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A Message from Principal, Mr Martin
February has been a busy and exciting month for the Academy. It was a pleasure to welcome everyone back after half-term, especially with a little sunshine to brighten the start of the new half-term.
Just before half-term, Mrs Kirkman, Vice Principal, went on maternity leave, and I’m delighted to tell you she had a baby girl. To ensure that parents know who to speak to, or who to contact, if ever I am away from school at a conference or visiting another school, Mr Butler, the current Vice Principal, will take on the role of Head of School for this year.
The past few weeks have been packed with enriching experiences both in and out of school. We were delighted to welcome STEM Point to the Academy to host an inspiring STEM workshop for our Year 9 girls, alongside students from several other schools. It was fantastic to see so much curiosity, confidence and ambition on display as students explored opportunities in STEM, such as coding and problem solving. I would like to thank Mr Barber for all his work in organising such a successful event.
Our Sixth Form students also had a highly successful visit to the Festival of Apprenticeships, where they were able to speak directly with employers and training providers about future pathways. Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping our students make informed and ambitious choices about their next steps. I would like to thank Miss Hopkins for organising this event.
It was also a privilege to welcome back former student Ellis Blake, now co-founder of creative media agency Project XIV. Ellis spoke to our Year 9 students about his journey since leaving the Academy and shared insight into his current role within the creative industry. His visit was both motivating and a powerful reminder of what our students can achieve. It was particularly interesting to hear about his work with Arsenal football club!
We ended the half-term with a vibrant celebration of our annual International Day. The event was a wonderful showcase of culture, unity and pride, and a fitting way to close the month together as a community. I would like to thank the inclusion and diversity team for organising another fantastic event.
Since returning, mock examinations are now well underway. I have been really impressed with the focus and maturity our students have demonstrated. I encourage all students to continue working hard and to make full use of the after-school catch-up and support sessions where needed.
Looking ahead, March promises to be an exciting month for Performing Arts, with our Spring Concert and Dance Showcase just around the corner. I am very much looking forward to seeing the talent and dedication of our students on stage.
Sporting success continues to be a major highlight for the Academy. Our U19 netball team is preparing to compete in the Sisters n Sport National Final, both our U18 boys’ and girls’ football teams have reached National Cup level, and our U14 girls' rugby team is still to concede a single point, having scored nearly 300 — a tremendous achievement. There is certainly much to celebrate, and you can read more about these successes in the sports update below.
Thank you to our entire Academy community for such a positive start to the half-term. I look forward to all that the coming weeks will bring.
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Messages From Heads of Year
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Year 9, Mr Rich
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us," was once wisely said by Gandalf, and with the Options deadline fast approaching, I can’t think of a more apt sentiment.
This term is short, so decision-making and a sense of responsibility are especially important. Please ensure your Options choices are submitted before 6th March. If you are still undecided, please reach out to your tutor and subject teachers as soon as possible.
As the warmer weather sets in, the days start brighter and end brighter too, and our fixtures ramp up even further. Equally, as the upper years move into mock and external exams, there may be some disruption to after-school clubs and buses. Please keep up to date with your club leader and school notifications.
Mr Rich and the Year 9 Team
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Year 10, Miss Joy
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I have been so impressed by the renewed energy and focus our students have brought back to the classroom this term. The corridors are buzzing with positive momentum.
As we move further into the spring term, we have several important milestones approaching. Please ensure these dates are noted:
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12th March: Academic Reports will be issued. These provide a vital snapshot of current progress.
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26th March: Online Year 10 Parents evening
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W/C 20th April: Mock Examinations begin. These are crucial for building exam stamina and identifying areas for growth.
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12th & 13th May: Work Experience. A brilliant opportunity for students to gain real-world insights and build their professional skills.
To maintain the high standards we pride ourselves on, I would like to remind you of our uniform policy, which can be found here.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s journey. It’s shaping up to be a very successful year!
Mrs Joy and the Year 10 team
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Year 11, Mrs Godfrey
The finish line is officially in sight! Our Year 11s are currently tackling their final round of mock exams, and we couldn't be prouder of how they’re handling the pressure.
Revision Support
To give everyone an extra boost, Mrs Pryor is working hard to collate revision information for every subject. This will be shared with students and sent home shortly to help everyone feel prepared and confident as they head into this final stage.
Key dates
- Friday 13th March – Year 11 Photos… Time to make sure the hair is just right! Individual portraits to remember the Class of 2026.
- W/c 4th May – GCSE exams officially begin… They’ve got this!
