As we reach the end of another busy and successful week, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the many highlights from the past few days and thank our students, staff and families for their continued support.
One of the things we are particularly proud of as a school is the breadth of opportunities available to our students, both inside and outside the classroom. From academic transition work and college visits to performing arts, sport, leadership opportunities and enrichment programmes, we believe that education extends far beyond lessons alone.
Last week was a perfect example of this approach, with students benefiting from a huge range of experiences that supported their personal development, aspirations and sense of belonging. We certainly like to keep our calendar busy, and none of this would be possible without the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of our brilliant staff, who continually go above and beyond to provide these opportunities for our young people.
Our Year 11 students celebrated a significant milestone with their Leavers’ Assembly and BBQ. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their achievements, share memories and wish them every success for the future. We look forward to welcoming them back for results day later this summer.
We were delighted to welcome our incoming students during the Year 6 to Year 7 Induction Days. It was fantastic to see so many young people engaging enthusiastically with lessons, meeting staff and beginning to build friendships ahead of September. Alongside this, our Academic Transition Programme with our feeder primary schools continued, ensuring we are well prepared to support every student for a successful start to secondary school.
Our Transition Prefects were outstanding ambassadors during our Open Morning for Year 5 families. They spoke confidently about life at the school, guided visitors around the site and represented our community with pride. We received many positive comments about their maturity, enthusiasm and willingness to help.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students continued their examinations with impressive focus and determination. They also had the opportunity to visit Itchen College, helping them to explore future pathways and begin considering their next steps after Year 11.
Other key events during the week included a CCF Parent Information Evening, a New Staff Induction Programme preparing colleagues joining us in September, the Year 9 and 10 Athletics Meet, a fantastic Year 9 Dance Festival, and continued participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. Each of these opportunities allows students to develop valuable skills, confidence and experiences beyond the classroom.
The week concluded with one of the highlights of the school calendar—Prom. It was a memorable evening celebrating our Year 11 students as they marked the end of their secondary school journey in style. We are delighted to inform you that a selection of the photos will be featured in the Southern Daily Echo on Friday 10 July.
Looking ahead, the coming week promises to be equally action-packed. Year 10 examinations continue and conclude on Tuesday, marking the end of a challenging but important assessment period. We also have a number of college taster days planned, providing students with valuable insights into post-16 education opportunities. Our Year 7 PSHCRE Day will offer a range of engaging activities focused on personal development and wellbeing, while our Academic Transition Programme with primary schools continues. We are also delighted to be welcoming Year 5 students from our local primary schools for our Arts Day, providing them with an opportunity to experience a range of creative subjects and further strengthen their links with our school community. We are also looking forward to our school production of High School Musical, which showcases the tremendous talent, commitment and hard work of our students and staff.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. The wide range of opportunities available to our students is only possible because of the strong partnership between school and home, and we are grateful for your continued encouragement as we move through the final weeks of the academic year.
Next week is WEEK 2
Question of the Week
Please select your answer in the form below, all fields marked * are required and to help prevent SPAM this form is protected by Google reCaptcha v3.
Each week we will ask Parents/Carers a question in the Weekly Message – this will either be about a topic we are focussing on or an aspect of our school improvement plan. We would appreciate it if everyone answers it when reading the Weekly Message.
Events w/b Monday 6 July 2026
National Sports Week
Monday 6 July 2026
Year 10 Fareham College Taster Day
Year 10 Southampton City College Taster Day
Year 10 Food Prep & Nutrition Exam
Year 10 RE Exam
School Production Tech Rehearsal
Tuesday 7 July
Year 10 CEMAST Taster Day
Year 7 PSHCRE Day
Year 10 Spanish Exam
Year 10 French Exam
Wednesday 8 July
Year 5 Arts Day
School Production Rehearsal
School Production – High School Musical
Thursday 9 July
Year 10 Eastleigh College Taster Day
Year 10 Supergroup Maths Information Evening – Selected students
Future Dates w/b 13 July 2026
Monday 13 July
Year 7 Rewards Trip
Year 9 Film Event
Year 10 Film Event
Parent Forum – Governors – 6pm online. You can sign up here: Parent Forum 2025-2026 – Fill in form
Tuesday 14 July
Sports Day
Wednesday 15 July
Hamble School Festival
Thursday 16 July
Year 7 Film Event
Year 8 Film Event
Whole School Awards Evening – Selected Students
Friday 17 July
Year 8 Rewards Trip
2000 Points Celebration – TBC
Letters
Please read the letters sent home and available on our letters page: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
Assembly and Tutor Programme – National Sports Week
With the summer term in full swing, we are incredibly excited to launch one of the most anticipated highlights of our school calendar: National Sports Week, culminating in our annual Sports Day on Tuesday 14th July.
