As we reflect on another successful week at school, there is much to celebrate.
We would like to thank everyone for their contribution to what was a highly successful Open Evening. We have received fantastic feedback from prospective students and their families and we are incredibly grateful to the students who represented the school with such confidence, enthusiasm and pride. You were outstanding ambassadors for our school and made a lasting impression on our visitors.
It was also wonderful to see such a high level of engagement at our Extra-Curricular Fair. The enthusiasm shown by students was fantastic and we hope that many of the clubs, societies and activities on offer will continue to attract new members throughout the year.
Our Year 11 students completed their first Maths Test for Success assessment on Friday. These assessments are an important part of the preparation journey towards GCSE examinations, providing students with an opportunity to assess their current understanding, identify areas for development and build confidence under examination conditions. We were pleased with the positive approach shown by students and encourage them to reflect on their performance and act on the feedback they receive as they continue their studies this year.
As always, please take a moment to read through the Weekly Message carefully for important dates, reminders and opportunities coming up over the next week. We look forward to another productive and positive week ahead.
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 21 September 2026
- All week – Year 11 Review Assessment Week.
Monday 21 September
- Year 8 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 1. 5pm in the Main Hall. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/hFxztbiBCi
Thursday 24 September
- Year 10 Media Studies – Harry Potter Studio Trip (selected students)
- Hampshire Secondary Schools Team Swimming Championships (selected students).
Friday 25 September
- Year 11 – Itchen College Assembly.
Future Dates
w/b Monday 28 September – Year 10 Review Assessment Week.
Thursday 1 October – Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening.
If you have a child going to secondary school in September 2027, please join us at one of the Open Mornings below…
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 – Student Opportunities
Personal Development and Tutor Programme
This week, our Personal Development and Tutor Programme will focus on the important message that Attendance Matters. Being in school regularly gives students the best opportunity to learn, make progress, build positive relationships and take part in the wider opportunities available to them. Every day in school counts and we will be encouraging students to think about the positive impact that good attendance can have on their learning and future success.
There is also an important link between school attendance and wellbeing. When students are regularly absent from school, they can miss learning, routines and opportunities to spend time with friends and trusted adults. Over time, this can contribute to increased feelings of stress and anxiety, as students may feel they are falling behind or find it harder to reconnect with school. Regular absence can also lead to greater social isolation, which can have a negative impact on a young person’s overall wellbeing. This is why supporting students to attend school regularly is not only important for their education, but also for their social and emotional development.
Assemblies
Our assemblies this week will focus on student leadership opportunities and rewards, highlighting the different ways students can take responsibility, contribute to school life and develop important leadership skills. Students will also hear about the ways in which positive contributions and achievements can be recognised and rewarded.
Tutor Time
During tutor time, students will explore attendance and the importance of being in school. They will consider the impact that missed lessons and days can have on learning, routines and relationships, while also thinking about strategies that can help them maintain positive attendance.
Year 8 students will continue with Module 1 of our Achieving Excellence programme. Their tutor activities will also link to the themes being explored through the upcoming Achieving Excellence parent evenings, helping students and families to have meaningful conversations about developing positive habits, setting goals and achieving their potential.
This Week at the Dinner Table…
We encourage families to continue the conversation at home next week.
This week’s Table Talk provides an opportunity for families to discuss attendance strategies and ways of encouraging students into school. You could talk about what helps your child to get ready for school each morning, how you can support positive routines and what they can do if they are finding school difficult on a particular day.
Small, consistent habits can make a big difference, and working together to establish positive routines can help students feel prepared and ready to make the most of each school day.
Whole School Notices
Student Leadership
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 whilst 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 whilst 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.
Thank you to the many students who have already submitted applications. If you would like to apply but have not yet done so, we have extended the application deadline to Monday 28 September. This will allow students time to listen to the assemblies taking place this week, learn more about the different roles available and hopefully feel inspired to get involved.
