This week has certainly felt a little different, with the unusually hot weather presenting its own set of challenges for both students and staff. Despite this, we would like to commend our students for their resilience and focus. Many have engaged positively with online learning and when in school this week, have remained committed and attentive in school—well done to all.
It was also a real pleasure to meet our new students and their families online this week for their one to one consultation appointments. We look forward to welcoming them more fully into our school community, and next week we are especially excited to meet the students in person for their Induction Days. Alongside this, we begin our Academic Transition programme, with staff visiting our feeder primary schools to teach lessons and support a smooth move to secondary school.
Meanwhile, our MFL trip to Paris is progressing well, and we are delighted that students are enjoying this valuable cultural experience. We are also currently working to confirm a new date for the Duke of Edinburgh programme and will share further details as soon as possible. Please do check your emails as we sent an updated Year 10 Exam timetable yesterday.
A reminder that the school will be closed on Monday for an INSED Day. We look forward to welcoming students back at 8:25am on Tuesday morning. We will monitor weather conditions over the weekend and provide any necessary updates regarding uniform arrangements in due course.
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 Monday 29 June
Monday 29 June
INSED Day – The school is closed to students
Tuesday 30 June
Year 6 Induction Day
Year 10 Engineering Exam
Year 10 Business Studies Exam
Year 10 Statistics Exam
Wednesday 1 July
Year 6 Induction Day
Year 10 Design Technology Exam
Year 10 French & Spanish Exam
Year 10 PE GCSE Exam
CCF Parent Meeting – 5pm
Thursday 2 July
Year 10 Itchen College Taster Day
Year 9 Bitterne Park Southampton Schools Dance Festival
Year 9 & 10 PE Athletics Practical Filming
Year 11 Prom
Friday 3 July
DofE Expedition 2
Year 10 PE GCSE Paper 2 Exam
Year 10 NCFE Health & Fitness Exam
Future Dates w/b 6 July 2026
Year 10 Exams continue
English Language Spoken Endorsements
Monday 6 July
Fareham College Taster Day
Southampton City College Taster Day
Tuesday 7 July
Year 7 PSHCRE day
CEMAST College Taster Day
Wednesday 8 July
School production
Thursday 9 July
School Production
Eastleigh College Taster Day
Letters
Please read the letters sent home and available on our letters page: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
Recognition from Paul Holmes MP
We have received high praise from local Member of Parliament, Paul Holmes following a series of outstanding achievements that highlight the school’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
In a formal letter dated 19 June 2026, Paul Holmes MP congratulated Miss Cambridge, students and staff on our recent success in national awards. The school was recognised in the Pearson National Teaching Awards and also celebrated becoming the first secondary school in Hampshire to achieve the ARC Silver Pathway Award.
The letter commended the dedication and compassion shown by the entire school community. Mr Holmes highlighted the inclusive and high-achieving environment fostered at The Hamble School, noting that it enables every student to feel valued and supported to succeed.
He further praised the leadership and collective efforts of staff, emphasising the positive and lasting impact the school is having on young people’s lives. The letter concluded with best wishes for the school’s continued success in the future.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for The Hamble School and reflects its strong reputation for educational excellence within the local community.
Assembly and Tutor Personal Development Programme: Exploring Careers in STEM
At The Hamble School, we are committed to preparing our students for life beyond the classroom by providing a rich and engaging careers education programme. Throughout this year, students have taken part in a series of assemblies focused on key themes including Careers of the Future, Careers in the Local Community, Owning Their Own Future, and Employability Skills. These themes have encouraged students to think ambitiously, understand the wide range of opportunities available to them, and recognise the importance of developing the skills and mindset needed for success.
Careers-Focused Assembly & Tutor Programme
Next week marks our final Careers Week of the academic year, with a dedicated focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). This is a vital and rapidly growing sector, offering exciting career pathways and playing a significant role in shaping the world around us.
Through assemblies and tutor sessions, students will explore:
- STEM in Everyday Life: Understanding how STEM industries influence the world we live in from the technology we use daily to developments in healthcare, engineering, and the environment.
- Career Opportunities in STEM: Learning about the wide variety of roles available within STEM, helping students to see that there are pathways suited to a broad range of interests, strengths, and ambitions.
- Labour Market Insights: Exploring current trends in the job market, including areas of growth and identified skills gaps within STEM industries, enabling students to make informed decisions about their futures.
