Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you have had a good week.

Danebury has been bustling with even more visitors this week as we approach the deadline for Year 7 applications for September 2027. We have squeezed in two additional Open Mornings, and it has been a real privilege to show prospective families around our purposeful classrooms and vibrant school community. A huge thank you to our brilliant Student Ambassadors in Year 7 and Year 10 who helped lead the tours. They represented the school exceptionally well and were fantastic advocates for Danebury.

Sporting Success

Our sports teams have been on fire this week and there is much to celebrate:

• Congratulations to our Year 7 Girls' Football Team, who drew all but one of their matches in Monday's football tournament.
• Congratulations to our KS4 Netball Team, who secured an impressive 19-14 victory away at Testbourne. An amazing result!
• Well done to our Year 7 Boys' Football Team, who earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw at home against Wellington Academy.

Thank you to all our pupils, staff and supporters who continue to make sport such a successful and enjoyable part of life at Danebury.

Year 11 Careers and Mentoring

This week, our Year 11 pupils have been focusing on their futures. On Thursday, they attended the Andover Careers Fayre at John Hanson, where they had the opportunity to explore a wide range of post-16 pathways and career opportunities.

On Friday, pupils participated in the first session of our Year 11 Mentoring Programme. A huge thank you to everyone who gave up their time to support this scheme. Our Year 11 students thoroughly enjoyed their sessions, and it was equally pleasing to hear how much the mentors valued the experience. Special thanks to Mrs Cleaver-Bailey, Mrs Ablett and Miss Braidley for organising the day.

Several mentors commented on how impressed they were by our pupils' confidence, independence and communication skills. They were also amazed by the remarkable achievements many of our pupils have accomplished outside of school. We are looking forward to welcoming our mentors back in December for the next round of sessions.

Attendance Matters

As we approach the final week of this half term, I would like to remind all families of the importance of good attendance.

Children should be in school every day unless they are genuinely unwell. Evidence consistently shows that lower attendance has a significant impact on pupils' academic outcomes and future opportunities. Please do not book holidays during term time, as schools are unable to authorise these absences.

I would also encourage families to support their children in attending school regularly, even when they are feeling a little tired. Resilience is such an important life skill.

I completely appreciate that we are now in Week 7 and everyone is beginning to feel the effects of a busy half term. We have particularly noticed this amongst our Year 7 pupils. Despite the tiredness, they have been brilliant in their transition from primary to secondary school. They are a wonderful group of young people, full of character, enthusiasm and excellent attitudes to learning. We are incredibly proud of them.

Notices for the Week Ahead

KS3 Halloween Disco

Our popular KS3 Halloween Disco takes place on Wednesday 21 October and is being organised by the PTA. Tickets can be purchased using the QR code in the Halloween event advertisement shared with families.

Year 10 Consultation Evening

We are looking forward to welcoming our Year 10 parents and carers to our Consultation Evening on Thursday 22 October. Please ensure you book appointments via the Arbor Parent Portal.

Year 7 Tutor Meetings

Our Year 7 tutors are looking forward to meeting with parents and carers on Friday 23 October to discuss how pupils have settled into secondary school during their first half term. The booking link will be shared via email from our online parent consultation software Parent Booking.  So please keep an eye out for this if you have not already booked. Give the office a call if you need assistance.

End of Term Charity Events

Our final day of term is Thursday 22 October, and we will be raising money for the Simon Says Charity.

There will be several opportunities for pupils to get involved:

• Non-uniform day for a £1 donation.
• A delicious cake sale, with huge thanks in advance to Burbridge’s for their generous cake donations.
• A fun Colour Run during Lesson 5.

Pupils wishing to take part in the Colour Run should wear old clothes, as the coloured powder may stain clothing. Colour powder bags will be available to purchase on the day. Pupils must sign up by Wednesday 21 October using the Microsoft Form that has been emailed to all students.

I’d like to thank our PTA for the incredible work they do to raise money for our community; they are working hard this weekend at the Brought Jumble Sale.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your continued support throughout what has been a busy and successful half term. I wish you and your families a wonderful and restful break when it comes. We look forward to welcoming all pupils back to school on Tuesday 3 November.

Warm wishes

Nicky Goodridge
Head Teacher