It has been a fantastic start to the new academic year and it has been a pleasure to welcome our students back into school this week. We would also like to extend a particularly warm welcome to those students and families joining The Hamble School community for the first time.
There is always a special atmosphere during the opening days of September. The corridors are filled with excitement, enthusiasm and optimism as students reconnect with friends, meet new teachers and begin the next stage of their educational journey. Whether students are starting Year 7, preparing for GCSE examinations in Year 11, or continuing their journey through the school, the beginning of a new year brings fresh opportunities to learn and succeed.
At The Hamble School, we believe that every student should feel a strong sense of belonging. Our community is built upon mutual respect, high expectations and a shared commitment to Achieving Excellence Together. Whilst academic achievement remains at the heart of what we do, some of the most important experiences students gain come through the relationships they build, the responsibilities they take on and the wider opportunities they embrace.
Over the coming weeks, students will have opportunities to become involved in extra-curricular clubs, student leadership roles, sporting activities, performances, educational visits and many other aspects of school life. We encourage every student to make the most of these opportunities and to challenge themselves to try something new.
We are also looking forward to welcoming Parents/ Carers into school for our Curriculum Evenings. These events provide an important opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school and ensure we are working together to support students in achieving their very best.
The Weekly Message remains our primary way of sharing important information, celebrating success and keeping families informed about the many opportunities available to our students. We encourage all Parents/ Carers to take a few minutes each week to read it carefully.
The new school year is now underway and we are excited about everything that lies ahead. Thank you for your continued support.
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 7 September 2026
Monday 7 September
- Year 7 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 1. 5pm in the Main Hall. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/jVjVqys31Z
Tuesday 8 September
- Year 11 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 1. 5pm in the Main Hall. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/GwjV5uz24e
Wednesday 9 September
- No events
Thursday 10 September
- Duke of Edinburgh launch meeting for Year 10 Parents/ Carers. 5:30pm in the Main Hall. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/AH2ikZjSUS
Friday 11 September
- Year 11 Water Sports Trip (selected students).
Future Dates
Monday 14 September – Year 9 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 1 (please see below).
Tuesday 15 September – Year 10 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 1 (please see below). Year 7, 9 and 11 Individual Photos.
Thursday 17 September – Open Evening for prospective students and their Parents/ Carers. School closes at 1pm for set up, but all students with a Student Leadership role are expected to attend from 4:30pm-8pm to support.
Letters
You can find all letters sent home over the week here:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
The canteen menus can be found here:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/food-and-drink/
Please check your child’s Class Charts everyday.
Theme of the Week – New Beginnings
As we begin a new academic year, our focus this week across the school is on new beginnings and setting positive aims for the year ahead. The start of a new school year provides an opportunity for students to reflect on what they would like to achieve, the habits they would like to develop and how they can make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Students will take part in assemblies led by our Headteacher and Progress Leaders, alongside tutor sessions that will help them look ahead to the week, term, and year ahead. Students will also have a virtual session with Mrs Emmett-Callaghan, our House System Leader, who will launch this year’s House competitions for 2026-2027. These activities are designed to build enthusiasm, encourage participation, and help students feel part of our wider school community.
Our Year 7 and Year 11 students will begin their Achieving Excellence programme this week by completing Module 1. This programme is designed to help students develop the attitudes, habits, and approaches that will support them in achieving their potential. The programme also complements our after-school parent sessions, and we strongly encourage Parents/ Carers to attend.
An important part of making a successful new beginning is developing positive habits. Small, consistent actions can make a significant difference over time, whether that is being organised for the school day, completing homework on time, reading regularly, getting enough sleep, or preparing properly for lessons. Rather than trying to change everything at once, students are encouraged to identify a few simple habits that will help them become more confident, independent, and successful throughout the year. Our Achieving Excellence programme will explore how these everyday choices can help students make progress towards their longer-term goals.
This Week at the Dinner Table…
Why not continue the conversation at home by discussing these questions:
- What would you like to achieve this year that you haven’t achieved before?
- What is one habit you could develop that would help you be successful?
- What would you like to improve or become more confident at?
- What does “achieving excellence” mean to you?
- What is one small target you could set for the next few weeks?
- How could your family help you to achieve your goals?
Communication Between Home and School
Strong communication between school and home is essential in helping every student succeed. Throughout the year, we will communicate with Parents and Carers through the Weekly Message, email, Class Charts, our website and social media channels. Where there is an urgent message that needs to be communicated to all Parents and Carers, we will use our text messaging service to ensure information is received quickly.
The Weekly Message remains our primary form of communication and contains important updates, celebrations, opportunities and reminders. We encourage all families to take a few minutes to read it each week.
