Dear Parents and Carers,
What a week it has been at MEA Central!
Alongside our hugely successful Big Speak Week and Belonging Week, we also welcomed an Ofsted inspection. It was an exceptionally busy few days, yet our students and staff demonstrated exactly what our school stands for. They embraced every opportunity with confidence, kindness and determination, and I could not be prouder of them.
We are delighted with how the inspection went and are incredibly proud of the provisional judgements we have received. Unfortunately, we are unable to share these until they have completed the formal quality assurance process and the final report is published in September.
Although I cannot discuss the judgements, I can share that the inspectors repeatedly commented on our students, describing them as a real credit to the school. They recognised the warmth of our community, the confidence and pride our students show, and the culture that has been built together over many years. Inspectors also highlighted the overwhelmingly positive feedback they received from parents and carers, for which I would like to offer my sincere thanks.
This recognition belongs to our whole community. Thank you for ensuring students arrived each day ready to learn and continued to uphold our high expectations, even during Wednesday's exceptionally warm weather. More importantly, thank you for the trust, encouragement, honest feedback and partnership you have shown over many years. Schools achieve their very best when families and staff work together with a shared purpose, and your support has played an important part in our journey.
As soon as the final report has completed the quality assurance process and is published, we will share it with you immediately. Until then, thank you once again for your continued support of MEA Central.
Uniform
Our adjusted uniform expectations will stay the same until the end of term. With the warm weather set to continue, we are allowing some flexibility whilst maintaining our high standards for appearance. Students should wear one of the following:
Please note:
REMINDER - Free School Meals (FSM) – Important Changes from September 2026
The Government has announced changes to Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility from September 2026, meaning more families in receipt of Universal Credit may now qualify. If you receive Universal Credit, we encourage you to complete the online FSM Eligibility Checker to determine whether your child is entitled to Free School Meals from September 2026. Families whose children are currently receiving Free School Meals will also be required to complete an eligibility check. In line with Department for Education requirements, schools must carry out eligibility checks and rechecks to ensure pupils continue to receive their entitlement.
FSM Eligibility Checker Website Link: https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims
Even if your child brings a packed lunch or does not usually take a school meal, registering for FSM may provide access to additional support and funding for your child and the school.
Free School Meal Vouchers – Summer Holidays 2026
If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, you will receive an Asda voucher per eligible child directly to your email inbox on Friday 10th July 2026.Please ensure we have your most up‑to‑date email address and telephone number. You can update your details using the Parent Portal/Arbor app or alternatively contact the school reception on 0161 499 2736.Once the vouchers have been sent, please check your email.If you experience any issues accessing your voucher, please use the links below:
Summer Holidays - Free Summer Clubs and Activities
Families in receipt of Free School Meals can sign their children up to free clubs and activities over the summer holidays in the local area. There are also free events taking place in local parks and at the city museums, open to all. Booking in advance is recommended so that their child is assured a place. School Holidays in Manchester | What's On | Loads to Do
Joy and Belonging Trip
A reminder to parents and carers that we are requesting a contribution of £35 towards our Blackpool and Alton Towers trips on Thursday 16 July. These payments can be made via Arbor under the "trips" tab.
These trips are a longstanding highlight of the school calendar and provide students with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their hard work, make lasting memories with friends and enjoy a rewarding end to the academic year.
As a school, we subsidise a significant proportion of the overall cost to ensure as many students as possible can take part. We would therefore be very grateful for any contributions towards the trip, as this support helps us to continue offering these valuable experiences to students in future years.
Departure
We will be departing from the Armitage Centre on Thursday 16th July. All pupils are required to be at the venue for registration by 7:45am, as the coaches will be departing at 8am. Please allow sufficient travel time to ensure your child is punctual.
Dress Code
Students may wear their own clothes, which should be appropriate for the weather. Shoes should be comfortable for walking. If the forecast is for hot weather, children should bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Food and Spending Money
School will provide water, a cereal bar and fruit for all children if required. Children may bring a packed lunch or can buy food at the venue. Rides are free at the venue, but you may wish to provide spending money for food, arcade games or souvenirs. A pre-paid card (which students purchase at the venue) is used for this.
Transport
We will be travelling by coach. The journey may take up to two hours and we will not be stopping. If your child is prone to travel sickness, please ensure they are carrying a sick bag, have taken appropriate preventative medication and remind them of other measures they can take to avoid sickness.
