us to develop practical, evidence-based guidance that can be adapted to different settings. 

You have my full support in taking this forward. Clear boundaries, applied with consistency and fairness, give pupils the best chance to learn and thrive, and schools should feel confident in setting and enforcing them. 

As you will have seen, we are also taking wider action to improve children’s relationship with technology and social media – at home, not just at school. The Government will shortly launch a consultation on children’s use of technology as part of a national conversation, and I strongly encourage you to contribute your professional insight. 

I look forward to working with you as we ensure that technology supports children and young people’s education and wellbeing, rather than distracting from it. 

Sincerely,

Bridget Phillipson

Secretary of State for Education

In coaching time this week, students have been setting themselves smart targets in order to become GCSE ready. Students can support themselves in this by taking more responsibility for their schoolwork and personal organisation. This helps build crucial life skills such as time management and self-discipline. Parents and carers can support by ensuring that homework is being completed on the day it is set. Each week, we will be offering more tips on becoming GCSE ready.

As ever, thank you for all your support with this amazing year group. Have a lovely weekend.

The Year 9 Team

On Monday, Mrs May spoke live on BBC Sussex, and BBC News featured our very own production: BBC News article

Episode 3 aired on Thursday lunchtime, and drama was in no short supply. Our wonderful receptionist Mrs Heard was banished, Miss Stickland was murdered and the Music Department set a humming challenge, where staff whose tunes were correctly recognised won a shield to protect them from banishment.

Earlier in the week, students Bonnie and Sophia conducted a student voice survey  -  and suspicions are running high!

Mr Keast, Head of Year 8, topped the list with 30% of students believing he’s a traitor. Mr Ellwood followed closely behind and somehow Mr Cain only received 14% of the votes… surely, he’d make an excellent traitor?

With tensions rising, the question remains: who will survive the next round of banishment?

So far, we have raised a huge £400+ with the proceeds being split between The Willingdon School Fund and the NSPCC London and South East, which is the winners chosen charity. A minimum contribution of 50p per episode is required, payable via ParentPay or on the door. Donations may also be given via the GoFundMe and JustGiving pages set up specifically for our Traitors (Season1!)

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/willingdon-community-school

JustGiving:  JustGiving NSPCC Donation page

Huge thanks to our incredible Marketing and Media Visual Arts Lead, who has spent countless hours of his own time filming and editing the trailer and episodes, we couldn’t have done this without you!

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are delighted to inform you of an exciting educational opportunity for our Year 8 students in 2026: a Battlefields Trip to Belgium, taking place from Friday, 26th June to Saturday, 27th June 2026. This trip will provide students with a powerful and meaningful insight into the events of the First World War and the significant sites of the Ypres Salient.

During the visit, students will take part in a fully guided experience, which will include:

• One night’s bed and breakfast accommodation

• Entrance to the Passchendaele 1917 Memorial Museum • Visit to Bayernwald German Trenches

• Attendance at the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate

• Visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery

• Exploration of the battlefield around Hill 60

• Time to explore the historic town of Ypres, including its famous chocolate shops.

This immersive experience is designed to support students’ historical understanding while offering a deeply reflective and memorable learning opportunity.

The total cost of the trip is £300 per student.

A £60 non-refundable deposit must be paid on ParentPay to secure a place for your child.

Further details regarding payment schedules, travel arrangements and key information will be shared closer to the time.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Keast, who will be happy to help.

We very much hope that your child will be able to take part in this unique and valuable experience.

Mr Keast

Our Year 10 assembly was led by Mrs May and focused on the Holocaust, as Tuesday 27th January marked Holocaust Memorial Day. Students have also taken part in discussion based activities during coaching time to further develop their understanding of this important topic.

Thank you for your ongoing support, we look forward to another successful week at school for your child next week.

The Year 10 Team

11MDU

11CAT

10 GEL

9NKL

Well done, rewards will be with you in coaching time next week! 

Attendance Matters

If your child wakes up feeling a little unwell, please encourage them to come into school. We often find that students begin to feel better as the day goes on.
We have seen an increase in students taking sporadic days off this term, and this creates gaps in their learning that can be difficult to fill.

If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact me at nholden@willingdonschool.org.uk.

Year 11 Attendance

Thank you to the Year 11 parents who met with me at Parents’ Evening last night. It was great to meet you all and, most importantly, to talk with students about how their attendance plays a vital role in shaping their future opportunities.
Every day in school builds confidence, knowledge, and readiness for exams—and it’s been brilliant to see so many students committed to making the most of their final year.

Reporting Absences & Punctuality Reminder

Absences should be reported by 08:30 via Edulink or Arbor.

Please also support your child in arriving to school on time every day. Good punctuality helps students start the day calmly, settle into learning, and avoid missing key information given at the start of lessons.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, East Sussex College would like to invite you to an online Apprenticeship Information Session designed to help you understand the opportunities apprenticeships can offer young people.

The college would love to see you on:

·                     Thursday 12th February

·                     4.30pm

·                     Online via Microsoft Teams

During the session, the Head of Business Development, Vicki Orbell will explain what apprenticeships are, how they work, and the benefits for students. Vicki will also be joined by colleagues from East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, who will talk about the range of apprenticeship opportunities available within the NHS.

If you'd like to attend, please register in advance by signing up using this microsoft form. You'll then be sent a Microsoft Teams link before the session on Thursday 12th February.

If you would like to submit any questions ahead of the event, please email them to apprenticeships@escg.ac.uk.

We hope you can join the session and learn more about how apprenticeships can support future career pathways.

Many thanks,

Business Development Team

East Sussex College Group