Linking Learning to Future Pathways
During tutor time, students will deepen their understanding by making clear connections between their current subjects and future STEM careers. This will help them recognise how the knowledge and skills they are developing now, such as problem-solving, creativity, analysis, and critical thinking are directly relevant to real-world opportunities.
Employability and Owning Their Future
As with all of our Personal Development provision, there will be a strong focus on the importance of employability skills, including communication, teamwork, resilience, and independence. Students will also continue to reflect on what it means to “own their future”, taking responsibility for their choices, setting goals, and understanding how their effort today will shape their success tomorrow.
A Conversation at Home
We encourage you to speak with your child about what they have learned during this final Careers Week. Ask them about the STEM careers that interested them most, and discuss how their current subjects might link to future aspirations. These conversations play an important role in helping students to feel confident, motivated, and informed about the pathways ahead.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and ambition they need for their futures.
Safeguarding Knowledge Booster for Parents: Sextortion
We have been made aware of a number of cases across Hampshire of teenagers being victim of sextortion.
What is sextortion?
Sextortion is a form of online abuse where an individual (often a teenager) is tricked or coerced into sharing a sexual image or video of themselves. The perpetrator then threatens to share this content unless the young person meets their demands, these may include sending more images, paying money, or complying with further requests.
This can happen very quickly and often involves offenders posing as another young person online.
How does sextortion typically happen?
- A child is contacted through social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps
- The person builds trust (often pretending to be a similar age)
- The conversation becomes more personal or sexualised
- The child is persuaded to share an image or video
- The offender then threatens to share the content unless demands are met
Why is this a serious risk?
Sextortion can have a significant impact on a young person’s:
- Mental health (anxiety, shame, fear)
- Self-esteem and confidence
- School attendance and engagement
- Willingness to seek help
Offenders often rely on fear and secrecy to maintain control, so children may feel unable to tell an adult.
Signs to look out for
Your child may:
- Become withdrawn, anxious, or upset after being online
- Be secretive about their device use
- Suddenly avoid social media or friends
- Show signs of distress, panic, or fear
- Receive messages from unknown contacts
How can you protect your child?
- Have open conversations about online safety and relationships
- Reinforce that they should never share nude or intimate images
- Remind them that not everyone online is who they say they are
- Encourage them to come to you if something feels wrong
- Use privacy settings and parental controls where appropriate
What should you do if your child is affected?
- Stay calm and reassure them – they are not to blame
- Do not delete evidence (messages/screenshots can help investigations)
- Report the incident:
- To the platform used
- Via https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/
- Contact the school so we can provide support staysafe@thehambleschool.co.uk
- If there is immediate risk, contact the police
Key message for young people
If something goes wrong online:
- Stop (don’t respond further)
- Block the person
- Tell a trusted adult immediately
There is always help available, and they will not be in trouble.
Further support
- https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
- https://www.internetmatters.org/
- https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/
Rewards Update
We are delighted to see so many students continuing to engage positively with our rewards system and working hard to achieve recognition for their efforts.
Letters have now been sent home to Parents/ Carers with details of the upcoming rewards trips for those who have secured their place and paid on Scopay. Please take the time to read these carefully, as they contain important information about final arrangements and what students will need on the day.
Our Ruby Award students will soon be choosing the film they would like to enjoy as part of their reward. There is still time for other students to join them—if you would like to attend the cinema reward, you will need to reach 1,000 points. Every positive point counts.
Looking ahead, students who achieve the prestigious Diamond Award (2,000 points) by Friday 3 July will be invited to a very special celebration. This will include a dedicated assembly, an afternoon of activities, and a well-earned Pizza Party to recognise their outstanding commitment and achievement.
We are incredibly proud of the effort our students continue to show—keep up the great work!
Reminder: School Hamper Competition This Tuesday
Just a reminder that our School Hamper Competition is coming up as part of the Summer Raffle!
This is a Tutor and House competition, so we’re encouraging all students to get involved and help create the best hamper possible.
Donation Day: Tuesday 30 June
Students are asked to bring in items such as:
- Chocolates and sweets
- Posh soft drinks
- New toiletry sets
- Candles
- Gift sets
Every contribution counts and will go towards creating fantastic raffle hampers!
Prizes will be awarded for the best tutor/house hampers—so let’s get creative and competitive.
Raffle tickets will be sold at the High School Musical show and Festival.
Thank you in advance for your support!
The Hamble School Festival – Supporting Our School Community
Plans for The Hamble School Festival are going strong, and we are delighted to confirm an exciting programme for the evening in collaboration with our Creative Arts Team. Visitors can look forward to a fantastic showcase of drama, dance, and music performances, highlighting the talent of our students.
