Headmaster’s Welcome – Simon Hawkes, Headmaster
Dear Parents and Guardians,
All of us – pupils, parents, and staff – have demonstrated a huge dollop of one of our core values over the last week or so: Resilience. Dank weather and darkness make for tough going at times, but hibernation is most certainly not on the cards for the pupils of Wellingborough School. In fact, quite the opposite appears to be happening, and there’s a nice buzz about the place with a series of fun community events filling the final week of the half term.
As parents, you’ll have to wait until after school to hear about the excitement of Tuesday’s Pancake Race and next Friday’s Prefect Charity Day (remember, this is an Own Clothes Day). But you’re more than welcome to come and build connections at Thursday’s Business Networking event or the Rock, Pop, and Blues Concert taking place on the same evening.
Also worth noting is next week’s opportunity for Year 11 parents to come in and meet senior staff over a cup of tea at 4.30 pm on Tuesday (see link here), and I’m pleased to announce that the Curry Night (already popular with sign-ups) is now doubling up as an opportunity for you all to have a nose around the Gateway building. Do come along; you will find a link to book this event in the Newsletter below.
Sadly, for most of our footballers and netballers, the weather has got the better of our fixture programme, and a day off beckons. Either way, I hope the pupils make the most of the last weekend before the half-term break, perhaps interspersing some homework (routine) and reading (relaxation) with fun (for me, 6 Nations Rugby and perhaps some Winter Olympics).
Best wishes.
SLT Update – Katie Ryder, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Tuesday 10th February will see many schools and newsfeeds highlighting the importance of Safer Internet Day. The theme for this year is Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI. Our Digital Leaders are producing resources and assemblies which will be delivered to the whole school next week.
In last week’s newsletter, Mr Medley shared the many ways in which AI can be a tool to support learning. This week, I would like to consider some of the Safeguarding risks that AI can present.
- Creation of harmful content: A significant and serious risk is the misuse of image and video generators to create deepfakes (sexualised images) of peers, staff, or others. This can lead to severe bullying, emotional distress, and blackmail and is, in most cases, illegal.
- Exposure to inappropriate, fake or misleading content: Many AI tools generate content that is inaccurate, biased, harmful and even sexually inappropriate. AI chatbots (available on many websites, including all social media) can also be emotionally manipulative, and some may provide dangerous advice on health, well-being, or self-harm.
- Data privacy and security: The data children input into these tools is often stored and used to train future versions. Personal or sensitive information (real names, location, school details, private thoughts) typed into a chatbot may not remain private.
Whilst this new world is ever-evolving, it is vital that communication between trusted adults and young people remains open and transparent. Navigating these new ways of information sharing brings many benefits, but we encourage anyone using these tools to think critically about the information they receive. We all need to be aware of misinformation and disinformation that can be shared online.
It is worth noting that although restrictions can be put onto broadband systems and devices, they are not always 100% accurate and effective. Regular conversations about these restrictions, and the reasons for them, are important to help promote transparency.
If a young person were to see anything on a device that frightens, confuses, or pressures them, or if they witness misuse, they should immediately tell a trusted adult. They can also contact Childline 24/7 on 0800 1111.
Here is a link to a short video that discusses the risks of AI further: Gen AI: The Harms Landscape (for parents, teachers, and safeguarders).
Nevill House – Update Carlie Woodard, Housemistress of Nevill
As we near the final week of a busy half term, it is wonderful to reflect on what has happened as well as look ahead to the events still to come. The Nevill girls were fantastic in both their preparation and their execution of House Music. The Senior School Hall rang with energy and pride during the choir’s powerful rendition of History, and we were also treated to beautiful solo and small group performances from Imogen, Chiara, Amelia and Geraldine. Their talent, composure, and commitment were truly commendable. A special thank you must go to Jemima and Maisie for their outstanding organisation and leadership, as their commitment made a significant difference and was greatly appreciated.
Evensong was another highlight of recent weeks. It was a lovely and reflective occasion, and we were very pleased to welcome parents who were able to join us for this special event.
Looking ahead, excitement is building for the House Pancake Race. Nevill students are already showing determination and enthusiasm, and we look forward to putting our best foot forward in what is always a spirited and enjoyable competition.
Our Year 12 students have also been working with great dedication in preparation for the Gala Dinner. The skill and professionalism they have shown during their training suggest that this will be a remarkable event.
Finally, after we return from the half-term break, it will be examination week for Year 11, followed shortly by the second round for Year 13. We wish all students the very best as they prepare and encourage them to approach their studies with confidence and determination.
