It has been wonderful to welcome so many Parents/ Carers into school this week for Module One of the Achieving Excellence Programme for Years 7 and 11. The positive turnout and engagement demonstrated the strength of our school community and the vital partnership between home and school in supporting students to achieve their very best.
The week has also been filled with exciting opportunities beyond the classroom. Our hall was buzzing with enthusiasm during the Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award launch, as students learned about the challenges and experiences that lie ahead. Year 11 students enjoyed their Prom launch assembly, marking the beginning of an important and memorable stage of their final year, while some embraced the opportunity to take part in a fantastic water sports trip, developing confidence, resilience and teamwork in a completely different environment.
These experiences highlight the importance of life beyond the classroom. Extra-curricular activities, educational visits and clubs provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop new skills, discover new interests and build friendships, while fostering the confidence and character that will support them throughout their lives. We encourage all students to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available and to become actively involved in the rich extracurricular offer that forms such an important part of our school community.
Our Extra-Curricular Fair, taking place on Wednesday lunchtime and after school in the Main Hall, will provide an excellent opportunity for students to explore the wide range of clubs, activities and enrichment opportunities available. Whether students are looking to develop a new skill, pursue an existing interest or simply meet new people, the fair will showcase the many ways they can get involved in school life beyond the classroom. We encourage all students to attend and discover the opportunities that can help enrich their school experience and support their personal development.
Next week is WEEK 1
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 14 September 2026
Monday 14 September
- Year 9 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 1. 5pm in the Main Hall. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/aXuvtXBWMw
Tuesday 15 September
- Individual School Photos for Year 7, 9 and 11
- Year 10 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 1. 5pm in the Main Hall. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/Q5fvE7XKn5
Wednesday 16 September
- Extra Curricular Fair – Main Hall at lunchtime
- Extra Curricular Fair – Main Hall at breaktime
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.
Friday 18 September
- Year 11 Maths Test for Success
- CCF Meeting 3pm-4:15pm in SC16
Future Dates
Monday 21 September – Year 8 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 1 (please see below).
w/b Monday 21 September – Year 11 Review Assessment Week.
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 – Achieving Excellence and Safeguarding
Next week, our Personal Development and Tutor Programme will focus on achieving excellence while keeping ourselves and others safe. As students continue to settle into the new academic year, we will reinforce the importance of making positive choices, setting high expectations and knowing where to turn when support is needed.
Safeguarding
Students will take part in safeguarding assemblies, which will provide an important reminder of what safeguarding means, the different situations in which they may need support, and the trusted adults and services they can turn to if they have a concern. We want all our students to feel confident that speaking up is always the right thing to do, whether a concern affects them, a friend or someone else in our community.
Tutor Programme
Our tutor sessions will continue to focus on the specific needs of each year group:
- Year 7 will explore their aims for the year ahead and consider what they want to achieve.
- Year 8 will focus on the importance of attendance and how being in school consistently supports both learning and wider success.
- Years 9 and 10 will continue with the Achieving Excellence Programme, helping students to develop the habits, attitudes and approaches that will support them in reaching their potential. This will link directly to the Achieving Excellence parent sessions taking place next week.
- Year 11 will continue to focus on subject intervention and making the most of the support available as students work towards their examinations.
PSHCRE
Our PSHCRE health topic will continue next week, giving students further opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of issues that affect their health, wellbeing and safety.
This Week at the Dinner Table…
We encourage families to continue the conversation at home next week. A useful Table Talk discussion could focus on safeguarding, both in the community and online.
You could ask your child:
- What does safeguarding mean to you?
- What could you do if you felt unsafe in the community?
- What should you do if something online makes you feel uncomfortable or worried?
- Who are the trusted adults you could speak to if you needed help?
- Why is it important to speak up if you are worried about someone else?
These conversations help reinforce an important message: staying safe is everyone’s responsibility, and asking for help is a strength.
Whole School Notices
Attendance Matters
A strong start to the academic year can make a real difference, and we would like to thank Parents/ Carers for supporting their child’s attendance. Every lesson counts, and even small. Attendance above 95% should be everyone’s goal, as attendance below this level can result in a considerable number of missed lessons over the course of the year.
We are also delighted to celebrate the tutor groups currently leading the way with attendance. Congratulations to 7-2 (98%), 9-6 (97%), 10-8 (97%), 8-8 (96%) and 11-6 (96%), who are setting an excellent example for their peers.
We encourage families to continue discussing the importance of attendance at home. Being in school every day supports academic achievement, personal development, friendships and wellbeing. Where attendance is becoming a concern, early support can make a significant difference.
If your child is experiencing difficulties that are affecting their attendance, please contact the school. We are here to help and will work with students and families to ensure they receive the support they need to attend regularly and achieve their full potential.
