Author: dmuggleton

OAK Trust Newsletter March 2026

SEND Dept
T: 0116 2729791 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 791)
E: SEND@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Lead Operational DSL & Senior Mental Health Lead Ashma Ghani
T: 0116 2729760 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 760)
E: AGhani@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Headteacher’s Update

Dear Families

It is with real pride that I write to you this week, to share some wonderful activities that have been happening this week.

Yesterday evening, we held our welcome event for the incoming Year 7 cohort who will join us in September. There was a real atmosphere of genuine warmth and enthusiasm, with students and their families presenting smiling faces as they engaged with current students and staff. It was lovely to hear laughter and chatter coming from our classrooms. These events serve an important purpose in facilitating the transition from primary to secondary education, and it was also nice to see the positive reception and evident pleasure from our current students who are proud to represent their school.
This week has also provided us with an excellent opportunity to engage with our local primary schools and to promote the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We welcomed Year 5 students from our feeder primary schools to participate in a STEM workshop designed specifically to broaden their understanding of careers within these disciplines and to inspire their academic curiosity. What proved particularly valuable was the involvement of our own Key Stage 3 students, who worked alongside them and thoroughly enjoyed these workshops.
This week marks the commencement of the GCSE examination series, with Year 11 students beginning their Languages speaking examinations. I would encourage all parents and carers to ensure they are fully aware of the examination timetable and to provide appropriate support and encouragement to their children during this demanding period. The culmination of two years of study represents a significant milestone, and we are confident that our students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and resilience they have developed throughout their time at Manor High School. We wish them luck!
Additionally, I wish to extend our very best wishes to our Year 7 football team, who compete in the county cup final this afternoon against Lutterworth College at Seagrave, Leicester City’s training ground. Regardless of the outcome, these students have demonstrated exceptional commitment and skill throughout their cup run and have represented the school with pride. The journey they have undertaken, the enjoyment they have gained from the competition, and the excellence they have displayed in their performances are something to be proud of.

With best wishes

Mr S Greiff

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 Saara 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!

School Clubs

Meet the Governors

This week, we are pleased to introduce two more governors –

Sonia Vaidya, Careers Governor

“I am a Governor at OAK Multi Academy Trust, currently serving a four-year term. I bring 20 years of experience in HR and resourcing, with expertise spanning recruitment, employee relations, project management and learning and development. I have worked across a range of sectors including education, construction, the NHS, and telecoms, providing me with a broad organisational perspective that strengthens my contribution to effective school governance.

As Careers Governor, I focus on supporting pupils’ pathways and future opportunities. I am committed to being an active member of the local community and developing my understanding of the education system as my children progress through primary school. Inspired by my mother’s longstanding involvement in school governance and the PTA, it is a privilege to continue this legacy by contributing to the ongoing success of Manor High School.

Alongside my governance role, I work part-time within the Recruitment Team in the HR Department at the University of Leicester. I live in Oadby with my husband and two children and maintain a strong commitment to wellbeing and family life, enjoying cooking, fitness activities, and spending time outdoors with my children.”

Bhupen Mistry, Governor

“I have recently joined as a Governor at OAK Multi Academy Trust.

I bring over 25 years of strategic marketing and communications experience, including 15 years within the education sector. I have led multi-channel campaigns, developed clear and compelling narratives around complex social issues, and worked collaboratively with public bodies, charities, employers and community partners. My experience includes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, budget management, and mentoring teams; all grounded in an ethical, inclusive, and impact-focused approach. I am confident analysing performance, asking constructive questions and helping shape long-term strategy while remaining sensitive to the human realities behind the work.

I wanted to become a school governor because I believe deeply in the power of education to change lives. Having worked extensively with organisations focused on skills, young people, and community development, I have seen how much schools matter; not only as places of learning, but as places of safety, opportunity, and confidence-building.

I would like to use my skills to help a school create the best possible environment for its pupils. Being a governor is a way to contribute something meaningful, give back to the community, and support young people to achieve their full potential.”

We would like to thank Sonia and Bhupen for their time and dedication given to the school.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers

This week the science department hosted the Education Roadshow’s STEM theatre production ‘Material World: Engineering the Future’.

Actors performed to KS3 students from Manor High and Y5 groups from Brookside and Overdale Junior School. The performance brought to life how everyday materials are used in cutting edge technology, the importance of problem solving and gave our young scientists an insight into real career pathways.

Year 11 Parents and Carers

Year 11 French and Spanish students have been busy over Easter preparing for their GCSE speaking examinations which are running from Thursday 23^rd April to Friday 1^st May and are worth 25% of students’ overall French & Spanish grades.

Our attention then turns to the remaining skills of reading, listening and writing. In preparation for this, the Modern Languages Department will be running a Saturday French & Spanish revision workshop on Saturday 9^th May similar in format to our recent Year 11 Easter School. There will be two sessions, 9:00am-11:00am and 11:00am-1:00pm.

If your child is invited to one of these sessions you will receive a separate invitation via email informing you of which session they should attend, so please look out for this correspondence from the Modern Languages Department.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that your child achieves the best possible grade in the upcoming GCSE French and Spanish examinations.

Mrs Rodríguez

Alumni

Celebrating success stories

Preloved School Uniform Sale

We’re delighted to offer preloved school uniform items for sale — a great way to save money and support sustainability!

A price list is below for your reference. If you’d like to purchase any items, please email us at
📧 Preloveduniform@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk with the items and sizes you require.

We also gladly accept donations of clean, gently used uniform. Donations can be dropped off at school reception at any time.

Please follow this link to view the school uniform requirments Uniform – Manor High School – Oadby

Thank you for helping us make school life more affordable and eco-friendly!

Safeguarding Update

This term our focus for safeguarding is on child criminal exploitation and how staff can spot and signs and support students. I wanted to share this with you as parents so you can read and understand what these terms mean and things to look out for. Hopefully this is useful but if you have any concerns or worries about a child, please let a member of the safeguarding team know.

Definitions: child criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation | Barnardo’s

‘What I wish my parents or carers knew…’: a guide for parents and carers on children’s digital lives (Children’s Commissioner)

The Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has published a guide to help parents and carers navigate the challenge of managing children’s everyday online habits. Written with direct input from children and young people, including teenagers consulted in schools and the Commissioner’s Youth Ambassadors. The guide is designed to make difficult conversations easier and more regular.