Languages Update – Matthew Watson, Head of Foreign Languages
A big part of the reason why we became teachers in the Languages Department was, in no small part, due to a desire to share our own love for language and culture and help our students to take steps on their own journey of discovery.
Towards the end of the Michaelmas term, we launched a new initiative with a view to promoting a greater awareness and sense of autonomy amongst our students. With an open invitation, students were invited to become Language Leaders. Being a Language Leader means being a proud ambassador of not only the language(s) they study but also all languages and promoting language learning.
To become a Language Leader, students are given a booklet to document the journey they undertake, which begins with picking up a new language. Over time, we will then ask students to design a single activity to share some of what they have picked up so far. In meetings, they will consider different activity types and design them before inviting younger Senior School students to participate.
Following this, they will be asked to reflect upon the success of the activity they planned, considering the successes and areas for development. This eventually leads them to designing and delivering a short lesson or series of lessons to some Year 4 students. At the end of the process, they will create and deliver an assembly to share their experiences with other students, hopefully inspiring others.
Upon completion of the above, our Language Leaders will be awarded certificates and badges which can be worn proudly on their blazers. An additional benefit to all of this is that the work they carry out with younger students can count towards their volunteering for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
We are very excited to work with our current crop of Language Leaders and see what they achieve.
In addition to this, our 6th Form linguists are currently developing a languages magazine (with a title yet to be decided). The magazine will be entirely led by the 6th formers with contributions from staff and students. We hope to share this with both parents and students later this academic year. If you have any questions about Language Leaders, or you’re interested in your child participating, feel free to get in touch with either myself or Mrs James.
Business A Level Update – Gemma Scott, Head of Business & Economics
“I enjoy Business because it is a great subject that prepares me for the future by helping me understand key aspects of the modern world. Recently, we were set the challenge of creating our own business. My group designed a sports centre offering a wide range of activities, including snowboarding simulators and padel courts. This was an excellent learning activity and gave me a real sense of what setting up a business is like.” – Archie (Year 12)
“In our recent Business lessons, we have been studying promotion strategies. As part of this, we developed and presented ideas on how to promote a business. Our group created a concept for a restaurant in Paris called The Sky Bar. The idea was a bar suspended high above the city, offering views across Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It would be promoted through celebrities attending Paris Fashion Week and partnerships with local football teams.” – Gabby (Year 12)
“In Business lessons, I presented a concept for a bar called The Shot Market. The idea was that drink prices would rise and fall depending on how many people were buying them. This demonstrated how supply and demand can influence customer behaviour, while still creating a fun and engaging experience for customers.” – Jacob (Year 12)
PSHCE Update – Fiona Burgess, PSHCE Leader
Year 11 have been fortunate to spend time with the Headmaster in their PSHCE lessons this term. During the lesson they explored personality types and discussed that by knowing yourself you can ensure your strengths shine through any application process. Pupils were able to practise interview questions and ask the headmaster for guidance. There were some very interesting questions. “What were you like at school, Sir?” “How can you spot the difference between arrogance and confidence?” “What makes you know that someone is right for the job?” “How do I make my answer to a question interesting?”
All pupils with this greater understanding and, most importantly, an appreciation of all the fantastic opportunities afforded to them at Wellingborough School will be completing their CVs before study leave.
Our Medical team works hard to ensure all our pupils keep fully informed about health issues at age-appropriate times and feel confident to seek support.
Years 7 and 8 will be receiving their British Life Saving training after half term. They will be able to ask questions, understand CPR and know how to use a defibrillator.
Year 10 continue their work on Relationships education, and we are grateful for the time the medical team give to support these lessons.
Year 12 have enjoyed a visiting Sexual Health nurse coming into school to explain how important it is to understand and take responsibility for one’s own health. This is to be followed up with a screening opportunity in the Sixth Form Centre.
Year 9 have addressed the topic of Law where they have gained an understanding of the connections between democracy and the systems to keep us safe. Two classes replicated a Crown courtroom case to learn about the roles and make a jury decision. This connects with the Online Safety Act as well as an increased awareness of how to identify scams and fraud through their devices and keep their passwords safe.
To end their work on Relationships, a class of Year 8 pupils designed their own coat of arms to show the values and interests important to them.
Careers Weekly
This week’s newsletter spotlights National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from the 9th to the 15th of February.
You can discover any current opportunities and learn about the industries offering them.
Read this week’s Careers newsletter here.
Netball Results – Jess Costello, Head of Netball
We are proud to share the results from our recent fixtures against Tudor Hall. All teams showed great determination and teamwork.
