Dear parents and carers,

What a great first week back at MEA Central. Our scholars have made a strong return, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the new half term. Thank you for the support you give at home in helping them arrive ready to learn.

Our assembly theme this week, “Be the light”, connects directly to our value of citizenship. We have encouraged scholars to think about how their everyday choices can make a difference: including someone who feels left out, showing kindness, looking after our school and thanking those who help them. Alongside working towards their own ambitions, every scholar can help someone else succeed.

Our high expectations remain central to this. Being punctual, wearing uniform with pride and giving full attention in lessons help create a school where everyone can learn and feel respected. This week’s positive start gives us a strong foundation to build on.

Attendance is an essential part of sustaining that momentum. Being in school every day helps scholars keep up with learning, develop friendships and make the most of the opportunities available to them. Please continue to prioritise regular attendance and arriving on time. If your child is finding it difficult to attend, contact us early so we can work together to support them.

Our vision is a fantastic future for all. Thank you for working with us to help every scholar move towards that future, one day and one positive choice at a time!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Mrs Reynar

 

 

Attendance and Punctuality                                  

A good week of attendance across the school! A particular shout-out to Year 11, who demonstrated excellent resilience during the first week of their Progress Exams. Their commitment and determination to be in school and give their best is something to be proud of. Well done, Year 11!

Punctuality remains an area for improvement. We have seen an increase in students arriving late to school, and we would really appreciate your support in ensuring students arrive on time and ready to learn. A reminder that our gates close at 8.40am. Every minute of learning matters, and a positive start to the day makes a real difference.

Year Group	Attendance this week	Top Attendance this week
7	96.4%	7 Armitage
8	92.2%	8 Morrison
9	94.9%	9 Heaney
10	94.3%	10 Armitage
11	95.6%	11 Armitage

 

Parent Partnership

We are delighted to invite all parents and carers to our Community Coffee & Conversations sessions throughout the academic year! These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to connect with our school community, explore important topics, share ideas and have your voice heard.

Take a look at our calendar of events! If you would like to attend a session, please complete the sign-up form in advance to secure your place:

Parent Coffee and Conversations – Fill out form

Join Our Parent Voice Panel!

We are also looking for parents and carers to join our Parent Voice Panel. This is an opportunity to share your ideas, provide feedback, help shape school priorities and work alongside us to make MEA Central even better for our pupils and families Parent Voice Panel – Fill out form

Your voice matters, and together we can make a difference!

 

Work Experience

There are 4 weeks remaining for students to find a self-placement for their Work Experience, the deadline is Friday 27th November 2026.

 

Guidance for finding a placement

Students are encouraged to reach out independently to businesses; they should visit the business in person as a first attempt with their employer letter. If the working hours do not allow the students to visit in person, students should call the business and speak to the appropriate person.

 

Students should speak professionally and be polite, employers offer placements as good will and first impressions count!

 

If the business says they are able to offer a placement, the students should leave their employer letter with them to fill out. Students are expected to follow up with their employer if they do not fill in the form promptly.

 

Students may be required to use public transportation to get to their placements if they secure a placement in central Manchester or surrounding areas, it is parents’ responsibility to ensure your child is equipped and confident to do this before the work experience takes place.

 

Further information and support can be found on our school website including links to the letters the students have been given for consent and the letters for the employers.

 

If you require further support, please email Mrs Hunt on r.hunt@meacentral.org.uk

 

Head of Year Messages 

Year 7 – Mr Guest

It has been fantastic to welcome students back for the first week of term. I am delighted with the positive start that Year Group has made. Students have settled quickly, are re-establishing routines, and have returned with a mature and focused attitude towards their learning.

This term, our continued focus is on belonging and helping every student feel a strong sense of connection to our school community. We know that students achieve their best when they feel valued, supported, and included, and we will be providing a range of opportunities throughout the term to strengthen this sense of belonging.

A particular highlight this week has been the response to our Project Central. The quality of submissions has been exceptional, with students demonstrating a huge amount of creativity, originality, and effort. Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far. We look forward to celebrating the winners in the coming weeks.

As we settle back into routines, we would also appreciate your support with an important safety reminder. Students have been reminded that throwing objects in classrooms and corridors is not acceptable, as it can cause injury and disrupt learning. Please take a moment to reinforce this message at home.

Finally, attendance remains a key priority for us this term. We are particularly focused on improving attendance at after-school overtimes. A significant number of escalated behaviour concerns arise when students do not attend sanctions that have been set. Ensuring students attend these sessions helps them take responsibility for their choices and prevents issues from becoming more serious. We appreciate your support in helping students attend all scheduled after-school commitments.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another successful term together.

 

Mr Guest, Mx Eastwood

 

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Year 8 – Ms Park

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope you and your family had a restful half-term break. This week, Year 8 students made a positive return to school and focused on re-establishing strong routines for learning. Form tutors reinforced our high expectations around attendance, punctuality, correct uniform and equipment, while also encouraging students to demonstrate respect, resilience and readiness to learn in every lesson. Students were reminded of the importance of regular attendance and were supported in understanding their individual attendance figures and how good attendance contributes to academic success and future opportunities.

