Friday 13^th February 2026

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Values and Rise

The focus this week has been on commitment and respect.  Commitment is one of our core school values because it lies at the heart of success. When young people show commitment—whether in attending regularly, completing their work, or persevering when things feel challenging—they build the habits that lead to real progress. Research consistently shows that students who stay committed to their goals achieve higher outcomes because consistent effort leads to deeper understanding, stronger skills, and greater confidence. Simply put, when students commit to the process, achievement naturally follows.

Commitment helps students take ownership of their learning, develop resilience, and feel proud of what they achieve. By encouraging this value both at school and at home, we give students the confidence and consistency they need to thrive. “Commitment is choosing to keep going long after the excitement of starting has faded.”

 

Improving site security

Just a reminder that from Monday 23rd February, anyone needing to enter through the main reception will first need to use the new gated access before entering the glass atrium. Both the gated area and the atrium will be monitored by security cameras.

All visitors will also be required to use the buzzer at the gate so that our reception team can confirm their identity before allowing entry into the school.

These measures are being introduced to help ensure the safety of all students, staff and visitors.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

 

Rugby Academy Update – A World‑Class Programme in Action

We are incredibly proud of our Rugby Academy, one of only 16 official rugby academies in Wales and now ranked as the 34th most successful institution in the world for producing professional rugby players. This is an extraordinary achievement and reflects the talent, dedication, and ambition of our students and coaching staff.

The Academy continues to give our young athletes outstanding opportunities to compete at a national and international standard—and their recent performance at the Cardiff Floodlit 7s is another brilliant example of this success.

 

Cardiff Floodlit 7s – A Fantastic Performance

 

The competition featured eight high‑calibre teams, split across two groups. Newport High faced Cathedral School Llandaff, Cheltenham College, and Hereford College, in what proved to be a challenging set of fixtures.

Despite a narrow loss to Hereford and an incredibly tough contest against Cheltenham—who later went on to win the Cup—the squad demonstrated outstanding resilience and discipline throughout. A clinical win over Cathedral School Llandaff secured our place in the Plate competition.

In the Plate semi-final, the team delivered an excellent performance to beat Malvern College, setting up a rematch against Cathedral School Llandaff in the final. After a tight first half, leading 21–19, the squad showed real strength, maturity, and confidence, pulling away in the second half to secure a superb 40–19 victory.

 

This was an amazing experience for the 14 players involved and a fantastic demonstration of the Academy’s growing strength. The tournament has been excellent preparation for our next major challenge: the Christ College Brecon 7s.

We are incredibly proud of what our students continue to achieve—both on and off the field—and we look forward to sharing more success stories as the season continues.

Parent Power

Parent Power is a charity dedicated to reducing inequality by supporting young people and their families. In the UK, students who attend the most competitive universities are more likely to access professional careers, report higher life satisfaction, and, on average, earn around £10,000 more each year than their peers. But these opportunities are not equally accessible to everyone—and this is where Parent Power makes a real difference. Originally created by King’s College London and Citizens UK in 2017, Parent Power exists to empower families with the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to overcome these barriers.

Importantly, Parent Power is not just for families whose children are considering university. Their mission is to help every young person fulfil their potential—whether that path leads to university, apprenticeships, or the world of work. They begin working with students as early as Year 7, offering guidance, workshops, and tailored support that helps families make informed decisions throughout their child’s educational journey.

At Newport High School, we are excited to be working closely with Parent Power this year. This is a completely free resource, and we strongly encourage as many families as possible to get involved. The more families who take part, the stronger and more informed our school community becomes. Please see below the introductory letter from Becky Burn, who leads Parent Power in Newport—everyone is warmly welcome to join.

 

Dear parents/carers,

 

You are very welcome to join Newport Parent Power.

Our families come from across Newport to learn more about their child's education, to meet likeminded families and to get access to amazing experts.

