Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed some quality time together over the half-term break.
Autumn 2 is now in full swing, and our wonderful Danebury community returned on Tuesday looking incredibly smart and ready to learn. It’s been a positive start to the half-term.
Teaching and Learning
I’ve visited lessons every day this week to observe engagement levels, and I’m delighted to report that pupil engagement is higher than ever. This improvement reflects the greater consistency in teaching and learning across the school. Staff have also planned more opportunities to develop reading, enabling all pupils to access the curriculum more effectively.
We are:
- Pre-teaching key vocabulary
- Reading more ambitious texts as a class
- Using visualisers to annotate frequently
These strategies help pupils to know more, remember more, and do more.
During our recent INSET days, we focused on developing our KS3 Assessment strategy. Going forward, all pupils will receive an exam wrapper after each assessment, clearly identifying strengths and areas for development. Pupils will have dedicated editing time to apply feedback. At the end of each term, you will be able to see evidence of progress in your child’s assessment books.
KS3 Screening
All annual screenings took place in Autumn 1, and we have now received data from GL Assessments and Little Wandle Reading assessments. As a result, new reading intervention groups are running during tutor time each morning. Last year, pupils on these 12-week interventions improved their reading ages by at least 12 months—these sessions really boost comprehension and fluency.
Year 11
This week, I reminded Year 11 that they have just 100 school days left—a real wake-up call for some! We have increased targeted interventions:
- Additional Maths, English, and Science revision sessions during tutor time on Wednesdays and Fridays, plus Friday lesson 5
- Lunchtime and after-school Masterclasses in core subjects are also on offer.
Please encourage your child to attend these sessions.
Uniform
Thank you for supporting our high standards. Most pupils are meeting expectations, with only a handful wearing trainers without a doctor’s note. A small number have had nose piercings over half-term—please remember that only clear retainers are permitted, regardless of when the piercing was done.
Attendance
Attendance this week reached 93.8%, above the national average of 92.8%! This is a fantastic achievement for a small school, where every pupil makes a big difference. Thank you to families who used the INSET days either side of half-term for holidays—this was intentional and will continue next year to help reduce holiday costs and improve attendance.
We have noticed a dip on Fridays, so please reinforce the importance of attending every day. The Attendance Team will contact families where patterns emerge such as these.
Celebrating Talent
Danebury pupils continue to shine!
- The Buzz performed at The Lights in Andover—well done Henry, Jack, Beau, and Teddy!
- Beau (lead singer of The Buzz) is rehearsing for Voice in a Million 2025–we can’t wait to hear you perform.
This Sunday, we join the Remembrance Service at St Peter’s Church, Stockbridge—one of my favourite community events. With 11% of our pupils from forces families, we deeply appreciate your sacrifices. My own father will be marching from Westminster to Whitehall tomorrow—a poignant moment for my family too.
On Tuesday, Mrs Allsopp will lead our school Remembrance Service at 10:30am, followed by a two-minute silence and The Last Post played by Teddy L-C (Year 11). Poppies are on sale at school—donations welcome.
Sporting Achievements
- Year 10 & 11 Netball Team: A thrilling match against John Hanson, narrowly losing 12–11 in the final minute—great team spirit!
- Beau Morris (Year 7): Winner of the Junior Lord of Lydden Road Race—featured in the Andover Advertiser! Good luck in the FAB Racing Series 2026.
- Alice Ross: Bronze medal at U15 Girls National Water Polo Finals and awarded MVP! Alice joins the U18 GB National Squad alongside sisters Megan and Lily—what a talented family!
- Victoria Slater: Reserve Champion at the British Working Equitation National Championships—an incredible achievement!
We love celebrating pupil achievements—please share them with us for recognition on our screens, website, and socials. Danebury School Facebook
Year 10 Work Experience
We look forward to welcoming Year 10 families on Monday at 6:30pm for our Work Experience Information Evening, with EBP South outlining the placement process.
Have a lovely weekend!
Warm wishes
Nicky Goodridge
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