Class Charts provides valuable information regarding attendance, achievement points, behaviour and homework. Regularly checking Class Charts enables Parents and Carers to maintain a clear picture of their child’s school experience.
We strongly encourage Parents and Carers to contact us if they have any questions, concerns or worries about their child. Small concerns can often be resolved quickly when discussed at an early stage, and we would always rather hear from you than have worries build up over time. By working together, we can provide the best possible support for every student.
The first point of contact for any concern should always be your child’s tutor. They know your child well and are often best placed to answer questions or direct enquiries appropriately. To ensure that enquiries are logged and passed to the correct member of staff, Parents and Carers should email general@thehambleschool.co.uk and clearly mark the email FAO the relevant member of staff.
To enable our staff to provide the best support for students during the school day, we ask that Parents and Carers do not arrive at school without an appointment. Teachers are often teaching lessons, leading activities or meeting with students and may not be available to speak at short notice. Appointments can be arranged through the school office via general@thehambleschool.co.uk
For non-urgent matters, email is usually the most effective form of communication and allows staff to investigate and respond fully to any enquiry. We aim to respond to correspondence within 48 working hours. We ask that Parents and Carers only telephone the school if the matter is urgent.
A reminder that students should not be contacted on their mobile phones during the school day. In line with our expectations, mobile phones must be switched off and kept in school bags throughout the day. If you need to pass on a message to your child, please contact the school office and we will ensure it is delivered. Equally, if a student needs to contact home during the school day, they can do so through the School Office or SWS.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain clear, professional and effective communication between home and school. By working together, we can ensure that every student feels supported and is able to achieve their very best.
The Important Role of the Tutor
At The Hamble School, tutors play a crucial role in ensuring every student feels known, valued and supported.
Tutors are often the first point of contact between home and school and work closely with students each day. Through our tutor programme, students engage in personal development, literacy activities, assemblies, mentoring conversations and opportunities to reflect upon their progress.
The tutor is often the adult in school who knows a student best and can help provide support, guidance and encouragement throughout their school journey.
If you have any concerns regarding your child, we encourage you to contact their tutor in the first instance via general@thehambleschool.co.uk To ensure your enquiry reaches the correct member of staff, please mark your email FAO the tutor.
If you are unsure who your child’s tutor is, please ask your child which tutor group they are in and use the information below. Alternatively, contact the school and we will be happy to assist.
Attendance
At The Hamble School, we believe that every child gets one chance to get the best education. If they are not in school, they are not learning. Every day counts. Regular attendance is essential in order for a child’s education to be successful. It is the responsibility of Parents/ Carers to ensure that their child attends school. We thank those Parents/ Carers that ensured that last year their child’s attendance was above 95%. Absence from school should only occur in the extreme of circumstances and holidays taken in term time will not be authorised.
Attendance below 95% can adversely impact the academic progress of your child and limit their social development as they have reduced access to activities that promote this. There is a direct correlation between excellent attendance and student outcomes. Evidence shows that those students with attendance above 95% make significantly positive progress. In addition, if your child is frequently absent he/she will not be able to take full advantage of the many activities and opportunities that are on offer at The Hamble School to help them grow into well-rounded young adults.
A polite reminder that Government guidelines state that the authorising of any absence from school is at the discretion of the individual setting and not an automatic right.
There remain a lot of absences for common coughs and colds. Please treat with some paracetamol/Calpol prior to the school day. A top-up can always be provided during the day by SWS, then if your child becomes worse after this, contact can be made with yourselves.
For long term or repeated illness, it may be necessary for us to request medical evidence advising that the student is unfit to attend. This is a key part of our safeguarding duties. Please note that the Education Act 1996 places the responsibility on Parents/ Carers to provide medical evidence when requested by the school. There is an ‘Information Sharing Consent Form’ available from GP practice where a parent can give consent for the GP to share information about their child.
Please see the following link for guidance from the NHS on when to keep students home unwell: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
As a school, we have a policy that when a student’s attendance is low, no reason is given for absence, or we are repeatedly told they are unwell without medical evidence, we will seek further clarification of these reasons. We may carry out home visits to do this. These could be conducted at any stage of an absence to help support a student coming back into school. Home visits may be arranged in advance or unannounced.
If you would like to discuss your child’s attendance in more detail please contact their tutor or Mrs T Collis (Attendance & Family Support Manager) via general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Our Student Wellbeing page provides an extensive list of resources that may be useful in supporting you with some of the barriers to good attendance – please view this here
For additional guidance on general school attendance management, please visit the Hampshire County Council website here
Home-School Agreement
Each year, students at The Hamble School receive a planner which is designed to support their organisation, learning and success throughout the academic year. The planner contains important information about school routines, expectations and the support available to students.
