Friday 15th May 2026

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Values and Rise

The themes this week have been commitment and independence.

Acting with independence means having the confidence to think for yourself and make decisions based on your own values and judgment. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions, develop critical thinking skills, and stand firm even in the face of pressure from others.

 

When people demonstrate independence, they contribute to a culture that values self-motivation, initiative, and resilience. By embracing independence in our daily actions, we grow as individuals, build confidence, and help create a community where diverse perspectives are respected and encouraged. We try to help all of our students become more independent and take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

 

Public Examinations

We ask all students to keep revising at home to build on and secure the knowledge they develop in school. During the exam period, Year 11 will continue to follow their usual timetable, and it is vital that they attend every day to make the most of ongoing support and guidance from their teachers. There will be no study leave; students are expected to remain in school until they have completed all exams and any required coursework.

Students should continue to attend all lessons, even after sitting an exam in a particular subject, and use this time to prepare for any remaining assessments. Research consistently shows that high attendance and sustained effort through to the final exam lead to stronger outcomes. Additional revision materials are available via the Power UP website to help students with independent study at home.

It is entirely normal to feel nervous before and during exams—this is a natural response that can actually sharpen focus and improve performance. If students feel they need extra support, they should speak to their teachers, who can offer tailored guidance.

Results Days will be held on Thursday 13 August for A Level students and Thursday 20 August for GCSE students. Further information will be shared later in the term.

 

Could your family be missing out on valuable support?

We want to make sure every family is getting the help they’re entitled to. Many parents and carers qualify for Free School Meals (FSM) but haven’t realised it or applied yet. Even if your child doesn’t regularly take a school meal, registering can open the door to a wide range of benefits.

Signing up for FSM can provide support with school uniform costs, essential equipment, and help ease financial pressures at home. It also brings additional funding into the school, which is invested directly into improving teaching, wellbeing support, and enrichment opportunities for all students.

To make things as straightforward as possible, we’ve created a dedicated Financial Support section on our school website, with clear guidance on what’s available and how to apply. The process is quick, confidential, and managed by Newport City Council.

Apply online here:
www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

If you’re unsure whether you might be eligible, or would like help with your application, please get in touch with us—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

 

 

Uniform and Equipment – Setting Students Up for Success

Thank you for your continued support in upholding our high expectations for uniform. A consistent standard of dress helps students feel confident, focused, and ready to learn, while also creating a calm and purposeful atmosphere across the school.

Warmer weather
With warmer days ahead, please remind your child to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Students may choose to wear shorts in hot weather, but these must be tailored; sports shorts are not part of the school uniform. Any student wearing unsuitable shorts will be asked to change.

Uniform Expectations
Our uniform is designed to be practical, affordable, and smart. Essential items include:

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

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

Students may add an extra plain black layer, such as a V-neck jumper or cardigan (without logos), or a Newport High–branded item. Jewellery should remain minimal—one pair of small studs and one ring. Nose piercings must be simple studs only. Head coverings for religious reasons should be plain black, and hairstyles should be neat and appropriate, with natural colours.

 

Ready for Learning
Every student should arrive in full uniform; with a suitable school bag and all the equipment they need for the day ahead. We also have a selection of pre-loved uniform available for families who may find this helpful. If you would like support, please contact your child’s Form Tutor or email info@newporthigh.co.uk with “Uniform” in the subject line—we are always happy to assist.

 

Keeping Our School Safe
To maintain a safe, respectful environment, the following items are not permitted in school:

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

We have also noticed a small number of students bringing water pistols into school. While they may seem harmless, they can quickly cause disruption and safety concerns. For this reason, they are strictly not allowed, and any student bringing one into school will receive a sanction. We would appreciate your support in reinforcing this message at home.

Thank you for working with us to ensure every student arrives prepared, well-equipped, and ready to make the most of their learning.

 

On Site, Out of Sight

We need your support in reinforcing a clear and important expectation: mobile phones and AirPods must be switched off and kept out of sight for the entire school day. They should not be used, seen, or heard at any time.

This approach is in place to protect valuable learning time, reduce distractions, and help students stay fully engaged in their lessons and with one another. When devices are visible or used, they will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day, with repeated issues managed through our behaviour procedures.

Your reinforcement at home makes a real difference. By supporting this message, you are helping your child build positive habits, stay focused, and contribute to a calm, respectful learning environment where everyone can succeed. Thank you for working with us.

 

Fire Alarms

It is essential that students never touch or tamper with fire alarms. These systems are in place to protect everyone in the building, and interfering with them can have serious health and safety consequences. In some cases, tampering can even affect linked door locking systems, compromising site security and safety.

 

Many alarms are fitted with “screamers” that will sound immediately if the cover is lifted, clearly alerting staff to any misuse. Any student found interfering with a fire alarm will receive a sanction, as this is considered unsafe behaviour and puts the entire school community at risk. We ask for your support in reinforcing the importance of respecting these vital safety systems.

 

Working in Partnership for Success

Strong communication between home and school is vital in ensuring students thrive both academically and personally. We are committed to keeping you well informed and working in partnership to support your child’s success.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@newporthigh.co.uk. Speaking with us directly enables us to address any issues promptly and effectively.

Thank you for your ongoing support—by working together, we can make sure every student feels supported and achieves their full potential.

 

Parental Forums – be part of the conversation

Thank you to all parents and carers who have already taken part in our Parental Forums—your insights and feedback truly make a difference. These sessions are a valuable opportunity to have your voice heard, share your experiences, and help shape the future direction of the school.

We know how busy family life can be, so we offer both online and in-person options to make it as easy as possible for you to join us. Each forum focuses on key whole-school priorities and provides a welcoming space to work together in strengthening our school community.

 

Upcoming sessions:

• Online (5:00pm via Teams): 18 June 2026
• In person (10:00am): 15 May and 19 June 2026

Places are limited, so we encourage you to book early. To reserve your place, please email info@newporthigh.co.uk with “Parental Forum” in the subject line, along with your preferred date and whether you would like to attend online or in person.

We look forward to welcoming you to our forums and continuing to work in partnership for the benefit of all students.

 

Inset Days and Term Dates – 2025/2026

The remaining staff training (INSET) days, when school will be closed to students, are:

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

 

Summer Term Key Dates:

• Half-term: Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May 2026
• Term ends: Monday 20 July 2026 (INSET Day)
• Last day for students: Friday 17 July 2026

 

We are in the process of finalising next year’s calendar and I hope to be able to share key dates with you at the start of the final summer term.

 

I would like to thank you all for your continued support

 

With kind regards

 

Mrs Lee