Throughout the week, students participated in a range of tutor-time activities.

On Monday, they attended the SLT Welcome Back Assembly and reflected on expectations for the new half term. Tutor sessions during the week included academic reading, Project Central activities, a KS3 Careers session, and independent retrieval practice designed to strengthen long-term learning. The week concluded with a Year Group Assembly recognising Disability History Month, which encouraged students to reflect on inclusion, equality and respect for others. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students maintain excellent attendance, strong learning habits and high standards both in school and at home.

Year 8 Team

Mrs Park, Tauheed Choudhury and Mrs Costello

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Year 9 – Mr Roper  

Welcome back to Year 9!

We are really looking forward to building on the excellent start that students made last term. We are keen to maintain the high standards in attendance, behaviour, hard work and determination that have been consistently demonstrated in lessons. We are incredibly proud of the positive attitude shown by our students and look forward to seeing their continued success throughout the year.

It was fantastic to see so many parents, guardians and pupils at Parents' Evening this week. Both Ms Renshaw and I took great pleasure in sharing students' reports and the positive feedback they have received from their teachers. The evening provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate achievements, discuss progress and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

If you have any additional questions or queries following Parents' Evening, please do not hesitate to contact us at school. We are always happy to support and work together to ensure every student achieves their very best.

Mr Roper and Mrs Renshaw

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Year 10 – Ms Bradbury

Welcome back to all of our Year 10 students and families. It has been fantastic to see students return after the half-term break with such positive attitudes and a strong focus on their learning. Students have settled quickly back into routines and have made an excellent start to what promises to be another exciting and important half term in their Key Stage 4 journey.

This half term, we have begun an increased focus on revision and retrieval practice to help students build confidence, strengthen their knowledge and prepare effectively for future assessments. Developing good study habits now will support students throughout Year 10 and beyond, and we encourage students to make the most of the revision strategies and resources being shared by their teachers.

A reminder that the deadline for securing a Work Experience placement is 27th November 2026. Students should now be actively looking for placements and approaching employers to discuss opportunities. Work experience is a valuable part of the Year 10 journey, helping students to develop employability skills, explore potential career interests and gain an insight into the world of work. Information and guidance can be found on the school website, and we would appreciate your support in encouraging your child to begin contacting potential employers if they have not already done so.

We are also looking forward to an exciting half term of House competitions and charity events. These opportunities allow students to demonstrate teamwork, leadership and community spirit while raising money for worthwhile causes. We encourage all Year 10 students to get involved, represent their House proudly and contribute positively to our school community.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I look forward to celebrating the many successes and achievements of Year 10 throughout the half term ahead.

 

Ms Brabury, Mx Umpierrez

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Year 11 – Mr Blackburn

Dear Parents and Carers,

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Year 11 on the fantastic way they have returned after half term. The year group have been amazing. I have been particularly impressed with their uniform, calmness and focused attitude. Their conduct in the Sports Hall during examinations has been outstanding and has set the tone for a purposeful and successful exam period. Thank you to all students for such a settled and mature start.

College Applications

College applications remain a key priority and must be completed by 14th December. However, students should use their time wisely and ensure that their current focus remains on their Progress Exams.

We are asking all students to continue researching post-16 options and completing application forms where possible. Please remember that students should not submit applications or enter predicted grades yet, but every other section can be completed.

CAP lessons continue to support students with writing strong personal statements, and these skills will be invaluable when applications are submitted.

Progress Exams

The Progress Exams are now underway, and we encourage students to continue working hard, staying positive and viewing each exam as part of their learning journey.

The most successful students are those who remain organised and prepared. Students should continue to use their exam timetables, ticking off examinations as they are completed. This helps them focus on the next challenge and recognise the progress they are making.

Remember, Year 11 is not about rushing or becoming overwhelmed. It is about planning ahead, revising little and often, and balancing revision with exercise, family time and opportunities to relax.

Residential

The deadline for the Winmarleigh Residential has now been extended until 13th November.

To register your interest, simply click Consent on Arbor. We would love to see as many students attend as possible, and the school may be able to provide financial support where required. If you would like your child to attend, please register your interest so we can support you with the next steps.

A Massive Shout Out to 11Morrison

A huge congratulations to 11Morrison, who received a free breakfast in form as a reward for collectively demonstrating excellent attendance. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment the form has shown to being in school every day and ready to learn. Well done to everyone involved!

On the Horizon

There are lots of exciting opportunities coming up for Year 11:

• P6 intervention sessions continue throughout the exam period, with pizza provided.
• Doughnuts will be given to students following examinations.
• College applications remain open until 14th December.
• Winmarleigh Residential consent deadline extended until 13th November.
• Year 11 Celebration Assembly.
• Rewards Trip to the Trafford Centre later this term.

Thank you for your continued support. We are incredibly proud of the maturity, resilience and focus shown by Year 11 so far and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive over the coming weeks.

 

Best wishes,
Mr Blackburn and Mrs Shahbaz