In the planner, you will find the Home-School Agreement. This agreement sets out how students, Parents/ Carers, and the school will work together to ensure that every student is able to achieve their potential and experience success at The Hamble School. It reflects our shared commitment to high standards, positive relationships and our school motto, Achieving Excellence Together.
Parents/ Carers are not required to sign the Home-School Agreement. By choosing The Hamble School and sending your child to us, we recognise that you are supporting the principles and expectations outlined within it.
We do, however, strongly encourage Parents/ Carers to take some time during the next week to sit down with their child and go through the planner together. This provides a valuable opportunity to discuss expectations for the year ahead, establish positive habits and ensure that students understand the support available to them. Taking a few minutes to review the planner together now can help students start the year feeling organised, confident and ready to learn.
Regular use of the planner throughout the year will help students develop independence, responsibility and the organisational skills needed to achieve success both in and beyond the classroom. Students are required to bring it everyday with their equipment.
Achieving Excellence Programme
Our new Achieving Excellence Programme launches this week, with each year group having a dedicated day for each module focused on developing and embedding effective learning and revision strategies. Year 7 begins on Monday 7 September, followed by Year 11 on Tuesday 8 September. Years 8 and 9 will join the programme during the week commencing Monday 14 September.
The programme is designed to help students understand how to learn and revise effectively, building the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to become successful independent learners. These approaches will support students throughout their time at The Hamble School and help prepare them for the demands of GCSE study and beyond.
Parents and Carers are a vital part of this process. The support students receive at home plays a crucial role in helping them put these strategies into practice and develop strong, independent learning habits. Our three-part Parent and Carer course has therefore been designed to provide families with the knowledge, practical strategies and confidence to support their child effectively at home.
We strongly encourage Parents and Carers to attend all three modules alongside their child, as your involvement will play an important role in helping students make the most of the programme and achieve their full potential.
All dates can be seen in the table below.
| Year Group | Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 |
| Year 7 | 5:00pm Monday 7 September 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 23 March 2027 |
| Year 8 | 5:00pm Monday 21 September 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 23 March 2027 |
| Year 9 | 5:00pm Monday 14 September 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 23 March 2027 |
| Year 10 | 5:00pm Tuesday 15 September 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 10 November 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 25 May 2027 |
| Year 11 | 5:00pm Tuesday 8 September 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 5:30pm Tuesday 26 January 2027 |
All sessions will take place in the Main Hall.
To sign up for the course, please use the relevant link below:
- Year 7: https://forms.office.com/e/jVjVqys31Z
- Year 8: https://forms.office.com/e/hFxztbiBCi
- Year 9: https://forms.office.com/e/aXuvtXBWMw
- Year 10: https://forms.office.com/e/Q5fvE7XKn5
- Year 11: https://forms.office.com/e/GwjV5uz24e
We look forward to working in partnership with Parents/ Carers through this programme to ensure that every student develops the habits, strategies and confidence needed to achieve excellence.
Student Leadership Opportunities
One of the best ways for students to develop confidence, responsibility and a sense of belonging is through student leadership opportunities. Student leadership provides an excellent opportunity to develop communication, teamwork and organisational skills while making a positive contribution to the school community.
This is a reminder that applications are now open for our Student Leadership Teams for the 2026-2027 academic year. These roles provide a fantastic opportunity for students to make a real difference to school life, support their peers and represent the values of The Hamble School.
Students can apply for one or more of the following leadership roles:
- Anti-Bullying Ambassadors (Years 7-10)
- Cyber Ambassadors (Years 7-10)
- Student Support Ambassadors (Years 9-10 only)
- Transition Prefects (Year 9 only)
- Community Ambassadors (Years 7-10)
- Eco-Ambassadors (Years 7-10)
Whether students are passionate about promoting kindness and inclusion, supporting student wellbeing, helping younger students settle into secondary school, representing the school at community events, championing environmental sustainability or developing cyber awareness, there is a role to suit a wide range of interests and skills.
These leadership opportunities allow students to have a genuine impact on school life while developing confidence, resilience, organisation, teamwork and public speaking skills. Student leaders play an important role in helping us continue to achieve excellence together and ensure that every student feels valued within our school community.
Applications for these roles should be submitted using the form below by Monday 14 September:
https://forms.office.com/e/3w7c1cYBF1
Students who are already part of one of these leadership teams and would like to continue this year should still complete the form, indicating that they wish to continue in 2026-2027.