The guide covers setting boundaries around phone use, talking about harmful content, and building ongoing communication that goes beyond a one-off conversation. The voice of young people runs through it, including this from one teenager: “Don’t be afraid to be firm… If you are worried your child is seeing harmful content and you don’t know what they’re watching and it’s affecting their behaviour, just take it that you know best, they don’t.”

What I wish parent guide

Other Useful Information

OAK Trust Newsletter March 2026

SEND Dept
T: 0116 2729791 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 791)
E: SEND@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Lead Operational DSL & Senior Mental Health Lead Ashma Ghani
T: 0116 2729760 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 760)
E: AGhani@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Headteacher’s Update

Dear Families

The first week back following the Easter break has been particularly eventful, it is like we have never been away!

As we approach 22 April, we are mindful that this date marks Stephen Lawrence Day, which commemorates the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence, who tragically died in 1993. This week, we have welcomed members of the Stephen Lawrence Centre from De Montfort University who have engaged with a group of Year 8 students in work centred themes of justice and fairness. These conversations are particularly significant for our community, as we are blessed with vast cultural diversity which we genuinely value and celebrate- it makes Manor High School the place it is. It is important that both school and parents work together to ensure that our young people develop into excellent individuals equipped with the skills and confidence necessary to challenge racism and all forms of discrimination, whilst embracing and promoting inclusion. Our school values, which include Respect at their core, mean it was important that we acknowledge this in advance of Stephen Lawrence Day.

In addition to this, I am delighted to announce the launch of a significant partnership with Market Harborough Building Society. This partnership will provide huge benefit to our current Year 9 students as they progress into Year 10. The Thrive project was formally launched this week through an assembly delivered to all Year 9 students. Thrive is a programme designed specifically for students and will be delivered directly within school. The initiative focuses upon three key areas that we believe are fundamental to our visions of excellent people, excellent results: mental health, through building emotional resilience and wellbeing; employability, through developing confidence, communication skills, and workplace readiness; and financial education, through teaching budgeting, saving, and smart money management. These are all skills needed for later life. Being an excellent person encompasses maintaining positive mental health, developing employability skills, cultivating the confidence to communicate effectively, and acquiring financial literacy. We are genuinely grateful to Market Harborough Building Society for providing our students with this valuable opportunity. Over the course of the next twelve months, various activities will take place as part of this partnership, and we are confident that these experiences will prove genuinely beneficial to our young people over time.

Year 7 have their parents’ evening on 30^th April and we encourage all parents to make appointments with staff, the booking system will go live at 6pm this evening. We look forward to seeing you.

Finally, a quick message about uniform- the weather is starting to warm up, so it is just a quick reminder that we still expect students to wear blazers at school. Please support us in ensuring students do not leave your care in the morning with their blazer stuffed in the bottom of their bags, but that they wear them please. If the weather does warm to a level that is uncomfortably hot, then of course we would relax this rule.

With best wishes

Mr S Greiff

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 Serena of 8.6 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!

School Clubs

Meet the Governors

This week, we are pleased to introduce two more governors –

Daniel Thompson, Parent Governor

“I am very proud to be associated with all the exciting work that is currently happening at Manor high School. Education is my passion. Effective learning can enhance life chances, personal happiness and social cohesion. I have been a Leader of Teaching and Learning in schools and colleges in East London and Leicester for over 25 years. I have worked as an Institute of Education PGCE mentor and a consultant for The Learning Trust. During a year away from teaching I worked with AQA examiners to design and run revision skills programmes for A Level students and teachers across the country. One of the many highlights of my career was running Duke of Edinburgh expeditions into the countryside for children from inner city London. I love football, playing the guitar and classic dystopian novels like ‘1984’ and ‘Brave New World’.

More recently I taught in a special school and completed an MSc in Psychology before becoming a SENCo. These insights help me challenge the team at Manor to strive for equality of opportunity for our young people. This is more likely to happen when they walk through the school gates feeling like their voice is heard, their needs are met and their aspirations are raised.”

Charmelle Longe, Staff Governor

“With 17 years of experience teaching across diverse educational sectors, including state, independent, and co‑educational settings, I bring a broad and balanced understanding of how different school environments operate and what helps them thrive. My background has equipped me with insight into curriculum development, pastoral care, and the importance of inclusive, high‑quality provision for every learner.

I am driven by strong values rooted in service, integrity, and community. Throughout my career, I have been committed to ensuring that all young people, regardless of background or starting point, receive the support they need to achieve their potential. I believe deeply in the power of education to change lives and am dedicated to fostering environments where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to succeed.

My zeal for progress, both academic and personal, guides my approach to governance. I value thoughtful challenge, collaborative problem‑solving, and evidence‑informed decision‑making. As a governor, I aim to contribute positively to strategic planning, uphold high standards, and advocate for individualised support that recognises each pupil’s unique strengths and needs.

Beyond school life, I am committed to serving the community and working with a local Gospel Academy to inspire young people to strive for and achieve excellence. I enjoy singing, music, dance, design, learning languages and love utilising these passions to enhance the learning experience.”

We would like to thank Daniel and Charmelle for their time and dedication given to the school.

Medication Reminder for Parents and Carers

To help us keep all children safe and well in school, we kindly ask for your support with managing any medication your child may require during the school day.

If you have already provided medication for your child, or plan to do so in the future, please ensure that you check the expiry date regularly and replace any items as needed. This is especially important for medications such as EpiPens and inhalers, which must always be within their expiry date to be effective in an emergency.

In addition, please make sure that all medical information for your child is kept up to date. Any changes to medical conditions, medication, or care requirements should be recorded promptly using Arbor so that our records remain accurate and staff can respond appropriately.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all pupils.

Keeping Our School Community Safe: Thoughtful Parking Matters

As our school community continues to grow, so does the daily activity around drop-off and pick-up times. While these moments are often brief, the way we park and drive during them has a lasting impact on the safety and wellbeing of our children, families, and neighbours.

We would like to remind everyone of the importance of considerate and safe parking around the school and surrounding streets.

Putting Children’s Safety First
Children can be unpredictable, especially at the beginning and end of the school day. Parking too close to crossings, on corners, or in restricted areas can limit visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Even a quick stop in the wrong place can create a dangerous situation.

Respecting Local Residents
Our school is part of a wider community. Blocking driveways, parking across dropped kerbs, or stopping in front of homes can cause understandable frustration for residents. Being mindful of where we park helps maintain positive relationships with our neighbours.

Working together, we can ensure that our school remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Alumni

Celebrating success stories

Attendance

Following the success of non-uniform day for our top performing tutor groups in February, we are running the same incentive again. Make sure you are in school to try and earn your tutor group a non-uniform day.

