Teddington School Newsletter

Dear Families

As we reach the end of our first half term of the school year, I would like to thank all our students, staff and families for their continued support. It has been a busy and successful start to the academic year, and I hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break over half term.

One of the strengths of Teddington School is the opportunity for students to share their ideas and help shape our community. Recently, Year 8 students Felix and Henry presented a petition requesting that tailored grey school shorts be permitted throughout the year. Their campaign attracted an impressive 218 signatures, including support from members of staff.

Having considered their thoughtful proposal, I am pleased to confirm that, from after half term, students will be able to wear tailored grey school shorts all year round. This will be a matter of personal choice, with students equally welcome to continue wearing trousers as before.

Congratulations to Felix and Henry for presenting their case so positively and respectfully. Their campaign is an excellent example of student leadership and demonstrates how constructive dialogue can bring about positive change.

Well done to our Year 11 and Year 13 students, who have completed the first week of their mock examinations. There is one more week of mocks to go after half term, and I wish everyone the very best as they continue their preparations. I am proud of the focus and commitment our students have shown so far.

Congratulations also to our Year 9 boys’ football team, who secured an excellent 3–1 victory against Royal Russell School in the second round of the Surrey Cup. Well done to the team on this fantastic result!

As we break for half term, I would like to remind families of the importance of regular attendance. Every day in school matters, and consistent attendance helps students make the most of their learning and opportunities. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your children attend school regularly and arrive on time.

School reopens on Monday 2 November at 08:30. Please ensure students are ready to start the new half term promptly.

Thank you once again to our entire school community for a really successful first half term. I hope you all enjoy a restful and enjoyable break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in November.

Kind regards

Paul Grills

Headteacher

🎶 Music, culture and waffles in Brussels! 🧇

Our Year 9 students have been exploring the incredible contributions of Black Britons through sport and music. 🏆🎶

As part of their learning, students researched influential Black sportspeople in Britain, discovering more about their lives and sporting journeys. They then showcased their learning through creative responses and developed their written analysis.

Students also explored Black contributions to music, focusing on Dave’s powerful performance at the 2020 BRIT Awards.

These projects have encouraged our students to celebrate achievements, explore important stories and deepen their understanding of Black British history and culture. 🌍

Thinking about the next step in your child’s education? Join us for our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 11 November, 4:00–6:30pm, or our Sixth Form Open Morning on Thursday 12 November, with tours at 9:00am and 10:00am. Both events are for students considering admission to Year 12 in September 2027.

Meet our team, explore our Sixth Form provision and discover how we support students to achieve their ambitions in an inclusive and aspirational environment.

Headteacher talks will take place in the theatre at 4:00pm and 5:00pm on Open Evening.

Book your place via our school website – we look forward to welcoming you!

We’re delighted to be hosting the Scholastic Book Fair from Tuesday 24 to Friday 27 November! 📖

With a fantastic range of books across different genres and reading ages, there’ll be something for everyone to discover. Students will be able to browse and purchase books at break and lunchtime. More information about payment options will be shared nearer the time.

We look forward to celebrating a love of reading across our school! 💙

At Teddington School, every day matters and every lesson counts. Our new Attendance League Tables will create some friendly competition between tutor groups, with rewards and recognition throughout the year for both excellent attendance and improvement.

Friendly Attendance Reminders

• Every day counts – regular attendance makes a real difference.
• Be on time – students should be in school and ready to learn by 8:30am.
• Keep illness absence to when it is really needed – if your child is well enough to attend, please send them in.
• Appointments – wherever possible, arrange these outside school hours.
• Report absence promptly – please let us know by 8:30am if your child is unable to attend.
• Talk to us – if attendance is becoming difficult, please contact us early so we can support.
• Aim high – our expectation is 97% attendance or above.

From next week, our Attend system will send text messages as well as emails regarding attendance. Please look out for these communications and read them carefully.

Thank you for working with us to make every day and every lesson count.

Put your knowledge to the test at our Teddington School Quiz Night! Join the school community on Thursday 19 November for an evening of trivia, friendly competition and fantastic prizes. Open to adults only, the quiz will feature eight rounds guaranteed to get you thinking!

Teams of four, six or eight are welcome, or you can book an individual ticket and join a team on the night. Tickets cost £15 per person with curry or £12 per person for quiz entry only. Doors (and the bar!) open at 6:45pm, with the quiz starting at 7:15pm.

Tickets are expected to sell fast, so book your place now! Follow the link or scan the QR code on the poster to secure your tickets. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us from 9:30–11:30am for a festive morning of food, drinks and live music from our Teddington School singers! 🎤✨

We’ll also be selling premium Nordmann fir Christmas trees, with all profits going to the school. 🎄

🛍️ Would you like to run a stall? We’re looking for parents and members of our wider community who would be interested in running a stall suitable for our festive market. If you’re interested, or know someone who might be, please email our PTA at pta@teddingtonschool.org.

We look forward to celebrating the festive season with our school community! ❤️

📍 Teddington School, Broom Road, TW11

High Flyers sessions will take place on Fridays next half term on the following dates:

• Year 8: Friday 13 November, 15:00–16:00

• Year 9: Friday 20 November, 15:00–16:00

• Year 10: Friday 27 November, 15:00–16:00

• Year 11: Friday 6 November, 15:00–15:30, and Friday 4 December, 15:00–16:00

All sessions will take place in the school theatre unless alternative arrangements are needed due to drama productions or rehearsals.

Morning High Flyers sessions will continue as usual in Lab 4, from 08:20–09:00, in line with individual student timetables.

November

Mon 2nd: Students return to school at 8:30am

Mon 2nd - Fri 6th: Year 11 & 13 Mocks

Weds 4th: Ski Trip Information Evening

Weds 11th: Theatre Trip "Curious Incident of the dog in the Nighttime"

Weds 11th: Sixth Form Open Evening

Weds 11th - Fri 13th: Year 7 PGL Residential

Thurs 12th: Sixth Form Open Morning