Please note: students who are already members of one of these leadership teams and would like to continue in their role this year should still complete the application form and indicate that they wish to continue in 2026-2027.
Applications can be submitted using the following link:
https://forms.office.com/e/3w7c1cYBF1
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.
Safeguarding Update: Rail Safety
We are delighted to share that The Hamble School has been recognised by Rail Safe Wessex, a partnership between Network Rail and South Western Railway, for our ongoing commitment to promoting rail safety awareness amongst our students.
The plaque awarded to the school acknowledges our work in partnership with the rail industry to help keep young people safe when travelling near railway lines, level crossings and train stations. This recognition reflects the importance we place on educating students about making safe choices, both on their journey to and from school and in their wider lives.
Why Rail Safety Matters
For many young people, trains and railway stations form part of their daily routine. However, railways can be extremely dangerous environments when safety rules are not followed. Trains travel at high speeds, can take a long distance to stop and are often quieter than people expect. Trespassing on railway property, attempting shortcuts across tracks, or becoming distracted by mobile phones or headphones near railways can have life-changing consequences.
We encourage all students to remember some key rail safety messages:
- Always use designated crossings, bridges and footpaths.
- Never trespass on railway tracks or railway property.
- Stay behind the yellow line when waiting on station platforms.
- Remove headphones and avoid distractions when near the railway.
- Never attempt to retrieve items that have fallen onto the tracks.
- Be aware that trains can approach from either direction and may be travelling faster than expected.
Working Together to Keep Students Safe
Keeping young people safe is a shared responsibility between schools, families and the wider community. We would encourage Parents/ Carers to take the opportunity to discuss rail safety with their children, particularly if they travel independently, walk near railway lines or use trains regularly.
At The Hamble School, we are proud to support initiatives that help students make informed and responsible decisions. This recognition from Rail Safe Wessex is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that safety remains at the heart of everything we do.
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
Eco Ambassadors: Back in the Garden!
The Eco Ambassadors have been back in the garden this week, enjoying the rewards of all their hard work! They have been harvesting some delicious tomatoes and pulling up (and of course taste-testing) their wonderfully wonky carrots.
A huge thank you to Christopher W in Year 8, who kindly watered the garden during the summer holidays. His dedication helped keep everything growing and most importantly, saved our carrots!
We are also very excited to share that we have been given a plot at a local allotment. This fantastic opportunity will allow our Eco Ambassadors to continue improving biodiversity in the local area while learning more about seeds, growing food, habitats and ecosystems. We look forward to showing you some before and after photographs so that you can see our progress over the coming months.
We can’t wait to see what our Eco Ambassadors grow next!
Dance Live Auditions
We are excited to announce that Dance Live auditions will be taking place on Friday 25 September at 3:15pm in A4. Dance Live is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, commitment and performance skills whilst working as part of a team towards a high-profile performance event. Auditions are open to students in all year groups, and we encourage anyone with an interest in dance, performance or choreography to come along and get involved. We look forward to seeing the talent, enthusiasm and teamwork that our students will bring to this year’s Dance Live team.
Rotary Club Shoebox Appeal 2026
We are proud to once again support the Rotary Club Shoebox Appeal, a wonderful initiative that brings joy and practical support to children and families who may be facing difficult circumstances.
As a school, we are committed to supporting charitable causes and helping our students understand the importance of compassion, generosity and community spirit. The Shoebox Appeal gives us a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of others through small acts of kindness that can have a lasting impact.
Over the coming weeks, we are asking students and their families to begin collecting suitable items to donate. These may include toiletries, stationery, small toys, hats, gloves, scarves and other practical gifts that can be included in the shoeboxes. Further guidance on suitable items will be shared through tutors in the coming weeks.
The deadline for donations is Monday 19 October 2026, so there is plenty of time to start gathering items now.
Every year, our school community demonstrates incredible generosity when supporting charitable causes, and we hope that this year’s appeal will be another great success. Whether you are able to donate one item or several, every contribution will help us create shoeboxes that bring comfort, hope and happiness to those who receive them.
