Sent to parents and carers on 12/06/26
Weekly Bulletin for Friday 12 June 2026
It was great to welcome the parents and carers of our Year 7 students to Westbourne last night. A strong partnership between home and school often features with those students who truly thrive here. It is always good to welcome so many of you into the school to discuss your children’s progress, in this case in their first year with us.
Year 11 have nearly made it! Only a few exams remain before their leavers’ assembly on Tuesday next week, and then their next steps will be the prom, results day and enrolment at college ready for Years 12 and 13. Although I have only known Year 11 since the end of Year 9, that time has whizzed by and it is difficult to believe they will be leaving us next week.
It was wonderful to hear the reports back from the Year 10 boys’ trip to Linklaters last weekend. There is more information from Mrs Woodhose, the trip leader, below.
Uniform Change for September 2026: Jumpers, Black Leather Shoes
As I have previously shared, due to national legislation changes regarding school uniforms, jumpers will be an optional piece of uniform from September 2026.
Furthermore, as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards and a strong sense of community, we are updating our expectations around school footwear. From the start of September, all students will be required to wear plain black leather (or leather-look) shoes. We will no longer allow black trainers, including styles such as Nike Air Force 1s, as acceptable alternatives.
We appreciate that black trainers have become increasingly popular and are often marketed as suitable for school. However, there are several important reasons for this change:
- Promoting Professionalism and Readiness to Learn
Uniform plays a key role in setting the tone for school life. Traditional school shoes contribute to a more formal, purposeful atmosphere, helping students to adopt a mindset that reflects readiness to learn and take pride in their appearance.
- Consistency and Clarity
Trainer styles, even when black, vary widely in design, branding, sole colour, and overall appearance. This can lead to inconsistency and ongoing debate about what is and is not acceptable. By specifying black leather shoes, we create a clear, simple expectation that is easier for families and staff to understand and enforce.
- Reducing Social Pressure
Branded trainers are expensive and are often influenced by trends and peer expectations. By moving to standard school shoes, we aim to reduce competitive pressures and promote equality, ensuring that no student feels judged based on the brand or cost of their footwear.
- Supporting Smart Appearance Standards
Our uniform policy reflects our values and the high standards we set for our community. Smart footwear contributes to a cohesive and respectful appearance across the school, which is something we know our wider community values and recognises.
- Durability and Suitability for School
Leather school shoes are typically more durable and better suited to the varied activities of a school day. They also provide more consistent protection for students moving around busy corridors and outdoor spaces.
We understand that changes to uniform can require adjustment, which is why we are sharing this information with you now. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain high expectations and a positive learning environment for all students.
As always, if the costs of school uniform are likely to lead to you experiencing hardship, please get in contact with Mrs Clarke, our DSL, and she will discuss the support which we have available.
Year 10 Boys’ Careers Trip to Linklaters, London
On Monday 8 June, a group of Year 10 boys enjoyed a highly successful and insightful careers trip to the global law firm Linklaters in London. Travelling by train from Ipswich to London Liverpool Street, the day began on a very positive note with all students arriving ready to engage with the opportunities ahead.
Following a short two-minute walk from the station, the group arrived at Linklaters’ new global headquarters at 20 Ropemaker Street. The visit began with an informative introduction to the firm, where students learned about the wide range of work Linklaters undertakes, the different areas of law, and the many roles available beyond that of a lawyer.
A particular highlight of the morning was the opportunity to meet a range of positive male role models working across the organisation. Students had a short amount of time to prepare thoughtful questions in advance and demonstrated confidence and curiosity as they engaged in discussion, gaining valuable first-hand insight into professional pathways and workplace experiences. Amongst the Linklaters’ employees they had the opportunity to meet was a Senior Manager in Legal Tech, an Associate in the Bank and Finance team, a Senior Pricing Manager and a 19-year-old, first year Solicitor Apprentice who hugely inspired the group.
After a very generous lunch, students were given a tour of the building, which left a lasting impression. They visited the auditorium, where the seating is made from the same leather used by Ferrari, as well as seeing the extensive facilities available to staff on the same floor, including a gym, doctors, dentists and even barbers. The tour also included a trip to the 18th floor using advanced technology lifts, which intelligently direct passengers to the most efficient route. From the top floor, students enjoyed incredible panoramic views across the City of London, spotting iconic landmarks such as The Shard, the Walkie Talkie building and the Gherkin.
To conclude the day, students took part in a Health and Wellbeing challenge, set by Linklaters, which asked them to develop ideas to help the company stand out within the market. Working in groups, students collaborated for 45 minutes before presenting their ideas to their peers. The range of creative strategies and the confidence demonstrated during presentations were impressive, providing an excellent end to a memorable and enriching experience.
Overall, the trip offered students a valuable insight into the professional world, inspiring ambition and broadening their understanding of future career possibilities.
Thrive Gardening Club News
Last week, we saw the arrival of our first harvest from the Thrive Gardening Club, new potatoes and beetroot. The two students who have worked hard planting and taking care of them in their Thrive sessions were both given a share to take home to cook and eat. We still have more beetroot and potatoes growing, as well as broccoli and carrots, and Mrs Ellis will be sharing these out with the other students involved in the potting out, watering and daily care. Many of the colourful flowers in the Owl Garden are also planted by our Thrive group of students.
Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Expedition News
Miss Kelly is delighted to share that thirty of our Year 9 students successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh expedition – a fantastic achievement that reflects their resilience, teamwork and determination. We are incredibly proud of all the students for their hard work and commitment throughout this challenging element of the award. The final stage of completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award is for participants to ensure all their activity sections are reviewed, approved and signed off by an assessor. This includes the Physical, Skills and Volunteering sections. Once all sections have been assessed and approved, the students will be eligible to receive their Duke of Edinburgh Award, along with their badge and certificate.