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 This is located in our attendance area on the website which is here: Attendance – Manor High School – Oadby

Our attendance figures as of 3pm on Friday 20^th March were:

Year 11 – 92.7%

Year 10 – 91.2%

Year 9 – 93.4%

Year 8 – 94.5%

Year 7 – 95.6%

Safeguarding Update

Definitions: child criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation | Barnardo’s

‘What I wish my parents or carers knew…’: a guide for parents and carers on children’s digital lives (Children’s Commissioner)

What I wish parent guide

Other Useful Information

OAK Trust Newsletter December 2025

SEND Dept
T: 0116 2729791 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 791)
E: SEND@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Lead Operational DSL & Senior Mental Health Lead Ashma Ghani
T: 0116 2729760 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 760)
E: AGhani@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Headteacher’s Update

Dear Families

As we reach the end of what has been a relatively short but busy term, this newsletter shares with you the diverse range of activities that have taken place across school this term.

One of the aspects we are most proud of this term has been the proactive engagement of our Student Leadership Team, who have come forward with a series of thoughtful and creative suggestions for enriching school life. These proposals have resulted in a number of successful initiatives that have captured the imagination and participation of our students, staff and also parents. A book swap has provided students with the opportunity to exchange and discover new reading material, whilst a talent contest has showcased the range of abilities and interests of our students. Additionally, a staff quiz organised by students has provided an engaging platform for friendly competition and interaction between staff (won by our Maths department!) fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

This week has seen the culmination of these efforts in our whole school Spirit week, which has been particularly successful in promoting connection and understanding across the school. The week has been structured to allow for deeper engagement between students and staff, with students having the opportunity to discover more about their teachers through suggested activities. Our tutor sessions have been focused on encouraging students to reflect upon and articulate what they are proud of, promoting positive self-reflection and recognition of achievement. The week has also featured a student-led bake sale and student-led tutor times, which have empowered our students to take ownership of their school experience and contribute actively to the life of the school. Tutor time finished today with rewards sessions held during tutor time, recognising and celebrating the contributions and achievements of our students throughout the week.

This morning we have gathered all of our students that have have shown exceptional commitment to their attendance to our Study Centre. We have rewarded those who have achieved 100% attendance so far this year with an Easter egg. This recognition acknowledges the dedication of these students, who have been, quite simply, eggcellent (!) in their approach to attendance and their commitment to their education.

We don’t stop entirely next week though, and have a series of sessions running for Year 11 during the Easter break. The relevant students and parents have been notified of required attendance separately to this correspondence.

We hope your children have a restful break and we look forward to seeing all students back at the usual time on Monday 13^th April.

Happy Easter

Mr S Greiff

Department Highlights from Last Term

MFL

In the spring term, all students in Year 7 have experienced Spanish taster lessons and have been asked to carefully consider their language option for Year 8. Thank you to all who have completed the language survey in order for us to timetable language options for the academic year 2026/27.

This term, the Modern Languages department was delighted to host a fabulous performance of Un Ensayo Desastroso by @onattiprodsltd for 270 Year 8 and 9 Spanish students. Two native-speaking Spanish actors performed for our students in this tale of a disastrous theatre rehearsal of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet! There was some incredible audience participation by our wonderful students and everyone was engaged throughout and given the opportunity to use their language skills in a real-life context. Next half term, @onattiprodsltd will return to Manor High School when two French actors will perform for our students in Years 8 and 9.

Preparations for the Manor High School Barcelona trip 2026 are well underway and we look forward to sharing this experience with students in Years 9 and 10 in the summer term! Mrs Rodríguez politely requests that all paperwork is returned to school reception to aid the smooth running of the trip as soon as possible.

This year, Year 11 GCSE French & Spanish speaking examinations are taking place from 23^rd April to 1^st May. Before students begin their Easter break they will have been given their individual dates and times for their face-to-face examination with their class teacher. This is the first GCSE examination of the 2026 exam series and is worth 25% of students’ overall GCSE grades, so it is crucial that students prepare thoroughly using their speaking revision guide that the department has produced for them. Bonne chance! ¡Buena suerte! Good luck!

Maths

It has been another busy and successful term in the Maths Department, with students across all year groups demonstrating commitment, resilience, and enthusiasm for their learning. We are delighted to share some of the highlights with you.

Year 11 Students of the Term

Congratulations to Malachi H, Fatima G and Kylan P, who were crowned our Year 11 Maths Students of the Term in January. Each student received an Amazon voucher in recognition of their hard work and dedication throughout the winter term.

We look forward to celebrating our Spring Term winners after the Easter break.

UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge

Well done to our Year 10 students who were selected to take part in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge in February. This national competition encourages mathematical reasoning, precision, and problem-solving skills, challenging students to think beyond the standard curriculum.

We are incredibly proud of all students who participated, and especially those who achieved certificates:

Gold Certificates: Quaresma D., Aarun G., Zacharia P., Zeainab S., Anna S., Samin U.
Silver Certificates: Muhammed A., Martin C., Amelia D., Safaa G., James H., Sara H., Yusuf I., Ria M., Sukhmani N., Keir O., Zara P., Anushka R., Nafisa S., Noah S., Isa V.
Bronze Certificates: Arthur B., Simran G., Eleri H., Safiya I., Maryam M., Shauna P., Ishaan S., Balraj S., Henry Z.
Participation Certificates: Aaliyah A., Aleena K., Yousuf A., Marcy K., Yusif A., Katharine M., Amal A., Yusuf M., Isa A., Ahmed M., Joel B., Khadijah M., Akaal B., Faria M., Yusuf B., Amalia N., Archie C., Maariyah O., Yusuf D., Aleisha P., Shreya D., Ahmed P., Jack D., Muhammad R. R., Hawa G., Taran S., Isaac G., Vinaya S., Zahra J., Ruhama U., Taran K., Milly W., Amal K.

Special Congratulations – Pink Kangaroo Qualifiers

A remarkable achievement goes to Quaresma D., Aarun G., Zacharia P., and Zeainab S., who qualified for the prestigious Pink Kangaroo follow-on round. This places them among the top performers nationally—an outstanding accomplishment.

UKMT Team Maths Challenge

In March, Mr Gurugi took a team of Year 8 and 9 students to Leicester Grammar School to compete in the UKMT Team Maths Challenge. This exciting event involves rounds focused on teamwork, cross-number puzzles, and mathematical relays, requiring students to apply logic, communication, and problem-solving under pressure.

