Monday 27th April | Head of School Letter
Welcome to the last week of April. I hope you were able to enjoy the sunshine at the weekend. As we start the third week back after Easter, the focus across the school has shifted towards exams. Mr Passaro and I will be leading an assembly for Year 11 and 13 this week to ensure they are fully prepared and understand the JCQ exam regulations because written exams begin this week for some students, and for the majority next week or the week after. Reaching this point in the year is a significant milestone for our exam cohorts, and while it brings an intensity to the school, it brings with it the opportunity for students to demonstrate their resilience. Whether a student is sitting formal exams or continuing to engage with their learning, our core values of Prepare, Aspire, and Succeed remain the compass for everyone.
Your support at home remains invaluable during these coming weeks. Please help your children - whether they are facing exams or continuing their regular learning in lessons - to stay well-rested, maintain a balanced routine, and keep their focus on steady progress. If your child is taking exams, remind them that these assessments are just one chapter in their broader educational journey, and if your child is not taking exams, encourage them to maintain their momentum and support their older peers. We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown across the whole school. Should you or your child need any guidance or support, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Form Tutor, Head of Year, or the School Office directly.
London Marathon 2026
Sunday’s 46th London Marathon was truly historic. For the first time in a competitive race, two men broke the two-hour barrier, a feat only three athletes in history have ever achieved, with Sebastian Sawe winning in a stunning 1:59:30. The women’s race was equally groundbreaking. Tigst Assefa set a new women-only world record of 2:15:41, and for the first time in marathon history, the top three finishers all clocked times under 2:16. These milestones are a testament to human potential, supported by the remarkable advancements in sports science and engineering that continue to push the boundaries of what we once thought possible.
Sunday is always a highlight of my year, and this event was no exception. A massive congratulations to anyone within our community who participated; 26.2 miles is a formidable challenge, and the heat added an extra layer of difficulty. I was honoured to return for my sixth year as a member of the official LME pace team. Running with the seven-hour-fifteen-minute crew, we crossed the line in 7:14:38. Marathon day in London is unique, while I love the personal challenge, the true privilege lies in helping others achieve their ambitions. Hearing the stories of why people run, and the dedication they show to raising money for charities close to their hearts, is a humbling experience. It is a powerful reminder of the good in people who go to such lengths to help others, a spirit matched only by the masses of volunteers who work tirelessly to make the day run smoothly.
Wearing PE kit to school during the summer exam season 2026
A huge well done to all students for getting the hang of which days are wear PE kit to school days - a few students wore their kits on the wrong day but their friends let them know as they got off the buses! Students do need to bring either a TCS PE top, their blazer or V neck jumper to keep warm - especially as the mornings are still chilly. Too many students are wearing non-school uniform/PE kit tops.
The Green Club
'The Green Club,' led by Mr. Brokenbrow, is now in full swing. It will be wonderful to see students from all year groups gathering every Wednesday in the TEAM Hub and C-block garden to actively improve our school site. Building on this momentum, I am excited to announce that from September 2026, we will be offering A Level Environmental Science. Taught by Mr. Brokenbrow and Mrs. Moore, this subject bridges learning between Biology and Geography to provide a fantastic academic pathway for our students. Our A Level cohort will serve as mentors and student leaders for The Green Club, fostering valuable collaboration across year groups.
Community and Road Safety
We are fortunate to be part of a supportive local community. To ensure the safety of our students and to maintain the positive, neighbourly relationships we value so highly, please ensure you are parking thoughtfully, avoiding the obstruction of driveways and refraining from parking on pavements. By being mindful of where and how we park, we demonstrate respect for our neighbours and, most importantly, keep our students safe. Thank you for your continued cooperation and for your commitment to our community.
Sparx Maths
- Total Questions Answered: 1,321,223
- Total Time Invested: 145,964 hours
- 365 students have reached a new Maths XP level this week.
Two classes that have set the standard for engagement this week: 9wx/Ma2 achieved a remarkable 96.3% completion rate - the highest this week. Well done to 10wy/Ma8, who achieved an impressive average of 932 XP per student.
Sports Report
Year 7 Boys’ Football District League Champions! Our Year 7 boys’ football team has been crowned District League Champions! In a stellar performance against Aylesbury Grammar School, the team secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory, with goals from Ollie W and Harry P. It is a fantastic achievement for the boys to finish the season on such a high note - we look forward to seeing what they can do in future years after such a strong start to secondary sport competitions!