Alongside the performances, there will be the much-loved Art Exhibition in the Drama Studio, as well as a wide range of attractions to enjoy. These include food trucks, stalls (from face painting to brownies), sports competitions, a raffle, and our first ever ‘Soak a Teacher’—promising fun for all ages.
This event is not only a celebration of creativity and community, but also a vital fundraiser organised by our PTA. The PTA plays an incredibly important role in helping raise funds that directly benefit our students and your children. These funds provide the “little extras” that make such a difference to school life, enriching opportunities, resources, and experiences for all.
We warmly encourage everyone in our community to come along and support the PTA in making this event a success—your support truly makes a difference.
Tickets are now available via TicketSource, and everyone is welcome to join us for what promises to be a fantastic community event:
https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/southampton/the-hamble-school/the-hamble-school-festival/2026-07-15/18:00/t-jxrrvgn
We look forward to seeing you there!
Reminder: High School Musical & Call for Volunteers
Just a reminder that tickets are now on sale for this year’s fantastic production of High School Musical! Our talented cast and crew have been working incredibly hard, and it promises to be a brilliant evening of music, dance and energy.
Book your tickets now:
- Wednesday 8 July
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/category/xybjgrlnqpne - Thursday 9 July
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/category/bmeekqzkyydr
Volunteers Still Needed – Friday 3 July
We are still looking for Parent/ Carer volunteers to help with our set build this Friday.
Friday 3 July
10:00am – 11:00am
The professional stage set will be arriving, and we need a small number of volunteers to assist with unloading and some heavy lifting. You’ll be fully guided by the stage company and supported by staff.
If you are able to help, we would be incredibly grateful—your support will make a real difference in bringing the show to life!
Sign up here:
Parent/Carer Volunteers – High School Musical Set up – Fill in form
National School Sports Week – Starting 6 July
We are proud to celebrate National School Sports Week, beginning on Monday 6 July, in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring our school community together through the power of sport, activity and teamwork.
Throughout the week, we will be launching a wide range of exciting activities designed to engage everyone. From before-school sessions and after-school competitions to lunchtime activities and in-lesson challenges, there will be something for every student to enjoy and succeed in.
This week is not just about participation, it’s about building a strong sense of community, supporting one another and celebrating achievements of all kinds. Whether you are trying something new, improving your skills, or representing your class, every effort will be recognised and valued.
Please keep an eye on your Class Charts for announcements, updates and opportunities to get involved.
Year 10 Exam Timetable – Important Update Following School Closure
Following the recent school closure, there have been necessary changes to the Year 10 End of Year Exam Timetable to ensure all students are able to complete their assessments in a fair and manageable way.
The revised timetable (updated 26 June 2026) includes adjustments to some exam dates and timings, and students should ensure they are working from the most up-to-date version.
Key points to note:
- Some exams have been rescheduled or moved to accommodate lost time due to the closure.
- There are a small number of exam clashes for specific students.
- All clashes will be managed by the Exams Officer, with alternative arrangements put in place where needed.
Students who are affected by any changes or clashes will be spoken to directly and given clear guidance.
We ask that all students:
- Check the updated timetable carefully
- Attend all exams at the correct time and location
- Speak to their tutor if they are unsure about anything
We appreciate your understanding as we adapt the timetable following the disruption, and we wish all Year 10 students every success in their exams.
The exams for next week are listed below:
Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility from September 2026
We have been asked to share important information regarding upcoming changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility.
From September 2026, all households receiving Universal Credit may be eligible for Free School Meals. Eligibility will be divided into two categories based on household income:
- Targeted Free School Meals– for households receiving Universal Credit with an annual income below £7,400.
- Expanded Free School Meals– for households receiving Universal Credit with an annual income above £7,400.
All families are required to submit a new application to confirm their eligibility under the new criteria, even if their child currently receives Free School Meals. We encourage all parents and carers who receive Universal Credit to check their eligibility and apply.
Applications can be made through the Hampshire County Council portal:
Free School Meals Application Portal
https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/hants
Please note that children eligible under the expanded criteria will begin receiving Free School Meals from September 2026.
For further information, please visit the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
If you have any questions, please contact us via general@thehambleschool.co.uk and mark as FSM in the subject line.
Discover The Hamble School: Open Mornings and Open Evening 2026
The Hamble School warmly invites Year 5 students and their families to come and discover everything the school has to offer. If you have a child in Year 5 or know a family member or friend in Year 5, this is a fantastic opportunity to see the school in action.
