It has been another busy and successful week at The Hamble School, with students, staff, families and governors contributing to a wide range of events and opportunities. Year 11 students have demonstrated resilience and determination as they completed the first week of their written mock examinations, while Year 10 students and their Parents/ Carers participated in Achieving Excellence Module 2, focusing on effective study skills and strategies to support success as students progress towards their GCSE courses.
A particular highlight of the week was the official opening of our Resourced Provision. We were delighted to welcome representatives from Hampshire County Council, local councillors and governors to celebrate this important milestone for our school community. The event provided an opportunity to showcase the high-quality support, facilities and opportunities available to students within the provision and reflected the school’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and meeting the needs of all learners. We were also pleased to receive a governor monitoring visit focused on inclusion. The feedback from Mr Serridge was extremely positive and recognised the strength of our inclusive ethos, the quality of provision available to our students and the commitment shown by staff in ensuring that every student is supported to achieve their potential.
We were also pleased to welcome Paul Holmes MP to The Hamble School on Friday. During his visit, Mr Holmes toured our newly opened Resourced Provision and met with staff to learn more about the specialist support and opportunities available to students. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase our commitment to inclusion and our ambition to ensure that every young person receives the support they need to thrive both academically and personally. Mr Holmes was able to see first-hand the high-quality facilities, the dedication of our staff and the positive impact that the provision is already having on students and their families. A particular highlight of the visit was the opportunity for Mr Holmes to meet with students, who spoke confidently about their experiences at The Hamble School and asked a wide range of thoughtful and insightful questions. Topics ranged from education and opportunities for young people to wider issues affecting the local community and the country. Their curiosity, confidence and engagement reflected the strength of our school community and demonstrated the importance of providing young people with opportunities to discuss issues that matter to them.
This week provided an important opportunity for reflection as we came together to commemorate Remembrance Day. Students and staff participated in a virtual assembly, allowing our whole school community to reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women past and present. This was followed by a moving Remembrance ceremony outside the Skills Centre, led by our Student Leadership Team. We were delighted to welcome children from Hamble Early Years and residents from local care homes, who joined us in marking the occasion. The ceremony provided a powerful opportunity for members of our wider community to come together in remembrance and our students conducted themselves with the utmost respect, maturity and dignity throughout. We are extremely proud of all the students who took part and contributed to the commemorations.
Finally, through our Children in Need activities and food bank collections, students, staff and families once again demonstrated the generosity, compassion and community spirit that are such important values at The Hamble School. We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by our school community and the difference that these contributions will make to those who need them most.
As always, we are incredibly proud of the achievements and commitment shown by our students throughout another packed week. Thank you to all the staff who have made this week such a success and provided so many opportunities for the students at The Hamble School.
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 16 November 2026
Year 11 written Mock Exams continue all week
Year 9 GCHQ National Language Competition all week
Monday 16 November
- Parent Forum Online – T&L at 5:30pm. Sign up using the link below.
Tuesday 17 November
- PTA Meeting – 6pm in the Conference Room. See below.
Wednesday 18 November
- MHST Anxiety Workshop – Selected Students.
Thursday 19 November
- Year 12 Presentation Evening.
Future Dates
- Monday 23 November and Tuesday 24 November – Flu Vaccinations. See below for further details.
- Friday 27 November – INSED Day. The school is closed for students.
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 – Raising Aspirations
This week, our Personal Development focus is Raising Aspirations. We want all students to recognise their potential, believe in what they can achieve and understand that their future is full of possibilities. Having high aspirations is not simply about aiming for the highest grades or choosing a particular career; it is about developing the confidence, resilience and determination to make the most of opportunities and continually challenge ourselves to improve.
Our assemblies this week, led by Mrs Valleley and Mrs Yates, will focus on raising aspirations across all year groups. Students will be encouraged to think about their ambitions, recognise their individual strengths and consider the steps they can take to achieve their goals. We want every student to understand that success looks different for everyone and that effort, perseverance and a willingness to embrace opportunities can make a real difference.
