Newsletter 15.05.2026

Headteacher’s Update

Dear Families

This week has presented opportunities beyond the classroom. Our Year 10 Art students travelled to London to visit galleries and exhibitions, I firmly believe that students can aspire to or achieve greater things if they see these for themselves. Cultural capital is the foundation upon which excellence is built and it is our job to widen that experience beyond the classroom. By exposing our young artists to the very best examples of artistic practice, we equip them with the visual language, inspiration, and ambition necessary to elevate their own creative work. The impact of this extends far beyond the classroom, as well as making memories it helps to shape how students perceive their own potential and the possibilities available to them. Following the success of this trip, we will be running a similar visit for our Year 7 students in June.
We have also welcomed Loughborough College into school this week. They spoke with our Year 9 and Year 10 students about the range of pathways available to them beyond secondary education. I am grateful to Jesse Jackson, our Chair of Governors, for his support in facilitating these conversations and ensuring that students understood the breadth of options open to them. They had many questions, which is great and shows real curiosity and care. It is crucial that students begin thinking about their ambitions and future directions now, even if their plans are not yet fully formed. This early consideration of next steps is an investment in their future decision-making. When our Year 10 students return in September as Year 11s, careers guidance and post-secondary pathways will become a central focus of their PHSE lessons and tutor time. We will be writing to parents with details of college open days in the Autumn Term as it important for parents to engage in this process alongside their children.
On a practical note, I would like to remind parents and carers that full school uniform remains expected at all times. Whilst the weather has been cold this week, temperatures are expected to rise a little next week. Nevertheless, school shoes and blazers must be worn; jumpers remain optional. Should weather conditions become exceptionally warm, we will communicate any adjustments to uniform expectations. Additionally, please be aware that significant roadworks are affecting access to the school from multiple directions it seems! I would urge you to allow additional time for journeys to ensure your child arrives punctually for learning. Whilst we understand that traffic can be unpredictable, sanctions for lateness will continue to be applied except in genuinely exceptional and unavoidable circumstances. Planning ahead will help us maintain the punctuality standards that are essential to our school community.

With best wishes

Mr S Greiff

Year 10 Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs)

Year 10 students will begin their Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs) / mock exams when they return after half-term. These exams are an important step in preparing students for their GCSEs, helping them to:

develop good revision habits and exam routines
identify strengths and gaps in knowledge
build confidence and resilience under exam conditions
understand what to focus on ahead of Year 11
support accurate GCSE predictions

Year 10 Summer PPE Timetable

Over the next two weeks, including the half-term break, we encourage all students to revise regularly and prepare as fully as possible. Your support and encouragement at home can make a real difference.

Mrs Pathan, our Exams Officer, will share the PPE timetable along with reminders about the equipment students must bring each day. Please help your child come to school fully prepared with:

a clear pencil case
black pens
pencil and eraser
ruler
scientific calculator
any subject-specific equipment
a water bottle with no labels or logos

Students have also been reminded about exam expectations and regulations. Please reinforce the importance of following exam conditions and ensure that prohibited items, including mobile phones, watches, and other electronic devices, are not brought into exams.

Following the PPEs, students will receive a progress report showing their PPE results, current working grades, and GCSE predictions based on assessments, classwork, homework, coursework, and mock exam performance. We will support students in understanding their reports and identifying the next steps needed to continue making progress.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Mr Karavadra

Sparx Maths Student of the Week

We’re delighted to celebrate this week’s Sparx Maths Student of the Week! This recognition is awarded to Taqwa of 7.3 who has shown outstanding effort, determination, and commitment to their independent learning on Sparx. Their hard work not only strengthens their mathematical skills but also sets a fantastic example for their peers. Well done – we are very proud of their achievement!

Year 9 Careers trip

We took 30 students to Central Electrical Services in Hinkley last Friday to experience the workplace and to interact with an employer and employees. The trip was fantastic and followed a visit that James (managing director) had done previously here at MHS with the group. In this visit he spoke about the industry he was in, opportunities that are available and how he created his company. On the trip last Friday our students were able to try wiring a plug as well as plug socket. The students loved experiencing the workplace. They are also currently working on a project in small groups with the focus of suggesting ways to ensure more females take up careers in this industry. Our students are coming up with great ideas and will present these to James and staff at MHS next week.

School Clubs

Alumni

We would love former students to come into Manor High School to talk to students (with staff) about their experiences of post 16 education, university, the world of work and more! If you are interested in helping please contact us!