This week, our assembly and Personal Development tutor programme are entirely dedicated to getting students prepared, inspired and signed up for an inclusive celebration of sport, teamwork and school community. Our absolute priority this year is 100% participation. We want every single student at The Hamble School involved, active and representing their House.
To achieve this, we have designed a range of activities that go far beyond traditional track and field. Alongside classic athletic events, students will have the opportunity to take part in football, tennis, basketball, cheerleading, dodgeball, target activities and a variety of fun and accessible competitions. Whether students consider themselves highly competitive athletes or simply want to get involved and support their House, there is something for everyone.
This Week’s Assembly: Sport for Everyone
Students will participate in a pre-recorded assembly outlining the format, structure and ethos of this year’s events. The assembly will explain how Sports Day will work, how students can contribute to their House, and the wide range of opportunities available throughout the week.
The assembly will also highlight the many benefits of participation in sport, including improved physical health, mental wellbeing, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills.
Careers in Sport
As part of National Sports Week, Tuesday’s tutor programme will focus on Careers in Sport.
Students will explore the wide variety of careers available within the sporting industry, many of which extend well beyond professional playing careers. From coaching, physiotherapy, sports psychology and nutrition to event management, marketing, journalism, teaching and sports science, students will gain an insight into the diverse opportunities available within one of the UK’s most exciting sectors.
This session aims to help students understand how their interests, skills and aspirations could translate into future career pathways and will encourage them to consider the transferable skills developed through sport and physical activity.
Personal Development Tutor Programme
Throughout the week, tutor activities will focus on:
- Monday – Be Ready
- Tuesday – Sports Week Assembly
- Wednesday – Careers in Sport
- Thursday – Sports Day Preparation
- Friday – Sports Day Preparation
Tutors will be working with students to finalise team selections, encourage participation and build excitement ahead of Sports Day.
Morning Fun Run Fundraiser
Every morning from Monday to Friday, students are invited to take part in our Non-Stop Fun Run from 8:00am to 8:20am.
Students should arrive in PE kit and will have time to change back into school uniform before registration. There is no ned to sign up, just arrive ready to go!
This event is raising money for Sporting Minds, with 100% of donations going directly to the charity. Families who wish to sponsor students can do so via the dedicated donation button on SCOPAY.
Activities During the School Day
Students will continue to access a variety of tournament activities through their PE lessons throughout the week.
Additional events include the Swimming Gala (Thursday, 10:30am–1:30pm) – Sign-up available via Class Charts. Students who have been selected to participate will be informed on Tuesday.
Lunchtime and After-School Activities
Students are encouraged to get involved in the wide range of sporting opportunities available throughout National Sports Week.
Please note:
- Trainers must be worn for all lunchtime activities.
- All after-school activities run from 3:00pm–4:00pm.
- There is no need to sign up for lunchtime or after-school activities unless otherwise stated – students can simply turn up and take part.
Lunchtime Activities
Monday
- Football
- Year 7 Tennis
Tuesday
- Football
- Year 8 Tennis
Wednesday
- Football
- Year 9 Tennis
Thursday
- Football
- Year 10 Tennis
Friday
- Basketball for All
- Non-Stop Fun Run
After-School Activities (3:00pm–4:00pm)
Tuesday
- Year 7 & 8 Football
- Year 9 & 10 Tennis
- Drama – High School Musical Production Rehearsal
Wednesday
- Year 9 & 10 Football
- Year 7 & 8 Tennis
- Drama – High School Musical Production Rehearsal
Thursday
- Girls’ Football Tournament
Friday
- Friday Fun in the Sun
The Big Day
The celebrations will culminate in our annual Sports Day on Tuesday 14 July. Every activity contributes valuable points towards the House Championship, and we are looking forward to seeing students embrace the spirit of participation, resilience, teamwork and healthy competition.