Our students represented the school brilliantly, showing excellent collaboration and resilience throughout the competition.

Maths Club

Our weekly Maths Club continues to be well attended, providing students with valuable support and enrichment opportunities.

When: Every Wednesday, 3:15pm – 4:00pm
Where: Sports Centre Room 1
Led by: Mr Clothier

All students are welcome to attend, whether they are looking for help with homework or aiming to stretch their mathematical thinking further.

Year 11 Maths and Statistics PPEs

Year 11 students have recently completed their Maths and Statistics PPEs and have received detailed feedback. These assessments are an important milestone, helping students identify strengths and areas for development as they prepare for their final examinations in May and June.

We encourage students to act on this feedback and continue their focused revision in the weeks ahead.

Sparx Maths

We are delighted to see so many students engaging consistently with Sparx Maths. Numerous certificates and reward points have been awarded to both individuals and tutor groups who continue to excel.

Please look out for mentions in the weekly parent email celebrating students with the highest completion rates—your support in encouraging regular practice at home makes a significant difference.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Maths Department.

English & Media

This spring term, students across Years 7-11 have shown fantastic engagement, creativity, and progress in both English and Media.

In Year 7, students have built strong foundations through their exploration of an introduction to Shakespeare, developing confidence in understanding language, character, and performance. Year 8 have expanded their cultural awareness through studying poetry from around the world, producing thoughtful and creative responses to a diverse range of voices and perspectives.

Year 9 students have shown great enthusiasm in their study of Blood Brothers, demonstrating empathy and analytical skill in exploring themes such as social class and fate. In Year 10, students have tackled the start of their study of Macbeth, developing increasingly sophisticated interpretations and honing their essay-writing skills. Year 11 students have worked diligently in their continued revision in the lead-up to their GCSEs, showing resilience and determination as they prepare for their final examinations.

In Media, Year 10 students have made an excellent start to their NEA coursework this term. They have begun developing advertising campaigns, either promoting a new social realism film (inspired by those of Ken Loach) or creating an upmarket travel campaign designed to attract visitors to Leicester. Their work has already shown creativity, planning skills, and a strong understanding of audience and purpose.

Year 11 Media students have successfully completed their NEA coursework this spring term, producing engaging and imaginative gossip magazines. These projects highlight their technical skills, creativity, and ability to apply media conventions effectively.

This term also saw a fantastic celebration of World Book Day, with students taking part in an inspiring author visit and engaging creative writing workshops. These events encouraged a love of reading and writing across the school, giving students the opportunity to explore their creativity and gain insight into the writing process from a professional perspective. As part of the day, students also created alternative book covers across Years 7-10 and some of these examples were outstanding!

We are incredibly proud of all students for their hard work and achievements this term. Their commitment and enthusiasm continue to make English and Media vibrant and successful subjects across the school.

Science

In January we welcomed Zoolab to school, bringing an extraordinary array of creatures that captivated our students. Imagine the excitement as groups encountered tarantulas, cockroaches, and snakes!

Our recent science and geography field trip to Iceland in early March proved to be an unforgettable experience combining spectacular landscapes with hands-on learning about geology, energy, and Icelandic culture. It built student character, and we hope to provide more opportunities for students to enrich their lives, and provided long lasting positive memories.

During British Science Week, KS3 students have took part in a series of web chats with real scientists! The topics included STEM careers, Robotics and Aerospace engineering. Discussions ranged from which A levels the scientists had chosen, favourite subjects at school and best aspects of their current role. We thank Mrs Jenkin for organising these events and giving up her time.

Our eco club has been busy has revamping the school’s Greenhouse, and busy growing plants from seeds, ready to grow at the school to enhance our schools’ environment.

SEND Art Competitions

The SEND art competition winners this year have produced a range of different creative projects including a panel from a Manga, a giraffe breaking free from the page and a K-pop idol. The final pieces showcased the many types of artistic styles and talents that our SEND students possess and have been really impressive overall.

Students have been using their imagination and artistic abilities in the Hives Creature Creator Competition. This current competition has required students to draw a picture of their creature, create a suitable name and habitat as well as identifying what special features they have for their environment. Students have also had a chance to witness Mr Hings’ amazing drawing skills!! We look forward to announcing the winner next term!

SEND Reading Challenge

Students have been documenting their reading minutes using the Mario reading minutes tracker display in the Hive. Currently the student who has logged the most time read is sitting at 10 hours and 23 minutes! Mr Hings has also been logging his reading minutes for students to follow and has clocked up hours reading The Pirates Code which is not at all like his favourite movie Pirates of the Caribbean! Congratulations to all students who immerse themselves in the world of literature. It can have a positive impact on both academic and creative success as well as overall wellbeing.

Cognition and Learning Interventions

Students took part in many small starter activities to get their brains engaged during their Cognition and Learning interventions. There have been some outstanding examples of hard work and learning, such as the Timetables Standoff in which students had to channel their inner cowboys/cowgirls in order to beat the other with the quickest answer. Another stand out session was that of the Broken Calculator during which students had to press buttons from Mr Hings’ oversized calculator. The catch was, they were unable to use certain buttons such as the plus button or some of the numbers this meant they had to think of various ways to formulate the correct answer. Some really creative routes were explored!

We are delighted to announce that Poppy (Year 8) has won the Young Writers Competition for Her poem, My Home, has been published in the anthology “I Have a Dream” a fantastic achievement!

Please join us in congratulating Poppy and celebrating her outstanding writing success!

Social Emotional Mental Health Support

We have been incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience and progress shown by our students across all years during our SEMH intervention sessions. These targeted support sessions have provided valuable opportunities for students to strengthen key skills, build confidence and resilience, maintain long lasting friendships and to articulate their feelings and emotions. What has stood out most is the positive attitude students have brought to each session. They have engaged thoughtfully, supported one another, and embraced challenges with determination.

Some key moments that we are extremely proud of are our Year 8’s who are part of the Smart Moves- Resilience Intervention. The focus has been on ‘worries and stress’ and in exploring these, they have enjoyed taking part in a variety of active tasks to deepen understanding. A recent activity involved a student carrying the heavy bags of all the other students, each bag representing a worry. With the help of a second student, bags were taken off and carried between the two of them, signifying how sharing worries can reduce the load or burden one can feel. They were able to explain the significance of the task linked to sharing and lightening worries and identified what they would do to help each other with ‘worries and stress’ to enhance their resilience. A fantastically mature approach was shown by all!