Smart Glasses and Recordable Wearable Devices
To help safeguard all members of our school community and protect privacy on site, we would like to remind Parents/ Carers and students that recordable wearable devices are not permitted anywhere on the school site.
This includes smart glasses and any other wearable technology with the capability to take photographs, record video or capture audio. This rule applies to everyone on site, including students, Parents/ Carers, staff and visitors.
As technology continues to develop, it is important that we maintain a safe environment where everyone can feel confident that their privacy is respected. For this reason, any wearable device with recording capabilities should not be brought onto or used on the school site.
We appreciate the support of Parents/ Carers in ensuring that students do not bring recordable wearable devices into school. If you are unsure whether a particular device is permitted, please contact the school before your child brings it onto site.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for all members of our school community.
Telegram App
We have been made aware of a number of incidents over the summer involving the app Telegram. Telegram is intended for users aged 16 and over and should not be downloaded or used by anyone below this age.
Please take the time to read the information provided on the poster and check your child’s mobile phone to ensure they are not using the app.
If you have any concerns, please email staysafe@thehambleschool.co.uk or report a concern via our website.
Travel to School Safely and Considerately
As we begin the new academic year, we would like to remind all families of the importance of travelling to and from school safely and considerately. We have received concerns from local residents about traffic and parking around the school at the start and end of the day, including instances of unsafe stopping and dropping off close to the school gates.
Where possible, we encourage students to walk, cycle or use public transport. These options not only reduce congestion around the school but also help students develop independence and contribute to a healthier environment.
If you do need to travel by car, please consider dropping your child off a short distance from the school and allowing them to walk the final few minutes. There are suitable locations away from the immediate school entrance that can help reduce traffic and improve safety for everyone. Please do not stop on pedestrian crossings, block pavements, obstruct driveways or park in a way that creates a hazard for students, pedestrians or other road users.
The safety of our students, families and wider community is a shared responsibility. Thank you for your support in helping to ensure that the area around the school remains safe and accessible for everyone.
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
Extra-Curricular Fair: Discover What’s on Offer!
Are you looking to try something new, develop a skill, make new friends or get more involved in school life? Our Extra Curricular Fair will be taking place on Wednesday at lunchtime and after school in the Main Hall, providing the perfect opportunity for students to explore the wide range of clubs, activities and enrichment opportunities available this year.
Representatives from many of our clubs, teams and student leadership groups will be on hand to share information about what they offer and how students can get involved. Whether your interests lie in sport, the arts, music, STEM, debating, volunteering or leadership, there will be something for everyone.
We know that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Taking part in extra-curricular activities helps students develop confidence, teamwork, resilience and communication skills, while also providing opportunities to discover new interests and build lasting friendships.
We encourage all students to visit the fair and speak to staff and student leaders about the opportunities available. Joining just one club or activity can make a real difference to a student’s school experience, and this event is the perfect place to find out what is on offer.
We look forward to seeing as many students as possible in the Main Hall on Wednesday. Why not challenge yourself to try something new this year?
Eastleigh Community Showcase
Eastleigh Community Showcase is on Sunday 20 September, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, at The Point and Leigh Road Recreation Ground in Eastleigh.
This is a free event, bringing together more than 50 local exhibitors and giving local people the chance to discover the wide range of groups, clubs, activities and support services available on their doorstep. The showcase will highlight the many ways people can get involved locally, from joining a social group or trying a new activity to accessing support, meeting new people or volunteering their time. There will be community choirs, dance groups, sports activities and support groups, as well as the opportunity to learn CPR skills or have small household items repaired at the Repair Café.
Find out more at: https://www.cfirst.org.uk/community-development/eastleigh-community-showcase-2026/
This event is run by Community First, with funding support from Eastleigh Borough Council.
HIOW NHS Youth Board: APPLICATIONS OPEN
In previous years, we have been proud to have students represent the school on the NHS Foundation Trust Youth Board. Applications for the 2026-2027 Youth Board are now open.
The Youth Board is made up of committed young people aged 12 to 21 from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who want to contribute to decision-making within their local NHS Foundation Trust while developing valuable skills and experience to support their future aspirations.
Successful applicants will:
- Share their voice and contribute to decision-making within their local NHS Foundation Trust.
- Develop their confidence, teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
- Gain insight into how the Trust operates and explore potential career pathways within HIOWH NHS.
Further information about the Youth Board can be found below, along with a link to the application form.
Application form:
https://forms.monday.com/forms/8abba607ae8b43664e6c0b51a47c3228?r=use1
Chicago Teen Edition with Light UP Drama
We are delighted to share an exciting opportunity from our friends at Light UP Drama, a local Hamble-based youth theatre company that we have previously worked with on projects such as National Connections.