We would like to thank all students, staff and Parents/ Carers in advance for their support. Together, we can continue to demonstrate our commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in our local and wider community.
Sports Round-Up
It has been another exciting week of sport at The Hamble School, with our football teams beginning their league campaigns and demonstrating excellent commitment, teamwork and resilience. A huge thank you to Mr Regular for leading these fixtures and providing the match reports.
Year 9 Boys’ Football Team Make Division 1 Debut
The Year 9 Boys’ Football Team began their Division 1 season with a challenging away fixture against Upper Shirley High. Facing strong opposition on a very tight pitch, The Hamble School found themselves 4-0 down at half-time after a difficult opening period.
To their credit, the team responded brilliantly after the break. A change of formation and renewed determination saw the boys compete much more effectively, showing resilience, teamwork and a refusal to give up. Their efforts were rewarded when Olly powered home a superb header from a perfectly delivered corner by Lucas.
Although the match finished 6-1, there were many positives to take from the second-half performance. Lucas was named Man of the Match following an outstanding display of skill and creativity, including his assist for Hamble’s goal. Well done to all involved for their determination and character.
Year 8 Boys Enjoy Flying Start to Division 1
The Year 8 Boys’ Football Team enjoyed a dream start to their first season in Division 1 with an emphatic 7-1 victory away at Upper Shirley High.
The Hamble School were dominant from the outset, playing attractive attacking football and working tirelessly as a team. Leo opened the scoring with a powerful header before adding two more goals to complete an impressive hat-trick. Further goals came from Henry, Charlie, and an own goal following sustained pressure from The Hamble School.
Defensively, Jaxon, Tommy and Reggie were outstanding, while Vak produced a series of excellent saves whenever called upon. There was also a positive debut from James, whose energy and commitment contributed to an excellent team performance.
With so many strong performances across the pitch, selecting a Player of the Match was difficult, but Reggie was a deserving winner for his composure, leadership and defensive excellence throughout the game.
Congratulations to the entire squad on an outstanding start to the season.
Looking Ahead
There is plenty more sport to come over the next few weeks. Students should keep an eye out for future fixtures and opportunities, including:
- The upcoming Swimming Gala
- Year 7 and Year 8 Netball Fixtures
- The continuation of the Football Season across all year groups
We look forward to reporting on more sporting success in next week’s round-up. Good luck to all of our teams representing The Hamble School in the coming days.
Rewards
We would like to take the opportunity to celebrate the achievements, effort and positive contributions of our students.
Across the school, students have continued to demonstrate resilience, commitment and ambition in their lessons, while also contributing positively to the wider life of the school. We have been delighted to see so many examples of excellent learning behaviours, kindness towards others and determination to succeed.
Top Students of the Week
A huge congratulations to our highest-achieving students this week:
Year 7: Matthew B 7-3
Year 8: Emily G 8-7
Year 9: Ava W 9-5
Year 10: Emmanuella O 10-5
Year 11: Eva P 11-8
These students have stood out through their effort, attitude and dedication to their learning. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and thank them for being such positive role models within our school community.
Hot Chocolate with the Headteacher
This week, we would also like to congratulate the Year 7 students who were invited to enjoy Hot Chocolate with the Headteacher.
This special recognition celebrates students who have made an outstanding start to secondary school and who consistently demonstrate our school values through their hard work, positive attitude and contribution to school life. We are delighted to recognise their achievements and look forward to seeing them continue to flourish throughout the year.
Join Our Team at The Hamble School
We currently have a small number of vacancies available across our school community and would be grateful if Parents/ Carers, family members and friends could help us spread the word.
In addition to opportunities available directly with The Hamble School, our catering provider, Chartwells, is currently recruiting a Catering Assistant (Temporary Maternity Cover). The role is for 16.25 hours per week with a pay rate of £12.81 per hour.