Celebrating success stories

We endeavour to share our students’ positive stories during tutor time and where we can during assemblies. If a student has achieved or accomplished something please do share it with your tutor. Your tutor will be able to celebrate this during in tutor time and share with the relevant Standards and Progress Leader. We can then use some to celebrate with the whole year group in assembly. We have so many amazing students and we want to share as many of their positive stories as we can

Attendance Winners – Non-Uniform Day

As April has seen two weeks taken for Easter holidays and May will lose days for bank holiday and half term, our next attendance competition will combine attendance for April and May. Winners will be announced after May half term with the non-uniform date being announced then as well.

Attendance

Make sure you are in school to try and earn your tutor group a non-uniform day. The next competition is for April/May and the winners will be announced after May half term.

Attendance matters – we love seeing our students in school as they are a part of our community and being in school helps them to maintain social interactions and of course progress with their knowledge and understanding in their subject areas. Students are expected to be in school for 190 days per year. Please do avoid taking your child out of school. By being in school students can:

Develop friendships further
Interact positively with peers
Interact positively with staff and learn about developing professional relationships (key future skill)
Develop key life skills (teamwork, cooperation, communication, achieving success, dealing with setbacks to name a few)
Develop and improve their knowledge and understanding in a range of different subjects areas (giving keys skills and knowledge for their future)

We have created a document around our attendance procedures which can be found on our web site here: Attendance-procedures-Manor-High-School.pdf This is located in our attendance area on the website which is here: Attendance – Manor High School – Oadby

Our attendance figures as of Friday 24^th April were:

Year 11 – 92.6%

Year 10 – 91.1%

Year 9 – 93.6%

Year 8 – 94.6%

Year 7 – 95.6%

TTRP Student Voice

Miss Wale is gathering feedback about the Tutor Time Reading Programme, and would value your opinions on what is working well and what changes we could make for next academic year. You can find the survey on ClassCharts where your homework tasks are.

Art & Design Exhibition

Year 11 Final Exams

Year 11 students have made a positive start to their exams. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child arrive at school on time, in full school uniform, and fully equipped with a clear plastic pencil case.

We are fully committed to supporting students throughout the exam period. As part of this, we have adjusted the school timetable so that Year 11 students can attend support sessions with subject teachers immediately before each exam. It is important that students attend these sessions promptly and make full use of the time available.

To support students during this important period, we have put the following measures in place:

Exam timetable – Students have received their exam timetable. Please check this with your child to ensure all information is correct. Any queries should be raised with your child’s tutor.
Pre-exam support sessions – Year 11 students will attend subject support sessions before each exam. Printed timetables and details of these arrangements have been shared with students. Please encourage your child to follow the revised timetable carefully.
Intervention sessions – After-school intervention sessions continue to run for targeted students. Please ensure your child attends any sessions requested by their subject teachers. Additional Saturday and May half-term sessions are also being planned and will be communicated directly by staff. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Revision resources – Students have been provided with a range of revision materials, including revision packs and past exam papers. Please encourage your child to make full use of these resources and seek support from teachers where needed.
Study space and support – The Study Centre remains open every day until 5:30pm for independent or group study. Staff will be available to provide support and answer questions.
Pastoral support – Mrs Glover, Mr Karavadra, and Mrs Pathan (Exams Officer) continue to support all students throughout the exam period and are available for any student who may need additional guidance or reassurance.

In addition, we have introduced the following initiatives to help students maximise every opportunity for success:

SLT support – Students can speak with members of the Senior Leadership Team at the end of each day if they have any concerns, questions, or simply want to talk about how they are managing during the exam period.
Revision breakfast – Research shows a strong link between nutrition and concentration. A free breakfast service for Year 11 students will be available each exam morning from 8:00am–8:30am, with a range of breakfast items provided.

We would like to remind parents of some effective revision strategies that may help support conversations at home:

Create a structured revision timetable with dedicated time for each subject.
Use active revision techniques such as flashcards, summarising information, and teaching topics to others.
Practise past exam papers regularly to build confidence and familiarity with exam questions.
Encourage group study and discussion with peers where appropriate.
Maintain a healthy routine with good nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
Use online learning platforms and educational apps to support revision.

Finally, please encourage your child to make sure they are in full uniform, including appropriate shoes. Students must not wear school P.E. kit on a day when they do not have P.E. on their timetable.

Please do contact us should you have any questions or require guidance on how to further support your child during the exam period.