Home results:
- 13A – Won 18–13
- 12A – Won 23–8
- 1sts – Won 28–13
- 2nds – Won 27–12
Away at Tudor Hall:
- 15A – Lost 31–13
- 14A – Won 23–11
- 14B – Won 12–7
Congratulations to all players for their effort and commitment, and thank you to the staff and supporters who contributed to a successful set of fixtures. Even in tough matches, our teams represented the school with pride.
Football Results – Jonathan Dean, Head of Football
Please see the results below from our fixtures this weekend:
Stowe:
- 1st XI drew 1-1 (JAD)
- 2nd XI lost 0-4 (GEH)
- 3rd XI won 1-0 (NPI)
Central Venue Tournament hosted at Lougborough:
- U15A Tournament Winners (LW & MTW)
- Drew 0-0 v Brooke House College
- Won 1-0 v Oundle
- Won 2-1 v Kings Worcester A
- Won 1-0 v Loughborough Grammar
- Won 2-0 v Kings Worcester B
- U14A Tournament Winners (CJH)
- Drew 0-0 v Kings Worcester A
- Won 5-0 v Kings Worcester B
- Won 3-1 v Loughborough Grammar B
- Won 1-0 v Loughborough Grammar A
Bedford School:
- U13A drew 8-8 MAF)
- U12A won 10-5 (APA)
Another great weekend of sport for our footballers, with goals, goals and more goals in our Junior fixtures against Bedford. Along with 3 very competitive Senior fixtures against Stowe.
Many congratulations to both our U14 and U15 boys who attended the inaugural ISFA Midlands central venue league hosted by Loughborough Grammar School – both teams winning their respective leagues. The tournament consisted of a series of 20-minute matches. Clearly the format suited our lads. Hopefully this will act as a springboard for more positive results in the remaining fixtures of the term.
Law Careers Lunch
Last Friday, we were thrilled to welcome three members of our parent community to join our pupils for a careers lunch. Thank you so much to Celine Mather-Franks, Liz Nicholls, and Laura Webb for sharing their experiences and recommendations regarding careers in Law with our interested pupils in Years 9-12.
Our guests delivered three captivating presentations, followed by a thought-provoking Q&A session, which sparked discussions among our pupils.
One of our visitors, Ms C Mather-Franks, said, “The Q&A at the end was a highlight—I was genuinely impressed by the thoughtful and insightful questions the students asked. It’s always encouraging to see such curiosity and engagement from those considering a future in law.”
Pupil Zikomo commented, “I loved it; it was very informative, and they were all very honest about their current experiences and how they got to the places they’re all in today.”
While pupil Freya added, “It was helpful to hear about the different routes I can take to get to where I want to be.”
Safeguarding Newsletter
This month’s newsletter celebrates Children’s Mental Health Week, which takes place from 9th to 15th February, and Safer Internet Day on 10th February.
It explores ways parents and carers can support their children if they are struggling, as well as how to keep your child safe online when using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Read the full safeguarding newsletter for this month here.
Tour of the Gateway Building and Curry Night
We are pleased to have begun teaching in the new Gateway Building and would love to show our parents around.
On Tuesday, 24th February, between 4:30 and 5:30pm, Wellingborough School parents are invited to come and view the wonderful new facilities we have in the Gateway Building.
We will then adjourn to the Dining Hall for a very informal curry night where parents can take a moment to meet other parents and speak with Senior staff if they wish. This evening is designed to allow parents to get to know each other a little more while also enjoying a tour of our new building.
Please note that there is a small charge of £10 per person for the curry and a dessert (chargeable via Parent Pay), and a limited bar is available. The curry will be served from 6:00 to 6:30pm.
As for the pupils, for those parents who would like their children to stay on at school, we would put on a pizza-and-chips-style meal (costing £3.50 per pupil) and a couple of appropriate films for the different ages.
Click here to confirm your place.
It might be that you want to do both of the above or just one. Any combination, of course, is fine; please still fill out the form by Thursday, 12th February.
Rock, Pop and Blues Concert
Next Thursday, pupils, staff (and maybe even a parent!) will be taking to the stage for our annual Rock Pop & Blues concert.
The recital is always a very chilled event with wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks available to buy from the WSSPA bar, and the Senior Hall is set out ‘bistro style’ so you can enjoy your drinks in comfort while listening to the music.
‘Curtain up’ is at 7.00pm, and entry is free – we hope to see you there!
Whole School Open Day – Book Now
Join us on Saturday, 7th March, from 9am, to explore Wellingborough Prep, Senior and Sixth Form.