Our other football teams also showed great character on the pitch this week: Our Year 9 boys’ football team contested the district league final against Lord Williams. It was a thrilling encounter where our team put up a brilliant fight, narrowly finishing as runners-up in a 4-3 match. They played with real heart and represented the school exceptionally well. Our U13 girls’ football team faced a challenging match against John Colet. While the result did not go our way, the team demonstrated commendable resilience and dedication throughout the game.
Finally, we are celebrating a fantastic individual achievement from this weekend. Poppy M represented the East region at the London Mini Marathon, running the final 2.6km of the marathon course. She performed brilliantly, securing an impressive 53rd-place finish.
Opportunities in Buckinghamshire to support your child's future career
The working world is changing rapidly, and it can be a challenge for parents and carers to know how to best support their young person. Careers look very different today than they did for previous generations. The modern workforce is characterised by more frequent career changes, flexible working arrangements, and the ‘gig’ economy. To compete in this landscape, most roles now require at least Level 2 and 3 qualifications, with one-third of jobs demanding Degree level qualifications.
Buckinghamshire is home to several thriving industries where job demand is high. As your child considers their future path, these sectors are seeing significant growth:
- Construction: Driven by major projects like HS2 and East West Rail, as well as new residential developments.
- Health and Social Care: Expanding due to an ageing population and the ongoing need for medical advancements.
- High Performance Engineering: Supported by the world-class Silverstone Technology Cluster.
- Digital Technology: Local businesses are facing a skills shortage, creating excellent opportunities for new talent.
- Space & Creative: Westcott Space cluster and Pinewood Studios offer highly specialised and skilled roles.
Regardless of the career path your child chooses, employers are looking for a blend of skills. You can help your child by encouraging the following:
- Learning Skills: Creativity, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving.
- Technical Skills: Big data analysis, programming, and financial literacy.
- Life Skills: Adaptability, resilience, leadership, and communication.
For further details on qualifications, specific job roles, and how to access local support, we highly recommend visiting the Bucks Skills Hub website at www.bucksskillshub.org. You can also find additional guidance on our school’s Careers Ideas page. Both are comprehensive tools designed to help you and your child make informed decisions about their next steps.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health and Wellbeing
Buckinghamshire Council Family Learning is offering a free, online course designed specifically for parents and carers of children in Years 7-9. This course, titled Support Your Child's Mental Health & Wellbeing (Course code: FMWB057), aims to help you understand stress and anxiety and explore practical strategies to support your child in dealing with pressure. The course takes place online on Wednesdays until 20th May from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (the first one was last week but the team are very happy for families to join at a later date. To book your place or for more information, please contact the enrolment team at 01296 383582, or contact Lou at 07814 305345. You can also visit adultlearningbc.ac.uk to learn more.
Vacancies
We are currently advertising for the following posts:
- Teacher of Maths (closing date: 5th May 2026)
- Caretaker including Lettings duties (closing date 1st May 2026)
Please share the adverts within your networks, if appropriate: Join Our Team
Events happening at school this week
This week’s assemblies are focused on Careers for Years 7 to 10.
Monday 27th April
- Year 9 Bronze DofE: Practice Expedition (All day)
- After School Detentions
Tuesday 28th April
- Year 11 Art Exam - day 1
- Year 9 Bronze DofE: Practice Expedition (All day)
Wednesday 29th April
- Year 11 Art Exam - day 2
- After School Detentions
- U15 Girls Cricket Cup: vs Ousedale (Away, 3.15 pm – 6.00 pm)
Thursday 30th April
- U13 Girls Football: vs Mandeville (Away, 3.15 pm – 5.00 pm)
- U15 Boys Cricket Cup: vs Buckingham (Away, 3.15 pm – 5.30 pm)
Friday 1st May
- Year 11 and 13 Assembly – Exam Guidance and JCQ rules
- Year 9 Maths in the Fast Lane Trip: (All day, Silverstone)
Have a great week, and enjoy the Bank Holiday! We look forward to seeing students back in school on Tuesday 5th May.
Best wishes,
Louise Baldwin
Head of School