Whether working directly for the school or one of our valued partners, these roles offer an opportunity to contribute to the daily life of our students and become part of a supportive and rewarding educational environment.
Full details of current opportunities can be found on our vacancies page:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/current-vacancies/
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in joining our wider school community, we encourage you to take a look and submit an application. Thank you for helping us attract talented individuals who can support the continued success of The Hamble School.
Year 7
Year 7 NGRT Reading Assessments
As our Year 7 students continue to settle into life at The Hamble School, all students will be completing the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) over the coming weeks.
The NGRT is designed to assess reading and comprehension skills, helping us understand how well students can interpret and engage with a range of texts. The information gathered provides teachers with valuable insights into each student’s strengths and areas for development, allowing us to tailor support and challenge appropriately.
These assessments are not examinations that students need to revise for. In fact, the best preparation is simply to ensure that students are well rested, arrive ready to learn and approach the assessments with confidence. The tests are not based on memory or prior knowledge; they are designed to provide a snapshot of students’ current reading abilities.
The results will help us establish a clear baseline as students begin their secondary school journey and will allow us to monitor progress over time. We look forward to using this information to ensure every Year 7 student receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Food Preparation and Nutrition
The Food Preparation and Nutrition Department has always been proud of the wide range of high-quality dishes that students prepare and enjoy as part of their learning. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to make a variety of recipes, including:
- Scones
- Cheese Straws
- Frittatas
- Cakes
- Seasonal Vegetable Soup
- Pasta Salad
- Pizza
Students will prepare these dishes themselves during lessons and, once completed, will be encouraged to take them home to share with family and friends.
To help cover the cost of the ingredients used, the school will provide the basic ingredients required for all of the recipes listed above. To support this provision, we are requesting a contribution of £5.
Payment can be made by either of the following methods:
- Online via SCOPAY
- Cash, paid directly to the Finance Office
If you have any questions regarding this contribution, please contact the school at general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Thank you for your support in helping us provide these valuable practical learning experiences for our students.
Year 8
Year 8 NGRT Reading Assessments
Over the next few weeks, all Year 8 students will be completing the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) as part of our ongoing assessment programme.
The NGRT measures students’ reading and comprehension skills and helps us build a detailed picture of their progress as learners. Reading is a key skill across every subject, and the information gained from these assessments enables teachers to plan learning effectively and provide appropriate support where needed.
There is no revision required for these assessments. The tests are designed to assess students’ current reading skills rather than their knowledge of specific content. Parents/ Carers can best support their child by encouraging a positive attitude towards the assessments and ensuring they are well rested and ready to do their best.
The results will be used alongside classroom performance to help us monitor progress, set appropriate targets and ensure that students continue to develop the reading skills necessary for success across the curriculum and beyond.
Achieving Excellence Programme: Supporting Success Together
This week, we would like to draw the attention of our Year 8 families to the upcoming launch of our Achieving Excellence Programme, which begins with Module 1 on Monday 21 September at 5:00pm in the Main Hall.
The Achieving Excellence Programme has been designed to help students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become successful, independent learners. Throughout the programme, students will explore effective learning and revision strategies, helping them to understand not just what to learn, but how to learn effectively. These are valuable skills that will support students throughout their time at The Hamble School and provide a strong foundation for future GCSE success.
A key feature of the programme is the partnership between school and home. Research consistently shows that the support students receive from Parents/ Carers plays a significant role in helping them develop positive learning habits and achieve their potential. For this reason, we strongly encourage Parents/ Carers to attend each session alongside their child.
Our three-part programme for Year 8 will take place on the following dates:
- Module 1: Monday 21 September 2026, 5:00pm
- Module 2: Tuesday 24 November 2026, 5:30pm
- Module 3: Tuesday 23 March 2027, 5:30pm
All sessions will take place in the Main Hall.
During the sessions, families will be introduced to practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be used both in school and at home. The programme aims to develop students’ confidence, organisation, resilience and independence, ensuring they have the tools needed to achieve excellence both now and in the future.