We encourage families to speak with their child about the events they are signing up for and how they plan to support their tutor group and House throughout National Sports Week. We look forward to another fantastic week of activity and thank you for your continued support in making these events such a success.
Rewards Update
We are delighted to see so many students continuing to engage positively with our rewards system and working hard to achieve recognition for their efforts.
Letters have now been sent home to parents and carers with details of the upcoming rewards trips for those students who have secured their place and completed payment via SCOPAY. Please take the time to read these carefully, as they contain important information about final arrangements and what students will need on the day.
We are very much looking forward to these trips and celebrating the fantastic achievements of our students.
Our Ruby Award students have recently been selecting the film they would like to enjoy as part of their reward event. There is still time for other students to join them—if you would like to attend the cinema reward, you will need to reach 1,000 points. Every positive point counts, so keep working hard and demonstrating our school values.
Students who achieved the prestigious Diamond Award of 2,000 points by Friday 3 July will receive a letter next week with further details about their exclusive celebration event. This special reward will include a dedicated assembly, an afternoon of activities and a well-earned BBQ (students voted for this rather than Pizza!) in recognition of their outstanding commitment, conduct and achievement throughout the year.
We are also introducing some exciting rewards opportunities this week:
- Double Points Monday – an opportunity to earn twice the usual number of positive points.
- Freeze Pole Friday – available to all students in their year-group zones at lunchtime.
We are incredibly proud of the effort, commitment and positivity shown by our students throughout the year. Keep up the great work.
Blazers Not Required Until the End of Term
As we move into the final weeks of the academic year and temperatures continue to be higher, students will no longer be required to wear their school blazers for the remainder of the summer term.
Students should continue to wear the rest of their uniform as normal.
This adjustment has been made to support student comfort during warmer weather while maintaining high standards of presentation and ensuring students remain smart and ready to learn.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain high standards whilst ensuring students are comfortable during the warmer months.
High School Musical Junior – Support Our Students
The countdown is on! After months of rehearsals, hard work and dedication, our students are preparing to take to the stage for this year’s school production of High School Musical Junior. We cannot wait to share what promises to be an unforgettable performance with our school community.
Productions such as these showcase so much more than singing, dancing and acting. They provide students with opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork, resilience, creativity and leadership skills. Behind the scenes, our cast, crew and technical teams have committed countless hours to rehearsals and preparations, and they deserve a packed audience to celebrate their achievements.
We would love to see Parents/ Carers, family members, friends and members of the wider community come along to support our talented young people. Whether you know a student involved or simply enjoy live theatre, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an evening of entertainment while supporting the arts in our school.
Performance Dates
- Wednesday 8 July – 7:00pm
- Thursday 9 July – 7:00pm
Book Your Tickets
Wednesday 8 July: https://www.ticketsource.com/the-hamble-school-events/high-school-musical/2026-07-08/19:00/t-qmaxqxv
Thursday 9 July: https://www.ticketsource.com/the-hamble-school-events/high-school-musical/2026-07-09/19:00/t-zopkqqk
Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard to bring this production to life, and a full audience is the greatest reward for all their efforts. We encourage you to spread the word, invite family and friends, and help us make these performances a tremendous success.
The Hamble School Festival 2026
We are excited to remind families about The Hamble School Festival, taking place on Wednesday 15 July from 6:00pm–8:00pm. This end-of-term celebration is a fantastic opportunity to bring our school and wider community together and showcase the incredible talents, achievements and creativity of our students.
The festival promises an evening packed with entertainment and activities, including sport, music, drama, dance, crafts, stalls, fun activities and a stunning art exhibition. There truly will be something for everyone to enjoy.
We are particularly looking forward to celebrating the work of our talented young artists and performers. Letters have now been sent home to students whose artwork has been selected for the exhibition, as well as to students who will be performing on stage during the evening. We are incredibly proud of the quality of work and talent on display and hope families will come along to support these students and celebrate their achievements.
