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Message from the Headteacher, Mr Richards
Today, as we celebrate European day of languages, and on the verge of Black History Month, recent events in the media have brought conversations about nationalism and discrimination to the forefront, and we know these issues have deeply affected many in our school community: students, staff, and families alike. Southall has a proud history of resilience and unity, and many of you will remember, or have learned about, the Southall riots of the 1970s. Those events were a painful reminder of what can happen when communities are divided. Today, as we face similar tensions in society, we are determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
At school, we are taking proactive steps to ensure our students feel safe, respected, and empowered. Through assemblies and form time activities, we are helping them understand the importance of standing against racism and discrimination, and we are reinforcing important school values such as respect and equity.We want your children to know that their voices matter, that they are supported, and that they belong. We also want to reassure you, as parents and carers, that we are committed to creating a school environment where every child feels safe and valued regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
Don’t forget to check your child’s uniform for Monday as we have Fizz photography in taking school photos of children in years 8 – 11. Half of year 7 will also be carrying out CAT (Cognitive Ability Tests) which supports us with accurate target setting. The other half will be doing these the following week.
Punctuality to school
As we begin this new term, we want to emphasise the importance of good punctuality for your child’s success at school. Arriving on time each day not only helps students settle in smoothly and start learning promptly but also teaches them valuable habits of responsibility and time management. Being punctual reduces classroom disruptions and ensures your child doesn’t miss out on important instructions or activities. We are asking all students to make it their habit to arrive to school by 8:20am, so they can avoid receiving a break time detention. Together, with your support, we can help create a positive and productive learning environment where every student has the best chance to thrive.
Penalty notice for Unauthorised Attendance
Parent/carers are reminded that if they take their children out of school for 5 days or more (which do not have to be consecutive) in a 10-week period, they will be liable for a penalty notice from Ealing. Currently the amount payable for the 1st penalty notice is £160 per parent/carer per child which reduces to £80 if paid within 21 days.
If a further 5 days of absence without a reasonable explanation occurs, then a 2nd penalty notice of £160 per parent/carer per child will be issued, with no reduction. If the penalty notice remains unpaid after 28 days, Ealing will consider a prosecution in the Magistrates Court. Further absences after this stage could also result in prosecution.
Please note that penalty notices are issued per parent/carer per child, so a family of two parents and two children will receive 4 penalty notices. Please check our term dates on our website to help you avoid taking your child out of school during term time.
Key Pastoral Updates
YR7 Transition Oracy Workshop
Expert trainers from Talk The Talk came into school on Wednesday 17th September 2025 to work with Year 7 students.
Several students participated in a Transition workshop focused on fostering interpersonal skills, confidence, body language, and active communication, and I am incredibly proud of how engaged they were, especially during our external speaker’s workshop. ~ Mr Ranu
Talk About Transition uses oracy-based activities and strategies to help students develop greater self-confidence and resilience. Delivered as a half day workshop and packed full of engaging activities to promote students’ confidence, self‑esteem and help build relationships with their new peers, Talk About Transition supports students in a successful transition from primary to secondary school.
Transition to secondary school involves changes that can be both exciting and a cause of concern to students. Successful transition is vital to the development of students’ self-confidence, self-esteem and academic competence. Moving on from the safe haven of primary school – one classroom and often one teacher – to a much larger school and the feeling of being a ‘small fish in a large pond’ can cause worry and anxiety. Our programme embraces this change and allows students to talk about their concerns and how to overcome them – but also the fantastic opportunities that await them – and how best to embrace these. ~ Talk The Talk
These Talk About Transition workshops are part funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation. Sir Jack Petchey CBE created the Jack Petchey Foundation to inspire young people and recognise the amazing contributions they make to society. To do this, the Foundation has invested over £143m in programmes that benefit young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex.
Learn more about Talk The Talk here: www.talkthetalkuk.org and the Jack Petchey Foundation here: www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk
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