Headteacher's Bulletin
30/01/26 - Edition 85

Highlights of the week
Mr Lisseman - Headteacher
Dear Parents & Carers,
We are really pleased to share that we have received the first draft of our Ofsted report. Subject to the usual process, this should be published over the next couple of weeks, at which point we will be able to share the outcomes with parents. We are incredibly proud of what the report reflects — a school that has moved on significantly since the last inspection, turned a corner, and continues to make strong progress. We look forward to sharing this with you very soon.
This week’s house assemblies have focused on perseverance, encouraging students to think about how they sustain effort and respond positively to challenge. These discussions link closely to our values of dedication and responsibility, reinforcing the habits needed for long-term success.
The Student Council met to discuss issues important to them, including the food available in the canteen. Ensuring the student voice is active around the school and helping shape future provision.
Our catering team supported this by providing a delicious breakfast tasting session.
We were also delighted to host our Jack Petchey Speak Out Award finalists, with students delivering confident and thoughtful speeches that reflected real dedication and empathy.
Finally, we would like to renew our request for volunteers to support rugby parking. The PTA plays a vital role in funding enrichment opportunities, including the annual rewards trips. If you are able to spare a few hours, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Student Bulletin
Each Monday morning in tutor time, students and their form tutors review the weekly student bulletin. This is a round up of all the important information, notices and reminders that they need to know. The bulletin is also posted on the screens around school so they can refer back to it at any time.
Spotlight on Safeguarding
The latest edition of the Spotlight on Safeguarding newsletter is now available to read. This month's edition focuses on Understanding “Com Groups” – what parents and carers should know and Teaching young people about consent.
Rugby Car Parking Volunteers Needed
Friends of Twickenham School (PTA)
We have already sold lots of car parking tickets for the 3 remaining rugby match days this academic year. Please can you check you diaries and sign up for a slot - it is only a small amount of time but can be really enjoyable and raises a fantastic amount of money for the school.
The dates we are open are
- 7th February
- 21st February (last Saturday of the half term holiday)
- 11th April
If you are considering volunteering for the first time then here are a few things to remember:
- There are a few different jobs to be done and you will have company while you do them!
- The customers are very friendly - they park their cars, we just point to where (no direction of maneuvering required)
- Hot drinks are available (and sometimes even biscuits!)
- Every slot you sign up for is a chance in our prize draw
- There is space for you to park your car when you come
It is only for an hour or so and we do enjoy ourselves - its a great opportunity to chat with other parents.
If you have any questions then get in touch directly twickenhamschoolpta@gmail.com
Clubs Reminder
Mr Hayes - Head of PE
All extra-curricular clubs restart next term. We encourage every student to attend at least one club per week to develop social and cultural capital. It’s a great way to build skills, friendships, and confidence.
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make 2026 a year to remember!
TS Spotlight - The important relationship between reading and writing
Ms Clark - Head of English
The latest edition of TS Spotlight is now available. Written by our Head of English, Ms Clark, it focuses on the important relationship between reading and writing.
"English offers both a unique challenge and an exciting opportunity, in which students use a range of different skills to appreciate and generate writing about the world around them. As author John Connolly said, ‘Writers are magpies by nature, always collecting shiny things, storing them away.’ This is the same curiosity and excitement about language that we aim to instil in our students at Twickenham School."
Click below to read the full article.
Intermediate UKMT Maths Challenge
Ms McEvoy - Deputy Head of Maths
The Intermediate UKMT Maths Challenge is a national multiple-choice competition that develops problem-solving, logical thinking and mathematical reasoning. A selected group of our Year 10 and Year 11 students took part on Wednesday 28th January. Participation in challenges like this helps strengthen students’ confidence and resilience, while also demonstrating to colleges and future employers their ability to think critically, tackle unfamiliar problems and engage positively with academic opportunities beyond the classroom.
This week in PE
Mr Hayes - Head of PE
It has been another fantastic week of sporting achievement across the school, and I am delighted to share some excellent results and recognitions.
Our U14 Boys’ Basketball Team finished their league season in an impressive second place, demonstrating commitment, teamwork, and resilience throughout the competition. A huge well done to all involved.
The Year 9 Boys’ Football Team kicked off their season in style with an exciting 6–4 victory against RTS, showing great attacking play and determination in their opening fixture.
At the Richmond Borough Volleyball Tournament, our Year 7/8 Girls’ Team achieved a commendable third place, while the Year 9/10 Girls’ Team finished fourth. Both teams represented the school with pride and enthusiasm.
A special mention goes to our outstanding Year 9 Sports Leaders, who did a brilliant job supporting the Primary Pentathlon Inclusion Event and assisting Nelson Primary School students during a Rock Climbing session. Their leadership, encouragement, and professionalism were exemplary.
Student Spotlight
A massive congratulations to Yunus, who will be competing in the Malta Open Karate International Championships this March. We wish Yunus the very best of luck and look forward to hearing about his success.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Monday 2 February - U15 Girls Cricket Tournament at Twickenham
- Monday 2 February - Year 7 Boys Basketball vs Sir Richard Reynolds – AWAY
- Tuesday 3 February - Year 9 Boys Football vs Teddington – HOME
- Thursday 5 February - Year 7 Boys Basketball vs Turing House – House
Dates for the Diary
Thursday 5 February - Ski Trip meeting 6pm
Thursday 12 February - Year 9 Parents Evening - 4 - 7pm
Monday 16 - Friday 20 February - Half term break
Thursday 26 February - Year 9 DTP & Men ACWY vaccinations
Friday 27 February - Richmond Rhythm Dance Competition (hosted at Twickenham School)
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Jonathon Lisseman
Headteacher
Twickenham School
Percy Road
Twickenham
TW2 6JW
0208 894 4503