Latest News - 25th April 2025
New Canteen System
With the increased number of students and higher uptake in meals, we have introduced a new canteen system to ensure safety and a pleasant experience for everyone. The school was originally built for fewer than 500 students, and we've grown significantly. Here are the key changes we have made:
Safety Focus: Ensuring the safety of all students is our top priority. We have taken measures to keep doorways clear, prevent standing or sitting on floors in walkways, and avoid bags or belongings blocking exits. These steps are crucial to ensure that in case of an emergency, everyone can evacuate quickly and safely.
New Server Pod: To accommodate the increased demand, we have introduced a new server pod. This pod offers a variety of grab-and-go items, including jacket potatoes, tray bakes, and drinks. Students queue in pairs and wait for duty staff to guide them to the pod. This system helps manage the flow of students and reduces waiting times, making meal times more efficient and enjoyable.
Canteen Queue: We have restructured the canteen queue to improve the overall experience. Students now queue outside in pairs and enter the canteen in groups of five. They use the servery in the opposite direction than previously and pay at the far end. After purchasing their food, students are required to either sit down or leave the area, ensuring that the canteen remains orderly and that everyone has a place to sit.
Seating Plan: Only seated students are allowed in the canteen, with a maximum capacity of 192 students. This helps maintain a calm and organised environment. We have also emphasised the importance of not sitting on tables and keeping exits clear to ensure safety at all times.
Behaviour Expectations
We expect all students to be polite and well-mannered to the catering team. Cleaning up after eating is essential to maintain a tidy and welcoming environment. Following the new rules is crucial to ensure that everyone can enjoy their meals in a safe and respectful setting.
Creating a Calm and Relaxed Environment
Our focus is on creating a calm and relaxed environment for the whole school community to enjoy. By implementing these changes, we aim to make meal times a pleasant and stress-free experience for everyone, so students can relax and recharge during their breaks.
We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all students, parents/carers and staff in making these changes a success.
Y10 MFL Trips - Madrid & Paris (Feb 2026)
We are delighted to offer two exciting Modern Foreign Languages trips for our current Year 10 students – one to Paris and one to Madrid. These trips provide a fantastic opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and daily life of the countries they are studying.
As well as visiting key landmarks and enjoying cultural experiences, students will have the chance to practise their language skills in real-life situations – an invaluable way to build confidence, deepen understanding, and bring classroom learning to life.
Full details have been sent via email, and bookings can be made through Arbor. Places are limited and in high demand, so we strongly encourage you to secure a place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Racing Success for Lewis Herbertson
We’re all following Lewis Herbertson’s racing journey with pride and excitement!
On 4th April 2025, Lewis competed in the national final, finishing 20th out of 34 against the top drivers in the country. After all points were counted, he’s now sitting 18th in the national championship – a brilliant result in a very competitive field.
At a recent club round, he secured 3rd place in both heats and finished 9th in the final, which moved him up to 2nd in that championship.
Most recently, all of Lewis’s hard work over the winter and with his new team paid off at another club event, where he finished 2nd in the final out of 25 drivers – earning his first silverware of the year and holding 2nd place in that championship as well.
A huge well done to Lewis – we can’t wait to see what he does next!
BBC Creative Showcase Success for Year 9 Students
Our Year 9 students were set a creative task by Mrs Greene, inspired by the BBC Ten Pieces project. The focus was on female composer Sally Beamish and her evocative piece Seavaigers.
Students were invited to take on a creative writing challenge to write a poem or short story called Homecoming, in which the protagonist overcomes a difficult situation to make it home, or back to a place of safety.
We’re delighted to share that three students — Alex Sullivan-Miles, Isabella Oxley, and Asharia Kerr — wrote exceptional pieces that have now been accepted for the BBC Creative Showcase.
A huge congratulations to all three students on this fantastic achievement!
Uniform & Equipment Expectations – Important Reminder
Please use the half-term to ensure your child has the correct uniform and equipment. When the students return to school on 24th February, the following measures will be in place:
Uniform Issues – Students missing key uniform items (e.g., blazers, ties, correct footwear) will be asked to rectify the issue or may be placed in reflection until it is resolved.
Chromebook Issues – A sanction will be applied if students repeatedly fail to bring a charged Chromebook to school.
As you know, we have reinforced our uniform and equipment policy to ensure a positive and focused learning environment. By following these expectations, students develop key values such as self-respect, responsibility, and readiness for learning. Here’s a reminder of our uniform and equipment requirements.
Uniform Requirements:
Blazers – Must be worn at all times.
