Latest News - 21st July 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
I write this following our end of year assembly for the whole school. We are fortunate enough to be just the right size to gather all our students and staff together. There is always a real buzz to these events, and it helps us see ourselves as part of something bigger working towards our shared values. The assembly includes performances from several students from different year groups, and it gives them a moment to shine! Last week each day began with a reward assembly delivered by the Head of Year to celebrate the year groups achievements and those who have demonstrated the RISE values.
We review our year and the many achievements that we have accomplished over the academic year, and we take to thank those who make this happen for our students. Awards were given in English, maths, Outdoor Learning and Sports. I am in awe of the many opportunities our staff organise to bring the curriculum alive. A huge congratulations to Brunel House who won the Sports House of the Year!
In August our Y11 will return for their results on Thursday 20th , please see the email from the Exams Officer regarding the process.
This term we say goodbye to: Mr Murray, Head of Y11 who begins his retirement and returns to his family in Scotland; Mrs Matthews leaves the Science Team to school closer to home and our LSAs, Mrs Hobbs, and Miss Tomblin, who begins her teacher training. Thank you for their contributions and work they have does for our students. We wish them the very best!
In July we welcomed Mr Farren, our new Head of Year for our new Y7 in September and Mr Williams who trained with us, now joins the Maths Department.
We also come to the end of our Three-Year Strategy Plan for STFS and we have reflected on the many accomplishments over the years: 3 learning pathways for KS4 so all students can leave with a sense of success and pride, increase in practical GCSEs, improvement and investment on facilities (Butterfly, Catering Pod, trampolines), external reviews to ensure we’re on the right track as well as managing our student growth from 500 to 750 students. We know we still have much more to do and we will share the plan for the next three years in the Autumn Term.
Key Dates
In September we have graduated return to allow our new Y7 to have the school to themselves before the older years begin.
Tuesday 1st September – INSET, school closed to students
Wednesday 2nd September – INSET, school closed to students
Thursday 3rd September – Year 7 students only
Friday 4th September – All year groups
New Caterer
We are also moving to a new catering provider in September, STIR. and we’re very excited about the new menus. More details will follow in September. https://www.stirfood.co.uk/food/
I hope you have a wonderful summer break to enjoy time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing everyone in the autumn term for another year of learning.
Francis Murphy
Headteacher
Important Changes to Free School Meals from September 2026
The Government has introduced significant changes to the Free School Meals (FSM) scheme from September 2026.
The previous transitional protection arrangements have now ended. Previously, many students who became eligible for free school meals remained entitled until the end of their phase of education, even if their family's circumstances changed. This is no longer the case.
There are now two categories of free school meal entitlement:
Targeted Free School Meals – includes free school meals, Pupil Premium funding for schools and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) vouchers (where available).
Expanded Free School Meals – includes free school meals only.
To ensure every eligible student receives the correct entitlement under the new arrangements, we are asking all families to complete a new eligibility check, even if your child currently receives free school meals.
If you do not submit a new application, your child's current free school meal entitlement will end on 31 August 2026 and they will not receive free school meals from the start of the 2026–2027 academic year until a successful application has been made.
Please note:
Buckinghamshire Council will automatically review eligibility each year.
A separate application is required for each child.
If your child currently receives free school meals at their primary school, you must submit a new application when they join Sir Thomas Fremantle School.
Please complete the eligibility check using the link below to ensure your child continues to receive any support they are entitled to.
Click here to complete the Free School Meal application form.
New Arbor Parent App
We know that many parents and carers have found aspects of the current Arbor Parent App frustrating at times, and we've been pleased to hear that Arbor has announced a complete redevelopment of the app.
The new version is expected to launch in Spring 2027, with a focus on improving the overall parent experience, making it easier to access information and navigate the features that families use most.
We'll be keeping a close eye on developments over the coming months and look forward to seeing the improvements when they're released. As soon as the new app becomes available, we'll share further information and let you know if there are any new features or changes you'll need to be aware of.
We're hopeful this will make using Arbor a much smoother experience for everyone.
Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents – Information for Parents
We have been asked by Thames Valley Police to share the attached information sheet with parents and carers. The guidance explains what hate crimes and non-crime hate incidents are, how they are recorded, and the different ways concerns can be reported.
We encourage families to take a few moments to read the information and discuss it with their child. Together, we can help ensure that all members of our community feel safe, respected and included.
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.
Support Our Future Football Stars!
At STFS we’re passionate about giving our students every opportunity to shine — both in the classroom and on the pitch. But right now, our football teams are facing a big challenge: we need football goals and team kits.
Our pupils show much determination and love for the game. They are currently training without full size football goals and without the pride of pulling on a school kit. We don’t want this to be a barrier to enjoying the sport they love, developing their skills, and building the confidence that comes from being part of a team. That’s where you come in. We are reaching out to our wonderful local community for sponsorships and donations to help us purchase:
Full-size football goals
A set of school football kits for both our boys and girls teams
How you can help:
Make a donation (no matter how small, every bit helps!)
Become a sponsor and have your business logo proudly displayed on our kits
Spread the word to others who may be able to support
To get involved, please contact abi.haynes@sirthomasfremantle.org or visit our gofundme page to make a donation
Thank you for helping us invest in the next generation — both on and off the pitch!
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.
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.