Event Details
- Wednesday 15 July
- 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Ticket prices are:
- Adults: £2
- Under 16s: £1
- Under 5s: Free
- Parking: £2
Tickets can be purchased via: www.ticketsource.com/the-hamble-school-events
We hope to see as many families and community members as possible joining us for what promises to be a fantastic evening of celebration, creativity and community spirit.
Summer Reading Recommendation for Students
We would like to recommend Connected: Focusing on ‘Me’ and ‘We’ by Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, which is currently available for just 99p on Kindle. The free Kindle app can be downloaded onto most phones and tablets, so there is no need to own a Kindle device.
The book explores an important challenge facing young people today: although we are more connected through technology than ever before, many of us can still feel isolated or disconnected from ourselves and others. Rachel Johnson provides practical advice to help young people understand themselves better, develop positive relationships, navigate differences respectfully, and build a stronger sense of belonging.
We believe this is a valuable read for secondary aged students as it encourages reflection on wellbeing, friendships, resilience, communication and how to thrive in an increasingly complex world. The book has been written specifically with young people in mind and addresses many of the challenges they face both in school and beyond.
You can purchase the book here: View on Amazon
At just 99p, this is an excellent opportunity to support your child’s personal development and encourage reading over the summer break.
Achieving Excellence Programme: Continuing to make progress between now and the end of the academic year
What can I do to support my child in preparing for the next academic year?
One of the most important things a student can do to ensure they are fully prepared for the next academic year, is to ensure their subject knowledge in the previous academic year is secure. Using methods, study skill techniques and resources they have looked at previously this year, students should ensure subject knowledge is secure with no gaps in their knowledge.
If students are unsure on new content being taught, again they should practice techniques discussed this year to further their understanding in the topic. Remember that your class teacher is always available should you have any further questions.
How Parents/ Carers can help
There are several ways in which you can help your child make better progress. We recommend having conversations about these study skills techniques by ask probing questions to delve deeper into your child’s learning.
We encourage you to have conversations about homework, the content in homework and the level to which it has been completed. Homework is a very useful form of retrieval practice and when completed properly, can have benefits to knowledge retention and progress.
Sometimes, Parents/ Carers do not want to ask their child about their learning for fear of not knowing the topic. This, however, should be welcomed as an initial platform for a conversation for your child to expand their knowledge on a topic. With ‘Elaboration’, students can break a topic down into smaller, more manageable chunks of information. This will help a student have a better understanding of that topic, having explained it in more detail.
Eco Ambassadors
Our Eco Ambassadors have been officially recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society for completing the first stage of the School Gardening Awards. This achievement celebrates their commitment to developing practical gardening skills, nurturing plants responsibly and creating a greener school environment.
They earned this award by demonstrating their understanding of the benefits of gardening through a whole-school assembly, making their growing space accessible through thoughtful organisation, and creating plant signs that celebrate the diversity of our school community by using multiple languages. They also achieved the ‘Starting to Garden’ milestone by growing plants from seed and planting them in their own flowerbeds within the Eco Zone.
The RHS awarded the students a certificate, a book and a selection of seeds in recognition of their achievement. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, enthusiasm and teamwork.
Thank you to everyone who has made plant donations so far. As we have a large space to develop, we would greatly appreciate any continued support through donations of gardening tools, plants or unwanted garden furniture. Every contribution helps us to enhance this valuable area for our students and wider school community.
Medication
As you will be aware, we are currently transitioning to a system called Medical Tracker for all students. As part of this transition, we are required to upload medication details for any student who takes regular medication during the school day. You may therefore start to receive email notifications from Medical Tracker over the next few weeks, so please keep an eye on your inbox and check your junk or spam folder if necessary.
Please be aware that we can only accept prescribed medication if it is provided in its original packaging, clearly labelled with the student’s name and displaying a valid expiry date. Medication should be brought to Reception.
If you require any further guidance, please email SWS@thehambleschool.co.uk
Mobile Phones in school
This is a reminder that mobile phones must not be visible, including through pockets, from “bell to bell” during the school day.
How Parents/ Carers Can Help
We would be grateful if you could:
- Reinforce the importance of following school rules regarding mobile phones.
