It has been a pleasure to see our half termly Belonging Week in action across the school this week! From assemblies and tutor activities to the many conversations taking place around school, scholars have reflected on what it means to be part of a community and the responsibilities that come with that. Our values are strengthened when every member of our community feels that they belong. 

Next week, we move into Gratitude Week. We want our scholars to recognise the contribution that others make to their lives and to develop the habit of noticing and appreciating the efforts of those around them. On Monday, scholars will have the opportunity to write gratitude cards to members of staff who have supported, encouraged or inspired them. I know this is always a meaningful experience for both students and staff, and I look forward to seeing the thoughtful messages our students create. 

In Monday’s assembly, we will also revisit some of our Key expectations around citizenship and conduct. This will include reminders about queuing respectfully at lunchtime, addressing each other appropriately and demonstrating the high standards of behaviour that we expect at MEA Central. These routines may seem small, but they play an important role in creating a calm, orderly and positive environment for everyone. 

Citizenship extends beyond the school gates, and I would like to ask for parents’ support with this. We are aware of some current social media trends that are encouraging young people to engage in behaviour that is disruptive, irresponsible or disrespectful within the local community. We want all of our students to understand that actions taken outside school still matter and that they have a responsibility to treat residents, local businesses and public spaces with care and respect. 

Please take the opportunity to talk with your child about their use of social media, the influence of online trends and the importance of making good decisions when they are out in the community. By working together, we can help our young people remain safe, act responsibly and continue to be positive ambassadors for both themselves and our school. 

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

 

Free School Meal Vouchers for October 2026 Half Term Break 

If your child is eligible for free school meals, you will receive in your inbox an Asda voucher for £12.00 per eligible child on Friday 16th October 2026.  Please check your emails.  If you have any issues with accessing your voucher, please refer to the links below: 

How to check the balance of a voucher 

Please use the online balance checker https://cards.asda.com/ 

Other queries

https://cards.asda.com/contactus 

 

Reading at Home This Term 

Reading regularly is one of the most valuable things your child can do to develop their vocabulary, build confidence, and strengthen their emotional wellbeing. This term, we encourage all students to read at home for at least 15-30 minutes each day.Students are also encouraged to visit the school library or their local library. Local libraries are free to join and provide a fantastic opportunity to discover new books, authors, and genres at no cost. 

Optional Half-term Reading Challenges 

This term, students will have the opportunity to take part in three optional reading activities: 

• Write a Book Review 
  This does not need to be long or detailed. We would simply love to hear what your child thought about a book they have read. 

• Enter the Portico Sadie Massey Awards Writing Competition 
  Students can submit a short story inspired by the North of England and showcase their creativity as young writers. Entries can be brought to Ms Ferry or Ms Smith in the Library. 

• Design a Butterfly 
  Students are invited to design and decorate a butterfly. Participants will receive 5 House Points and 2 CAPS, and all butterflies will be displayed in school as part of our reading displays. 

Templates and resources for all challenges will be distributed during English lessons next week. Students who complete all three challenges will receive a special prize, along with additional CAPS and House Points. 

We would love to see as many students as possible get involved. Please encourage your child to pick up a book, get creative, and take part in these exciting opportunities throughout the term.

 

Head of Year Messages

 

Year 7 – Mr Guest 

Year 7 have continued to make an excellent start to the year and it has been wonderful to see so many students embracing our year group vision of Belonging. Students are building positive friendships, settling into routines and increasingly seeing themselves as valued members of our school community. We encourage all students to continue strengthening this sense of belonging by treating others with kindness, taking pride in their presentation and looking for opportunities to contribute positively to school life. 

I have also been delighted with the level of excellence demonstrated in lessons. During learning walks and lesson visits, Year 7 students have consistently shown well-developed scholarly habits. They arrive prepared, engage thoughtfully with challenging work and demonstrate resilience when faced with difficult tasks. The maturity and enthusiasm many students are showing towards their learning is particularly pleasing to see and provides a strong foundation for future success. 

Our enrichment programme continues to provide fantastic opportunities for students to get involved beyond the classroom. I would particularly encourage more students to consider joining our girls' football and badminton clubs. Both offer an excellent opportunity to develop new skills, stay active, build confidence and form friendships across the year group. Enrichment remains one of the best ways for students to strengthen their connection to school and develop a real sense of belonging. 

As we move forward, maintaining excellent attendance, punctuality and uniform standards will remain key priorities, ensuring every student is able to make the most of their learning and wider opportunities. 

Finally, this Friday's assembly will mark Black History Month, where students will learn about the importance of equal access to education and hear inspiring stories of individuals who campaigned to ensure all young people received fair opportunities to succeed. These stories link closely to our theme of belonging and remind us of the importance of creating a community where everyone feels valued, included and able to achieve their potential. 

Mr Guest, Mx Eastwood 

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Year 8 – Ms Park 

This week, Year 8 marked Belonging Week, focusing on what makes our school community a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, known and included. During form time, students reflected on the importance of belonging and keeping everybody safe through a live SLT assembly. Tutors also celebrated strong attendance, recognised students for excellent attendance. 

Throughout the week, students participated in a range of activities that promoted leadership, inclusion and understanding. They listened to candidates and voted respectfully in the Head Boy and Head Girl elections, while Black History Month form sessions encouraged thoughtful reflection on the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history and today.  

