Sent to parents and carers on 11/07/25
Weekly Bulletin for Friday 11 July 2025
As we approach the final few days of term it has been a real privilege to visit lessons and observe the good work our staff are putting in to ensure students receive a high-quality education. So far, I have been fortunate enough to visit PE, maths, Spanish, geography and music lessons, with more to follow in the coming days. It has been deeply rewarding to see our students fully engaged in their learning and making good progress because of high-quality teaching from our staff.
On Saturday, it was wonderful to welcome so many members of the community into Westbourne for our Summer Fayre. A fantastic time was enjoyed by all, with a range of craft stalls to visit, the ever popular tombola, a sale of plants grown by our students, a raffle as well as hot food, ice cream and the official opening of our new 3G pitch, followed by a charity football match between staff and our outgoing Year 11s. Thanks to all members of the community who came, those who helped out, and in particular to Miss Alcock who organised the event, Miss Annandale and Mr Compton who arranged the opening of our 3G pitch and the charity football match.
There was some debate as to the winners as the final whistle blew, with both sides claiming victory following a winning goal which appeared to make contact with Mr Smith’s hand on its way to the back of the net.
You can see some of the photos taken by Mr Thorpe here on our website gallery:
Westbourne Staff v Year 11 Leavers Football Match
It was delightful to hear how much Year 10 gained from their visit to Suffolk One this week, as we round off the final visits for their post-16 taster days. A member of staff from Suffolk One commented:
‘I am thrilled your students had a good day. You always organise your students so well, which makes for a smooth day when you are all here. The behaviour of your students at One is always excellent. It’s a pleasure you have you visit for the day.’
Thanks to Mr Payne and his team who have accompanied Year 10 students across the past couple of weeks to Northgate Sixth Form, Suffolk New College and One. Opportunities to think about life after Westbourne, when they finish Year 11 next summer, are invaluable insights into future learning and career pathways.
Hot Chocolate Winners for w/e 4/07/2025
- Year 7 – Jaanav S -for being one of the politest and well turned out students in the year group, with impeccable manners and work ethic.
- Year 8 – Mohammed R – for excellent attendance and attitude to school.
- Year 8 – Megan I – for doing the right thing every day and setting a good example as a Westbourne student.
- Year 9 – Alfie D – for being a brilliant helper during assemblies.
Flash Rewards
After 396 students qualified for a Flash Reward ice-cream last Friday lunchtime, Mr Stronach announced a further fortnight’s Flash Reward which runs from 7 to 17 July. To qualify, students need to have received no C3s during this time and have 100% attendance. The reward will be handed out at the start of lunch on Friday 18 July to all qualifying students. Those who meet the criteria will receive a ticket during Period 4 on 18 July.
Indoor Sportshall Athletics: Wednesday 16 July
On Wednesday, all students will compete and represent their House in an indoor sportshall athletics event with the rest of their year group. All students will need to wear their PE kit and trainers to school on Wednesday and bring adequate water to drink. Students will need to register with their normal class teacher before making their way to the sportshall with their class teacher. Students who are timetabled for PE will need to go to the changing rooms to register. This has been explained to students this week in tutor time.
Period 1 – 08:55 = Year 10
Period 3 – 11:20 = Year 7
Period 4 – 12:20 = Year 8
Period 5 – 14:00 = Year 9
Every student who competes will earn House points and the winning House will be announced at the end of year assembly on 22 July by Miss Annandale, Team Leader for PE.
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.
Attendance Matters
“Attend today, achieve tomorrow. Education is your passport to the future. Good attendance is the stamp that gets you there.”
Attendance Focus for w/c: 30/6/25
- academy attendance across Years 7-10 for the year to date is 87.7%
- academy attendance across Years 7-10 last week was 85.9%
- Year 7 – 87.5% / Year 8 – 84.5% / Year 9 – 86.5% / Year 10 – 85.1% attendance to school last week
- 530 students across the academy had 100% attendance to school last week
- Year 7 – 137 students / Year 8 – 131 students / Year 9 – 138 students / Year 10 – 124 students had 100% attendance to school last week
- The best year group attendance was Year 7 with 87.1%
- The best tutor groups for attendance last week were Year 7 – 7W – 95.6% / Year 8 – 8 O – 90.0% / Year 9 – 9T – 92.8% / Year 10 – 10R – 93.2%
- 556 students did not receive a single late mark last week
- 319 students did not receive a single late mark to lessons or tutor time and had 100% attendance last week
- Year 7 – 7E / Year 8 – 8E / Year 9 – 9R / Year 10 – 10N were the tutor groups in each year with the best punctuality last week
- The best year group overall for punctuality to school and lessons was Year 10
- The best year group for 100% attendance and100% punctuality to school last week was Year 9
- 51 students currently have 100% attendance to school this academic year – this is an excellent achievement
Praise & Rewards
- 693 students received positive points during last week in their lessons for exemplary work, behaviour or attendance.