Tutors will also be taking part in Reading Week, using resources provided by our English Department. Reading offers an opportunity to explore new ideas, discover inspiring people and experiences, and broaden our understanding of the world. Through this week’s activities, we hope to encourage students to see how reading can open doors, develop their knowledge and inspire them to think about what they might achieve in the future.
Table Talk – Raising Aspirations at Home
Parents/ Carers play an important role in helping young people develop confidence and ambition. Encouraging students to recognise their strengths, celebrate progress rather than just outcomes, and talk positively about future possibilities can help them develop belief in themselves. This week, we encourage families to discuss what their child would like to achieve, who inspires them and what small steps they could take towards their ambitions. Remind them that it is okay for ambitions to change and that mistakes and setbacks are part of learning. Most importantly, help them understand that we believe in their potential and want them to believe in it too.
Whole School Notices
Parent Safeguarding Update: Grooming and Child Exploitation
This week, we would like to raise awareness of grooming and child exploitation, helping parents and carers recognise the warning signs and know how to seek support.
Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust, or emotional connection with a child in order to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them. This can happen online or in person and can be carried out by adults or other young people.
Exploitation may involve:
- Sexual exploitation.
- Criminal exploitation, including being encouraged to carry drugs, weapons, or stolen goods.
- Online exploitation through gaming platforms, social media, messaging apps, or live streaming.
Warning signs to be aware of include:
- Sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or friendship groups.
- Becoming secretive about online activity or who they are communicating with.
- Receiving gifts, money, clothing, or devices without a clear explanation.
- Spending time with older individuals or groups not previously known to the family.
- Unexplained absence from home, school, or usual activities.
- Increased use of multiple social media accounts or messaging platforms.
How you can help:
- Take an active interest in your child’s online life and the apps they use.
- Encourage open conversations without judgement, so your child feels able to speak to you about any concerns.
- Check privacy settings and discuss safe online behaviours.
- Remind children never to share personal information, images, or meet someone they only know online without a trusted adult’s knowledge.
If you are concerned that your child may be at risk of exploitation or grooming, please contact staysafe@thehambleschool.co.uk . You can also find guidance through the NSPCC and Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) websites.
Join Our PTA
We are looking to grow our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and would love to welcome new members from across our school community.
The PTA plays an important role in supporting the school through fundraising, community events and initiatives that enhance opportunities for our students. Whether you have plenty of time to give or can help on an occasional basis, there are many ways to get involved.
If you are interested in supporting the school, sharing ideas, helping at events, or finding out more about the PTA, please join us for our next meeting:
Tuesday 17 November at 5:30pm in the Conference Room (off Reception)
There is no commitment required by attending. The meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the PTA, meet other Parents/ Carers and hear about upcoming plans and opportunities to get involved.
If you would like to attend, or if you have any questions, please email pta@thehambleschool.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming new members and continuing to strengthen the partnership between home and school for the benefit of all students.
Parent Forum Reminder
A reminder that our next Parent Forum meeting will take place on Monday 16 November at 5:30pm and will be held online via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend, please sign up using the link or QR code in the advert. Once you have registered, you will be sent the Teams meeting link on Monday morning. We look forward to hearing your views and welcoming you to the meeting.
Attendance
As we move through the winter months, we recognise that illnesses are often more common and there will be times when children are genuinely unwell and need to stay at home to recover. The wellbeing of our students will always remain our priority.
At the same time, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of regular school attendance and the positive difference it can make to a child’s education and overall school experience.
Learning at school is carefully planned, with knowledge and skills building step by step over time. When students miss lessons, even occasionally, they may miss important parts of their learning journey. While these gaps are not always immediately noticeable, they can sometimes affect confidence, understanding and progress as the year goes on.
For many families, it can be surprising how quickly occasional absences can add up:
- 95% attendance equates to approximately 10 school days missed across the year.
- 90% attendance equates to approximately 19 school days missed across the year.
