Friday 5^th September 2023

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

I hope everyone had a great summer break.

It has been fantastic to welcome all our students back to school. Most students have returned on time and in correct school uniform, looking very smart! I would like to thank all our parents and carers for your support with this.

A special welcome to all our new students across the school. Whether your child is just starting secondary school or embarking on the next stage of their education, we are looking forward to getting to know them and supporting them in their time at Newport High.

 

Year 7 & Year 12

On Tuesday we worked with our new Year 7 & 12 cohorts.

It has been lovely to see so many of last year’s Year 11 students return to the Sixth Form and to welcome our new Rugby Academy students to Newport High School. Mr Sidoli has been training over the summer with the new Academy students who have made an excellent start to their time at the school.

After a strong ‘Rise Up’ Transition programme last year, led by Ms Milton, Year 7 started on Tuesday. I am delighted by how well they have settled into school and I am looking forward to getting to know them over the course of this term.

I appreciate that it is a big change for parents and carers of students in Year 7 and is very different to having children in primary school. To support with this transition, we run an additional parental meeting for our new Year 7 parents and carers so you can find out, at this early stage, how your child is getting on. This will take place on Thursday 23^rd October and further details will be shared nearer the time.

Working closely with our families is really important to us and we know that we get the best outcomes when there is a positive relationship between home and school. If any parents have queries or concerns, please contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance or email info@newporthigh.co.uk so we can support.

 

Working Together for Success

We are fully aware that the support of parents and carers is vital to the success of our students. As we begin this new school year, we want to work closely with you to ensure that your child has the best possible experience at Newport High School.

Throughout the year, we will keep you informed about your child's progress, school events, and any important updates. We also encourage open communication with our staff. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us - info@newporthigh.co.uk.

 

Our Core Values: Equality, Commitment, and Integrity

At Newport High School, we are driven by three core values that underpin everything we do: Equality, Commitment, and Integrity. These values guide us in providing the very best opportunities for all our students, no matter their background or journey.

• Equality means ensuring that every student has the same opportunities to succeed, no matter their starting point. We recognise that each student is unique, and we are committed to understanding and meeting their individual needs.
• Commitment is about effort and perseverance. We encourage our students to stay dedicated to their learning, to face challenges with resilience, and to give their very best in everything they do.
• Integrity shapes the way we work as a school community. We believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, and we support our students in developing strong moral character that will guide them throughout their lives.

We believe that by upholding these values, we can provide a learning environment where your child feels respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

 

Attendance

Attendance at school is extremely important. Being in school every day, on time and ready to learn will give your child the very best chance of being successful, happy and of making the most of the opportunities that we can provide. Please see the letter below from the Director of Education for Newport regarding attendance.

 

Dear parent/carer,

Welcome back to the new academic year and thank you to everyone who is ensuring their child attends school.

Pupils with low attendance are more likely to fall behind with their work, have gaps in their learning, and therefore, achieve lower examination results. This will affect their life chances for the future.

We all have the responsibility to ensure that our pupils achieve the best start in life, so they can reach their full potential.

A pupil who achieves 90% attendance is still missing out on a significant amount of education.

90% attendance = ½ a day missed every week 90% attendance over 5 years of school = ½ a school year missed

 

How can the Local Authority support you?

Education Welfare Officers (EWO’s) support schools, pupils and parents/carers to encourage children to attend school regularly.

If your child does not attend school regularly, the Headteacher or another member of staff will want to meet with you to discuss the reason for your child not attending school.  If attendance continues to be a problem the school may refer to the Education Welfare Service.

 

What the law says

All children of compulsory school age (between 5 and 16) must receive a suitable full-time education. As a parent/carer you are responsible for making sure this happens and you have a vital role to ensure and encourage regular attendance at school. Most school Governing Bodies have opted to use Fixed Penalty Notices for parents/carers who do not work with the school to support their child in receiving a regular education.  The Local Authority expects all schools to work closely with pupils and parents to establish high expectations for attendance.

 

Lateness

Please ensure that your child arrives at school on time. It can be very stressful to arrive late for school.  A pupil arriving late also disrupts lessons for others.  Persistent lateness can be classed as unauthorised absence and can be referred to the Education Welfare Service.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership with schools and other education settings for the benefit of all pupils.  Everyone working in education across Newport City Council wants to help in any way possible to encourage excellent attendance in school, to ensure our young people achieve success.

 

Sarah Morgan

Chief Education Officer

Prif Swyddog Addysg

 

A Level and GCSE results

We have had another great set of public examination results and are extremely proud of all our students for their achievements. We have continued to make good progress, particularly in our top grades.

At A Level 6% of our students achieved all A*/As and over 13% achieved at least 2 A*/A grades.  This has enabled so many of our students to go onto their chosen destination. We are delighted to be welcoming back many of our students to our Sixth Form and Rugby Academy and wish all those going to college, apprenticeships or into employment, all the very best.

At GCSE we also had a very strong performance. We had eleven students who achieved a Capped Point Score of 468 - 522.  Our top performing student, had an individual Capped Point Score of 522 which was made up of 9 x A* grades and 2 A grades - an outstanding achievement. 12% of all our students achieved at least 5 of their grades at A*/A.

We had many students who achieved excellent grades and we proud of all our students who worked so hard to achieve their potential.

Capped point score is a performance measure calculating the average of the score for each individual learner in the cohort, capped at a specified volume of GCSEs or equivalent qualifications:

 

Uniform and equipment

Thank you to the vast majority of parents who have supported our school uniform rules. These are plain black shoes/trainers, black socks, white shirt and the school tie. Skirts must be of appropriate length and trousers or shorts should be tailored fit. Students are not allowed to wear sports shorts or leggings to school.  