- Monday 18th May – The Last Day Celebrations… A chance to celebrate their journey through school before they move into the final exam period.
- Monday 13th July – The Prom… The perfect way to cap off the year and finally let loose after all that hard work.
- Thursday 20th August – Results Day… The moment of truth!
Kind regards,
The Year 11 Team
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Year 12, Mr Tonking
You should now have received your Year 12 Predict 1 report, which outlines both working and predicted grades. We hope this supports helpful and constructive conversations at our Parents’ Review Evening on Thursday 12th March. Appointments are now open to book and will take place online. If you have any issues with booking, please contact SWA-PREadmin@bestacademies.org.uk.
On the same day, Year 12 students will also take part in a Road Safety Day delivered in partnership with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. This valuable event is designed to support students as many begin learning to drive, with input from Fire and Ambulance crews, the Air Ambulance, and an interactive VR experience. Students will receive their allocated session time from tutors during registration, and details will also be shared via Google Classroom.
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Year 13, Mrs Hoad
We are trying not to panic our Year 13 students by talking too much about the time we have left….. But we only have 8 more weeks of timetabled lessons in school until their Leavers Day on Friday 8th May. Students should be aware of the timings of their exams (rooms and seating will be confirmed in a few weeks and be visible on bromcom) and should already be committed to revision.
We will be having a celebration of their time at SWA on Friday 8th May, before they leave to embark on their exams. Prom is 3rd July as per the letter sent out before half-term.
ParentMail currently has payments open for Prom, Yearbook and Leavers Hoodie. If there are any issues with using ParentMail or making payments, please either email swa-finance@bestacademies.org.uk or students can visit the Finance Office in Block 4.
Many of our students have already secured university or apprenticeship offers – and students can still have career appointments if they need additional guidance or support. Please email Miss Freeman or the student can visit Miss Freeman in 902.
On Wednesday 11th March, Year 13 students will take part in a Road Safety Day delivered in partnership with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. This valuable event is designed to support students as many begin learning to drive, with input from Fire and Ambulance crews, the Air Ambulance, and an interactive VR experience. Students will receive their allocated session time from tutors during registration, and details will also be shared via Google Classroom.
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A World of Discovery: SWA Celebrates International Day
On Friday 13th February, SWA celebrated its annual International Day, a wonderful occasion recognising the diverse cultures and heritage of our community.
Click here to read more
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 Year 9 Girls in STEM Workshop
The academy was proud to host our annual Year 9 Girls Computing STEM Workshop.
Click here to read more
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 SWA Alumni Shares Industry Insight with Students
The academy welcomed back Ellis Blake, co-founder of creative media agency Project XIV.
Click here to read more
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Year 9 Options Deadline
On Friday 6th March 2026, the
Year 9 Options will close. Please ensure you have submitted your options by this date.
To access the Options booklet for 2025-28 and the online presentation, click here.
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Are you a parent working in AI?
We’re forming an AI Education Working Group and would love to draw on the expertise within our community to help shape the future of learning at SWA.
Interested?
Email PA@bestacademies.org.uk to find out more.
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Sixth Form students take part in the Learning from Auschwitz Project
We are immensely proud to share that Year 12 students Lily S and Abigail M have been participating in the LFA Project.
Click here to read more.
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Year 11 & 13 Yearbook Photos
Yearbook photos are taking place on Friday, 13th March. Please wear the correct uniform/dress code and bring your biggest smile!
Please note:
Year 10 students do not have a photo taken until Year 11.
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SWA Duck Adoption – Register your interest
Our Science department is exploring the possibility of running another Duck Adoption programme and is currently gathering interest from families who may be able to provide a suitable home. To see more information, click here and email Mr Tate.
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London Marathon Fundraiser
Raj, father of SWA students Vidya & Naiya, will be running the London Marathon this April to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Read more about his journey here.
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 Whitbread Sports
Keep up to date with all February Whitbread Sports News.
Click here to read
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 Performing Arts
Keep up to date with all February Performing Arts News.
Click here to read
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Sixth Form
Keep up to date with all February Sixth Form News.
Click here to read
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Future careers, pathways & options
Keep up to date with all F.C.P.O Newsletters.
Click here to read
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Samuel Whitbread Academy E-Newsletter
You are receiving this because you are a Student,
Parent, Carer, Governor or Member of Staff at SWA.
Samuel Whitbread Academy
Shefford Road, Clifton, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5QS
Tel: 01462 629900 • Fax: 01462 629901
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