We encourage all students to consider how they can play an active role in school life and take advantage of the many opportunities available to develop their leadership skills throughout the year.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Our extra-curricular programme is a key part of life at The Hamble School. Participation in clubs and activities helps students develop friendships, confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging within our school community. It also provides opportunities for students to discover new interests, develop talents and create lasting memories beyond the classroom.
Extra-curricular clubs will begin on Monday. Please see the timetable below for the activities currently available. There is no need to register in advance; students can simply attend any club that interests them and give it a try.
We would particularly encourage students to step outside their comfort zone and consider joining a club they have not tried before. The start of a new academic year is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and become more involved in school life.
Please note that this is just the first wave of clubs for this academic year, with additional opportunities and activities being added throughout the term. We will continue to update students and Parents and Carers as new clubs become available.
We encourage every student to participate in at least one activity this year and to make the most of the many opportunities on offer at The Hamble School. After all, some of the best parts of school life take place beyond the classroom.
PE Update
As we begin the new academic year, we would like to remind Parents/ Carers of our expectations regarding PE kit, participation in lessons and upcoming sporting opportunities.
PE Kit Expectations
All students are expected to attend PE lessons with the correct kit as outlined in our Uniform Policy. The approved PE kit consists of:
- Navy polo shirt with house colour banding and school logo
- Navy blue or black shorts (loose fitting)
- Trainers
- Navy blue or black tracksuit bottoms or leggings
- Navy jumper (plain, with no logos, detailing or zips)
- Navy football socks or black/white sports socks
- Studded football boots (recommended for outdoor activities)
Parents/ Carers are asked to check their child’s timetable with them and ensure they know when their PE lessons take place. Developing good organisational habits is an important part of success at secondary school, and we encourage students to pack their school bag the night before, including their PE kit and any equipment they may need for the following day. Taking a few minutes to prepare in advance helps students arrive at school feeling organised, confident and ready to learn.
All students are expected to participate fully in PE lessons unless there is a medical reason preventing them from doing so. Where a student is unable to participate for medical reasons, supporting medical evidence should be sent to general@thehambleschool.co.uk
If a student forgets their PE kit, they will be expected to borrow clean replacement kit from the PE Department. Failure to borrow replacement kit will result in a sanction being issued on Class Charts.
We would also like to remind families that there is no taping of piercings permitted, including during PE lessons. Students should only have the permitted jewellery outlined in the school’s Uniform Policy and any piercings must be removed before participating in PE.
Football Trials
Mr Regular is looking forward to welcoming students of all abilities to football trials. Squads will be selected on a weekly basis throughout the season.
Year 8 Football Trials
- Tuesday 8 September
- After school
- PE kit, football boots and shin pads required
Year 9 Football Trials
- Wednesday 9 September
- After school
- PE kit, football boots and shin pads required
Students should meet at the PE Office changing rooms after school. Students will be dismissed at 4.00pm.
Year 7 and Year 8 Swimming Programme
We are delighted that some Year 7 and Year 8 students will be participating in swimming lessons as part of their PE curriculum until the October half-term break.
Swimming is an important life skill and a valuable part of the PE curriculum. Through these lessons, students will develop water confidence, improve their swimming technique, enhance their fitness and learn essential water safety skills. Swimming also supports overall physical and mental wellbeing, helping students to build resilience, coordination, strength and cardiovascular fitness.
Swimming Timetable
The following classes will attend swimming lessons during their scheduled PE lessons:
Year 7
7-1
- Week 1: Friday Period 4
- Week 2: Tuesday Period 3
7-5
- Week 1: Thursday Period 4
- Week 2: Tuesday Period 4
Year 8
8-1
- Week 1: Wednesday Period 3
- Week 2: Wednesday Period 3
8-4
- Week 1: Wednesday Period 4
- Week 2: Wednesday Period 4
8-7
- Week 1: Tuesday Period 3
- Week 2: Friday Period 4
Swimming Kit Requirements
Students must bring:
- A swimsuit or swimming trunks
- A towel
- Swimming goggles (optional)
- A swim cap (optional)
Please note:
- Bikinis and Speedos are not permitted.
- Students may wear plain shorts and a plain t-shirt over their swimwear if they would feel more comfortable doing so.
Plenty of time will be allocated for changing at the end of lessons. Students will also have the option to take a shower after their swimming lesson if they wish.
Voluntary Contribution
To support the delivery of the swimming programme, we kindly ask for a voluntary contribution of £5 per student via SCOPAY. This contribution helps to cover the cost of providing an additional qualified lifeguard throughout the programme.