Cardigans, jumpers and blazers are optional and you may choose to wear a plain black knitted v neck jumper or cardigan without the logo, or purchase the Newport High branded jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan.

We have a range of ‘pre-loved’ school uniform at school which is available for anyone who would like to access it. If any family has a specific problem with getting hold of school uniform, please contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance. Jewellery is limited to one pair of small stud earrings and one ring. Students are allowed to wear a nose stud but please note that this has to be a stud and not a sleeper style or any other style. Any headwear, worn for religious reasons, should be of a plain black material. Extreme hairstyles are not acceptable and hair should be of a natural colour.

Students should come to school equipped to learn with an appropriate school bag. They need a pencil case and basic equipment, including their own pen. If students have any issues, they are encouraged to inform their Form Tutor who will support accordingly. Items that are potentially harmful to any member of our school community should not be brought to school. For example, aerosol cans including deodorants, cigarettes (e-cigarettes), matches and lighters, any sharp or blade like objects, glass bottles, chewing gum and fizzy drinks, including energy drinks. This rule includes all items which are illegal to possess or carry, or inappropriate for the age of your child.

 

Mobile Phones -on site, out of sight.

We do not allow the use of mobile phones anywhere in school, including outside during break and lunchtime.  This means that, from the time that students enter the building until they leave, they are not allowed to use their mobile phones. This includes wearing air pods or headphones which are also not allowed.

If they wish to bring a phone to school, it must be switched off and kept in their bag. It is really important that all students have a school bag with them so that they can securely store their mobile phone along with their other equipment during the day.

If students are seen with their mobile phone out, whether they are using them or not, it will need to be handed in for them to collect at the end of the day. If this happens frequently then an alternative plan will need to be put in place.

Not allowing mobile phones in school has had an overwhelmingly positive impact, especially at break and lunchtime. Research has clearly identified the potential harm too much screen time including phones can do. If any student needs to make an emergency call they can go to the Wellbeing Hub where Pastoral Support will be able to help.

 

Smoking and vaping

As a school we have adopted the Newport policy of zero tolerance of smoking on or around the school site. This applies to all visitors to the school. Please note this includes e-cigarettes (vapes) and carries a £100 fine for anyone breaking these rules.

 

Staffing 2025/2026

School starts each day promptly at 8:45 am for Form time. This is a vital start to the school day during which important information is shared, such as details of events, changes to school systems and information about exams. Form Tutors should always be a first point of contact for students if they have any queries. The doors open at 8.40am and it is important all students arrive on time.

We have a very experienced Pastoral Team and are fortunate to have a Head of Year for each year group (or Key Stage) plus a team of Pastoral Support Officers.

 

Pastoral structure

Year Group	Head of Year	Pastoral and attendance support officer
Year 7	Mr Kelly	Ms Facer
Year 8	Ms Paginton	Ms Facer
Year 9	Ms Galloway	tbc
Year 10	Mr Hodge	tbc
Year 11	Mme Teixeira	Ms Homfray
Year 12 & Year 13	Ms James	Ms Homfray

 

Support for wellbeing

We continue to prioritise our support for Health and Wellbeing by working with a number of different agencies. One of the approaches that we utilise is the Five Ways to Well-being. This promotes the idea that all of us can act to improve our own wellbeing by doing five simple things:

Connect	Connecting with people around you. This could be family, friends, neighbours or colleagues
Be active	Go for a walk, run, step outside, cycle, play a game, garden or dance. Exercising makes you feel good
Take notice	Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful and notice your surroundings. Try to be aware of the world around you
Keep learning	Try something new, rediscover and old interest or sign up for a course
Give	Do something nice for a friend or neighbour. Thank someone, smile, volunteer up your time or join a community group.

 

Free School Meals

We are aware that many of our families may be entitled to Free School Meals but are not claiming this additional financial support. You can check if you are entitled to Free School Meals at www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

If you are not in receipt of Free School Meals but think you are eligible and would like any help in accessing, please let us know so we can support.

Families who are eligible for Free School Meals can also apply for additional help with other school costs including school uniform. You can find out more at https://www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

 

UK Government test of emergency alert system.

We have been asked to let families know that the UK Government will be testing the Emergency Alerts system at 3pm on Sunday 7^th September 2025. This is a routine test that is carried out periodically by the government to ensure, in the event of an emergency, they have a quick way of alerting the public.

 

Inset days and term dates – 2025/2026

The agreed Inset days, when school will be closed for students for staff training next year are:

• Monday 1^st September 2025
• Monday 24^th November 2025
• Monday 2^nd March 2026
• Friday 26^th June 2026
• Monday 29^th June 2026
• Monday 20^th July 2026

Autumn Term

• Starts Monday 1^st September 2025
• Half-Term - Monday 27^th October 2025 to Friday 31^st October 2025
• Ends Friday 19^th December 2025

Spring Term

• Starts Monday 5^th January 2026
• Half-term – Monday 16^th February 2026 to Friday 20^th February 2026
• Ends Friday 27^th March 2027

Summer Term

• Monday 13^th April 2026 
• Half-term – Monday 25^TH May 2026 to Friday 29^th May 2026
• Ends Monday 20^th July 2026

 

This half-term is eight weeks long and we break up for October half-term on Friday 25^th October and return to school on Monday 4^th November. We then finish for the Christmas holidays on Friday 20^th December and return for the start of the Spring term on Monday 6^th January 2025.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support.

 

With kind regards

 

Mrs Lee