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A Message from Principal, Mr Martin

As we begin the summer term, there’s already so much to celebrate here at Samuel Whitbread Academy.

We are incredibly proud of the 1st XI Boys Football Team, who have reached the ESFA Schools National Cup Final for the third consecutive year, an amazing feat in a competition with over 350 schools entering from all across the country. They’ll play the final at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium on Tuesday, 6th May against Millfield School, and we wish them all the very best. The final match will kick off at 1:30 pm and can be watched here.

Our Spring Dance Showcase was another highlight, featuring fantastic performances from students across all year groups. Their creativity, confidence, and teamwork lit up the stage and reminded us of the power of the arts in our school community.

We also celebrated three Year 11 students this week, who qualified for the Pink Kangaroo mathematics challenge. James H received a Bronze award, and both Henry S and William K achieved Gold. This is the first time that we have ever had students reach this stage of the competition in the school’s history, so to come back with three medals is a fantastic achievement. I would like to thank Mr Fernandes for leading on this and for supporting all the students who entered.

Year 10 students have now finished their mock exams, and their conduct throughout was excellent. Several of the invigilators commented on their mature approach to the exams and their behaviour during the mocks. This bodes well for the future and means the feedback we get from these exams will be really useful for the students and the staff.

We are also very proud to share that Pearson Qualifications has recognised Samuel Whitbread Academy for our involvement in the Black History HPQ pilot project. It is a privilege to play a leading part in this important work. Please follow the links below to learn more and watch the video with some of our rising stars.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we look ahead to a busy and exciting summer term.

Messages From Heads of Year

Year 9, Mr Nicholl

I hope this newsletter finds you well as we begin the summer term.

It’s been a positive and enthusiastic start to the term, with students returning focused and ready to make the most of the weeks ahead. The recent (and very welcome!) change in weather, even if short-lived, has brought a renewed sense of energy across the year group. This transition between terms offers a valuable moment for reflection. Form tutors have been speaking with students about their goals - both those already achieved and those they’re working towards for the summer term. We hope these conversations continue to build motivation and a sense of direction.

A special mention must go to the fantastic group of students who completed their first hike as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Staff accompanying the group were full of praise for their behaviour, resilience, teamwork and outdoor skills. It’s always a pleasure to see students engaging so positively in experiences beyond the classroom, and we look forward to seeing their continued progress on the programme.

This term has also seen some lively inter-form competitions begin to take shape. While the final results weren’t confirmed at the time of writing, the level of participation and sporting spirit on display has been brilliant. Well done to all who took part - we’ll be sure to share the winning forms in the next update!

Looking ahead, we are excited about the many opportunities the summer term will bring, both academically and through enrichment activities. We encourage all students to stay focused, make the most of the support available to them, and embrace everything on offer.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support.

Year 10, Mrs Godfrey

We are incredibly proud of how well our Year 10 students managed their mock exams this week. Their focus, resilience, and maturity have truly impressed the Year Team. Well done to all!

Year 11, Mr Rich

And after all the hard work, the ups and downs, it's time to reflect; there is no shortcut to anywhere that is worth going. We are finally at the precipice of exams, and the final march begins now.

Just remember to pack your bag the day before, check your seat before you need to sit in it, and be confident with the effort you have put in to revise.
To break the pace positively, we have our Leavers' Day on the 14th of May! Tutors will explain the day ahead, but for those who like to prep: Students must be in full correct uniform for the morning, but are welcome to bring a spare shirt for signatures if they wish.

It is with great pride that I wish you luck, focus, and for you to keep kind to yourself; as Wayne Gretzky says, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take".
You've got this Year 11, we believe in you.

Year 13, Mr Tonking

This will be the final message for our wonderful Year 13s. They really have been a superb group of students, with some projected grades which could see them as the best ever. Fingers crossed!

As Head of Year, I would like to thank you for all your support in helping guide the students through what is an exciting but testing time in their lives. As we approach their final days and hours, I wanted to update and remind you of the leavers' events.

On Friday, 9^th May, Year 13s will have P1 and P2 in lessons. We wanted to acknowledge their final day, and so we will be putting on a BBQ for them, P3 running up to lunch. This will be free of charge on behalf of Sixth Form and Samuel Whitbread. From there, students will be able to leave school site (many in fancy dress) to continue their celebrations off-site.

Information regarding the prom has been emailed out via Bromcom on 24^th March to all parents and carers. We look likely to have our most attended Year 13 prom ever, so thank you for your prompt responses to payments. This prom will take place on Friday, 4th July, at Amberleigh Gardens. Students may arrive from 7:00 pm, and the event will conclude at 11:30 pm. There will be a secure car park for those driving or being dropped off. Students will need to organise getting picked up by 11:30 pm.

We wish all the students the best of luck through the exam season. Even during study leave, the site is always open and available to students so they can come and study here should they wish. That will include access to Chromebooks and other study facilities. This also extends to us as a team. Those students who have accessed pastoral support are still welcome throughout this period.

Good luck and (almost) farewell!

Academy News

Exploring Black History Through the Higher Project Qualification

We are proud to share that our students recently took part in an exciting and meaningful initiative, the Black History Higher Project Qualification (HPQ).

Click here to read more

Outstanding Results in the Pink Kangaroo Maths Challenge

Click here to read more

Year 9 Bronze DofE Practice Walk 2025

Click here to read more

A welcome from Mr O'Rourke, Assistant Principal

I'm delighted to be joining this brilliant school community. From everything I’ve seen and heard, it’s a place full of energy, excellence, ambition, and care, and I’m genuinely excited to be part of it.

Thank you to those I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting -both staff and students. I’m looking forward to getting to know many more of you as the term progresses.

My background is in Physical Education, though I’ve also taught across the curriculum and led various academic and pastoral interventions. I’ve previously led on pastoral care, student wellbeing, and behaviour systems, always aiming to ensure every student feels happy, supported, and able to thrive.

I believe strongly in a fair, personalised approach to behaviour and in fostering an environment where all students feel understood, empowered, and valued.

What drew me to this school was how closely its values align with mine - respect, equality, integrity, and empathy. These aren’t just words, but principles I strive to model and embed in daily school life. I’m also passionate about encouraging student participation, inter-house competition, and offering every student the chance to shine.

Here’s to a great summer term, and to all the learning, growth, and progress ahead.