This October half term, Light UP are staging Chicago Teen Edition as part of their Teen Youth Project. Open to young people aged 14-19, the project offers a fantastic opportunity to work with professional directors, develop performance skills, make new friends and take part in a full musical production.
The week includes workshops, rehearsals, performances, a cast party, awards night and much more.
Special offer for Hamble students: Although the early bird deadline has passed, Light UP have kindly agreed to offer Hamble students the member rate of £255.
Dates: 26-30 October 2026
Age: 14-19 years
Please see the Light UP information sheet and booking form for further details.
Rewards
At The Hamble School, we believe it is important to recognise and celebrate students who consistently demonstrate our values, work hard and make a positive contribution to school life. Our rewards system allows staff to acknowledge these achievements, and it has been fantastic to see so many students earning reward points during the first full week of the academic year.
Rewards can be awarded for a wide range of achievements, including excellent effort in lessons, positive attitudes to learning, outstanding classwork or homework, contributions to the wider life of the school and acts of kindness towards others. Every reward point reflects a student’s commitment to achieving excellence and making the most of the opportunities available to them.
Congratulations to the students who have earned the highest number of reward points in their year group this week. Their dedication, positivity and hard work have set an excellent example for others to follow.
- Year 7 – Nicola M 7-1
- Year 8 – Toby L 8-5
- Year 9 – Patrick C 9-6
- Year 10 – Gracie H 10-9
- Year 11 – Max P 11-7
We encourage all students to continue striving for success and collecting reward points throughout the year. Every lesson, every effort and every positive contribution counts, and we look forward to celebrating many more achievements in the weeks ahead.
Well done to all students who have earned rewards this week, and a special congratulations to our year group reward leaders.
Year 7 Notices
New York Trip
We are excited to announce that, due to the availability of additional places, we are now opening our New York trip in October 2027 to current Year 7 students.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience one of the world’s most iconic cities, developing their independence, cultural understanding and confidence through a memorable educational visit. We are delighted to be able to extend this opportunity to our Year 7 students and look forward to welcoming them as part of the trip.
We still have a limited number of places available and would like to fill these as soon as possible so that preparations can get underway. If your child would like to register their interest, please complete the form below and we will send further information about the trip and the booking process.
Registration form:
Trip to New York October 2027 – Fill in Form
The cost of the trip will be approximately £1,900 per person. Accommodation will be at the Holiday Inn Express Midtown West, 48th Street, or a similar hotel. The itinerary is expected to include visits to the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, the Hard Rock Cafe, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Macy’s Department Store, Times Square and a Broadway show.
A payment plan will be available to help spread the cost of the trip. We look forward to providing students with this exciting opportunity and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Year 8 Notices
New York Trip
We are pleased to confirm that places are still available on our New York trip in October 2027 for Year 8 students.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience one of the world’s most iconic cities, developing their independence, cultural understanding and confidence through a memorable educational visit.
We still have a limited number of places available and would like to fill these as soon as possible so that preparations can get underway. If your child would like to register their interest, please complete the form below and we will send further information about the trip and the booking process.
Registration form:
Trip to New York October 2027 – Fill in Form
The cost of the trip will be approximately £1,900 per person. Accommodation will be at the Holiday Inn Express Midtown West, 48th Street, or a similar hotel. The itinerary is expected to include visits to the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, the Hard Rock Cafe, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Macy’s Department Store, Times Square and a Broadway show.
A payment plan will be available to help spread the cost of the trip. We look forward to providing students with this exciting opportunity and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Year 9 Notices
Achieving Excellence Programme
This year, we are launching our new Achieving Excellence Programme (AEP) across all year groups. The programme is designed to help students become confident in answering the question, “How do I revise?” by teaching effective study strategies and learning habits that foster independence, resilience and responsibility for their own learning.
A reminder that Module 1 of the Achieving Excellence Programme begins next week for Year 9 students and their Parents/ Carers. These sessions are an important opportunity to learn about the approaches and techniques that will support success throughout Key Stage 4 and beyond.
If you have not yet booked your place, please do so using the link below:
Year 9 Module 1
Monday 14 September 2026 at 5:00pm
Book here:
https://forms.office.com/e/aXuvtXBWMw
We look forward to welcoming students and their Parents/ Carers to the first session of the programme.
New York Trip
We are pleased to confirm that places are still available on our New York trip in October 2027 for Year 8 students.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience one of the world’s most iconic cities, developing their independence, cultural understanding and confidence through a memorable educational visit.
We still have a limited number of places available and would like to fill these as soon as possible so that preparations can get underway. If your child would like to register their interest, please complete the form below and we will send further information about the trip and the booking process.