- Over the course of a student’s secondary education, this can amount to a significant number of lessons and learning opportunities.
Occasional absences can be particularly challenging because students may miss different subjects each time, making it harder to keep up with new topics and classroom discussions.
Regular attendance supports not only academic achievement but also social development, friendships, participation in wider school activities and the sense of belonging that is so important to a positive school experience.
We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of our parents and carers in helping students attend school every day. If your child is experiencing any difficulties that are affecting their attendance, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to work in partnership with families to provide support where needed.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us ensure that every student can make the most of their journey at Hamble School.
This week our top tutors for attendance are…
House Competition
Save the Date: Christmas Events at The Hamble School
As we begin to look ahead to the festive season, please save the following dates in your diary. We look forward to celebrating together as a school community.
Christmas Lunches
– 8, 9 and 10 December
Our annual Christmas lunches will be served across these three days.
Christmas Jumper Day
– Friday 11 December
Students and staff are invited to wear their favourite festive jumper and help us celebrate this national fundraising event.
Community Carols – Wednesday 16 December, 5:30pm
St Andrew’s Church, Hamble
A festive evening of carols and seasonal readings. This event is open to all members of our community and is free to attend.
Year 7 Grandparents Event
– Thursday 17 December, from 1:00pm
We are delighted to welcome Year 7 grandparents into school for a special afternoon to celebrate Christmas.
Further details about each event will be shared nearer the time. We hope many of you will be able to join us as we celebrate the festive season together.
Mobile Phone Guidance Update
You may have seen media coverage this week regarding the Government’s announcement that mobile phone guidance for schools in England will be strengthened from September 2027. The proposed changes are intended to move schools beyond the current approach of allowing mobile phones to be kept switched off in bags during the school day. Schools will instead be expected to ensure that students do not have access to their phones throughout the school day.
At The Hamble School, our current policy allows students to bring mobile phones to school provided they are switched off and kept in their bags throughout the day. We are currently reviewing the Government’s announcement and the implications for our school community. As further details become available, we will consider the most appropriate approach for The Hamble School and change policy accordingly.
There is no immediate change to our current arrangements and students should continue to follow our existing expectations regarding mobile phones in school. We will keep Parents/ Carers informed of any developments and will communicate any future policy changes well in advance of their implementation.
Flu Vaccinations
Annual Nasal Flu Vaccinations are now due. The vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. The vaccine will help your child to build up immunity which means your child will be better able to fight off flu.
You will shortly receive an email from the school with a link to book a vaccination for your child. However, you can also use the link below to do this.
Visit the website below for the electronic form and information about the vaccine. Access to the form will close two working days prior to the session.
- School Code: SH116413
- Session date: Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 November 2026
- Year Group: Year 7-11
- Link to website: https://www.hiowhealthcareimmunisations.co.uk/Forms/Flu
The nasal flu vaccine contains products derived from pigs (porcine gelatine). To opt for the porcine gelatine free inactive flu injection, select NO to the nasal flu immunisation and you will be given further options. Alternatively, if you decide you do not wish your child to receive the vaccine against flu, please complete the form to record your decision. This will enable us to update your child’s immunisation record.
From the NHS School Age Immunisation Service
Student Self-Referral to the School Nursing Service
The School Nursing Service offers confidential advice and support for a wide range of health and wellbeing concerns, helping young people access the guidance they need to stay healthy, safe and happy.
The service works with children and young people aged 5-19, supporting both physical health and emotional wellbeing needs within school, home and community settings. School Nurses are Specialist Public Health Practitioners who work closely with families, schools, health professionals and other agencies to ensure young people receive the right support at the right time.
Students can now make a self-referral directly to the School Nursing Service if they would like advice or support. This may include concerns about emotional wellbeing, physical health, healthy lifestyles, relationships, sleep, anxiety or other issues that may be affecting their daily life.
To complete a self-referral, students will need their NHS number before accessing the form.
