Latest News - 9th Oct 2026
Admissions Consultation – September 2028
Did you know that Sir Thomas Fremantle School doesn't currently have a catchment area? Under our existing admissions arrangements, distance from the school is an important factor in deciding who is offered a place when we are oversubscribed. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect the wider geographical area and communities that our school serves.
Following discussions with Buckinghamshire Council, and in light of significant housing developments planned across the local area, we have been asked to consider introducing a catchment area. Buckinghamshire Council has selected the proposed catchment boundary as part of its wider planning for future school places. The proposal would give greater priority to children living within the defined area, helping to support the communities we serve.
Importantly, a catchment area would not prevent families living outside it from applying, and our published admission number of 150 places would remain unchanged.
On Monday 12th October, we will be launching a formal consultation on the proposed changes, which will run until Friday 27th November. All parents and carers will receive an email on Monday with the proposed catchment map, further information and details of how to share their views.
Any changes would only take effect for admissions from September 2028. There will be no changes to the admissions arrangements for September 2027, and students already attending STFS will not be affected.
No decisions have been made yet, and we really would welcome your feedback. Please look out for the email on Monday and take the opportunity to have your say.
Black History Month
Throughout October, we are marking Black History Month, and this week’s assemblies have given pupils an opportunity to reflect on Black history, culture and achievement.
Black History Month is an important chance to celebrate the contributions of Black people to British society and beyond, while also exploring stories and experiences that have not always been given the prominence they deserve.
Our assemblies have encouraged pupils to think about why learning about our shared history matters, the progress that has been made and the role we can all play in creating a community where everyone feels valued, respected and included.
We’ll continue to recognise Black History Month across the school throughout October
Exploring Post-16 Opportunities
This week, we were pleased to welcome Buckinghamshire College Group into school to deliver an assembly to our Year 11 students, helping them explore the different pathways available after GCSEs.
With some important decisions ahead, it was a great opportunity for students to learn more about the wide range of courses and qualifications on offer and begin thinking about their next steps.
We encourage Year 11 students and their families to explore the options available by visiting the Buckinghamshire College Group website.
Parking Considerately – A Further Reminder
I know that parking around the school at the beginning and end of the day can be challenging, particularly following the recent introduction of double yellow lines in the surrounding area. However, I must once again ask parents to be considerate of our neighbours, local businesses and other road users when collecting their children.
Unfortunately, we have received reports from the petrol station in Winslow of parents waiting at the pumps while collecting their children. I am sure everyone can appreciate that this is simply not acceptable. The petrol station is a working business, and its customers must be able to access the pumps without obstruction.
Whilst I appreciate that finding a convenient parking space isn't always easy, there are alternatives. There is parking available further into the town, and students can walk a little further to meet their parents. Alternatively, parents can park elsewhere and walk to meet their children, or wait until 3.30pm when collection from the school car park is permitted.
We are very fortunate to be part of the Winslow community, and I would hate for the actions of a few to affect the positive relationships we have with our neighbours. A little patience, planning and consideration goes a long way, and I would be grateful if everyone could play their part.
Thank you to the many parents who already park responsibly and for your continued cooperation.
Parent Governor Election – Don't Forget to Vote!
Voting is still open for our Parent Governor election, and thank you to everyone who has already cast their vote.
If you haven't yet had your say, please keep an eye on your inbox for a reminder email from getinvolved@choicevoting.co.uk, which will include a link and log in details to our secure online voting system.
Our Parent Governors play an important role in the life of the school, so we would encourage as many parents and carers as possible to take part and have their say.
If you would prefer a paper ballot, please contact the school office.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
Francis Murphy
Headteacher
Inter-House Games Competition
We are excited to invite students to take part in our first Inter-House Games competition.
The event will begin at 3:20pm and finish at 4:30pm, when students should be collected by parents/carers.
This half-term's sport is Basketball, and students will be competing on behalf of their form group for the chance to become our first Inter-House Games champions!
Students should:
Attend in their full school PE kit
Bring plenty of enthusiasm and team spirit
Try their very best
Most importantly, have fun!
We look forward to seeing students representing their forms and enjoying some friendly competition.
Year 7 - 19th October
Year 8 - 20th October
Year 9 - 21st October
Year 10/11 - 22nd October
Students who have chosen to take part in this competition will receive and Arbor invitation. Parents/carers please give permission via Arbor for students to take part.
Sports News
This week the Yr 7 team played their first Netball tournament. They showed great determination and teamwork. Player of the match was Bella H.
The team drew 0 - 0 against The Grange, lost 4 - 0 against St Michales and in a very close final game lost 2 - 1 to Aylesbury Vale Academy.
The Yr 9s played on Thursday this week. Once again, the girls showed excellent teamwork and skill. Player of the match was Florence H. They won 10 - 1 against Aylesbury Vale Academy. They then played The Grange winning 6 - 1.
A strong start to the season, well done girls!
School Meal Menus
The current menus are available below, showing the range of meals and options available to students over the coming weeks. Please take a look through the menus with your child so they know what will be available each day. The current menus can always be found on our website and displayed in the canteen.
Raise funds when you shop online
Friends of Sir Thomas Fremantle School (FOSTFS), our PTA, have set up Easyfundraising as a simple way for families to help raise funds to support the school, at no extra cost to you.
Easyfundraising works with hundreds of well-known retailers. When you start your shopping through their website or app, the retailer donates a percentage of what you spend to FOSTFS, who then use these funds to benefit the school. You pay the same price you would normally pay.
Extra bonus for February
For a limited time, Easyfundraising is offering an additional £2 donation for every new person who signs up in February and selects Friends of Sir Thomas Fremantle School as their chosen cause. This bonus is paid on top of anything raised through shopping, making this a great time to get involved and encourage friends and family to sign up too.
Where it has the biggest impact
Easyfundraising can be used for everyday shopping, but the largest donations come from higher-value purchases. With holiday booking season underway, this is a particularly effective time to get involved.
Examples of high-value purchases include:
Holidays, flights and hotels
Insurance renewals such as home, car or travel
Mobile phone upgrades or new contracts
Laptops, tablets and other technology
Furniture, white goods or home improvement items
Broadband, TV or energy provider switches
Before you buy
If you’re about to make a purchase, please take a moment to check Easyfundraising first. It only takes a few seconds and can make a meaningful difference to the funds raised by FOSTFS for the school.
Thank you for supporting Friends of Sir Thomas Fremantle and helping to enhance opportunities for our students through such a simple action.
Can You Help Our Preloved Uniform Shop?
As another Year 11 cohort prepares to move on to their next adventure, many families may find themselves with school uniform that is no longer needed.
We would be very grateful for any donations of clean, good-quality uniform items for our preloved uniform shop. Your donation could make a real difference to another family and help ensure that affordable uniform remains available to all students.
Donations can be dropped off at school reception at any time.
All proceeds from the Preloved Uniform Shop are reinvested directly into student-led projects and initiatives through the Student Council.
Thank you for your support.
The services and events advertised in this newsletter are not all endorsed by the school. We are simply passing on information that may be of interest to our school community. Parents and guardians are encouraged to exercise their own discretion when considering these opportunities.