Our Year 9’s have excelled in our Connect & Thrive Friendship Intervention and demonstrated sound knowledge of what ’empathy’ means. They took part in various activities and explored scenarios where empathy would need to be shown. They furthered their learning through identifying ways in which they could demonstrate empathy and were able to communicate this through creative ways, such as using comic strips to bring these scenarios to life.

Our wonderful Year 10’s have completed their Resilience Intervention which focused on stress, peer pressure, friendships and support circles. The themes matched identified concerns for this age group and enable students to explore their common concerns and difficulties in a safe space. The honesty and maturity of individual students really helped to enrich the overall experience of others in the group. Congratulations Year 10 for working have really hard and for engaging well throughout these sessions.

Staff

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Mr Hings who has managed to get a new personal best during the 10K Run For All that he completed on Sunday 1st March 2026. He managed to complete the race in 47 minutes and 32 seconds which is a great result. Through this, Mr Hings has really embraced our core values Excellence, Inspiration and Resilience…and we Respect you for the effort you have made for a great cause. Well done Mr Hings!

After a very busy and productive term, we would like to remind you of the importance of looking after yourself and each other. Finding time to focus on wellbeing can be difficult but the impact that it can have can be huge. Some ideas that might peak your interest are as follows and may help to fill some of the days that are not spent in school.

The SEND Team wish you and your family a very restful break and look forward to welcoming you back in April.

British Science Week Poster Competition

British Science Week Poster competition: what makes children’s lives positive?

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted an entry to our poster competition – the final deadline is April 1^st so we can select entries to represent the school in the national competition!

You can send entries by email to Mrs Jenkin, kjenkin@mhs.oaktrust.org

Here are some pictures of current entries for inspiration!

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 Boris of 7.1 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!

Jenson Brings Home Bronze and Takes on Europe

Jenson from 10.5 has clearly not been taking it easy this half term! He threw himself (and a few opponents) in the British Schools’ Judo Championship, battled through three matches, and came away with a well-earned bronze medal—nice work! 🥉

As if that wasn’t enough, he also took his talents international, heading to Rome for a European Cup match where he faced off against another competitor. No big deal… just casually doing judo across Europe!

Brilliant effort, Jenson—keep it up!

County Finals Success for Year 7!

A huge congratulations to the Year 7 boys who qualified (before Christmas) and competed in the Leicestershire Sports hall Athletics finals in Coalville. Performing in a range of sprinting, throwing and jumping events, the boys finished in 3^rd place overall. The resilience shown by all the boys was excellent and to medal in such a high quality event is something we are all proud of here at Manor.

Attendance

Following the success of non-uniform day for our top performing tutor groups in February, we are running the same incentive in March. Make sure you are in school to try and earn your tutor group a non-uniform day.

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)

Our attendance figures as of 3pm on Friday 20^th March were:

Year 11 – 92.7%

Year 10 – 91.2%

Year 9 – 93.4%

Year 8 – 94.5%

Year 7 – 95.6%

Alumni

Celebrating success stories

Safeguarding Update

Useful links:

Cost of Living Support Contacts

Oadby Wigston LAC Team Leaflet

Other Useful Information

Online Safety Newsletter April 2026

OAK Trust Newsletter March 2026

Exam Stress Newsletter

SEND Dept
T: 0116 2729791 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 791)
E: SEND@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Lead Operational DSL & Senior Mental Health Lead Ashma Ghani
T: 0116 2729760 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 760)
E: AGhani@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Headteacher’s Update

Dear Families

As we edge towards the final week of the Spring Term, finally the arrival of some sunshine has brought a welcome change to our environment and a positive outlook across school has been evident. I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and carers of the importance of maintaining our uniform standards as the weather changes. Blazers are expected to be worn at all times, and I would be grateful for your continued support in ensuring that your child leaves for school dressed in full school uniform. This consistency reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards across all aspects of school life.

This week, I extend the warmest of wishes to all members of our school community who are celebrating Eid. Our assemblies last week focussed on this significant occasion, and I would like to acknowledge the admirable conduct of our students who have been observing Ramadan. The dedication they have demonstrated throughout this month have been exemplary and truly reflect the school core value of Resilience. This week, we welcomed representatives from the local church to discuss Easter with our students. Both of these assemblies reflect the diversity of our school and help to allow us to make sure students are culturally aware and understand the equal value of each others’ beliefs.

Our Year 11 students have now commenced their final examinations, with Drama practical assessments taking place this week. The focus and preparation demonstrated by these students has been commendable, and we are confident that their hard work will be reflected in their results. Our Languages spoken examinations will begin after Easter, so the exam season is very much upon us. The Year 11 parents’ evening scheduled for next week represents a crucial opportunity for parents to engage with subject teachers regarding the final stages of examination preparation. I would encourage all parents of Year 11 students to attend, as this will be the last occasion to discuss with teachers what is required on this critical finishing stretch. Additionally, we will be running Easter revision sessions in the first week of the holidays for selected students. Where students have been invited to attend these sessions, we ask that parents support us in ensuring their attendance, as these sessions are tailored to the groups invited. The aim is not only for subject content to be revisited and exam craft to be developed, but they also really help students keep the momentum needed over the Easter break. Our messages are to make the sacrifices needed now, there is a nice long summer break ahead for Year 11 once their exams are over. To maximise the benefit of these final weeks, it is essential that students maintain excellent attendance, as teachers are delivering targeted revision content to address any gaps identified in recent practice examinations. The correlation between attendance and achievement has been communicated consistently to both students and parents, and this remains a priority as we approach the examination period. Finish well and finish strong!

However, the foundations for a strong finish are put down way before Year 11, and the same messages apply to all year groups. Attendance at school is crucial to developing good habits. As is coming to school on time and fully equipped. We are grateful that the vast majority of students do this every day without thinking. Whilst students do use iPads to complete work they still have exercise books that they write at length in, so in addition to an iPad and stylus they still must bring the traditional pen, pencil etc to lessons. We will be reminding students of the expectations around equipment over tutor times next week.