Students can access the self-referral form here: School Nursing Service Self-Referral Form
If students are unsure whether they should make a referral, they can speak to a member of staff, their tutor, Pastoral Leader or a member of the safeguarding team for advice. We encourage all students to seek support whenever they need it, as early help can make a significant difference.
Uniform
As the colder weather sets in, students may choose to wear coats, hats and gloves to school. We would like to remind Parents/ Carers and students that these outdoor items must be removed in classrooms during tutor time and lessons.
Please note that tracksuit tops, hoodies and gilets are not permitted and should not be worn to school.
Our Uniform Policy can be found here: Uniform Policy March 2027
Detentions
From time to time, students may be issued with an after-school detention. Parents/ Carers are notified in advance to allow time to make arrangements for their child to travel home or be collected. Parents/Carers must check Class Charts regularly.
Please note that detentions will only be rescheduled in exceptional circumstances, such as a pre-arranged medical appointment. If this applies, please email confirmation of the appointment to general@thehambleschool.co.uk as soon as possible.
Study Skills
Sporting Update
Rugby Continues to Grow at The Hamble School
It has been an exciting week for rugby at The Hamble School, with both our Year 8 boys and Year 9 girls representing the school superbly at Hampshire RFU festivals. These events provided a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills, build confidence and experience the game alongside players from schools across the county.
Year 8 Boys Shine at Southampton Rugby Festival
Our Year 8 boys enjoyed a fantastic day at the Hampshire RFU Year 8 Rugby Festival, held at Southampton RFC. The squad was made up of a mixture of experienced and less experienced players, making their achievements throughout the day even more impressive.
The festival began with touch rugby, allowing the boys to develop their understanding of the game, build confidence and work on key skills. As the day progressed, they adapted brilliantly and finished by taking part in full-contact matches. It was fantastic to see their confidence, resilience and teamwork grow with every game.
Their hard work and willingness to learn were rewarded with an outstanding record in the development section of the festival, winning five matches and drawing one.
Special recognition goes to Oliver S, who was awarded Coaches’ Player of the Day for his outstanding progression and commitment throughout the festival. Cammy received the Players’ Player Award after producing a series of excellent runs that made a huge impact for the team.
A huge well done to all the boys for representing the school so positively and embracing every challenge throughout a memorable day of rugby.
Year 9 Girls Embrace a New Challenge
After introducing rugby into the Year 9 PE curriculum, we have seen a fantastic increase in the number of girls wanting to get involved in the sport. To build on this enthusiasm, we took 10 Year 9 students to the Hampshire RFU KS3 Girls Rugby Festival.
The day began with touch rugby, focusing on attacking and defensive shape, before progressing to full-contact rugby. The girls rose brilliantly to the challenge, producing some big tackles, powerful runs and excellent support play. For a team with no previous experience of contact rugby, their confidence and enjoyment grew throughout the day, leaving them with a real love for the game.
Congratulations to Millie, who was voted Coaches’ Player for her outstanding tackling and determination, and to Flo, who was deservedly named Players’ Player by her teammates.
We are incredibly proud of all the girls for representing the school with such positivity, determination and enthusiasm.
With growing interest across both boys’ and girls’ rugby, we are excited about the future of the sport at The Hamble School. We look forward to developing further links with local rugby clubs and schools through future fixtures and festivals.
A huge thank you to Hampshire RFU for organising two outstanding events and providing such positive opportunities for young players to develop their skills, challenge themselves and enjoy the game. We are also looking forward to launching our boys’ rugby club next week and continuing to grow rugby participation across the school.
Sports Clubs
Earlier this term, students told us that you wanted a wider range of sports clubs available. We listened to their feedback and are delighted to be able to offer a number of new sporting opportunities for students to get involved in.
Whether you want to improve your fitness, develop your skills, represent the school or simply spend time with friends, there is something for everyone. We are particularly excited to introduce our new Morning Running Club. Students attending should come to school wearing their PE kit and can get changed before tutor time.