To register for the Year 8 programme, please complete the following form:
https://forms.office.com/e/hFxztbiBCi
We look forward to welcoming our Year 8 students and their families and working together to ensure every student develops the habits, strategies and confidence needed to thrive at The Hamble School.
Food Preparation and Nutrition
The Food Preparation and Nutrition Department has always been proud of the wide range of high-quality recipes that students prepare and enjoy throughout the course. Some of the dishes students will make include:
- Scones
- Cheese Straws
- Frittatas
- Cakes
- Seasonal Vegetable Soup
- Pasta Salad
- Pizza
Students will prepare these dishes independently during lessons and, once completed, will be encouraged to take them home.
To help cover the cost of the ingredients used, the school will provide the basic ingredients required for all of the recipes listed above. To enable us to continue offering these practical experiences, we are requesting a contribution of £5.
Payment can be made by:
- Online via SCOPAY
- Cash paid to the Finance Office
If you have any questions regarding this contribution, please contact the school at general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Thank you for your support in helping us provide these valuable practical learning opportunities for our students.
French Residential Trip to Paris – June 2027
We are delighted to announce that students currently studying French in Year 8 have the opportunity to register their interest for our exciting residential trip to Paris, France, taking place from 24 to 27 June 2027.
This fantastic visit has been designed to bring language learning to life, giving students the chance to experience French culture first-hand while developing their confidence and enthusiasm for the language beyond the classroom. During the trip, students will stay in Bussy-Saint-Georges, just outside Paris, and enjoy a range of memorable visits, including Parc Astérix, Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, a Bateaux Parisiens river cruise, a traditional French market and Stade de France.
The anticipated cost of the trip is approximately £710, which includes travel, accommodation, meals and all entrance fees for planned excursions.
If you would like your child to be considered for a place, please complete the registration of interest form by Friday 2 October 2026:
Interest Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Pdgv4ERwaQ
Please note that places are limited. In the event that the trip is oversubscribed, Year 9 students will be given priority, with Year 8 places allocated through a random selection process. Any students who are unsuccessful will be placed on a waiting list and will have the opportunity to apply again in Year 9.
We are excited to be able to offer this enriching opportunity and look forward to taking another group of Hamble students on what promises to be an unforgettable cultural and educational experience. For further information, please contact Miss Hautot via general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Year 9
Year 9 Achieving Excellence Programme: Module 1 Booklets
Thank you to all of the Year 9 students and Parents/ Carers who attended the first session of our Achieving Excellence Programme. The evening provided an opportunity to explore effective learning strategies and understand how students can develop the habits and approaches that lead to long-term academic success.
For those who were unable to attend, or for families who would like to revisit the content shared during the session, the Module 1 booklet is now available on our website within the Curriculum section:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/curriculum-overview/
We encourage all Year 9 students and their families to access the booklet and begin implementing the strategies discussed. Developing strong learning routines now will help students build confidence, increase independence and establish excellent foundations as they progress towards their GCSE studies. By working together, we can ensure every student is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve excellence.
Design Technology
The Design and Technology Department has always been proud of the wide range of products that students design and manufacture through the different technology topics and materials they study. We strive to provide resources that enable students to create high-quality products that they can enjoy using and sharing with their friends and families.
As you will appreciate, the cost of materials continues to rise. Although the Design and Technology Department covers the majority of these costs, it is not possible to sustain this without the support of parental contributions. We are therefore requesting a contribution of £5 to help cover the cost of the materials that students will use throughout this academic year.
This year, students will be studying ‘The Material World’, completing projects that incorporate two or more materials in each design task. This approach reflects real-world manufacturing and engineering industries, where products are often created using a combination of materials to meet specific needs and purposes.
Students will take ownership of their completed products and are encouraged to take them home once finished.