Finally, in my update a few weeks ago I informed you of the outcome of our surveys to parents, students and staff regarding the structure of the day and the overwhelming outcome being a preference for a move to 4×75 minute lessons a day from the current 3×100 minute model. We have done some work on what this is likely to look like in the next academic year and this is below-

08:40 – 09:00 Tutor Time

09:00 – 10:15 Session 1

10:15 – 10:35 Break

10:35 – 11:50 Session 2

11:50 – 13:05 Session 3

13:05 – 13:50 Lunch

13:50 – 15:05 Session 4

We have thought long and hard about this model and feel this will be the best option moving forward. We have discussed having two lessons before breaktime, but this makes for a very long wait for food which may result in students who do not have the most substantial of breakfasts having to wait a long time for breaktime. We also considered one lesson after break and before lunch. This would result in a rather early lunch time. It also means there would be two lessons after lunch. This would mean 150 minutes of learning after lunch. This is a long time for students and research would state it is too long for learning to be maximised as a result of concentration waning. We have considered a ‘split’ lunchtime too, (different year groups having their lunch break at different times) but the layout of our site means that this may be distracting if some are outside at lunchtime whilst lessons are taking place.

There is no change to the start and end time of lessons and we will continue to support breakfasts before school too. I believe strongly that all students should be able to have breakfast and therefore we will continue the offer of free porridge available from our kitchen for every student that would like it.

With best wishes

Mr S Greiff

Spirit Week – Celebrating Belonging at Manor High

We are excited to be launching our upcoming Spirit Week — a themed week dedicated to fostering a strong sense of belonging across our school community. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate school pride while encouraging creativity, student voice, and leadership.

This week has been designed and led by our Student Leadership Team (Year 10–11), who have invested a significant amount of time, effort and thought into planning the activities. We are incredibly proud of their initiative and commitment to making this a meaningful experience for the whole school.

Throughout the week, staff will also be sharing personal stories about their upbringing, interests, and passions, helping students to build stronger connections with those around them.

What’s happening during the week:

Monday: During tutor time (usually our Character Curriculum session), students will take part in activities focused on sharing their own hobbies and interests. These sessions are designed to help students and staff get to know each other better. Research consistently shows that strong relationships in schools lead to improved wellbeing and academic success.
Tuesday: Students will have the chance to showcase their creativity by designing a Manor High Easter Egg that represents the very best of our school. The winning design will receive an Amazon voucher, and the egg will be brought to life.
Wednesday: A bake sale will be held to raise funds for the Year 11 Prom. We welcome contributions and support from across the school community.
Thursday: Students will step into leadership roles by leading tutor time sessions. They will deliver activities linked to our weekly core value of inspiration, developing confidence and communication skills.
Friday: A special opportunity for one student to present our weekly Celebration Friday video to the whole school. This presentation, usually delivered by Mr Cross, highlights achievements in sport, academics, attendance, and conduct, with rewards and recognition included. We are inviting students to apply for this exciting role.

We are really looking forward to a positive and uplifting week that showcases the talents, leadership, and character of our students, as well as the strong sense of community we are building together.

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 Shreya of 10.6 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!

School Clubs

Meet the Governors

This week, we are pleased to introduce two more governors –

Grace Brown, Vice Chair of Governors

“I have been the Head Teacher of Brookside Primary School for 11 years and bring 25 years of leadership and educational expertise across primary education to the governing board. I was previously the Chair of Governors and have served on the governing board now for 3 years.

My background enables me to contribute to governance in the following areas:

SEND provision and inclusion, curriculum development and teaching standards, particularly in English and literacy, strategic leadership and school improvement, staff development and performance management as well as safeguarding and pupil welfare. I have a strong background with Special Educational Needs and Trauma-Informed Practice. I support and challenge the school around these areas to ensure that all Manor High School students have a positive experience. Every child is different and school has a duty to ensure that they do the very best that they can to meet the needs of its students.”

Chris Brett, Parent Governor

“As a parent of two daughters, one currently attending Manor High School and another at a feeder school within the Oak Trust, I am deeply invested in supporting the school to provide the best possible educational experience for all students.

As a school governor, I bring to this role extensive leadership, safeguarding expertise and a strong commitment to education. I hold an MSci in Physics and Astronomy from Durham University and recently completed a Level 7 qualification with the Chartered Institute of Management, further strengthening my strategic and managerial skillset.

As a serving officer with Leicestershire Police, I have over a decade of experience leading high‑performing teams and delivering complex projects. My policing career has given me significant expertise in public protection, multi‑agency working and safeguarding of young people: skills directly relevant to ensuring a safe, supportive and aspirational school environment.”

We would like to thank Grace and Chris for their time and dedication given to the school.

Year 11 Post 16 applications

Schools and colleges may email students directly regarding their attendance. This is normal practice. Currently WQE are emailing any students who have applied to their college but their attendance figures do not meet WQE’s expectation. Please reply to any emails and follow the instructions the school/college gives to you. If you have any concerns or questions please speak to your tutor / year 11 pastoral team.
Students will be hearing back from the schools and colleges they have applied to.
Your applications will say ‘sent’ next to them. This may change to ‘processing’ and / or ‘acknowledged’. This is normal.
Some schools and colleges will contact quickly, others may be nearer the month of March.

Please ensure students check in on PS16 and also onto their emails for any messages etc from schools and colleges. Students must respond to any requests for meetings / interviews and we ask that our students accept all offers they receive. By holding as many offers as possible our students can then make the decision that is best for them on results day in August.

Some students may receive offers before others – please try not to worry and be mindful that the schools and colleges are working their way through a number of applications and they will get to you soon.

Year 11 Easter 2026 Intervention Sessions

Staff remain fully committed to supporting Year 11 students. Targeted intervention sessions will be held during the first week of the Easter break. Please find below a programme for week commencing Monday, 30^th March 2026:

Session	Time	Monday 30.03.26	Tuesday 31.03.26	Wednesday 01.04.25	Thursday 02.04.25	Friday 03.04.25
1	09:00 – 10:40	English X Maths W	Geography History	Science	Food Triple Science	Bank Holiday
Break	10:40 – 11:00	Students bring their own snacks/lunch if they are staying for Session 2 or 3.
2	11:00 – 12:40	Maths X English W	Business Studies Drama Music	Science	Food Triple Science
Lunch	12:40 – 13:00	Students bring their own snacks/lunch if they are staying for Session 3.
3	13:00 – 15:00	Media	Business Studies Computer Science Creative iMedia	P.E.

Parents will have received invitation emails for students who would benefit from intervention sessions in different subjects. Please complete the linked proforma, giving permission for your child to attend. The session will be tailored to help your child with revision in preparation for their final exams.