All after-school sports clubs run for one hour. Students should meet their teacher outside the PE changing rooms. The exception is lunchtime football, which takes place on the Astro and students should meet outside the Astro gates.
There is no need to sign up in advance for these clubs; simply turn up and take part.
We are proud to be expanding our sports provision and hope that as many students as possible will take advantage of these exciting opportunities. Take a look at the timetable below and see what you would like to try. We look forward to seeing lots of students getting involved over the coming weeks. All new clubs start this Monday.
Hamble Aquatics Swim Team Takes on Lanzarote!
From Wednesday 21 October to Tuesday 27 October, swimmers from the Hamble Aquatics Swim Team travelled to the world-renowned Club La Santa resort in Lanzarote for an intensive warm-weather training camp.
The following reflections have been written by students who attended the training camp and provide a first-hand account of their experiences, achievements and memories from an unforgettable week of training, friendship and personal growth.
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Our daily schedule required serious dedication, beginning with a 6:10am wake-up call to start pool training by 7:00am. Each morning began with an hour of technical swimming drills and stroke development, followed by a well-deserved breakfast.
After refuelling, we transitioned into high-energy group activities that kept us moving throughout the day, including:
- Padel and beach volleyball
- Mountain biking across the island’s terrain
- Bouldering, kayaking and mini golf
Our afternoons consisted of another gruelling two hours of intensive swim training before wrapping up the day together over dinner. It was an incredible and challenging week of bonding and hard work that pushed our fitness to the next level.
Even though it pushed our mental and physical boundaries, it was still a lot of fun. We got to spend time with friends, try new activities and share so many laughs along the way. Yes, it was painful. Yes, it was hard. But everything is better when you are doing something you love. So, if this is something that interests you, ignore the aching arms and ignore that little voice that tells you that you can’t do it, because you can. The amazing team at Hamble Aquatics will be there to support you every step of the way. If you would like to join us, you can find out more on the Hamble Aquatics website.
Written by Isabel W, Year 9
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As a Year 11 student, CLS has been a great way to escape the stress of school and mock examinations while continuing to train at an incredible level. Taking part in this trip with Hamble Aquatics has been a genuinely enjoyable experience and, while it was my second time attending, I would certainly do it again.
We have tried so many new games and sports and have made some very close friendships. As a group, we have all improved massively, both as individuals and as a team. We truly feel more like a family than anything else. If you enjoy swimming, please take a look at Hamble Aquatics. It is a genuinely incredible group of people who make every experience so special.
Written by the Club Captain
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I recently had the amazing opportunity to attend a swimming training camp in Lanzarote with my club. It was a fantastic experience, with lots of pool sessions, hard work and opportunities to learn from one another. The camp helped me improve my skills, build my confidence and push myself to become a better swimmer.
Being part of such a supportive team made the experience even more special, and I am grateful to my club and coaches for helping us develop both in and out of the pool. It is a great example of how our club encourages swimmers to challenge themselves, support one another and achieve their goals.
Written by Emily G, Year 8
Join The Hamble School Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
We are excited to be launching The Hamble School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) on 8th January 2027. The CCF offers students a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, confidence and resilience, while taking part in a range of exciting activities, challenges and experiences.
Cadets will meet for their weekly parade every Friday after school from 3pm to 4:30pm, with opportunities to take part in training, activities and wider experiences throughout the year. Students will also have the opportunity to wear their cadet uniform to school on Fridays.
We are now inviting students in Years 8–10 to sign up and become part of this exciting new opportunity. If your child is interested in joining, please complete the sign-up form using the link below and access scopay to pay the initial deposit. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of cadets!
CCF – Combined Cadet Force Sign Up – Fill in form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/yQuAQErjT7
Rewards – Highest number of positive points this week
A huge congratulations to our highest-achieving students this week. Through our Positive Points system, students are recognised and rewarded for consistently demonstrating our school values, producing excellent work, contributing positively to lessons, showing kindness to others and embracing opportunities beyond the classroom.
