News

16 October 2026

Dear Parents and Carers

The half term has been as busy as ever, with so much packed into a relatively short period of time.

The highlight of the term was undoubtedly our Annual Awards Evening on 8 October, where we recognised the academic achievement, commitment and effort of our students. We were delighted to welcome former Stradbroke High School student and BBC journalist Amelia Reynolds as our guest speaker. Her inspiring address was a fitting celebration of our students' successes.

Our Year 10 and Year 11 students are currently returning from their visit to Auschwitz, Poland. This will have been a deeply moving and educational experience, helping students to develop a greater understanding of one of history's most significant events.

Our Open Evening on 23 September was extremely well attended, and I was incredibly proud of the students who gave up their time to support the event. In particular, our Year 7 students who acted as tour guides were outstanding. The knowledge, enthusiasm and pride they demonstrated for the school were remarkable, especially considering they had only been with us for a few weeks.

Special thanks must also go to our Head Students, Rosie and Ruby, who delivered a speech to a packed hall. Written entirely by themselves, with no input from staff, their presentation captured perfectly the values and spirit of Stradbroke High School. They represented the school exceptionally well and should be immensely proud of their achievements.

Our Post-16 Information Evening welcomed more than 15 providers, including school sixth forms, colleges, military organisations and apprenticeship providers. The event gave Year 11 students and their parents valuable information to help them make informed decisions about their next steps after GCSEs. As a reminder, post-16 applications should be completed by December at the latest. If you have any questions, or if your child is unsure about their options, please contact Mrs Seeman.

Following the half-term break, Mrs Rowe will be absent for a period of time. We are pleased to have secured the services of Mrs Blanchflower, an experienced English teacher, who will provide cover during her absence.

Today we say a happy retirement to Mr Gionis, our DT Technician, and farewell to Mrs Grange, our Science Technician, who is relocating to be closer to her family. We are extremely grateful for their dedication and contribution to Stradbroke High School and wish them every happiness in the future. We are also delighted to welcome their successors, Mr Nevile as DT Technician and Dr Storr as Science Technician, both of whom will join us after the holiday.

The next half term promises to be equally busy. Key dates for your diary include:

• Tuesday 3 November – Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Award Parents' Information Evening
• Friday 6 November – Year 11 Geography Field Trip
• Monday 9 November to Friday 20 November – Year 11 Mock Examinations
• Monday 16 November – School Photographs
• Friday 27 November – Year 9 PD Day
• Wednesday 2 December – Flu Vaccinations
• Saturday 5 December – Duke of Edinburgh Training Day
• Thursday 10 December – Year 11 Parents' Evening
• Wednesday 16 December – Year 7 Pantomime Trip

Finally, I would like to thank all students, staff and parents for their continued support throughout what has been a very successful half term.

I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable October break and look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 2 November 2026.