A very Happy New Year to you all.

It has been lovely to welcome the students back to school this week and to see the sense of energy and positivity around the site. Our start-of-term assembly reflected on just how busy and enriching the previous term was, with a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.

For our Year 11 and Year 13 students, this now marks the final full term before the Easter break — just 55 school days to go. This is an important period, and we are encouraging students to remain focused and make the most of every opportunity.

As you will be aware, improving school attendance continues to be a priority for us, as it is for many schools across the country. I am pleased to share that our whole-school attendance (Years 7–11) for the autumn term was 93.3%, an improvement on 92.7% last year and 91.4% in 2023. We are moving in the right direction and would like to continue this positive trend.

To give you a clearer picture:

• 267 students currently have 100% attendance
• 564 students are between 95% and 99.99%
• 300 students are between 90% and 94.99%
• 307 students have attendance below 90%

If you are unsure of your child’s current attendance, we will be writing home next week with this information.

Regular attendance is vital not only for academic success but also for developing important life skills, such as resilience, routine, and understanding different perspectives. We really value your support in ensuring that your child is in school, learning, and continuing to develop these skills. Helpful advice on school attendance is also available via the NHS website.

If there are any barriers preventing your child from attending school regularly, please do not hesitate to contact their tutor in the first instance so that we can work together to offer support.

This week, we have also spoken with students about the importance of kindness, supporting one another, and the positive impact of working together. Over the holiday period, I listened to this year’s Reith Lectures on BBC Sounds, presented by Dutch historian Rutger Bregman. The lectures explore the idea that, even in challenging times, humanity has a strong capacity for kindness and cooperation. Inspired by this, I have begun reading his book Humankind: A Hopeful History, which includes many uplifting examples of individuals and communities making a positive difference. A short parable from the book was shared with students as part of our assemblies.

In addition, assemblies this week have addressed concerns seen across wider society around misogyny and the impact this can have on individuals. Students explored what behaviours may fall into this category, alongside the national and international context. We also discussed how we address such behaviours in school and the importance of our whole community working together to ensure that any concerns are challenged and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

Thank you for supporting the Wish List Appeal 2025

We would like to thank all those who generously supported our Wish List Appeal this year. Thanks to your kindness, departments across the school have been able to benefit from wonderful new resources — including a tabletop projector for Drama, a realistic breathing dog to help calm anxious students in our Wellbeing Centre, and a complete set of Tutor games for Years 7–11.

Together, our school community donated an incredible £3,779.94, and we truly cannot thank you enough. Whether you chose to fund a specific wish or donated funds to be used where the need was greatest, your contribution will make a meaningful difference to our students’ learning, wellbeing, and daily school life.

We are very grateful for your continued support and generosity.

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S NEWS STORIES BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGES BELOW

Celebrating Creativity and Inspiring Future Talent

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Race Night Fundraiser! 

The Friends of Charters School are delighted to invite parents and carers to their second fundraising event – a Race Night designed to bring our community together while directly supporting students. Taking place in the Sixth Form Common Room, the evening promises fun, friendly competition and a shared commitment to enriching school life. 

Date: Friday 6 February 
Time: 7.15pm 
Cost: £10 (Pizza and first drink included) 
 
Cash & card accepted at the bar. 
CASH ONLY at the tote. 

Tickets are available now on ParentPay - Buy yours below

Event has been kindly sponsored by Blueberry Dental Practice

House Photogaphy Competition

The House photography competition “MY COMMUNITY“ will close on Monday at 3pm!

This is a great opportunity for students to be creative and to show your own interpretation of what “community” means to you. We’re hoping for a wide range of entries that celebrate the people, places, and moments that make our communities unique.

To help motivate them, every entry will earn House Points, and the winning photograph will receive an additional 10 House Points.

So… take advantage of the weekend to capture an image that sums up YOUR community & submit it BEFORE the deadline on 12^th.

 

Good luck everyone!

DNA Production 

Next Thursday and Friday our Senior production of DNA by Dennis Kelly will take lace in the Drama Studio. Refreshments will be available from 6.45pm until the auditorium doors open at 7.20pm and the play will start promptly at 7.30pm.  There are just 6 tickets left for the Thursday performance which can be purchased on ParentPay

Don't miss out on your chance to watch this outstanding performance. Our thanks to Elysee Kitchens & Interiors who have generously sponsored both evenings.

 

Our Upcoming Opportunities page is constantly updated with new and exciting Careers opportunities.

SUPPORT 1ST SUNNINGDALE SCOUTS – BUY A BRICK APPEAL

1st Sunningdale Scouts are raising funds to rebuild their Scout Hut in 2026, creating a modern community space that will support Scouting in the village for years to come. Over 130 local young people and 50 volunteers currently take part in Scouts locally, building skills, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

You can support the project by buying a brick and having your name or message engraved on the celebration wall at the new hut.

Learn more or order your brick at: www.sunningdalescouts.org.uk

BE PREPARED
EVERY DAY STUDENTS WILL NEED TO BRING...

HOPE FOOD SHARE

The Hope Church food share takes place each Tuesday from 12pm-1pm. 

The items include mainly fresh food and bakery items donated from local supermarkets. The food is at the end of its shelf life (but still perfectly fine to eat!) and would otherwise just go to waste. Bring a bag to fill up, stop for a chat and a cup of tea (and cake!!) and warm up in the church. ALL welcome, no voucher/referral required.

Hope Church, Sunningdale, The Hope Centre, High Street Sunningdale, (next to Nag’s Head).

Please CLICK HERE for more details.

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PARENT CURRICULUM/SUPPORT INFORMATION

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