- 12,290 positive points were awarded to students during last week
WA Community Hub
The dates for next year’s Community Hub events are now released and can be found here on our website:
WA Community Hub Diary Dates for 2025-2026 – Westbourne Academy
Summer Football School
Suffolk Holiday Activity still have availability at their soccer schools for the summer holiday for children who are in receipt of Free School Meals between 6 – 12 years. Details are here:
Westbourne Summer 2025 Football HAF Flyer
Whitton Summer 2025 Football HAF Flyer
Food Hall Menus
The menus on offer for the next three weeks in our Food Hall next week can be found here: Catering & Food Hall – Westbourne Academy:
- wc 14 July – menu 1
- wc 21 July – menu 2
On the last day of term, Tuesday 22 July, students will only be able to buy food and drink at morning break as they will be dismissed early at the end of whole school virtual assembly at 13:15.
Sub Club runs on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes when students can choose their bread type and a range of fillings.
Appling 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:
The Department for Education (DfE) has updated the Free School Meals (FSM) guidance to confirm that all households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive FSM from the start of the 2026/2027 school year. They have also extended transitional protections until the end of the 2025/2026 school year.
SCC FSM Guidance For Familes Re Changes
Contact: freeschoolmeals@suffolk.gov.uk
Suffolk Libraries Blank Page holiday activities return for Summer 2025
Suffolk Community Libraries is pleased to again be offering a programme of creative activities for 10-16 year-olds at several of the county’s libraries during the summer holidays.
Blank Page workshops will be running from 28 July to 29 August 2025 in the following libraries: Beccles, Bury St Edmunds, Chantry, Felixstowe, Gainsborough, Great Cornard, Haverhill, Ipswich County Library, Lowestoft, Sudbury and Stowmarket.
The workshops are aimed at 10-16 year olds. For full details, please visit the Suffolk Community Libraries website. You can then book a place via the Eequ website. (You can book a place at more than one workshop.)
Whitton Times
As a community organisation, we have been asked to share the following edition of the Summer 2025 Whitton Times with parents and carers. If you would like something included in their next issue, which will be in early November, please email bev.frost@ntlworld.com. They would love to have many more Whitton community things featured in their magazine.
Summer Immunisation Clinics
NHS East of England are running immunisation clinics over the summer holiday at various locations across Suffolk including at Sudbury House, 36 White House Road, Ipswich. Full details and instructions on how to book appointments can be found on their flyer here:
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 that the app.
A copy of the email and instructions sent to parents and carers can be found here on our website latest news page:
Cashless System – Westbourne Academy
Key Dates 2025
Wed 16 July – Sportshall Athletics Competitions Y7-10
Thu 17 – Sat 19 July – Y10 History trip to Battlefields
Tuesday 22 July – Last day of term/early close at 13:20
Thursday 21 August – Y11 exam results collection (10:00-12:00)
Monday 1 September – Staff PD Day (closed to students)
Tuesday 2 September – Staff PD Day (closed to students)
Wednesday 3 September – 1st day of autumn term for all students
Monday 22 September – Y11 Geo field trip (information to follow)
Tuesday 23 September – Y11 Geo field trip (information to follow)
Monday 29 September – 15:15-16:00 WA Community Hub
Thursday 2 October – 16:00-18:00 Year 6 Open Evening
Friday 26 September – Whole school photos
Monday 6 October – Y7-8-9 flu vaccinations (information to follow)
Monday 13 October – Y10/11 flu vaccinations (information to follow)
Thursday 16 October – Year 11 Parent/Carer evening & Success Fayre (info to follow)
Monday 27 – Friday 31 Oct – Half term holiday
Monday 3 November – Staff PD day (school is closed)
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
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