Friday 27^th March 2026

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

Values and Rise

The focus this week has been on integrity and independence.  Punctuality, arriving at school and to lessons on time, is one of the clearest ways students can demonstrate integrity and independence and develop a genuine commitment to learning. When every student arrives promptly, the whole class benefits from a calm, focused start, free from unnecessary disruption. The opening minutes of a lesson are particularly crucial as this is when students revisit prior learning, receive essential explanations, and are introduced to the key ideas that will shape the rest of the lesson. Missing this initial phase means missing the foundation on which the rest of the lesson is built, placing late-arriving students at an immediate disadvantage.

Punctuality is a powerful expression of our school values of integrity and independence. Arriving on time shows integrity by demonstrating honesty, reliability, and a willingness to meet expectations without repeated reminders. It also supports independence. Students who take responsibility for their own routines, preparation, and punctuality are building the self‑management skills that will serve them well beyond school. Through consistent punctuality, students show they are ready to take ownership of their learning and uphold the high standards expected of our school community.

Research consistently highlights the impact of punctuality and attendance on achievement. National studies, including recent analysis by the Department for Education, show a clear and progressive link between high attendance and stronger attainment at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4—even when taking account of pupils’ starting points and backgrounds. Lateness does not only affect the student who is late; it disrupts teaching for everyone and often forces teachers to repeat explanations, reducing learning time for the whole class.

Being on time, both to school and to lessons, is more than a routine expectation—it is an essential act of respect for the learning environment, for classmates, and for the careful preparation teachers invest in every lesson. It helps create a fair, orderly atmosphere in which all students can thrive.

A punctual start to the school day is one of the most powerful habits a child can develop. Our doors open at 8:40am to provide a smooth, settled transition into the morning. By 8:45am, learning begins. Those early minutes—checking in with their Form Tutor, organising materials, and mentally preparing for the day—lay the groundwork for confident and purposeful learning.

Form time and assemblies are far more than administrative moments. They provide vital opportunities for pastoral support, essential announcements, literacy development, and structured preparation for the day ahead. When students miss this time, they begin the day rushed and unprepared, which can undermine their focus and success in lessons that follow. Even a few minutes late can disrupt the stability and routine that help students feel safe, ready to learn, and fully part of the school community.

A consistent morning routine at home plays a central role in supporting punctuality—preparing equipment the night before, ensuring sufficient sleep, and planning the journey to school all help build lifelong skills such as organisation, resilience, and personal accountability.

As we move into the Summer Term, punctuality and lesson attendance will be a key priority across the school. We are currently reviewing both our reward systems and our sanctions to ensure they effectively support and reinforce these expectations.

 

Are you missing out on support that could benefit your family?

This year, we are making it a priority to ensure that every family in our school community can access the financial support they are entitled to. Many parents are surprised to discover that they qualify for Free School Meals (FSM)—and even more are unaware of the significant additional benefits that come simply from being registered, regardless of whether their child chooses to eat a school meal.

To make this easier than ever, we have launched a new Financial Support section on our school website. This dedicated area brings all the essential information together in one clear, accessible place, so families can quickly find out what support is available and how to apply.

 

Why Registering Matters—even if your child never eats a school meal

Registering for FSM unlocks far more than food provision. For eligible families, it can provide vital help, including:

• Support with uniform and essential equipment
• Additional funding for our school, enabling us to offer targeted academic, wellbeing, and enrichment programmes
• Access to wider learning opportunities that enhance your child’s school experience

Even if your child brings a packed lunch every day, completing the application ensures that your family can benefit from all forms of support—and it directly strengthens the opportunities we can offer to every student across the school.

Not Sure If You Qualify? You might—and checking costs nothing

The application process is quick, secure, and entirely confidential. Newport City Council handles all applications, and full details (including the online form) are available here:

www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals or by scanning this QR code.  

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please get in touch with us. We are always happy to offer discreet advice and guidance.

Your application makes a real and lasting difference

By applying—even if you are unsure whether you will qualify—you could:

• Reduce financial pressures at home
• Open up additional opportunities for your child
• Bring essential funding into our school community
• Strengthen the support we can offer to all pupils

If you think your family might be eligible, we strongly encourage you to apply.

All details, guidance, and next steps can be found in the Financial Support section of our school website’s main menu.

Uniform & Equipment: Ready to learn each day

Thank you for your continued support with our school uniform expectations. A consistent, smart uniform helps students begin the day feeling confident, focused, and ready to learn.

Students should arrive wearing:

• Plain black shoes or trainers (with black socks)
• A white shirt and school tie
• A skirt of an appropriate length, or tailored trousers/shorts
  (Sports shorts, leggings, and similar items are not permitted.)

Students may add a plain black V‑neck jumper or cardigan, or Newport High branded knitwear. Pre‑loved uniform is available—please speak to us if this would help.

Jewellery is limited to: one pair of stud earrings, one ring, and one small nose stud (no hoops or bars).
Religious headwear should be plain black. Hair should be natural in colour and free from extreme styles.

To keep our school safe and calm, students should not bring aerosols, vapes or cigarettes, lighters/matches, sharp objects, glass bottles, chewing gum, fizzy/energy drinks, or any age‑restricted or unsafe items.

Thank you for helping us maintain high standards. By working together on the basics—uniform, equipment, and readiness to learn—we create a positive environment where every student can succeed.

On site, out of sight

Over recent months, we’ve seen just how powerful a phone‑free school day can be. Without the constant pull of screens, messages, and social media, students are showing greater concentration, stronger engagement in lessons, and a noticeably calmer approach to their day. Class discussions are livelier, relationships are more positive, and many pupils report feeling less stressed when they are not trying to juggle online notifications alongside their learning.

Limiting device use also creates a safer social environment. When phones stay away, so do many of the issues that stem from them—online fallouts, group chats that spiral, and digital conflicts that follow students into school. By reducing opportunities for these pressures, we protect learning time and promote healthier interactions.

Our Expectations: simple, clear, and consistent

To preserve this positive atmosphere, our expectations remain easy to follow:

• All mobile phones and personal electronic devices—including AirPods, wired or wireless headphones, and similar items—must be switched off and kept out of sight from arrival in the morning until students leave at the end of the day.
• Any device seen or heard during school hours will be collected and returned after school.
• Ongoing or repeated concerns may lead to further steps in line with our behaviour procedures.

These guidelines help ensure that classrooms stay focused and that social areas remain calm, respectful spaces for everyone.

Working together for a distraction‑free environment

Thank you for your continued support in helping your child understand and follow our expectations. When families and school staff reinforce the same message, students benefit from a consistent, supportive framework. Together, we can maintain a school environment where every young person can concentrate fully, enjoy their day, and feel confident in their learning.

Mobile Phone Policy Reminder - on site, out of sight

 

Working Together for Success

Strong communication between home and school continues to make a real difference to students’ progress and wellbeing. As we move through the year, we remain committed to keeping you informed and working closely with you to support your child.

If you ever have a question or concern, please contact us directly at info@newporthigh.co.uk. Speaking with us first allows us to understand the situation fully and respond quickly—far more effectively than anything shared via social media.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we can make sure every student feels confident, supported, and able to achieve their best.

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. 23^rd April 2026
2. 18^th June 2026

In-person Parental Forum

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

1. 15^th May 2026
2. 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:

• Friday 26^th June 2026
• Monday 29^th June 2026
• Monday 20^th July 2026

Summer Term

• Starts 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 today for the Easter holidays and look forward to welcoming all our students back on Monday 13^th April for the start of our summer term.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support and hope everyone has a safe, sunny and relaxing Easter break.

With kind regards

Mrs Lee