Open Evening: A First Look at School Life
Join us for our Open Evening on Thursday 17 September 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.00pm.
During the evening, you will have the opportunity to:
- Tour the classrooms and facilities
- Meet our dedicated staff and welcoming students
- Learn more about the curriculum and enrichment opportunities
- Attend the Headteacher’s presentation at 6.15pm or 7.00pm
This is a vibrant and informative event designed to give families a real insight into life at The Hamble School. No need to book for this evening.
Open Mornings: Experience a Typical Day
We are also offering Open Mornings during the Summer Term 2026, giving families the chance to see the school in action on a normal working day.
Open Mornings will allow you to:
- Observe lessons and teaching in real time
- Experience the calm, purposeful learning environment
- Gain a genuine understanding of day-to-day school life
These sessions are ideal for Year 5 students and their families who would like a deeper insight before making their decision.
Book Your Visit for Open Mornings: https://forms.office.com/e/KRyD6t37vj
For further enquiries, email: intake2027@thehambleschool.co.uk
Welcoming Our Future Year 7s!
Next week we are gearing up for one of the most exciting events of the summer term. This Tuesday and Wednesday, we will be officially welcoming our new Year 7 students to the school for their Transition Induction Days.
Moving to secondary school is a major milestone, and we have a fantastic couple of days lined up to ensure our incoming students feel confident, excited, and right at home.
What the Induction Days Look Like
Our visiting Year 6s will get a true taste of the daily life at Hamble. Over the two-day period, they will be:
- Working in their new tutor groups to begin building core relationships and lifelong friendships.
- Getting to know the school layout so they can navigate the campus with confidence come September.
- Taking part in taster lessons to experience our engaging curriculum and meet their future teachers.
Our Year 9 Transition Prefects
An event like this relies heavily on the culture of our school, and we are incredibly proud to share that our Year 9 Transition Prefects will be leading the way.
These outstanding Year 9 individuals actively applied for this leadership role. In their applications, they specifically expressed a desire to mentor the incoming cohort, share their own experiences, and help the new students settle into the way we do things at The Hamble School.
Our prefects will be guiding the Year 6 students to their classrooms, answering their questions, and serving as a reassuring, friendly face throughout the week. We know they will represent our school beautifully.
Thank you to our entire school community for your continued support in making Hamble such a welcoming environment for these future students. #TeamHamble
PSHCRE Update
This half term, all students have been exploring emotional and physical wellbeing as part of their Personal Development curriculum. These lessons are designed to support students in understanding the importance of maintaining both their mental and physical health, as well as equipping them with strategies to manage challenges and seek support when needed.
As part of this programme, Year 10 students will take part in a lesson on suicide prevention later in the half term. This session will be delivered in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, in line with best practice guidance. The focus will be on helping students to understand the importance of mental health, recognise when they or others may need support, and know how to access help safely and appropriately.
We wanted to provide advance notice of this important topic and to reassure parents and carers that it will be approached with care, respect, and professionalism to ensure students feel supported throughout.
If you have any questions or would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Achieving Excellence Programme: Continuing to make progress between now and the end of the academic year
What can I do to support my child in preparing for the next academic year?
One of the most important things a student can do to ensure they are fully prepared for the next academic year, is to ensure their subject knowledge in the previous academic year is secure. Using methods, study skill techniques and resources they have looked at previously this year, students should ensure subject knowledge is secure with no gaps in their knowledge.
If students are unsure on new content being taught, again they should practice techniques discussed this year to further their understanding in the topic. Remember that your class teacher is always available should you have any further questions.
How Parents/Carers can help
There are several ways in which you can help your child make better progress. We recommend having conversations about these study skills techniques by ask probing questions to delve deeper into your child’s learning.
We encourage you to have conversations about homework, the content in homework and the level to which it has been completed. Homework is a very useful form of retrieval practice and when completed properly, can have benefits to knowledge retention and progress.
Sometimes, Parents/ Carers do not want to ask their child about their learning for fear of not knowing the topic. This, however, should be welcomed as an initial platform for a conversation for your child to expand their knowledge on a topic. With ‘Elaboration’, students can break a topic down into smaller, more manageable chunks of information. This will help a student have a better understanding of that topic, having explained it in more detail.
Rewards
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Beatrix B 7-9
- Year 8 – Harry M 8-7
- Year 9 – Oleksandr B 9-6
- Year 10 – Bella J 10-4