Registration form:
Trip to New York October 2027 – Fill in Form
The cost of the trip will be approximately £1,900 per person. Accommodation will be at the Holiday Inn Express Midtown West, 48th Street, or a similar hotel. The itinerary is expected to include visits to the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, the Hard Rock Cafe, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Macy’s Department Store, Times Square and a Broadway show.
A payment plan will be available to help spread the cost of the trip. We look forward to providing students with this exciting opportunity and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Year 10 Notices
Achieving Excellence Programme
This year, we are launching our new Achieving Excellence Programme (AEP) across all year groups. The programme is designed to help students become confident in answering the question, “How do I revise?” by teaching effective study strategies and learning habits that foster independence, resilience and responsibility for their own learning.
A reminder that Module 1 of the Achieving Excellence Programme begins next week for Year 10 students and their Parents/ Carers. These sessions are an important opportunity to learn about the approaches and techniques that will support success in Key Stage 4 and help students build the foundations for strong GCSE outcomes.
If you have not yet booked your place, please do so using the link below:
Year 10 Module 1: Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 5:00pm
Book here:
https://forms.office.com/e/Q5fvE7XKn5
Work Experience: Final Reminder
Thank you to all students who have selected their placements or returned their own placement forms.
Students will receive confirmation of their work experience placements over the next two weeks through their tutor. This information will include contact details for the placement provider, enabling students to call and confirm their start times, as well as find out any requirements regarding dress code or equipment.
Any student who would like support with making these arrangements can visit T3 at lunchtime, where assistance will be available.
As a reminder, Year 10 work experience will take place from 12 October to 16 October and will run for five days.
Students who do not have a confirmed placement must attend school as normal during this period.
We would like to thank all students, Parents/ Carers and employers for their support in making this valuable opportunity possible. Work experience provides an excellent chance for students to develop employability skills, gain an insight into the workplace and begin exploring future career pathways.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Last week, we were excited to launch the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award to Parents/ Carers and Year 10 students.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a nationally recognised programme that encourages young people to develop independence, resilience and a sense of adventure. The Bronze Award involves four key sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and an Expedition. Students choose their own activities for each section, allowing them to explore new interests, give back to their community and build valuable life skills.
Taking part in DofE is a fantastic opportunity for students to grow in confidence, work as part of a team and stand out to future employers, colleges and universities.
At the launch meeting, we presented an overview of the programme, including key dates, costs and information about how students can get started. We also answered a number of questions from Parents/ Carers and students.
For those who were unable to attend, please view the PDF attached to Weekly Message email.
The sign-up link to register your interest in a place for your child is available here:
Duke of Edinburgh – Registration of Interest Form 2026
If you would like your Year 10 child to take part in this year’s Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, please complete the form above by Friday 18 September.
Once we have received all registrations of interest, we will confirm staffing for the award and communicate whether your child has been offered a place. This confirmation letter will also include a deadline for payment of a non-refundable deposit of £33 via ScoPay.
In the unlikely event that the number of applications exceeds the places available, students will be selected at random.
Please note that your child’s place will not be guaranteed until the initial non-refundable deposit of £33 has been paid. This fee is paid directly to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as the participant registration fee.
Year 11 Notices
Year 11 Intervention Programme
Our Year 11 Intervention Programme will begin on Tuesday 15 September and forms an important part of the support available to students as they prepare for their GCSE examinations. These sessions are designed to provide targeted support, address gaps in learning and help students maximise their potential across a range of subjects.
Please note that there will be no intervention sessions on Thursday 17 September due to our Open Evening.
All Year 11 Parents/ Carers should have received an email containing information about their child’s intervention sessions for the autumn term. If you have not received this email, please complete the form below so that we can ensure the information is sent to you again.
Year 11 Autumn Intervention Request Form:
Yr11 Autumn Intervention Request Form – Fill in form
We would like to thank Parents/ Carers for their support in encouraging students to attend intervention sessions regularly and make the most of the additional opportunities available to them.
Work Experience: Final Reminder
Thank you to all students who have selected their placements or returned their own placement forms.
Students will receive confirmation of their work experience placements over the next two weeks through their tutor. This information will include contact details for the placement provider, enabling students to call and confirm their start times, as well as find out any requirements regarding dress code or equipment.
Any student who would like support with making these arrangements can visit T3 at lunchtime, where assistance will be available.
As a reminder, Year 11 work experience will take place from 21 October to 23 October and will run for three days.
Students who do not have a confirmed placement must attend school as normal during this period.
We would like to thank all students, Parents/ Carers and employers for their support in making this valuable opportunity possible. Work experience provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience of the workplace, develop essential employability skills and explore potential pathways for their future education and careers.