National Thank a Teacher Day is Back on 17th June 2026!
The UK-wide celebration of all teaching and support staff is back. National Thank a Teacher Day will be celebrated on Wednesday 17 June 2026, and this year there is more to get involved with than ever. As always, we will be celebrating every single person who makes school life special, from teaching assistants and custodians to the admin staff and everyone who keeps things running. They all deserve that special thank you.
Send a Free Limited Edition Card
Want to make someone’s day? Send a free limited edition e-card to a special teacher, support staff member or even a whole school team before National Thank a Teacher Day. Just visit the Thank a Teacher website to send yours. It is free, only takes a moment and can mean so much.
Finalists for ATT Staff Excellence Awards 2026
We are incredibly proud of two of our academy colleagues who have been nominated for the ATT Staff Excellence Awards 2026.
They are Mr K Stonach, Vice Principal, who has been nominated for Leader of the Year and Miss K Marshall, Team Leader for DT for Rising Star Award.
An incredible 550 nominations were submitted across the fifteen award categories from across the Trust. The nominations demonstrated the incredible commitment, passion and enthusiasm that so many of our ATT colleagues bring to their roles every day, and how often colleagues go above and beyond for not only pupils but fellow colleagues.
All the finalists will be invited to the ATT Staff Excellence Awards, taking place on 2 July in Corby, Northamptonshire. We wish Mr Stronach and Miss Marshall all the very best in the finals.
Healthy Start for Eligible Families
Healthy Start helps eligible pregnant people and families with children under four buy healthy food, milk and vitamins. Although Suffolk’s uptake has increased to 77%, over 1,000 eligible families are still missing out. Families can receive up to £9.30 per week, worth around £1,000 per child over four years.
Further information, including how to apply, can be found at: How to apply – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) (healthystart.nhs.uk)
Contact: Public Health & Communities Children and Families Team – childrenandfamilies@suffolk.gov.uk
End of Year Round-up from the RS Team
As we reach the end of a successful academic year, Mr Bragg-Welling would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the fantastic achievements of our students across the Religious Studies department. You can read his end of year round-up here:
Religious Studies Department End Of Year Round Up
Parent/Carer Forum: Tuesday 30 June
The forum for this half term takes place on Tuesday 30 June at 18:00 for approx. 45 minutes. During this meeting Mr Higgon will go through the progress we are continuing to make following our Ofsted visit and answer any questions parents/carers may have about our ongoing efforts to improve the school. Entry is via main Reception at 18:00. Staff will meet you on arrival and take you through to the Main Hall.
To give us an idea of the numbers expected, please register your attendance on our online MS Form here:
Registration for Parent/Carer Forum: Tue 30 June 2026 – Fill out form
WA Community Hub Events 2026
The dates of community hub events for 2026 are as follows, all are welcome between 15:15-16:00:
- Monday 29 June
- Monday 13 July
Student Absence
Please ensure if your child is absent from the academy, that you have notified the attendance office at the earliest opportunity on each day they are not going to be in school, in order to prevent the automated text messages being sent or absence calls being made to parents/carers – these commence from 8.35am each day.
The ways in which you can contact the academy to inform us of student absence can be found on our website here.
You can contact the attendance team direct on 01473 466145 or by email wes-attendance@attrust.org.uk
Applying for Free School Meals
You can apply for free school meals online direct with Suffolk County Council. You will get an immediate response and confirmation email after you have completed your application. You will not be able to apply over the phone because you need to provide an email address, password and sign the declaration stating that you have parental responsibility. Follow the link below which will take you to the SCC website:
Contact: freeschoolmeals@suffolk.gov.uk
MyChildAtSchool (MCAS)
If you have not yet registered, please do so at your earliest convenience to ensure you have access to all the academy’s communications and services. We recommend that parents and carers use the website version of MCAS rather than the app as the website offers greater functionality than the app. A copy of the self-sign-up instructions can be found here:
Cashless System – Westbourne Academy
NOTE: If you have MCAS, then you won’t receive SMS messages from school so please remember to turn on notifications on your device because any messages will go through MCAS.
Food Hall Menus
The new menu on offer at break and lunch in our Food Hall can be found here on our website. The menus rotate every three weeks and new menus will be introduced after half term:
Catering & Food Hall – Westbourne Academy
Key Dates 2026
Tuesday 16 June – Y11 Leavers Assembly 14:15 (students only)
Wednesday 24 June – Y6 Transition Day 1 of 2
Thursday 25 June ` – Y6 Transition Day 2 of 2
Friday 26 June – Staff PD Day (closed to students)
Monday 29 June – WA Community Hub 15:15-16:00
Tuesday 30 June – Parent/Carer Forum 17:15-18:00
Friday 10 July – Y11 Prom (All Manor of Events 19:00-10:45)
Monday 13 July – WA Community Hub 15:15-16:00
Friday 17 July – Last day of the summer term
You can view our academy events calendar, together with term dates and PD days, on our website here:
Academy Calendar and Term Dates – Westbourne Academy
Kind regards
Mr M Higgon
Principal
Academy vision: Westbourne is an inclusive academy. We support all students, regardless of starting point, to achieve their potential and develop the skills necessary for employment and life.
Academy values: Be Safe, Be Thoughtful, Be Accountable and Be Respectful.
General queries to: wes-office@attrust.org.uk or 01473 742315