Newsletter 06.02.2026 - Manor High School

Headteacher’s Update

Dear Families

This week we have had many visitors in school-including visitors from other schools through our involvement in the national network Challenge Partners. It is important to us to get external ‘eyes’ on our practice. Colleagues from 3 schools commented very positively on the level of engagement of our students and also the quality of teaching they receive. There were also really positive comments about the use of iPads across school and how the school had embedded routines around these. This was pleasing to see. Students also spoke to our visitors and were very honest and positive about their experiences.

Additionally, we have been impressed with the resilience of most of our learners. There are students with slight coughs and colds but it important to still send them to school. Often when they get to school, they feel a lot better. This is the correct course of action to take. Thank you to those parents who are encouraging their children to attend school regularly. The chart below indicates the importance of attendance, and more information can be found on our website Attendance – Manor High School – Oadby

It is worth remembering that whilst normally 90% sounds a high figure, in terms of attendance it is not, it is not satisfactory. It equates to 19 days absence over the course of a year! This is extremely high.

We must try to make sure that we send our children to school every single day whenever possible. School is more than just completing school work. School is where your child develops social skills, builds confidence, and learns that working through challenges can be rewarding. When children attend regularly, they’re more likely to feel connected to their school community and their peers. Every day in school is a step forward. It is a chance to learn something new, build friendships and build resilience.

Attendance really matters.

With best wishes

Mr S Greiff

Year 11 Science

As the Year 11 PPE examinations approach, we would like to wish all our students every success. They have worked exceptionally hard in science this term, and we are very grateful for their commitment, effort, and resilience in lessons. Their positive attitude and determination have been a credit to them, and we are confident that this preparation will serve them well.

Please note that there will be no science intervention on Thursday 12 February due to Parents’ Evening. Sessions will resume as normal in the first week back after half term. In addition, Triple Biology intervention will take place after school on Friday 13 February as usual with Miss Thompson.

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!

School Clubs

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.

Please can we also remind everyone about the information below:

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 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.
Keep checking in on PS16 as well as checking your emails. Ensure you respond to any requests for meetings / interviews etc and let your tutor know about these.

Leicester College Careers Fair

Leicester College are hoisting a Careers Fair and The Leicester Tigers ground on Wednesday 11^th February. This would be particularly useful for any year 11’s interested in apprenticeships. More information and the booking link is below –

Apprenticeship, Skills, and Job Fair 2026 – Leicester College

Cycling to school

Please can we remind all students of the following for everyone’s safety:

When riding a bike to school we strongly recommend wearing a helmet.
Lights / high visibility clothing is also recommended in darker weather.
We also strongly recommend not having earphones or airpods on as you need to be aware of the sounds around you.
Please do not ride your bike over the school car park. This is dangerous. You should walk your bike along the pedestrian entrance at the beginning and end of school.
When cycling on the roads you need to keep to the left and not cycle in the middle of the road.
If cycling with friends you should cycle in line and not side by side.

Attendance

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. 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 3pm last Friday were as follows:

Year 11 – 93.7%

Year 10 – 91.8%

Year 9 – 940% (an increase on the previous week, well done)

Year 8 – 94.7% (an increase on the previous week, well done)

Year 7 – 96.1%

Oak Olympics

On Tuesday 3^rd February, Manor High hosted the first of hopefully many events involving Oak Trust Primary Schools. The ‘Oak Olympics’ saw 48 year 4 students from Brookside Primary, Overdale Junior and Woodland Grange compete in a range of indoor track and field events, ably assisted by Manor High year 9 sports ambassadors. The energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by all participants was outstanding, with numerous inspirational performances cheered on by fellow team members. The relays proved to be particularly competitive with 2 photo finishes. We look forward to keeping a close eye on the progress these athletes make and can’t wait to see them here using our superb new facilities again soon.

Safeguarding Update

Safer Internet Day 2026 – Tuesday 10th February 2026

Safer Internet Day is a global awareness day that encourages children, young people and adults to think carefully about how we use the online world and digital technology. It’s a useful annual prompt to refresh conversations about online safety, wellbeing and responsible digital behaviour.

Theme for 2026: Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.

This year’s focus reflects how quickly AI and smart technologies are becoming part of children’s everyday online experiences. The emphasis is on helping young people develop confidence, critical thinking and good judgement when using digital tools, rather than fear or restriction.

Top tips for parents and carers
https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2026/top-tips-for-parents-and-carers

Top tips for children and young people
https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2026/top-tips-for-young-people