Shirts & Ties – White shirts must be tucked in, with the school tie properly fastened.
Trousers & Skirts – Boys should wear grey trousers, while girls may wear either grey trousers or the school skirt (appropriate length).
Jumpers – Optional but must be a V-neck style with no logo (unless featuring the school badge). Sweatshirt-style jumpers are not permitted.
Footwear – Black shoes only. Trainers, including Nike Air Forces, are not allowed.
Socks & Tights – White socks are not permitted.
PE Kit – Students must wear the correct school PE kit during lessons.
Hoodies – Not permitted on school grounds. Any hoodies worn will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.
Equipment Requirements:
To ensure students are fully prepared for learning, they must bring:
A sturdy school bag to carry books and stationery.
Essential stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, scientific calculator).
The required textbooks and notebooks for their lessons.
A fully charged Chromebook every day, as it is essential for class activities.
Click here to visit the uniform and equipment page of our websire for more detailed information.
Support & Pre-Loved Uniform:
We appreciate that meeting uniform requirements can be challenging. If you need assistance, please contact the school—we are here to support you. Pre-loved uniform options are also available on our school website, providing an affordable and sustainable solution. Click here to visit our uniform shop.
Your support in reaffirming these expectations is greatly valued. By working together, we can ensure students take pride in their appearance and arrive fully prepared for learning.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office. Thank you for your cooperation.
Click here to read the full email sent home this week.
Why School Uniform Matters
We’ve had several enquiries from parents and carers since we wrote home about our uniform expectations, querying why school uniform matters.
A strong school uniform policy is about more than just appearance—it plays a key role in shaping students’ attitudes, behaviour, and approach to learning.
Encourages Positive Behaviour – Studies show that students who dress smartly tend to adopt a more focused and responsible attitude towards their work. A consistent uniform sets clear expectations and helps maintain a respectful atmosphere.
Reduces Distractions & Inequality – Uniform removes pressure to wear certain brands or trends, ensuring all students are on an equal footing. This allows them to concentrate on learning rather than what they or their peers are wearing.
Prepares Students for the Future – In many careers, professional dress is expected. Wearing a uniform reinforces the importance of presentation, self-discipline, and readiness for different environments.
By supporting our uniform policy, you are reinforcing values that will benefit your child both in school and beyond.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring they arrive smart, prepared, and ready to learn every day.
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.
Exam Stress Support
As exam season approaches, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but students don’t have to face the stress alone. Our staff are of course available to offer guidance and support, but an additional option is Kooth - a free, safe, and anonymous mental health platform, offering a range of resources to help students manage exam pressure. From expert advice and coping strategies to personal stories and interactive tools, their Exam Stress Collection provides support whenever it’s needed. From relaxation techniques to tips on staying motivated, or a space to share your worries, Kooth is here to help. Visit Kooth’s Exam Stress Collection to find out more.
Become a School Governor – Make a Difference in Our School Community
Becoming a school governor is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our students. Governors work alongside the school leadership team, providing strategic guidance, supporting school improvement, and ensuring the best outcomes for all students. Whether you're a parent, local resident, or someone with a desire to give back to the community, your skills and commitment can make a real difference.
Watch the video below and visit the National Governance Association to learn more about the role of a school governor and contact kate.duckmanton@sirthomasfremantle.org if you’re interested in becoming a governor at Sir Thomas Fremantle School.
Important Reminder: Staff Meetings by Appointment Only
We wrote home recently to remind parents and carers that all meetings must be arranged in advance, to ensure staff can give you their full attention. Teachers have busy schedules, so unscheduled meetings cannot be accommodated.
Academic Concerns – Email the subject teacher.
Pastoral/Well-being Concerns – Email your child’s Form Tutor.
For full guidance, visit the Who to Talk to if You Have a Concern page on our website. Staff email addresses can be found in the Staff Directory.
For urgent safeguarding concerns, call 01296 711853 immediately.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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.
Y11 Tutor ‘Revision Boost’ Sessions
We work closely with Tutor Doctor, a tutoring agency that provides revision sessions. They have asked that we share this flyer with you for their Easter ‘Revision Boost’ sessions.
These sessions are at a cost, and are arranged directly with Tutor Doctor, but we’d certainly recommend them. Please do note that we see these sessions as an accompaniment to, rather than replacement for students planned revision timetables- Easter is a crucial time for sustained revision in Year 11 – but we do think these will be of help.
Please contact Tutor Doctor via the contact details on the flyer, or via this link if you are interested.
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.