16th January 2026
Our first full week of term has flown by, with the weather playing its part, though it was wonderful to get out for a muddy run along the river with Running Club this morning.
Thank you for continuing to park considerately at drop off and pick-up times. Frustratingly, the Bell Street pedestrian crossing proposal is taking longer to come to fruition than was originally planned, with the Town Council having informed me recently that they have had to retender aspects of the project, meaning that it is not likely to be completed until the early Autumn.
Following the news of the proposed phased merger of ourselves with St Mary's on Wednesday, the staff at the two schools are going through a consultation process now to determine the future staffing structure, with the plan being to have this piece of work completed before the end of term.
Internet Safety
Each month, Mrs Newman and Mrs Fletcher provide helpful tips for parents on how to keep their children safe online. In addition, pupils regularly discuss internet safety during their ICT lessons.
Please take a moment to view this poster, which includes a link to a short online questionnaire. We would greatly appreciate all parents completing it.
Young Voices
Our t-shirts have arrived and excitement is building among Years 4 to 6 as they look forward to their Young Voices performance at the O2 on 23rd February! To help with learning the many songs for the event, please set up your YV account via the link: https://yvmusicroom.com/auth/parent/login
This will give you access to all the tutorial videos, lyric sheets and backing tracks. Enjoy practising with the whole family!
February half term camp
Join Discover Activity Camps at Rupert House from Monday 16 to Friday 20 February for an exciting February Half Term camp packed with seasonal fun, team games, creative activities and forest school adventures. The programme includes a mix of sporty challenges, arts and crafts, themed activities and fun competitions, such as Olympic-inspired games, pancake making and Discover Camp’s Got Talent. Discover Activity Camps deliver inspiring holiday programmes that focus on physical activity, fun and personal development, all set in safe surroundings with excellent facilities and led by an enthusiastic team.
Find out more here: February Half Term – Discovery Activity Camps
Year 6 results
The Year 6 children continue to do incredibly well in their entrance assessments for senior schools and I am delighted to share the news that all 10 applicants for Reading Blue Coat School this year have been offered places, which is wonderful news. Very well done to Olivia, Ariana, Sophia H-P, Georgina, Juno, Celia, Teddy, Rafe, Jasper W and Joshua. Olivia, Jasper W and Joshua have also been awarded academic scholarships and Sophia H-P a music scholarship. In addition, just before Christmas we heard that Charlotte has been offered a place at Wycombe Abbey as well as an Academic Scholarship to Sherborne Girls - well done her. Assessments for Abingdon and Shiplake have taken place over the last couple of weeks and I wish all those taking their assessments at Magdalen College School and St Helen & St Katharine tomorrow the best of luck.
Best wishes,
Nick Armitage