The week also included our successful Open Evening, where prospective students and families visited the school, alongside a later start on Friday following the event. Across all activities, students were encouraged to demonstrate our school values of kindness, respect and responsibility, helping to strengthen the sense of belonging within our Year 8 community. 

Mrs Park, Mrs Costello, Mr Chaudhury. 

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Year 9 – Mr Roper

This week has been another extremely busy and productive one for Year 9. A major focus has been Review Week, which plays an integral role in analysing students' recent 'Big Test' outcomes and identifying the next steps needed to support their progress ahead of the Year 9 Parents' Evening on Tuesday 3rd November. The process has provided valuable opportunities for students and staff to reflect on strengths, celebrate successes and target areas for further improvement.  

It was also fantastic to see so many Year 9 students attending the school's Open Evening, proudly representing the school and supporting their younger siblings and families as they explored the opportunities available here. Their maturity, enthusiasm and willingness to share their experiences were a real credit to the year group.  

Alongside this, many students have continued to make the most of the excellent extracurricular opportunities on offer across the school, demonstrating great commitment beyond the classroom. I was also delighted to work with a small group of students during a reteach session this week, where their positive attitude, engagement and determination to improve were particularly impressive.  

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another successful last week of term next week – culminating in the year groups first Celebration Assembly, an opportunity for both of us to celebrate the year groups strong start to the year. 

Mr Roper, Mrs Renshaw 

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Year 10 – Ms Bradbury 

It has been another positive week for Year 10, and I continue to be impressed by the mature and responsible approach students are taking to their Key Stage 4 studies. Across the year group, students are continuing to demonstrate our Grade 1 scholarly habits through their effort in lessons, positive attitudes to learning and commitment to achieving their personal best. Thank you to parents and carers for your ongoing support in helping to maintain these high standards. 

Attendance remains a key focus for Year 10, and I would like to thank families for their continued support in ensuring students attend school every day and arrive on time. Strong attendance is 

one of the biggest contributors to success at GCSE, allowing students to benefit from every lesson, build positive routines and avoid gaps in their learning. We encourage all students to continue prioritising excellent attendance as we move further into the academic year. 

This week, students have received their Work Experience information letters. Work experience is an exciting opportunity for students to gain an insight into the world of work, develop valuable employability skills and explore potential future career pathways. To enable your child to take part, parents and carers are asked to scan the QR code on the letter and complete the consent form. We would also encourage families to begin discussing and exploring potential placements with their child. Information, guidance and key dates can be found on the school website, and the earlier students begin their search, the more options they are likely to have available to them. 

Looking ahead to next week, we will be celebrating Gratitude Week across the school. Gratitude is an important part of building a positive school community, encouraging us to recognise the support, kindness and encouragement we receive from others each day. Throughout the week, students will have opportunities to reflect on those who have helped them, appreciate the contributions of others and consider how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on those around us. We look forward to seeing Year 10 embrace this important theme and continue contributing positively to our MEA Central community. 

Ms Bradbury, Mx Umpierrez 

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Year 11 – Mr Blackburn  

Year 11 continue to make an excellent start to the year, and I would like to congratulate the year group on their outstanding attitude, focus and commitment. Students are continuing to engage positively with their learning, and it is clear that they are beginning to understand the importance of every opportunity available to them during this crucial year. 

 

College Applications & Personal Statements 

Our focus remains firmly on college applications. Students should continue applying to five colleges and keeping their options open. We are asking students to regularly email their form tutor with updates regarding applications and open day visits so that we can track progress and provide support where needed. 

CAP lessons continue to focus on personal statements, which are a vital part of the college application process. I have been very impressed with the engagement and maturity shown in these sessions. The time and effort invested now will make a significant difference when applications are submitted. 

 

Revision Month 

October is Revision Month, and students should now be developing consistent revision routines at home. The aim is not to spend hours revising every evening, but instead to build sustainable habits through regular, focused revision. The earlier students begin preparing, the more confident and successful they will feel. 

 

On the Horizon – Progress Exams 

A major focus for the year group is the upcoming Progress Exams, which will begin on Monday 2nd November and run over a two-week period. The Year Team and all teaching staff have been explicit in their message: success comes from being organised, prepared and completing tasks early. 

Students should now be: 

• Following a revision timetable. 
• Revising little and often. 
• Ensuring all equipment is ready. 
• Checking exam timetables and key information carefully. 
• Asking for support early if they need it. 

These exams are an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their progress and identify areas for further development ahead of the summer examinations. 

 

Attendance & Punctuality 

Attendance and punctuality remain absolutely essential. Every lesson between now and the Progress Exams matters. Students who attend regularly benefit from every explanation, every piece of feedback and every intervention put in place to support success. 

Arriving on time to school and lessons is equally important. Being punctual ensures students are settled, organised and ready to learn from the very start. As we move towards the exams, we need every student to maintain excellent attendance and punctuality and give themselves the very best chance of success. 

 

Winmarleigh Residential 

A reminder that the deadline to secure a place on the Winmarleigh Residential is Friday 16th October. A £5 deposit will secure your child's place, with a flexible payment plan to follow. We would love to see the entire year group attend what promises to be a fantastic experience and a memorable part of Year 11. 

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. The year group has made a strong start, and we are excited to see them continue to grow, develop and achieve over the coming months. 

 

Best wishes, 
Mr Blackburn and Mrs Shahbaz