 

We are partnered with a charity called The Brilliant Club, The University of South Wales, Kings College London and Jesus College Oxford University. This means our families are lucky enough to be invited on free university trips. We have one in March and one in May this year. I’ll be sharing the invitation to the first trip soon to all families who’ve registered to Parent Power (this is the link: Parent Power Parent/Carer Data Collection and Survey (site.com)

 

• Everything is free: our meetings and the university trips
• Your children (of any age) are very welcome to come to the meetings
• Food and drinks are provided

 

Just to let you know, we don’t have a standard meeting again until June because of the university trips.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions. I work two days a week, but I’ll reply as soon as I can. We can have a chat through Parent Power if that would help so you can see how it might help you and your family.

Best wishes,

 

Becky Burn.

Community Organiser. parentpowernewport@thebrilliantclub.org

 

 

Crindau Primary School celebrates it’s 125^th birthday

 

Crindau Primary, one of our six cluster primary schools, is 125 years old this year. To mark this amazing achievement, they are asking for members of the community to share memories, stories and photographs to help them commemorate this fantastic achievement. Any information can be emailed directly to Crindau at Primaryc7@hwbcymru.net or by calling into the school.

 

 

Reducing the impact of poverty on attainment

This year, we are renewing our commitment to removing financial barriers that may prevent students from accessing the opportunities they deserve. To make support easier to find, we have introduced a dedicated Financial Support section on our school website, bringing all guidance and assistance together in one simple, accessible location.

A major focus of this work is ensuring that every student who is entitled to Free School Meals (FSM) is registered. Many families are eligible without realising it, and applying can offer far more than a daily school meal. FSM registration can unlock support with uniform, essential equipment, and other key resources that help students thrive.

Free School Meals: Why Your Application Matters

We want every child to benefit from the support available to them. Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, submitting an FSM application can still provide important advantages for your family. The process is quick and easy, and full details can be found here:
www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

If you believe you may qualify but are uncertain about how to apply, please contact us—our team is always ready to offer confidential support.

FSM registration also brings valuable additional funding into the school. This funding helps us provide extra academic support, wellbeing initiatives, and enrichment activities that benefit all students across our community.

If your family may be eligible, we strongly encourage you to apply. Accessing this support can make a significant difference to your child’s experience, your household budget, and the opportunities we can provide as a school.

You can find all of this information, along with further guidance, under the Financial Support tab in the main menu of our website.

 

Uniform and equipment

Thank you to all parents and carers who continue to support our school’s uniform expectations. It’s fantastic to see students arriving each day looking smart, confident, and ready to learn—your support makes a real difference.

Our uniform is designed to be simple, affordable, and easy to get hold of. Students should wear:
• Plain black shoes or trainers with black socks
• A white shirt and school tie
• A suitable-length skirt, or tailored trousers/shorts
(Please note that sports shorts, leggings and similar items are not permitted.)

Cardigans, jumpers and blazers remain optional. Families can choose a plain black V‑neck jumper or cardigan, or opt for Newport High branded knitwear or sweatshirts. Pre‑loved uniform is also available for anyone who would find it useful—just let us know. If you are experiencing any difficulty sourcing items, please speak to your child’s Form Tutor so we can help.

Jewellery should be kept minimal: one pair of stud earrings, one ring, and a single nose stud (no hoops or bars). Headwear for religious reasons should be plain black, and hairstyles should be natural in colour and free from extreme styles.

To keep our school safe, certain items must not be brought onto the site, including aerosols, cigarettes or vapes, matches or lighters, sharp objects, glass bottles, chewing gum, fizzy or energy drinks, and any illegal or age‑restricted items.

Thank you for helping us maintain high standards and ensuring a safe, calm environment where every student can focus on their learning.

 

Mobile Phone Policy Reminder - on site but out of sight

Limiting mobile phone use during the school day continues to have a hugely positive impact on students’ focus and wellbeing. When phones are switched off and out of sight, pupils are more present in lessons, less distracted, and better able to learn with confidence. We also see wider benefits across the school—fewer social issues, reduced cyberbullying, and a noticeably calmer atmosphere throughout the day.