Whilst swimming lessons are part of the PE curriculum, we have chosen to put this additional safety measure in place to further enhance supervision and ensure the highest possible standards of safety for all students whilst in and around the pool environment.
As this is a voluntary contribution, no student will be excluded from participating if a contribution is not made. Any support from families is greatly appreciated and helps us continue to provide these valuable opportunities for our students.
Important Information
Please ensure that students bring the correct kit on their allocated swimming day. Should there be any changes to the timetable, staff will communicate directly with students. Parents/ Carers are also encouraged to check Class Charts regularly for reminders and updates.
If you have any questions regarding the swimming programme, please contact the PE Department via general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Breakfast Provision
We want every student to start the day ready to learn.
To support this, free breakfast is available to all students every morning from 8:15am in the school canteen. Students can enjoy free toast or porridge before the start of the school day, helping to ensure they are settled, nourished and ready for learning.
Research shows that eating breakfast can improve concentration, energy levels and readiness to learn. Breakfast provision also provides an opportunity for students to start the day in a calm and positive environment whilst spending time with friends.
We encourage all students to take advantage of this provision, particularly on busy mornings or when they may not have had time to eat before leaving home.
We look forward to welcoming students to the canteen from 8:15am each morning.
Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility
This is a reminder regarding the changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility that came into effect from September 2026.
All households receiving Universal Credit may now be eligible for Free School Meals. Eligibility is 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 an application to confirm their eligibility under the new criteria, even if their child has previously received Free School Meals. We encourage all Parents/ 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
Once an application has been completed and approved, the information is automatically shared with the school and recorded on your child’s profile. There is no need to contact the school separately to inform us that an application has been successful.
Please note that children eligible under the expanded criteria will receive Free School Meals under the new arrangements.
For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
Year 10 and Year 11 Work Experience
A reminder that all Year 10 and Year 11 students wishing to undertake Work Experience must now have handed in any self-arranged placement forms for approval. These placements need to undergo the necessary health and safety and safeguarding checks before they can be authorised.
For students who are selecting a placement through the EBP system, placements must be chosen by Friday 11 September. We strongly encourage students to log in and explore the opportunities available as soon as possible, rather than leaving their application until the deadline.
EBP have worked throughout the summer to significantly expand the range of opportunities available, with over 100 placements currently advertised across a wide variety of sectors. These include opportunities linked to business, engineering, healthcare, education, hospitality, construction, the public sector and many more.
Work Experience provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop employability skills, gain an insight into different careers, build confidence and begin thinking about their future pathways beyond school. Students are encouraged to select a placement that reflects their interests and aspirations, whilst also being open to exploring careers they may not have previously considered.
If students require support with accessing the system, selecting a placement or completing the process, they should speak to their tutor or the Careers Team as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing about the valuable experiences our students gain during their placements.
Year 11 Update
The Year 11 journey towards GCSE success is now well underway and we have been impressed with the mature and positive attitude shown by students during the first week of term.
A reminder that Year 11 intervention begins on Tuesday 15 September. Intervention sessions form a key part of our support programme and are designed to help students consolidate knowledge, address gaps in learning and maximise their examination outcomes. Attendance at intervention is therefore compulsory for students who have been allocated sessions.
Personalised intervention timetables have been emailed to students and Parents/ Carers. If you have not received your child’s timetable, please check your junk or spam folder before contacting the school.
Please note that there will be no intervention on Thursday 17 September due to the school’s Open Evening.
As students begin this important year, we would encourage them to establish strong routines early. Attending school every day, completing homework, revising regularly and making full use of intervention sessions will all contribute significantly to success in the summer examinations.
Post-16 Open Events
Students should also begin exploring their Post-16 options. Barton Peveril Sixth Form College will be holding its Open Evenings on:
- Tuesday 23 September, 5:30pm to 8:15pm
- Wednesday 24 September, 5:30pm to 8:15pm
These events provide an excellent opportunity for students and Parents/ Carers to explore the college, learn about courses, meet staff and current students, and gain a better understanding of Post-16 pathways.
Places should be booked in advance via:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/barton-peveril-college-events
We encourage all Year 11 students and their families to attend a range of college and sixth form open events over the coming months to help them make informed decisions about their next steps after The Hamble School.
Photography Day Reminder
Yellow Photography will be at The Hamble School on Tuesday 15 September to take individual photographs of students in Year 7, Year 9 and Year 11.
Support
If you or your child would like support with wellbeing, please check out the links on our website:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/student-wellbeing-support/
We have recently added information about a number of free Parent/ Carer courses and events to this section of our website.
