Friday 8th May 2026

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Values and Rise

The themes this week have been commitment and independence.

As students begin their exams, independence and commitment become especially important. Those who can manage their time calmly during exam periods, follow revision plans, and stay focused are far more likely to perform well under pressure. Commitment helps students keep going even when exams feel challenging, while independence allows them to take ownership of their progress in each subject. For younger students not yet sitting exams, this can be practised through completing homework without reminders, preparing their own equipment, and meeting deadlines. Parents can support all students by encouraging routines, promoting a positive mindset around responsibility, and reinforcing the importance of effort and perseverance—skills that directly contribute to exam confidence and success.

 

 

Public Examinations

We encourage all students to continue revising at home to strengthen and consolidate what they are learning in school. Throughout the exam period, Year 11 students will follow their normal timetable, and attending every day remains essential so they can benefit fully from ongoing teacher support and guidance. There is no study leave. All students are expected to stay in school until their final exam, and any required coursework is complete.

Students should continue attending lessons even if they have already sat that subject’s exam, using this time to revise for remaining assessments. Evidence shows that maintaining strong attendance and consistent engagement right through to the final exam leads to better results. A range of revision resources is also available through the Power UP website to support independent study at home.

It is completely normal for students to feel nervous during exams—this is a natural response and can actually help improve focus and performance. If students need extra help, they should speak to their class teachers, who can provide targeted support.

Results Days will take place on Thursday 13 August (A Level) and Thursday 20 August (GCSE), with further details shared later in the term.

Could your family be missing out on financial support?

We want to ensure all families are aware of the support available to them. Many parents and carers may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) but have not yet applied. Registering is important, even if your child does not usually have a school meal, as it can unlock additional support and opportunities.

Registering for FSM can help with the cost of school uniform and essential equipment, as well as ease financial pressures at home. It also enables the school to receive additional funding, which is used to enhance learning, wellbeing support, and enrichment opportunities for all students.

To make this information easy to access, we have created a Financial Support section on our school website with clear guidance on what is available and how to apply. Applications are simple, confidential, and handled directly by Newport City Council. You can apply online at:
www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

If you are unsure whether you are eligible or would like support with the process, please contact the school—we are always happy to help and offer guidance.

Uniform and Equipment – Supporting Student Success

Thank you for your ongoing support in maintaining high standards of uniform. Wearing the correct uniform helps students feel prepared, confident and ready to learn, contributing to a positive and focused environment across the school.

Warm Weather Reminder
As the weather improves, please ensure your child brings a refillable water bottle each day to stay hydrated. While some students may choose to wear shorts, these must be tailored—sports shorts are not part of school uniform. Any student wearing sports shorts will be asked to change.

Uniform Expectations

Our uniform has been designed to be practical, affordable and consistent. Key items include:

• Plain black shoes or trainers
• Black socks
• White shirt
• School tie

Skirts should be an appropriate length, and trousers or shorts must be tailored. Leggings, tracksuit bottoms and sports shorts are not permitted.

Students may wear an extra layer, such as a plain black V-neck jumper or cardigan (no logos) or a Newport High branded item. Jewellery should be minimal. One pair of small stud earrings and one ring. Nose piercings must be simple studs only. Head coverings for religious reasons should be plain black, and hairstyles should be suitable for school, with natural colours and no extreme styles.

Equipment and Belongings

All students are expected to arrive each day in full uniform and with an appropriate school bag, ready for learning. We also offer a range of pre-loved uniform for families who may find this helpful. If you need support in accessing any items, please contact your child’s Form Tutor or email info@newporthigh.co.uk with “Uniform” in the subject line—we are always here to help.

Keeping Our Community Safe
To ensure a safe and focused environment for everyone, the following items must not be brought into school:

• Aerosols
• Vapes, cigarettes, lighters or matches
• Sharp objects or glass bottles
• Chewing gum
• Fizzy or energy drinks

We have also seen a small number of students bringing water pistols into school. While these may seem harmless, they can quickly disrupt, cause upset, and create unnecessary safety concerns in the school environment. For this reason, water pistols are strictly not allowed. Any student bringing one into school will face sanctions. We ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home so that all students understand the importance of keeping school a safe and respectful place for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support in helping students come to school prepared, properly equipped, and ready to succeed.

On Site, Out of Sight

To maintain a calm, distraction-free environment, mobile phones and AirPods must be switched off and kept out of sight throughout the school day. They should not be seen or heard at any time.

Any device that is used or visible will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day, with repeated incidents addressed through our behaviour procedures.

These expectations help students stay focused, support positive interactions, and keep classrooms purposeful and safe. Thank you for reinforcing this at home.

 

Working in Partnership for Success

Effective communication between home and school plays a key role in supporting students’ progress and wellbeing. We are committed to keeping you informed and working closely together to help your child succeed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly at info@newporthigh.co.uk. Speaking with us allows us to understand and resolve matters quickly and effectively.

Thank you for your continued support—together, we can ensure every student feels supported and achieves their best.

Parental Forums – Your Voice Matters

Thank you to all parents and carers who have joined our Parental Forums—your feedback plays an important role in shaping our school. These sessions give you the opportunity to share your views, reflect on our progress, and help guide future improvements.

We continue to offer both online and in-person forums to make attendance as accessible as possible. These meetings focus on whole-school priorities and are a valuable way to strengthen our partnership.

Upcoming dates:

• Online (5pm, via Teams): 18 June 2026
• In person (10am): 15 May and 19 June 2026

Places are limited. To attend, please email info@newporthigh.co.uk with “Parental Forum” and your chosen date, stating whether you prefer online or in person.

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

• 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.

 

I would like to thank you all for your continued support

With kind regards

Mrs Lee