This week’s top achievers are:
- Matthew B (7-3)
- Harry H (8-1)
- Isla T (9-6)
- Harry E (10-3)
- Nathan S (11-2).
Their commitment, effort and positive attitude have helped them earn the highest number of Positive Points in their year groups.
Students can also earn additional Positive Points through Proud Friday. Every Friday, students are invited to bring their best work from the week to the London Canopy, where members of staff celebrate their achievements with certificates and Positive Points. Proud Friday is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase work they are particularly proud of and to be recognised for the effort and progress they have made.
Well done to all of this week’s achievers, and we look forward to celebrating many more successes in the weeks ahead.
Year 7
Getting Organised with Homework
One of the most important skills Year 7 students can develop is good organisation. Staying on top of homework not only helps improve academic progress but also reduces stress and increases confidence.
Here are some simple tips to help students stay organised:
- Check Class Charts every day to see what homework has been set and when it is due.
- Use Class Charts to keep track of deadlines and upcoming assessments.
- Create a regular homework routine and try to complete work at the same time each day.
- Pack your school bag the night before and ensure that all required books and equipment are ready for the next day.
- Break larger tasks into smaller chunks and spread them across several days, rather than leaving everything until the night before it is due.
- Ask for help early if you are unsure about a task. Teachers, tutors and family members are all there to support you.
A little organisation each day can make a big difference. Developing these habits now will help students manage their workload successfully throughout secondary school and beyond.
We encourage all Year 7 students to take pride in being organised, prepared and ready to learn every day.
Year 8
You should now have received an email containing your child’s Year 8 Progress Review 1 Report. If you have not received the report, please complete the following form so that we can investigate and ensure that you receive the information as soon as possible: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/u1i79ZEv86
Thank you for your support.
Year 9
We had planned to email Year 9 Progress Reports to Parents/ Carers yesterday. However, due to the global Microsoft outage that affected a number of services, we were unfortunately unable to send them as scheduled.
In addition, we want to ensure that all reports are delivered successfully and can be accessed by Parents/Carers without any issues. Rather than risk reports not being received, we have taken the decision to delay distribution until early next week.
We appreciate your patience and understanding. The reports will be emailed as soon as systems are operating reliably and we look forward to sharing information about your child’s progress and achievements.
Year 10
Revision Guides
As Year 10 students continue their GCSE courses, now is the ideal time to ensure that you have the correct revision guides and resources for each subject. Having the right materials available at home will help you to build effective revision habits throughout the year and prepare thoroughly for assessments and examinations.
A range of revision guides are available to purchase through the school. Parents/ Carers can log in to Scopay to view the revision guides currently available for each subject and place orders where required.
Being organised now will make a significant difference as courses become more demanding. We encourage all Year 10 students to check that they have the resources they need and to start using their revision guides regularly to review classwork, consolidate knowledge and practise exam-style questions.
If you are unsure which revision guide is recommended for a particular subject, please speak to your teacher, who will be happy to advise.
Year 11
Mock Exams
Our Year 11 mock examination period is now well underway and we would like to thank students for the mature and positive approach they have shown so far. These examinations are an important opportunity for students to experience formal exam conditions, identify areas for improvement and prepare for their GCSE examinations in the summer.
Unfortunately, some students are continuing to arrive at examinations without the equipment they need. Arriving fully prepared helps students feel confident and ensures they can perform to the best of their ability. Students are expected to bring the correct equipment to every examination.
The following equipment should be brought to all exams:
- Black pens (at least two)
- Pencils
- Eraser
- Pencil sharpener
- Ruler
- Scientific calculator
- Protractor
- Pair of compasses
- Highlighters (for use on question papers only)
- Clear pencil case
- Clear water bottle (without a label)
Being organised is a key part of exam success. We encourage all Year 11 students to check their equipment the night before each exam and make sure their bag is fully prepared. We also ask Parents/ Carers to support with this as we know this period can be difficult for students.





















