Latest News - 18th July 2025
KS3 Celebration Evening
On Tuesday, we proudly held our very first KS3 Awards Evening—an inspiring celebration of the effort, progress, and character shown by our Key Stage 3 students throughout the year.
This inaugural event marked the beginning of what will now become a regular and much-anticipated occasion in the STFS calendar. It was an evening not just about academic success, but about recognising the whole student—their kindness, resilience, creativity, and personal growth.
The atmosphere in the room was warm and full of pride, with families, students and staff coming together to acknowledge the many ways our young people contribute to the life of our school. Awards were presented across a range of categories that celebrated not only achievement and progress, but also the positive attitudes, leadership and values we see in our students every day.
One parent summed up the evening beautifully, saying:
“It was such a beautiful reflection of the nurturing environment that STFS is… not only in their academic ability but their character too, creating strong, confident and kind individuals.”
Thank you to all the staff who made the evening possible and to the families who joined us in celebrating our students. We are so proud of what they have achieved this year, and we look forward to making the KS3 Awards Evening a lasting tradition at STFS.
£2,361.45 Raised for Cancer Research UK!
We are incredibly proud to share that we donated £2,361.45 this week to Cancer Research UK, following the success of our recent sponsored walk.
Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, or supported the event in any way. Your kindness and effort have made a real impact – and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Please Avoid Sharing Live Location Updates from School Trips
Following a recent message about parents using Apple AirTags and similar on school trips, we want to offer a reminder about the importance of protecting all children’s privacy.
We’ve been made aware of a situation at another school where parents used tracking devices to follow their children’s movements during a trip, and then shared live updates and screenshots of their child’s location in a parent WhatsApp group. Although this was done with good intentions, it raised some serious concerns.
Sharing real-time information about children’s locations – especially in a group chat where other children are also being tracked – can put everyone’s safety and privacy at risk. It’s also something the authorities take seriously. The UK’s information watchdog (the ICO) has confirmed that sharing this kind of information online or in group chats can break data protection rules, even if it’s done by parents.
Because of this, we kindly ask that parents do not share live location details or photos of school trips in group chats or on social media – especially when other children are involved. It’s important that we work together to protect everyone’s privacy and keep all pupils safe.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Relationships & Sex Education
Brook are offering Bucks parents invaluable free 30 minute webinars on practical guidance on how to start conversations and navigate potentially tricky topics at home, such as consent, online safety and healthy relationships.
This is such a topical subject at the moment. It would be great if you could share in your end of term newsletters.
Please click the flyer for more details.
Catering Assistant Opportunity
Our wonderful caterers, Aspens Services, are seeking a friendly and reliable Catering Assistant to join the team on a fixed-term contract covering maternity leave while Alice enjoys her new arrival.
Important Update: Student Devices and IT Changes at STFS
As we approach the summer break, we’d like to inform families of some important changes to our IT systems and student devices at Sir Thomas Fremantle School. These updates may be particularly relevant if you’re planning to purchase a new laptop for your child.
IT Upgrade and Platform Transition
This summer, we’ll be upgrading our IT infrastructure and transitioning fully to Microsoft 365, moving away from our current hybrid system that also includes Google Workspace.
This change will:
Provide a more consistent learning experience across all subjects
Improve safeguarding and device management
Better prepare students for further education and the workplace
A Move Away from Chromebooks
As part of this transition, we are also moving away from using Chromebooks.
From now on, any new student devices should be Windows laptops.
If your child is already using a Chromebook, there’s no need to replace it — these will remain supported until July 2029 or until the student leaves STFS, whichever comes first.
New: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Option
We’re pleased to introduce a new Bring Your Own Device option for families who wish to provide their own Windows laptop, rather than purchasing through Freedom Tech.
To ensure safety and compatibility, BYOD laptops must meet the following minimum specifications:
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Processor: Intel N100 (or equivalent)
Memory: 8GB RAM
Storage: 128GB SSD
Connectivity: Dual Band Wireless-AC and Bluetooth
Families using BYOD must also:
Pay a one-off set-up/exit fee (no more than £20)
Complete a Device Agreement allowing us to install safeguarding and management tools
👉 [Click here to view the Device Agreement]
Please note: Filtering and monitoring tools only apply while on the school network. Families are responsible for applying parental controls at home.
Visit the updated Student Devices page on our website for more information and FAQs.
Recommended Option: Freedom Tech Scheme
While BYOD is available, we continue to strongly recommend the Freedom Tech scheme, which provides a secure and hassle-free solution for families.
Devices from Freedom Tech:
✔ Are fully set up with school software
✔ Include a 3-year warranty and accidental damage cover
✔ Come with access to loan devices during repairs
✔ Are supported by our in-house IT team
✔ Offer flexible monthly payment options
✔ Are built to withstand daily school use
Financial support may be available for students eligible for Pupil Premium or Pupil Premium Plus. Please contact the school office for a confidential conversation.
(Unfortunately, assistance is not available for the BYOD route.)
Already Ordered Through Freedom Tech?
If you've already placed an order and wish to reconsider:
Before 10th July: Contact Freedom Tech directly to amend or cancel
After the portal closes: A 14-day cooling-off period still applies (see Freedom Tech’s T&Cs)
👉 freedomtech.co.uk/contact-us
Please note: the school cannot make changes to orders on your behalf.
We understand this update comes near the end of term, and we appreciate your patience while we finalised this important development. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office — we’re here to help.
Uniform Donations Required
Stock levels in our Preloved Uniform Shop is a little bit low at the moment, so please think of us if you’re having a clear out and have items of uniform that your child has outgrown.
Any donations will be gratefully received at the school reception.
All proceeds go directly to the students via the Student Council.
EmpowerU: Building a Healthy Mind and Future is a life skills programme supporting young people’s mental health through self-care, resilience, inclusivity, digital safety, and healthier habits.
The EmpowerU programme takes a holistic approach to youth mental health, fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. It provides tools for well-being and healthier life choices in a safe, supportive space.
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.