Latest News - 16th Oct 2026
Anti-Bullying and Building a Positive School Culture
This week, our assemblies have focused on anti-bullying and the importance of building a positive, respectful and inclusive school culture.
Students have been exploring the different forms bullying can take, including verbal, physical, social and online bullying, and the impact this can have on someone's confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
A particular focus has been on the difference between banter and bullying. What one person considers a joke can be hurtful to someone else, and students have been encouraged to recognise when a line has been crossed and to consider how their words and actions affect others.
We have also reinforced the importance of speaking up, whether that means reporting concerns to a trusted adult, supporting someone who is being targeted or choosing not to join in with unkind behaviour.
We are proud of the positive relationships and strong sense of community at STFS, but maintaining that culture takes a collective effort. Our message to students has been clear: everyone has a responsibility to treat others with respect and help make our school a place where everyone feels safe, valued and included.
Year 10 and Year 11 – Maximize Your Potential
This week, we welcomed Maximize Your Potential into school to deliver the first of two motivational study skills workshops for our Year 10 and Year 11 students.
We have worked with Maximize previously and received excellent feedback from students, who found the sessions engaging, practical and genuinely useful. The workshops are designed to help students develop effective study habits, build confidence and take greater ownership of their learning as they work towards their GCSEs.
Year 11 – Monday 12th October
With GCSEs getting closer, our Year 11 students took part in sessions focusing on effective revision strategies, motivation and developing the confidence and resilience needed to make the most of the months ahead. The workshops provided practical techniques to help students manage their workload, stay focused and approach their exams with a positive mindset.
Year 10 – Monday 19th October
Next week, it will be Year 10's turn, with a focus on building strong foundations for GCSE success. Students will explore effective study habits, time management, organisation and independent learning, alongside the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks. They will also discover why some revision methods are more effective than others, including the difference between active and passive revision and the value of regular practice.
We know that developing good study habits early can make a real difference, and these workshops are a fantastic opportunity for both year groups to gain practical skills they can put into action straight away.
Maximise Your Potential – Year 11 Parent Session
Alongside our Year 11 student workshops this week, we were delighted to welcome parents and carers to a special information evening delivered by Maximize Your Potential, focusing on how families can support their children through the important months leading up to their GCSEs.
One of the key messages of the evening was that parents and carers remain the single biggest influence on a young person's success at school. Simple things such as encouraging good attendance, helping to establish regular revision routines and taking an interest in what their children are learning can make a real difference.
The session also offered plenty of practical advice on effective revision, including short, focused study sessions, active recall, flashcards, mind maps and making good use of past papers. We also explored the importance of recognising that every mark counts, that target grades are not a ceiling on achievement and that small, consistent improvements can add up to significant progress.
Above all, the message was about encouraging our young people to be the best version of themselves, to work hard, look after their wellbeing and know when to ask for support. GCSE preparation is very much a team effort between students, families and school, and working together gives our young people the best possible opportunity to achieve their goals and keep their future options open.
A huge thank you to all the parents and carers who joined us, for your engagement throughout the evening and for the lovely, positive feedback we received. We really appreciate your continued support as we help Year 11 navigate this important stage of their education.
Year 11 Careers Guidance
Our individual careers meetings for Year 11 students have continued this week, with support from our external careers adviser.
These one-to-one appointments give students the opportunity to explore their options beyond Year 11, discuss their interests and ambitions, and consider the different pathways available to them, including A levels, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.
Our careers adviser brings a wealth of specialist knowledge and experience, offering independent, impartial advice and valuable insight into further education, training and employment opportunities. This helps students make informed decisions about their next steps, taking into account their individual strengths, interests and aspirations.
With some important decisions ahead, these conversations are intended to help our Year 11 students feel more confident and prepared for life beyond STFS.
Don't forget to check your inbox for the Post 16 option letter with details of schools, colleges and other post 16 options.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Launch
This week, we have launched this year's Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme, with Bronze available to Year 9 students and Silver to Year 10 students.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves, develop new skills, build confidence and gain valuable experiences beyond the classroom. Through volunteering, physical activities, learning new skills and completing an expedition, students develop independence, resilience and teamwork, all while working towards a nationally recognised award.
It's also a great achievement to include on future CVs, college and sixth form applications, and eventually university or job applications. The award demonstrates commitment, initiative, teamwork and a willingness to take on new challenges – qualities that are highly valued by employers and education providers.
Importantly, Year 10 students do not need to have completed Bronze to take part in Silver, so we would encourage anyone interested to consider getting involved.
Parents and carers have received an email with further details and there is plenty of information about the programme on our website: Duke of Edinburgh's Award at STFS.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Have a lovely weekend, and I look forward to seeing everyone for the final week of this half-term.
Francis Murphy
Headteacher
Year 11 – Exploring Post-16 Options
As our Year 11 students begin to consider their next steps after GCSEs, now is an important time to explore the different post-16 opportunities available to them.
With open events taking place at sixth forms, colleges and specialist providers over the coming weeks, we have put together a comprehensive guide to help students and families research their options and plan ahead.
The guide includes details of local post-16 providers, the qualifications and courses they offer, upcoming open event dates, application deadlines and useful links to websites and prospectuses.
We would encourage students to visit a range of providers, even if they already have a particular destination in mind. Open events are a great opportunity to explore the facilities, speak to staff and current students, and get a feel for where they might like to continue their education.
Please do check individual providers' websites for the latest information, as some dates are still to be confirmed and certain events may require advance booking.
We hope this guide will be a useful starting point in helping our Year 11 students make informed decisions about their next steps.
Supporting students with their next steps
Alongside these open events, we are welcoming representatives from a number of local sixth forms and colleges into STFS throughout the autumn term. They will be speaking to our Year 11 students about the opportunities available and answering questions, with opportunities for individual conversations. Visits include The Royal Latin School, Cedars Upper School, Waddesdon School, The Lord Grey Academy and Moulton College.
Our individual careers guidance meetings are ongoing, with every Year 11 student having the opportunity to meet with our external careers adviser, Karen Malone. These one-to-one meetings provide personalised, impartial advice to help students explore their interests, understand the different pathways available and make informed decisions about their future. It is important that students attend their scheduled appointments.
If you have any questions about post-16 options or careers guidance, please contact Miss Burns, our Careers and Enrichment Lead, at Molly.Burns@sirthomasfremantle.org.
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
Netball:
This week the Yr 8s played at a tournament at Aylesbury Vale Academy. While we didn't come away with a victory, the players showed fantastic determination and continued to improve with every game. Their effort and enthusiasm were a credit to the school.
The Yr 10s also played at a tournament at Aylesbury Vale Academy. The girls were outstanding, winning every game and showcasing exceptional netball skills, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout.
Basketball:
The Yr9s kicked off the basketball season with their first game against Cottesloe. It was a difficult opening game against strong opposition. Despite the loss, the team demonstrated excellent effort and commitment.
Football:
The U13 girls football team played their first game of the season against Royal Latin. A strong performance from the team resulted in a draw, with all players contributing positively and showing great effort from start to finish.
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.