Good Evening,
As we reach the end of the first full week back at school, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge some of the successes already seen, and to note some exciting events taking place in the coming weeks.
At the start of the year, I set three clear priorities for the year ahead. One of these was around enrichment and rewards, ensuring we recognise students effectively for meeting our high standards. I am delighted that just seven days into the term, we have awarded 17,483 merits across the school, each of which provides students with a point to spend in our online reward shop. Already, students have purchased 36 free chip vouchers, 43 free cake vouchers, and one ‘Hot Chocolate with the Headteacher’. The brilliant start that our students have made to the term means that our current merit-to-behaviour point ratio is 36:1.
Our Year 7 students have made an exceptional start to life at Preston, quickly finding their way around the site and enjoying their lessons. This week saw their first photo day, the pictures from which will be emailed to families next week, with the option to purchase both digital and physical copies. I am particularly delighted that, as of lunchtime today, our Year 7 students had not received a single behaviour point. As a result, Mr Dickens and Mr Hope delivered some sweet treats to each tutor group!
Our clubs have already proven exceptionally popular, with football and netball on Wednesday drawing over 100 students. As I left today, our race car club continued to work on their kit car!
Earlier today, I had my first training session on the online platform used across the county to monitor trips and visits. I was delighted to sign off trips to Swanage for Year 11 Geography students, the Somerset Careers Fair for students in Years 9 and 11, and a really exciting opportunity for our Young Enterprise team, who have been invited to the Liberal Democrat Party Conference to talk about the importance of enterprise in schools. Details on our ski trip will be shared with families over the next fortnight, while a group of 36 students in Year 8 continue to prepare for the Iceland trip in 2026.
As always, the school functions due to the support we receive from home. I am hugely grateful for your support in ensuring our young people arrive in the correct uniform, with the right equipment, and ready for the day ahead.
I would like to finish with a small plea on behalf of our local residents. The final approach to the school, off Monks Dale, is very narrow, with limited turning space. Much of the parking is reserved for residents, a number of whom work for the NHS and often undertake night shifts. I would be hugely grateful if families could avoid using the residents’ parking when visiting the site. If dropping students off by car, it is often easier to do this on Larkhill Road, with a footpath then leading the final 50 or so metres to the school.
I hope you have a lovely weekend, we look forward to welcoming students back on Monday.
Thank you,
Mr Doble