Please note:

Uniform: Students will not need to be required to wear school uniform; however, they must wear clothing and shoes that are appropriate for a school environment.
Ready to Learn: Students will be expected to bring in their school bag, with their knowledge organiser, equipment, and any additional resources specific to the subjects they study.
Refreshments: Students are welcome to bring a snack and a drink should they wish to as the school dining facilities will not be in operation.
Behaviour: Students will be expected to respect our school standards and routines, follow instructions, and stay focussed on task during all intervention sessions. Same behaviour expectations apply as any other school day, and this includes bringing and using a mobile phone.
Safeguarding: Students who are invited must attend and staff will need to contact home should they not attend. Please ensure students have a safe means of getting to school and returning home once finished.

Students are at an important stage in their studies, and these intervention sessions are aimed at helping them reach their full potential. As our staff dedicate their time to providing this additional support, it is only fair that invited students attend and actively participate to gain the most from these sessions.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Year 11 Parents Evening

Year 11 subject evening will be taking place on Thursday 26^th March. Please ensure to book an appointment using School Cloud https://mhsoadby.schoolcloud.co.uk/ with your child’s subject teachers. This will be the last in-person opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress and what they need to focus on ahead of their final GCSE exams.

British Science Week

This week, in celebration of British Science Week, KS3 students have taken part in a series of web chats with real scientists!

The topics included STEM careers, Robotics and Aerospace engineering. Discussions ranged from which A levels the scientists had chosen, favourite subjects at school and best aspects of their current role.

There were a total of 12 real scientist who gave their time to our students and inspire the next generation of scientists!

Alumni

Celebrating success stories

Attendance

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)

Our attendance figures as of 3pm on Friday are as follows:

Year 11 – 93.5%

Year 10 – 91.7%

Year 9 – 93.6%

Year 8 – 94.8%

Year 7 – 96.0%

Wellbeing, SEND & Safeguarding Update

Message from The Health, Safety & Wellbeing Team at Leicestershire County Council

We have been made aware of general concerns relating to meningitis. There is no need for alarm, however this is a good opportunity to remind staff and families of the importance of recognising symptoms early and knowing where to access reliable information.

Meningitis can affect anyone and symptoms can appear suddenly. Current NHS guidance highlights that urgent medical help should be sought if meningitis is suspected. For trusted information on symptoms, treatment, and when to get medical help, please refer to the NHS page on meningitis: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

At this stage, there is no action required other than ensuring staff and parents are aware of the symptoms and know where to seek support if needed.

Start a Conversation

Start a Conversation If you or someone you know is feeling sad or having a hard time, there is help. You are not alone. The “Start a Conversation” campaign wants to help people who are struggling with their feelings or thinking about suicide. It’s important to talk openly, share good information, and support each other. Mental health matters to everyone, and talking about it can help people feel better. This campaign is run by Leicestershire County Council and supported by other organisations who work together to stop suicide and help people stay safe.

Young People Interview Training

Would you like to help shape the Teen health Service? Would you like to be involved in the recruitment process within the team? Would you like to have a say and have your voice heard?

If you have answered yes to the questions above, we have an exciting opportunity for young
people aged 11-19, to access training to be involved with the recruitment process for Teen
Health, within the Family Help service – please see this leaflet for more information – Young People Interview Training Leaflet

Operation Encompass

We are sharing a letter this week that follows on from information we have shared regarding Operation Encompass. This will help you to understand the role of Operation Encompass and how it supports the child. If you have any questions please let us know.

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are writing to let you know about an important update to Operation Encompass, the national scheme that helps schools provide timely support for children who may have been affected by domestic abuse.

From 23 February 2026, our school will receive an automatic notification from Leicestershire Police if they attend a domestic incident where a child on our school roll is present.

The purpose of this notification is to allow our staff to provide appropriate care and support for any child who may need it the next day, such as check‑ins, pastoral support, or wellbeing monitoring.

Why this matters

Operation Encompass is designed to ensure schools can act quickly and sensitively when a child may have experienced something upsetting or frightening at home. It does not involve sharing information with other parents, pupils, or staff who are not directly responsible for safeguarding your child.

What this means for you

You do not need to take any action. This process will happen automatically and securely between Leicestershire Police and the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

If you have any worries about how your information is used, or if you would like support around domestic abuse, please contact the school’s safeguarding team or visit local support services such as UAVA (0808 80 200 28) for confidential help.

If you feel your child needs extra support for any reason, including experiencing domestic abuse, please continue to reach out to your school’s safeguarding team.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep all children safe.

Kind regards,

Simon Greiff

Head Teacher

Other Useful Information

OAK Trust Newsletter December 2025

SEND Dept
T: 0116 2729791 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 791)
E: SEND@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Lead Operational DSL & Senior Mental Health Lead Ashma Ghani
T: 0116 2729760 (or 0116 2714941 ext. 760)
E: AGhani@manorhigh.leics.sch.uk

Headteacher’s Update

Dear Families

This week, our teachers have issued 4,000 positive points, which represents a significant indication of the positive approach and conduct demonstrated by our students. This figure shows that the majority of students get it right the majority of the time and we always try to recognise and rewards the efforts and engagements from students.

We were also delighted to welcome next years’ new Year 7 parents to our transition coffee mornings held this week. It was great to see the parents who attended and engaged with our current students during these sessions. I must particularly praise our current Year 7 students who represented Manor High School superbly, demonstrating the welcoming and inclusive ethos that characterises our school as they talked to the new parents about how they had found the transition from primary to secondary school.

Additionally, Ramadan assemblies have taken place this week, led by Mr Daud, during which we acknowledged the dedication of students who are observing the fast. Their commitment to their faith and their ability to maintain focus on their studies whilst fasting is truly impressive and worthy of recognition. The fact that students have just carried on as normal is impressive and shows real dedication and resilience.

I must bring something to parents’ attention regarding school punctuality. It is an expectation that all students arrive at school on time and in full uniform, without exception. I have observed that too many students are being dropped off dangerously on the keep clear lines outside the school building at the last minute, which creates a safety concern and endangers children, pedestrians and other vehicles.

Punctuality is not just an administrative requirement; it is a fundamental expectation that mirrors the expectations students will encounter in employment. When students arrive late, learning is disrupted. Tutor time is learning time, and promptness is essential to maximising this opportunity. A stark message is that arriving five minutes late each day equates to three full days of missed learning across the academic year. This is a significant loss of educational time.

I urge all parents and carers to ensure that students leave home in sufficient time to arrive at school punctually and safely. It is not generally those students who are walking to school that are late for school, it is those that are being dropped outside the school by parents. Whilst we understand that genuine emergencies may occasionally occur, busy roads do not constitute an emergency. It is disappointing when students receive sanctions as a result of late arrival, and I would encourage you to work with us to prevent this situation for occurring. It does not make for a positive start to the day for your children or for us.