- Discuss the benefits of being phone-free during the school day.
- Encourage responsible use of social media and online communication outside school hours.
- Remind your child that mobile phones should not be used to contact home during the school day. If they are unwell or need assistance, they should speak to a member of staff, who will ensure that appropriate contact is made.
- Support any sanctions that may be applied if school expectations regarding mobile phone use are not followed.
The Department for Education guidance emphasises the importance of schools and parents working together to create a culture where learning, wellbeing and positive relationships take priority over the use of mobile technology.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a positive and focused learning environment for all students.
Summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme – Bookings Now Open
We are pleased to share that bookings are now open for Hampshire’s Summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. The programme provides fully funded holiday activities and healthy meals for children and young people who receive benefit-related Free School Meals (FSM), as well as other vulnerable children identified by the local authority as benefiting from the scheme.
The HAF programme offers a wide range of engaging activities throughout the summer holidays, helping young people to stay active, socialise with friends, learn new skills and enjoy healthy meals in a safe and supportive environment.
How to Book
Step 1 – Search for local HAF schemes
Visit the Hampshire County Council HAF booking page to browse and book activities in your area:
Activities can be filtered by:
- Location
- Age group
- Activity provider
- Scheme type
Please note that some schemes do not operate every day, so families should carefully check dates and times before booking.
Step 2 – Prepare for your session
Before attending, please check any information provided by the activity organiser regarding clothing, equipment or other items your child may need to bring. If you book a place, please ensure your child attends wherever possible, as unused places may prevent other families from benefiting from the programme.
Further Information
Frequently Asked Questions can be found here:
For any additional enquiries, families can contact the HAF Team directly at:
connect4communities@hants.gov.uk Please use the subject line FAO HAF when emailing.
We encourage eligible families to explore the opportunities available and take advantage of the fantastic range of activities on offer this summer.
Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility from September 2026
We have been asked to share important information regarding upcoming changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility.
From September 2026, all households receiving Universal Credit may be eligible for Free School Meals. Eligibility will be divided into two categories based on household income:
- Targeted Free School Meals– for households receiving Universal Credit with an annual income below £7,400.
- Expanded Free School Meals– for households receiving Universal Credit with an annual income above £7,400.
All families are required to submit a new application to confirm their eligibility under the new criteria, even if their child currently receives Free School Meals. We encourage all parents and carers who receive Universal Credit to check their eligibility and apply.
Applications can be made through the Hampshire County Council portal:
Free School Meals Application Portal
https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/hants
Please note that children eligible under the expanded criteria will begin receiving Free School Meals from September 2026.
For further information, please visit the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
If you have any questions, please contact us via general@thehambleschool.co.uk and mark as FSM in the subject line.
Discover The Hamble School: Open Mornings and Open Evening 2026
The Hamble School warmly invites Year 5 students and their families to come and discover everything the school has to offer. If you have a child in Year 5 or know a family member or friend in Year 5, this is a fantastic opportunity to see the school in action.
Open Evening: A First Look at School Life
Join us for our Open Evening on Thursday 17 September 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.00pm.
During the evening, you will have the opportunity to:
- Tour the classrooms and facilities
- Meet our dedicated staff and welcoming students
- Learn more about the curriculum and enrichment opportunities
- Attend the Headteacher’s presentation at 6.15pm or 7.00pm
This is a vibrant and informative event designed to give families a real insight into life at The Hamble School. No need to book for this evening.
Open Mornings: Experience a Typical Day
We are also offering Open Mornings during the Summer Term 2026, giving families the chance to see the school in action on a normal working day.
Open Mornings will allow you to:
- Observe lessons and teaching in real time
- Experience the calm, purposeful learning environment
- Gain a genuine understanding of day-to-day school life
These sessions are ideal for Year 5 students and their families who would like a deeper insight before making their decision.
Book Your Visit for Open Mornings: https://forms.office.com/e/KRyD6t37vj
For further enquiries, email: intake2027@thehambleschool.co.uk
Rewards
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Beatrix B 7-9
- Year 8 – Harry M 8-7
- Year 9 – Oleksandr B 9-6
- Year 10 – Bella J 10-4