Our expectations are straightforward: from the moment students arrive until they leave, all phones and devices (including AirPods and headphones) must be switched off and put away. If a device is visible for any reason, it will be confiscated until the end of the day, with further action taken if concerns continue.

Thank you for supporting this at home. Together, we can maintain a focused, positive learning environment where every student has the space to thrive.

 

 

Punctuality and the start of the school day

Being punctual doesn’t just help students get to the right place at the right time—it is one of the strongest habits linked to long‑term success. Our school day starts at 8:45am, with doors open from 8:40am, giving students the vital few minutes they need to get to the right classroom, settle, connect with their Form Tutor, and prepare for the day ahead. These short moments matter: Form time and assemblies provide essential guidance, updates, and routines that help students feel organised, confident, and ready to achieve.

When students arrive on time every day, they set themselves up with a positive mindset that carries into every lesson. Research consistently shows that strong attendance and punctuality are closely linked to higher academic outcomes, better wellbeing, and greater confidence. In contrast, arriving late—even by a few minutes—means missing learning, interrupting the flow of the lesson, and starting the day on the back foot. This can quickly build into gaps in understanding and reduced progress.

Please help us reinforce the importance of punctuality by encouraging a steady morning routine at home. These small daily habits form the foundation for resilience, responsibility, and academic success—skills that benefit students far beyond school.

Thank you for your continued support in helping every child start each day ready to thrive.

Working Together for Success

We know that strong partnerships between home and school make a real difference to students’ success. As we begin the new school year, we’re committed to working closely with parents and carers so every child enjoys the best possible experience at Newport High School.

Throughout the year, we’ll keep you updated on your child’s progress, upcoming events, and any important information you need to know. We also welcome open communication, and our staff are always happy to help. If you ever have a question or concern, please contact us directly at info@newporthigh.co.uk so we can support you quickly.

Social Media

If something worries you or you’d like to discuss an issue, please reach out to us rather than posting on social media. Speaking with us directly gives us the chance to understand the situation fully and work with you to find a solution.

We look forward to continuing a strong and supportive partnership throughout the year.

Headteacher Parental Forums

A huge thank you to all parents and carers who have already taken part in our Parental Forums—your voices genuinely make a difference. Working in partnership with families is one of the most powerful ways we can improve our school, and your insight helps shape the decisions we make every day. Hearing directly from parents and carers enables me to reflect on our work, celebrate what is going well, and identify where we can do better.

To strengthen this partnership, we are continuing to offer both our online and in‑person Parental Forums. These sessions are a chance to meet with me, share your thoughts, and discuss wider school priorities—not individual student matters, but the bigger issues that influence the experience of all our young people.

We hope that by offering two formats—an online meeting later in the afternoon and an in‑person session at school—we can make it as easy as possible for more families to attend. The more voices we hear, the stronger our school community becomes. Your perspective matters, and we would love you to join the conversation.

On-line Parental Forums

These take place via Teams at 5pm on a Thursday on these dates;

1. 19^th March 2026
2. 23^rd April 2026
3. 18^th June 2026

In-person Parental Forum

These take place in school at 10am on a Friday on these dates;

1. 20^th March 2026
2. 15^th May 2026
3. 19^th June 2026

 

Places at both forums are limited and if a session is full, we will endeavour to allocate you a space at the next meeting.

If you would like to attend the next on-line or in-person forum taking place in-person in March please email info@newporthigh.co.uk with parental forum in the title and the date of the forum, making it clear if you wish to attend the on-line or in -person session.

I look forward to getting to know more of our families through these important events.

Inset days and term dates – 2025/2026

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

• Monday 2^nd March 2026
• Friday 26^th June 2026
• Monday 29^th June 2026
• Monday 20^th July 2026

Spring Term

• 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. Please note this is an INSET day so the last day for students in school will be Friday 17^th July 2026.

We break up for February half-term today, Friday 13^th February and students will return to school on Monday 23^rd February 2026.

Monday 2^nd March is an INSET day when school will be closed to students for staff training.

 

I would like to thank you all for your continued support and wish everyone a safe and happy half-term.  

With kind regards

Mrs Lee