22/05/2026
Dear Parents/Carers,
I want to start by saying a few words about our Year 11 and Year 13 students, who are now entering their final stages of GCSE and A level examinations. This is a demanding period, and we are incredibly proud of the way they've approached it. They have worked hard, shown real resilience, and demonstrated commitment throughout their courses.
As they complete their last formal week of school, they should feel a strong sense of achievement. They still have important exams ahead, and we will continue to support them fully, but this is also a moment to recognise how far they have come and to wish them the very best as they move through the final weeks of their journey with us.
Secondly, I want to begin by thanking parents and carers for the continued support you show the College. Over recent weeks, many of you took the time to complete our parent survey and share your views on a range of areas, including standards, routines and our approach to uniform. We received several hundred responses, and the feedback was thoughtful, balanced and genuinely helpful.
One of the things I always believe strongly is that listening matters. We will not always agree on every issue, and there will always be areas where expectations need to remain firm, but it is important that families feel heard and understand that feedback helps shape our thinking and decision-making.
Following your feedback, we have made a small but important adjustment to our expectations around blazers and outdoor coats. The blazer remains a compulsory part of the College uniform and there will still be occasions where students are expected to wear it, particularly during formal events and key moments in College life. However, students may wear any combination of uniform items, including their shirt, blazer, College jumper or College cardigan, and students will no longer receive a sanction simply for wearing an outdoor coat or jacket without their blazer underneath.
This change is about introducing a little more flexibility and common sense into our daily routines. It is not about lowering standards, which remain high, nor does it change our expectations around smart presentation, readiness for learning and pride in belonging to the College community. We will continue to challenge and support students where uniform expectations are not met, while also recognising the importance of proportionality and fairness.
As always, students are expected to remove outdoor coats and non-uniform outerwear in lessons, and our wider expectations regarding appearance, jewellery and conduct remain unchanged. We will continue to work closely with students and families to ensure expectations are clear, consistent and supportive.
Finally, I would also like to remind families that our uniform store remains open each morning before school and again at breaktime. Students can borrow items free of charge if needed, helping ensure that small issues never become barriers to a successful day in school.
Thank you once again for your feedback, your honesty and your continued support.
Dominic Lane
Headteacher
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