Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you're managing to cool down at last and get better quality sleep.

This week has certainly been different from our usual routine, with the extreme temperatures presenting us with some real challenges. The decision to move to remote learning was not one we took lightly, and I'm genuinely grateful for your swift responses to Thursday's questionnaire. Your partnership and feedback truly matter, and it was clear to gauge how the vast majority of you were feeling about the situation. I do hope we won't need to resort to such measures again before the end of term.

I'd like to extend my congratulations to Year 9 and Year 10 for the mature way in which they've approached their mocks and exams. The invigilators have been full of praise for their exemplary attitude and behaviour throughout – it's been a real pleasure to hear such positive feedback. We'll be holding our final mocks and exams next week, and I'm hopeful that we'll be able to do so in rather more comfortable conditions than we've experienced recently.

Year 10 had a particularly successful taster day at Peter Symonds College on Tuesday. As always, our pupils were exemplary ambassadors for Danebury School, and the feedback we've received suggests they felt truly inspired by the sessions they experienced. These opportunities are invaluable as they begin to think about their post-16 options, and it's wonderful to see them engaging so positively with the experience.

On Thursday evening, we celebrated in style at the Prom with Year 11 at Norton Park. I'm delighted to report that the venue's air conditioning did a reasonable job – though I'm not sure it quite managed to keep us cool on the dance floor! My sincere thanks go to Mrs Brush's band, Boru Beats, for providing fantastic entertainment throughout the evening, and to Mrs Braidley for organising such a fabulous occasion. The much-anticipated arrival ceremony was truly incredible to witness. Each year, the modes of transport seem to become more adventurous, and this year was no exception – from a golf buggy to a tractor to a combine harvester, it was a spectacular sight. I'd also like to thank all the families who came to support the arrivals; your presence made the evening even more magical for our Year 11 pupils.

Looking ahead, I'll be booking Norton Park for the 2027 Prom as soon as possible after the GCSEs end. I've found that securing the venue in June works well for our families, as some of you like to get away for a well-earned break once the exams are finished and take advantage of cheaper prices available during term time. With this in mind, I'll be proposing June 25th , 2027, as our date, and I'll confirm this with Year 10 Parents and Carers next week.

We look forward to welcoming our community back on Monday, in full uniform, ready to take on the last 18 days of the academic year!

Warm wishes

Nicky Goodridge 
Head Teacher