Sent to parents and carers on 15/07/25
Arrangements for the End of Term – Summer 2025
As we approach the end of our first year together with me as Westbourne’s new principal, I would like to thank you for all the support and encouragement you have provided your children in their academic and co-curricular efforts with us, both when they are in school and also when they are at home completing homework and revision. The overwhelming majority of our students make the most of the opportunities on offer here at Westbourne on a daily basis, and as a result benefit by unlocking a wide range of opportunities for their futures when they leave us at the end of Year 11.
End of Term
The last day of the summer term is Tuesday 22 July. We are adjusting the timings to the school day to accommodate a virtual whole school assembly during Period 4. Students who wish to purchase food and drink or spend their daily Free School Meal allowance will be able to do this at morning break.
8:15-8:25 Students arrive at school as normal
8:30-8:55 Students report to tutor bases as normal
8:55-9:55 Lesson 1 as normal
9:55-10:55 Lesson 2 as normal
10:55-11:20 Break as normal
11:20-12:10 Lesson 3 shortened
12:10-12:20 Students report to tutor bases
12:20-13:10 Whole school virtual assembly in tutor bases
13:10 Students dismissed
13:15 School closed
Our switchboard and reception will close for the summer holiday at 13:15 on Tuesday 22 July. Any emails sent to us will be dealt with when the academy reopens on Wednesday 3 September. Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 September are staff training days and the academy is closed to students.
Staff Goodbyes
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you and farewell to some of our colleagues who are moving on to pastures new at the end of this term:
- RS Team Leader – Mr J Clarke
- DT Team Leader – Mrs A Brown
- Science Teacher & Cadet Contingent Commander – Mr J Pashler
- DT Teacher – Mrs H Davies
- History Teacher – Mr A Gowing
- Languages Teacher – Miss E Rawcliffe
- Social Sciences Team Leader – Mrs S Rock
- RS Teacher – Miss L Bell
- Teaching Assistant – Mr R Small
- Teaching Assistant – Miss C Williams-Macklin
- Teaching Assistant – Miss E Emmanuel
- Pastoral Lead – Mrs M Jones
- Teaching Assistant – Mrs C Chetty
- Pastoral Admin Support – Mrs N Oliver
- Cover Supervisor – Mr I Siachimbo
- Central Admin Support – Mrs M Pettman & Mrs B Benneworth
- Attendance Assistant – Mrs B Marlow
In September, we will write to you again with details of new members of staff who are joining the academy as either teachers, trainee teachers or support staff.
The New Term: Wednesday 3 September
We will write to you separately about the start of the new term and what that entails. The first day of the new academic year is Wednesday 3 September. Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd September are staff training days and there will, therefore, be no students in school on these days.
Uniform & Equipment
Students must please wear their full and complete academy uniform when they return in September and be properly equipped for learning in terms of pens, pencils, a rule, a Casio calculator, headphones for music/computing and a reading book. On the first day of term, students can buy a filled pencil case with a 30cm rule for £1 in cash.
The school photographers will be with us on Friday 26 September to photograph students in all year groups so please make a note of that date and ensure your child brings their jumper to school for the photograph.
When buying new school shoes this summer, please remember to abide by our rule that shoes must be plain black and made from leather/leather-look materials. Canvas shoes are not permitted because they do not protect your child’s feet in wet weather. For a reminder of our expectations with regards to equipment, academy uniform, shoes, trousers and accessories, please visit the Parent/Uniform page of our website.
Uniform – Westbourne Academy (attrust.org.uk)
PMG Schoolwear Ipswich offer online shopping as well as an appointment system. Please check their deadline for delivering clothing items in time for the start of term.
Year Group Ties
In September, students will need to wear a clip-on year group tie. A reminder of the colours for each year group is below. We intend for students to retain the same tie colour for the rest of their time at Westbourne, so they will not need to change colours as they move up through the academy:
- Current Y6, next year’s Y7 – Blue (Head of Year Miss Farr)
- Current Y7, next year’s Y8 – Yellow (Head of Year Mr Perry)
- Current Y8, next year’s Y9 – Green (Head of Year Mr Agate)
- Current Y9, next year’s Y10 – Purple (Head of Year Mr Durrant)
- Current Y10, next year’s Y11 – Red (Head of Year Mr Payne)
Families who find themselves in financial hardship and are struggling to cover the costs of uniform should contact Mrs Clarke at the school in the first instance to discuss the support available.
PMG will have the new blue tie for new Year 7 students in stock by the end of July.
Term Dates & PD Days
Our term dates, staff training days and holidays for future academic years are available to view on our academy website under the About/Term Dates page. Please keep this in mind when booking your holidays throughout the year.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a safe and restful summer. We look forward to seeing all our students again in September and to welcoming our new Year 7 students to Westbourne.
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
Attendance or Absence queries to: wes-attendance@attrust.org.uk
Exam queries to: anna.fulcher@attrust.org.uk
Lettings queries to wes-lettings@attrust.org.uk
MCAS, online payments and data information queries to: wes-data@attrust.org.uk
Safeguarding queries to wes-safe@attrust.org.uk
SEND queries to: opal.degville@attrust.org.uk