You will be able to meet with our specialist subject teachers and explore our facilities and nurturing environment. While gaining a better understanding of what makes a Wellingborough education so special.
Click here for more information and to book your place.
Additionally, if you are aware of families looking for school places in September, please share with them this link.
Love to Learn – Nursery and Reception Stay and Play
Do you have children aged 2+ and are considering Nursery or Reception for them?
Join us on Friday, 13th February, 9:30 to 10:30am, for fun and engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity, while you experience our warm and nurturing Early Years environment.
Come meet our dedicated team and explore how Wellingborough School provides the ideal start to your child’s learning journey.
Click here to book your place.
Schoolblazer Spring Sale Starts Monday
Schoolblazer will be running a spring sale from 9th to 13th February 2026.
Enjoy up to 33% off selected in‑stock items online at schoolblazer.com during the sale period, while stocks last.
Summer Ball 2026 – Booking Open
Dear Parents, Governors, OWs, Staff, Friends and Family,
Wellingborough Senior School Parents’ Association has great pleasure in inviting you to attend this year’s Wellingborough School Summer Ball on Saturday 4th July 2026. As in previous years, this very popular event will take place at the School and is open to parents across the whole school, former parents, OWs, staff, governors, friends, family and Year 13 leavers. Year 13 leaver parents are particularly encouraged to attend with their leaver to celebrate the end of their time at Wellingborough School together.
Dress Code: Black tie
Food & Drinks
The evening will start at 6.30pm with drinks on the lawn, followed by a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the Executive Chef, Kirstie, and her awesome catering team.
Wine is available to pre-order to save you queuing. It will also be available on the night along with a fully stocked bar for cocktails and beer.
Entertainment
The school Blues Band will start off the evening at 6.30pm with their cool summer vibes.
For the main event we have the magnificent Matt Potter, of Potter Group, returning, supporting the incredibly talented local band Six Feet Apart.
In typical Summer Ball fashion there will be the usual Heads and Tails game, an auction with some amazing prizes and a chance to win other prizes with a raffle.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased in any number, or you could purchase 10 tickets for a complete tale. We will also be collecting information about year groups so we can match similar year group parents where possible when creating tables. Please note that all communications regarding the evening will go to the person who books the tickets (Table Lead). You will be asked to make your meal choices when booking tickets (the menu can be viewed below) and let us know about any dietary requirements.
Click here to purchase your tickets.
Sporty Scholars Championship Week Camp – Book Now!
Sporty Scholars will be running their February Half-Term Holiday Camp here at Wellingborough School from Monday 16th February until Friday 20th February, for children aged from 4 to 14.
Your child will participate in 5 days of sports, wellness, and activities that will help them gain confidence and face new challenges.
Places cost £23.50 per day, but you can currently get the early bird discount of 12.5% off by using the code WEARECHAMPS. Please note that this offer will end today.
For more information, click HERE.
To book your place please visit: Sporty Scholars at Wellingborough School
Current pupils: Informal Coffee Morning/Afternoon with the Head
An opportunity for current pupils and their families to speak directly with Mr Hawkes and other senior members of staff at Wellingborough School.
You will have the chance to hear about what the year has in store for their child’s year group and ask any questions you may have.
Please see below the upcoming dates for different year groups:
- Years 7-10: Tuesday 3rd March, 4:30-5:30pm
- Year 11: Tuesday 10th February, 4:30-5:30pm
We would love to get to know you better and hear how your child is finding life at Wellingborough School.
Click here to RSVP your place.
Prospective Families: Meet the Head
An opportunity for prospective pupils and their families to visit Wellingborough School to meet our Headmaster, Mr Hawkes, and other senior members of staff.
You will also have the chance to ask questions you may have about your child attending Wellingborough School and speak to other families that are also considering joining.
Please see below the upcoming dates for different year groups:
- Year 11 pupils looking at joining our Sixth Form: Tuesday 10th February, 4:30-5:30pm
- Years 8-10 pupils looking at joining our Senior School: Tuesday 24th Feb 4:30-5:30pm
- Year 6 pupils looking to join for Year 7: Thursday 12th February, 4:30-5:30pm
Please RSVP your place to admissions@wellingboroughschool.org.
If you can’t make these dates, but would like to have a chance to meet Mr Hawkes, click here to view the upcoming sessions until March.
Stay Connected
To see more of what’s happening at Wellingborough School, follow us on social media here.
You can also explore upcoming events and activities on our Events Page here.
Wellingborough School Business Directory
Please find the Business Directory at the following link: https://wellingboroughschool.org/community/business-directory/
