We had another fantastic GCSE Results Day, with our Year 11 students collecting their examination results and enrolling for the next part of their academic journey.  It was a real pleasure to see the students celebrating their success together and to be able to congratulate them all for their amazing achievements.

On Thursday 11th July, Bishop Stopford's School hosted our annual primary school Festival and welcomed staff and students from St John & St James', Freezywater St.Georges, St James', Suffolks and Caterhatch Primary Schools for an incredibly joyous and action-packed morning.

Dear Parents /Carers,

As we approach the end of another academic year, I would like to thank you all once again for your continued support. Events
We have had some wonderful community events this year. We cherish all opportunities to bring our community together, along with our own staff and students. We have worked in partnership across the Local Authority, but particularly with our church sister schools. We have learned and we have celebrated together.

Founders Day

On Monday, 1st July members of staff and year 7 students celebrated `Founders Day’. The Celebrant Rev Tina Kelsey, led our inclusive service, with students supporting in readings and our wonderful worship choir uplifting us with their voices. Our Preacher, Andie Frost enlightened us with his inspiring stories and staff members took part giving readings to the congregation.
Year 6 Transition Day

On Thursday, 6th July, students attended Bishop Stopford’s School for their taster day. Our new year 7 students for 2023/2024 were able to experience lessons in a variety of subjects. Students were introduced to the Head of Year, middle leaders and Teaching Assistants who assisted them throughout the day, as well as our student leaders who represented our school community in a helpful, informative and caring manner. The day was very successful and we look forward to welcoming our new year 7 students in September, 2024.

School Festival

We have had some wonderful joint events with our family of primary schools, culminating in our Summer Festival on Thursday, 11th July. The Summer Festival is an annual event which provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the end of the school year along-side our local primary schools. Staff from all schools work in partnership to put on a festival that includes live music performances on our centre stage and creative activities that broaden the curriculum for all. The day allows our students to gain valuable experience of organising groups and leading by example.

Results Day for Years 11, 12 & 13 We are looking forward to results day for our year 11, 12 and 13 students. Our students have worked extremely hard this academic year.

I would like to express how very proud I am of them all. A separate letter has gone out with the details of how students can obtain results, but for ease of reference, results days are outlined below. Results will be available for students as follows:  A level results, Thursday, 15th August, 2024 – collect from 8.30am.

GCSE results,

Thursday, 22nd August, 2024 – collect from 9am.
Students will be able to collect their results from school on these days, following the full guidance emailed to you in our Exam’s Office letter this week. Results will also be available on the dates listed above from 12pm via My Child at School (MCAS). We are looking forward to seeing our students collecting their results, celebrating their successes and sharing with us the next steps on their educational journey.

END OF TERM ARRANGEMENTS

The last day of term is Friday, 19th July and school will finish at 12.15pm for all students.
The arrangements are as follows: -
8.30 – 8.55 form time,
8.55 – 9.55 - period 1
9.55 – 10.55 - period 2
10.55 – 11.15 break
11.15-12.15 form time or assembly

Staggered exist as follows: -
Year 7 - 12
Year 8 & 9 12:05
Year 10 - 12:15

There will be an opportunity for students to collect a meal at break-time if they are eligible for free school meals, or to purchase a meal if not eligible for free school meals, should they wish to do so.

RETURN TO SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2024

We will be welcoming students back to school using a staggered approach.
Student return dates by year group can be found below and details of timings will follow on the school website nearer the time:
Wednesday, 4th September
Year 7 students – arrive normal time 8.30am
Year 12 students 6th Form enrolment – from 8.30am
Thursday, 5th September
All students from all year groups arrive to school at the normal time

UPDATES ON THE SCHOOL’S WEBSITE FOR THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR
Finally, please do continue to visit the School’s website for updated information with regards to summer exam results and the start of term in September 2024.

In the meantime, I wish you all a peaceful and restful summer holiday.
Warmest wishes,

Mrs T Day, BA (Hons), NPQH
Headteacher

Half Term

Dear parents/carers,

I hope this end of half term letter finds you well.

We recently had our Cultural Day celebration. This vibrant event was a remarkable opportunity for our school community to come together and honour the diverse cultures that enrich our school family. Both staff and students participated with great enthusiasm, adorning themselves in the colourful attire representative of their cultural heritage. The day began with a festive atmosphere, as the sounds of traditional music from various cultures filled the air, welcoming students as they entered the school. It was a joyous occasion that not only celebrated our differences but also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for the unique backgrounds of everyone in our school.

I would also like to extend our best wishes to all students currently undertaking external exams; we wish them every success. This is a pivotal time in their academic journey, and we are confident that their hard work and dedication will yield excellent results. Our staff have been committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure that each student is well-prepared. We encourage our students to stay focused, manage their time effectively, and approach their exams with confidence. We appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement during this crucial time. Together, we can help our students achieve their full potential.
Finally, I would like to refer you to the end of term newsletter that gives you more exciting information regarding the exciting events undertaken this term.

Return to school, Monday 3rd June, 2024
 Students will return to school at 9.30am
 Students will go to registration
 Students will start their lessons 9.55am.

We look forward to welcoming our students back and continuing their educational journey on Monday 3rd June, 2024.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we can ensure the success and happiness of every child at Bishop Stopford’s School. Have a peaceful and restful half term.

Warm regards,

Tammy Day
Headteacher

National SIAMS Team

04/03/24

Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Inspection of Bishop Stopford’s School

Letter from Andrw Wilcock, SIAMS Inspector

Dear Parents and Carers,

All Church of England and Methodist schools are inspected approximately every five years by a SIAMS inspector from the Church of England, although there has been some delay to our inspections due to Covid.

I will be inspecting your child’s school on 11/03/24 and 12/03/24.

A SIAMS inspection is an opportunity to highlight the impact that the school’s Christian vision has on the flourishing of the whole school community.

As part of my evidence-gathering I will speak with a range of people from within the school community. It is likely that I will speak with some of you on the inspection day.

Following the inspection, I will write a report. Once the report has been finalised it will be published, and the inspection findings will be shared with you. This will be approximately three weeks after the inspection. The report will celebrate all that is special about the school and will identify next steps that are helpful in the school’s ongoing development as a Church school.

The report will be published on the school’s website, and I would encourage you to read it.

I look forward to spending time with the school community on 11 and 12 March.

Kind regards,

Andrew Wilcock SIAMS Inspector