Payment can be made by either of the following methods:
- Online via SCOPAY
- Cash paid to the Finance Office
If you have any questions regarding this contribution, please do not hesitate to email general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Thank you for your continued support of Design and Technology at The Hamble School.
French Residential Trip to Paris – June 2027
We are delighted to announce that students currently studying French in Year 9 have the opportunity to register their interest for our residential trip to Paris, France, taking place from 24 to 27 June 2027.
This exciting visit offers students the chance to bring their language learning to life through first-hand cultural experiences. The trip has been designed to enhance students’ understanding of French language, culture and history while creating lasting memories with their peers.
Students will stay in Bussy-Saint-Georges, just outside Paris, and enjoy a packed itinerary that includes visits to Parc Astérix, Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, a Bateaux Parisiens river cruise, a traditional French market and Stade de France.
The anticipated cost of the trip is approximately £710 per student. This includes transport, accommodation, meals and all entrance fees for the planned visits and activities.
If you would like your child to be considered for a place, please complete the registration of interest form by Friday 2 October 2026:
Interest Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Pdgv4ERwaQ
As places are limited, please note that current Year 9 students will be given priority should the trip be oversubscribed. Once the registration period closes, families will be informed whether their child has been allocated a place. A deposit of £150 will then be required to secure the booking.
We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity and look forward to providing our students with an unforgettable experience that will enrich their language learning and deepen their appreciation of French culture. For further information, please contact Miss Hautot via general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Year 10
Year 10 Achieving Excellence Programme: Module 1 Booklets
Thank you to the many Year 10 students and Parents/ Carers who attended the first session of our Achieving Excellence Programme. We hope you found the evening informative and gained valuable strategies to support effective learning, revision and independent study.
For those who were unable to attend, or for families who would like to revisit the materials shared during the session, the Module 1 booklet is now available on our website within the Curriculum section:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/curriculum-overview/
We encourage all Year 10 students and their families to take the time to read through the booklet, as it contains practical strategies that will support students in developing the habits and approaches needed for success as they begin their GCSE courses. Working together, we can help ensure every student develops the confidence, organisation and resilience needed to achieve excellence.
Year 11
Year 11 College and Post-16 Update
With applications for many post-16 providers now open and autumn open events fast approaching, we strongly encourage Year 11 students and their families to begin researching their options and attending open evenings. Visiting colleges, speaking to staff and current students, and exploring courses will help students make informed decisions about their next steps.
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
Applications for September 2027 entry are now open. Students can submit their application online and will then be contacted to arrange a telephone interview. If offered a place, students will be asked to accept their offer before attending a Welcome Day later in the academic year. Applications close on Friday 12 February 2027.
Application link: https://applyto.barton.ac.uk
Peter Symonds College
Open Evening bookings are now available for students considering Peter Symonds College. The next open evenings will take place on:
- Wednesday 30 September, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Thursday 1 October, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Booking is essential and can be completed via: https://psc.ac.uk/open
Applications for September 2027 entry are also now open through the college website.
Itchen College
Students and Parents/ Carers are invited to attend one of the upcoming open events at Itchen College:
- Thursday 8 October, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
- Saturday 10 October, 10:00am – 1:00pm
These events provide an excellent opportunity to explore the campus, meet staff and students, and learn more about the wide range of courses available. Places can be booked via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-event-thursday-8th-october-2026-tickets-1999095073178
Southampton City College Group (SHCG)
Southampton City College Group is also holding a number of open events this autumn for students interested in college courses, apprenticeships, university-level qualifications and vocational pathways:
- Tuesday 13 October
- Thursday 15 October
- Wednesday 21 October
- Tuesday 10 November
- Wednesday 11 November
- Tuesday 17 November
- Thursday 19 November
All events run from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Students can find out more and book their place at:
We encourage all Year 11 students to attend a range of open events and, where appropriate, submit applications early. Even if students are undecided about their final destination, applying to multiple providers can help keep options open while they continue to explore the courses and pathways available to them.








