1st March 2017
Dear Families I trust everyone has managed to get some break at this mid point of the term. Just before half term, Simon Balle All through School was invited to attend a highly prestigious celebratory event held by our Regional Schools Commissioner, Martin Post at the Army and Navy Club in Pall Mall. Martin (ex Head teacher of Watford Boys Grammar School and now the Regional Commissioner for Academies, in the South Central and North West London area) invited those schools who had ensured that students last year made the greatest progress, judging from their starting points (Progress 8). Out of 874 academies, around 12 schools from 27 counties/ boroughs, were invited. We were one of only eight secondary schools. The evening, attended by myself, Mike Moss (deputy) and Paul Connolly (Chair of Governors) proved to be very interesting, with a talk by Sir David Carter, the National School’s Commissioner and a discussion on what is effective school improvement. It was a great privilege to attend this on behalf of the school, demonstrating what outstanding results were achieved last year. Our partner school, The Wren Academy, (which also converted to all through at the same time as us) was also present, as was Herts and Essex Girls School. We are now focused on our current cohorts!
We would like to make you aware of the new barrier we have had installed blocking entry for cars to the playground. This is for the children's safety. We would like to remind parents and carers that if you need to collect your child during the school day to park in the car park and walk to the main reception.