Mobile phones
Students will be permitted to bring, and use, their mobile phones during the day. We have asked parents to supply their child number via this form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=yIDyozGCLEWuxbl4I6sUrfd1hPgsFARNq9UqPatZhNFUQldCTjVWUU5KOVEyS1lBRldXRTQ0WEIxNi4u to ensure they are reachable on the day. Appropriate usage rules apply, and students should only take photographs with the permission of others and are reminded that the sharing of negative, or of unkind images or words, is against school policy and will be sanctioned.
At the venue
Students will be allowed to move around the venue independently with the expectation that they remain in small groups of 3-6 students. They will be required to check-in with their pastoral team / form tutor / lead member of staff at key points in the day and will be provided with an emergency number to call. Where a child requires additional support or supervision, appropriate risk assessments will be put in place and support will be provided.
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Head of Year Messages |
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Year 7 – Ms. S Bryan/Mrs.K Park
As we approach the end of another busy week, I would like to thank you for your support and flexibility during the recent warm weather. The students have adapted brilliantly to the changing conditions and have continued to demonstrate excellent behaviour, maturity and resilience throughout the week. We are incredibly proud of them.
This week also saw many of our Year 7 students attend their first Track and Field Day. It was wonderful to see so many students embracing the opportunity to showcase their athletic talents, demonstrate great sportsmanship and represent their school with pride. A huge well done to everyone who participated, and congratulations to all of our event winners for their fantastic achievements.
Looking ahead to next week, we are excited for our first Joy and Belonging Trip, which I know many students are eagerly anticipating. Students will need to make their way directly to the Armitage Centre, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from school. While we have spent time in school discussing the route and sharing maps, some students have expressed concerns about travelling there independently. We would be grateful if you could plan the journey with your child over the weekend to help ensure they are confident and arrive on time.
Please note that students should arrive at the Armitage Centre by 7:40am. It is also important that all students provide a contact number where they can be reached throughout the day. If you have not already done so, please complete the form linked above.
We are also looking forward to our upcoming House Extravaganza, which will provide a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate their achievements and friendships as we mark the end of their first year in secondary school. It promises to be a fantastic event and a fitting way to recognise all they have accomplished this year. |
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Year 8 – Ms. C Gates
What a week it has been! It has been wonderful to see so much participation across the school in so many areas. Big Speak Week has been fantastic and a privilege to observe. From the Odd Arts workshops and girls’ workshops on bullying, to maths debates, geography discussions on solutions to plastic pollution, and so much more, our scholars have had countless opportunities to develop their oracy skills and confidence. It has been brilliant to see students stepping up, sharing their ideas and showing the value of participation. Well done as well to everyone who took part in House Track and Field Day. I am really looking forward to finding out the final house results!
This newsletter also gives me the opportunity to share that I will sadly be leaving MEA Central at the end of this term. As I reflect on my time here, I feel incredibly grateful for the last two years and for the privilege of working with the Class of 2029. This year group is truly incredible, and I have loved seeing our scholars grow in confidence, maturity and independence. I know there are fantastic futures ahead for each and every one of them. As Year 8 move into Year 9, they will be supported by Mr Roper and Ms Renshaw, who have just worked with our current Year 11s for four years. They are really looking forward to getting to know the year group and supporting them through the next stage of their journey.
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Year 10 – Mr C Blackburn Dear Parents and Carers, As we enter the final week of Year 10, it is important to stop and reflect on what has been a truly outstanding year, full of opportunities, success and progression. We have seen students grow in confidence, maturity and independence, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved. A huge well done must go to Year 10 for the way they conducted themselves during their recent college visits. Students took their futures seriously, engaged positively with the opportunities presented to them, and represented MEA Central excellently throughout. These experiences are invaluable in helping students understand their post-16 options and begin planning for their future pathways. Throughout the year, I have been continually impressed by the manners, respect and maturity shown by our students, both in school and on the many trips and visits they have taken part in. It has been fantastic to witness the development of the year group and see so many students embrace opportunities beyond the classroom. I would also like to commend Year 10 for their excellent engagement in the Odd Arts theatre production, as well as all those students who supported and helped at the Track and Field Day. Your enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to contribute to the wider school community have not gone unnoticed. Next week brings an exciting end to the academic year, with two fantastic events taking place. Students will enjoy our Theme Park Day and House Extravaganza, where they will have the opportunity to take part in a range of fun-filled activities and celebrate the successes of the year. In addition, our Rewards Assembly will take place next Wednesday, recognising the many achievements of our students. Finally, I would like to thank Year 10 for all of their hard work, resilience and dedication throughout the year. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow, and I am incredibly excited to see what they will achieve in Year 11. Have a wonderful a great weekend and we look forward to the final week. Best wishes, |
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