Thank you again for your continued support during this important time.

Mr Karavadra

Consent Forms

The Information Commissioner has recently updated their guidance regarding school photographs. The guidance confirms that consent is no longer required for photographs taken and used within the school for day-to-day purposes. This has always been the policy for identification photographs, for instance, in the event a child went missing, but has now been extended to include images used for in-school displays and on closed online platforms such as Class Dojo.

There will, of course, be circumstances where a child cannot be photographed due to safeguarding or other specific reasons. In such instances, the school will take appropriate measures to protect the child’s welfare and interests. Consequently, our consent forms will be amended to reflect these changes. We will no longer seek specific consent for the use of photos on displays (but using first names only if any), for sharing on closed platforms like Class Dojo, and we have never required consent for images necessary for safeguarding purposes.

In situations where parents disagree on the publication of their child’s photograph, the school will prioritise the child’s best interests and consider any reasons for objection before making a final decision. It is important to note that the school must remain neutral in disputes between parents, with our primary commitment always being to the children.

The consent you give will last for the duration of your child’s time at their school. ‘Image’ is taken to mean both photograph and video. If you wish this to be separated and dealt with as static photos and moving video for consent, please contact the school office. Likewise, if you wish to change any of the authorisations during this time, please contact the school office.

School Trips & Off-Site Visits

When making arrangements for school trips it is necessary to share information about your child with the venue, accommodation and transport providers for legal and safeguarding reasons. If travelling overseas this will also include immigration control. Details about your child may be required by insurers.

FOR TRIPS OUTSIDE THE UK

Whilst pupils are outside the UK school staff and those supervising, travelling, or arranging travel or accommodation may communicate with parents and carers using the contact information provided. At times this may be using mobile communications, social media or other methods that may require data to be stored or travel outside of the approved EU locations. We believe that keeping parents and carers informed about the wellbeing of their children must be the priority. Data sharing in such cases will be limited to what is necessary.

The consent forms will be available on Arbor from Monday 18th May. Please log in to Arbor to complete these consent forms as soon as possible

Send & Safeguarding Update

This week all students have had an assembly on Knife Crime as part of Knife Crime Awareness Week. In that assembly I talked about the dangers of knife crime and long term implications and who it affects. The students have listened responsibly and respectfully and I have been really proud of their behaviour with this difficult topic. I have attached a great website that we use in school that also has resources for parents to have conversations with their child about knife crime. The Ben Kinsella Trust | Knife Crime Prevention Charity As always if you have any questions or concerns please get in contact.

Guest Speakers

We are happy to let you know that a representative from the Violence Reduction Network will be joining us for Year 8 parents evening on 21st May 2026. The VRN works alongside local Police, schools and charities to support in keeping Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland a safe place. They will be there to share information and answer any questions you might have

Please have a look at the resources available by the Mental Health Foundation, where the focus is Take Action.

Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation

Fidget Toys & Sensory Aids

While we recognise that some students benefit from using sensory tools to help them focus, we have recently seen an increase in items being brought into school that are unsuitable for a classroom environment. Many of these items are causing distractions during lessons due to the noise they make or their general nature.

To ensure a productive learning environment for everyone, we ask that students do not bring fidget toys to school unless this has been formally agreed upon as a support provision with our SEND department. If a student is seen with an item that has not been pre-approved, they will be asked to put it away immediately.

Please note that ‘squishee’ style items, slime, and the brightly coloured ‘stress relief cubes’ currently popular in shops are now completely banned from the school site. These items have a tendency to become damaged, and the material inside is extremely difficult to remove from school surfaces. As this presents a significant health and safety risk, these specific items will be confiscated if seen.

We are committed to supporting every student’s individual needs. If you believe your child requires additional sensory support or a specific tool to help them engage with their learning, please contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a safe and focused learning environment.

Rocket Holiday Camps

We are also excited to offer a FREE first day for new customers, which can be used for either our May Half Term camp or our Summer Holiday camps. Parents can book a free day by filling out the form on our website (offer ends 7th June).

Our holiday clubs offer a unique experience with three clubs in one: Stage, Sports, and Solve activities, ensuring there is something for every child to enjoy. We understand the challenges parents face with childcare, so we aim to support the community by offering competitive pricing and accepting both childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare payments – all while providing an exceptional holiday club experience.

In addition, we are pleased to announce that this summer we will also be launching our Little Rockets camp. Alongside children in Years 1–7, we will now be able to welcome children who are currently in Reception as well.