We thank you for your support in ensuring your child has the best possible start to the school day.

With best wishes

Mr S Greiff

Iceland Trip

Our recent science and geography field trip to Iceland proved to be an unforgettable experience combining spectacular landscapes with hands-on learning about geology, energy, and Icelandic culture.

The trip began with incredible views at the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, where students even managed a snowball fight while standing between two continents! The group then visited geothermal fields before finishing the day at the Perlan museum in Reykjavík, exploring its indoor ice cave and enjoying an impressive Northern Lights show. Despite strong winds later in the day, our students showed great resilience and enthusiasm.

Day 2 and our highlight was a walk through the dramatic rift valley leading to the site of the world’s oldest functioning parliament at Þingvellir. The famous Golden Circle route followed, with visits to the erupting geysers at Geysir, powerful waterfalls, and a unique stop at a geothermal greenhouse where tomatoes are grown year-round.

A fresh layer of snow greeted our group on day 3. We hiked to the snout of a glacier, gaining a real sense of scale from the vast landscape. Later, we visited Iceland’s striking black sand beaches, complete with sea arches and rock stacks, before finishing the day at the Lava Show, where we felt the incredible heat of real molten lava up close.

The learning continued on day 4 with a visit to the Lava Centre, where students discovered that Iceland had experienced over 100 earthquakes in the preceding 48 hours – perfectly normal for this geologically active country! They also explored a geothermal power plant capable of generating enough energy to boil 1,000 litres of water every second, walked through a lava tunnel formed 5,000 years ago, and spent time exploring Reykjavík itself.

The final day came all to quickly with the spectacular “FlyOver Iceland” experience, which students really enthused about. The trip ended with a relaxing visit to the famous Blue Lagoon before we began our journey home.

We were very proud of our young people’s resilience and conduct throughout and I’m sure we have several geoscientists in the making following this trip!

Ms Jenkin

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 Mehmet of 8.1 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!

School Clubs

Meet the Governors – Jesse Jackson, Chair of Governors

This week, we are pleased to introduce Jesse Jackson, the Chair of Governors.

As Chair, Jesse works closely with the headteacher and the governing body to provide strategic leadership and oversight. The role involves helping to set the vision and direction of the school, supporting school leaders, and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of all students.

“I am Head of Digital and Adult Skills at the Loughborough College Group and have worked in education for 7½ years following my discharge from military service.

I have experienced the power of education at first hand and have seen how education has shaped and built the confidence of our young people. Becoming a governor of the school enables me to give back to you and your community by supporting and challenging your excellent leaders and teachers to ensure that they provide the best possible educational experience for the next generation.

It is our role as governors to ensure that the needs of your community are enhanced and that all those connected to Manor High School are valued and appreciated. As your Chair of Governors, I am committed to ensuring Manor High’s team of professionals prepare the next generation of highly skilled, motivated and innovative young people that are well prepared for their next challenge of Post 16 education and beyond.”

We would like to thank Jesse for the time, dedication, and leadership given to the school in the role of Chair of Governors.

Year 11 Post 16 applications

Year 11 WQE Offers holding event

WQE have invited some students to an offers holding event on Wednesday 18^th March at 9:50am. Students will have received an email from WQE if they have been invited. In order to attend this event we need parents/carers to contact school to give consent for their child to attend. Please do this in the same way you would notify school of a medical/dental appointment. If we do not get consent we will not be able to authorise absences so it is vital parents/carers contact us to give consent.

Only students who have been invited can attend – WQE have shared the list of invitees with us.

WQE have confirmed with us that the event will be completed by 11:45, therefore we expect all students to be back on site during lunchtime and ready to learn for session 3. It is really important that students come back to school as it is a vital time in their education. Thank you for your support with this..

Please can we also remind everyone about the information below:

Schools and colleges may email students directly regarding their attendance. This is normal practice. Currently WQE are emailing any students who have applied to their college but their attendance figures do not meet WQE’s expectation. Please reply to any emails and follow the instructions the school/college gives to you. If you have any concerns or questions please speak to your tutor / year 11 pastoral team.
Students will be hearing back from the schools and colleges they have applied to.
Your applications will say ‘sent’ next to them. This may change to ‘processing’ and / or ‘acknowledged’. This is normal.
Some schools and colleges will contact quickly, others may be nearer the month of March.

Poster Competition: What Makes Children’s Lives Positive?

We are excited to announce a new poster competition inviting students to explore the theme:

‘What makes children’s lives positive? What will a positive childhood look like in the future for young people your age?’

This is your chance to think deeply, creatively, and imaginatively about the world around you — and the world you want to grow up in.

How Will Posters Be Judged?

Entries will be assessed on:

• Content – A clear, thoughtful, and informative response to the research questions.
• Effective Communication – Ideas presented in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.
• Creativity in Approach – A unique and imaginative response to the brief.

This is your opportunity to combine research, reflection, and creativity into one powerful visual piece.

What’s in It for You?

Winners will:

Receive a prize from the Science Department
Have their entry submitted to the national competition
Represent MHS against other participating schools

A fantastic achievement for any student!

Submission Deadline

Please submit your completed posters to Mrs Jenkin by April 1st 2026.

Make sure your name and form are clearly written on the back.

Start designing, start imagining, and most importantly — start creating.

We can’t wait to see your ideas!

Celebrating success stories

Attendance

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)

Our attendance figures as of 3pm on the Friday before half term were as follows:

Year 11 – 93.6%

Year 10 – 91.7%

Year 9 – 93.7%

Year 8 – 94.8%

Year 7 – 96.1%

SEND & Safeguarding Update

I wanted to share with you some feedback we have had from Charlotte Davis Safeguarding Lead at Leicestershire County Council, who recently visited us for our annual audit:

The school demonstrates a strong and deeply embedded safeguarding culture.

Students report feeling safe, attributing this to the visible presence of staff and the availability of trusted adults. They demonstrated a strong understanding of what safeguarding means and could articulate the role of a trusted adult, with most identifying their form tutor as the person they would approach if they had concerns.

A tour of the school revealed calm, purposeful, and engaging lessons.

We are really proud of this review and the feedback we have gathered from Charlotte and we feel reflects the safeguarding culture we have here at Manor High School. Thank you for your support as parents in supporting us and the work we are doing as a school.

As always if you have any questions regarding safeguarding please contact school.

Other Useful Information