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A Message from Principal, Mr Martin
As we reach the end of another successful academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the many achievements and memorable moments that have made this year so special at Samuel Whitbread Academy.
This newsletter captures just a snapshot of the opportunities our students have embraced over the past few weeks. From sporting success and academic celebrations to educational visits, performing arts, fundraising initiatives and our Year 11 and Year 13 Proms, it has been wonderful to see our students continue to demonstrate the ambition, creativity and kindness that make our school community so special.
These experiences are only possible because of the dedication and generosity of our staff, who continually go above and beyond to provide opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether supporting students through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, SWA Racing, the BEST Summer Arts Festival, or accompanying trips to France, Italy and South Africa, their enthusiasm and commitment make an immeasurable difference to our students' school experience.
A particular thank you must also go to everyone involved in organising our Year 11 and Year 13 Proms. These wonderful evenings take months of planning and an incredible amount of teamwork; one member of staff described it as being like organising a wedding for 150 newlyweds! Thanks to the hard work of our Prom Committees and staff teams, our students were able to celebrate this important milestone in style and create memories that will last a lifetime.
I would also like to thank our parents and carers for their continued support throughout the year. Working together, we help our young people to flourish both academically and personally.
To our Year 11 and Year 13 students, congratulations on reaching the end of this important chapter. We are incredibly proud of all you have achieved and wish you every success as you take your next steps. We look forward to celebrating with you again on Results Days.
Finally, I would like to wish all of our students, families and staff a restful and enjoyable summer break. Thank you for another fantastic year, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another exciting year at Samuel Whitbread Academy.
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Messages From Heads of Year
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Year 9, Mr Rich
It is with a heavy, yet pride-filled, heart that I confirm my motion to step away from Head of Year of this bright and brilliant cohort. This decision has not come lightly, not least due to the phenomenal individuals and supportive groups this year group has become. From walking through those tall gates in September, with a bag full of ideas and a school full of opportunity – now blossoming into young adults with resilience and responsibility (and the gates seem a little less tall now too!).
Our Year 9s have surprised us, and themselves too, with the wonderful things they have accomplished throughout the year, through their trips, clubs and classwork. The thing I am most proud of, however, is the community they have inspired in each other, and the moments of empathy and teamwork that have led this group towards the top. From small gestures to standing publicly for justice. Yet, through it all, there are also the individual and more personal successes to consider: coming in on the days when nothing seems right, completing the work despite the deadline, and choosing to build a bridge instead of burning one.
I am, however, incredibly excited to pass the stewardship of this impressive student body to a brilliant, kind and dedicated new Head of Year, Mrs Abbot. We will be collaborating consistently to ensure the smoothest transition for you all. I know how dearly I will miss our amazing group, but I could not be more confident and pleased with the steward for their next chapter at SWA.
In the wise words of Gandalf the Grey…
“May your beard grow long, and your heart be full. May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails, and the moon walks... Go in peace!”
And finally, the best piece of advice I have ever had the pleasure of hearing…
“Be Excellent to each other." – William "Bill" S. Preston, Esq.
Stay Golden,
Mr Rich
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Year 10, Miss Joy
As we come to the end of another successful year, I would like to thank all of our students for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. This year has been filled with many valuable experiences and achievements, from work experience placements, mock examinations, and mock interviews that have helped prepare students for the future.
We have also enjoyed a wide range of trips, enrichment days, performances, and sporting fixtures, with students representing themselves and the school with enthusiasm, determination, and maturity throughout.
We are incredibly proud of everything our students have accomplished this year and the positive way they have embraced every opportunity.
As we look ahead to Year 11, we are excited to see them continue to grow, achieve, and reach their full potential. For now, we wish all students and their families a wonderful, well-deserved summer break. Have an amazing summer, and we look forward to welcoming you back in September.
The Year 10 team 🙂
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Year 12, Mr Tonking
It has been a really busy but successful year for our cohort. We have some of the highest predicted grades we have ever had, and all of our headline data is looking positive. But beyond that, it is the resilience and manner in which the year group have tackled their studies and wider Sixth Form life that has impressed me.
We have a fantastic group of enthusiastic and engaged students, and we hope that this can continue into Year 13. We are disappointed on their behalf for not being able to complete our sports day. But we did manage to squeeze in our traditional Staff vs Sixth Form Tug of War. A controversial win for the students does mean they get to retain the trophy for a 4th year.
As explained in their final assembly, they are closer to 60% than 50% on their way to the end of their education at Samuel Whitbread. I want this summer to be a time to mark just how much they have already achieved, while noting that there is plenty of time ahead to make changes and take strides forward.
We wish the students and families a restful summer break.
Mr Tonking & the Sixth Form team
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 Celebrating Our Year 11 and Year 13 Proms
Two unforgettable evenings celebrating the Class of 2026.
Click here to read more
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 Year 10 Geographers Explore Tenerife
40 Year 10 Geography students embarked on an unforgettable trip to the volcanic island of Tenerife,
Click here to read more
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Whitbread Racing Enjoys Debut Season
SWA Greenpower F24 Racing Team took to the track for their first official races of the 2026 season.
Click here to read more
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Summer 2026 Results Day
- GCE results on Thursday 13th August – results can be collected from the Activities Hall between 8am-11am
- GCSE results on Thursday 20th August – results can be collected from the Activities Hall between 8am-12pm
For more information,
please click here.
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Year 10 Geography Fieldwork: Bringing Learning to Life at Walton-on-the-Naze
Year 10 Geography students travelled to Walton-on-the-Naze for an exciting day of fieldwork.
Click here to read more
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Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Success!
Earlier this term, our Silver DofE students travelled to the Peak District to complete their Silver Qualifying Expedition.
Click here to read more
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The Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme is now live, helping families save money on children's meals and selected family attractions throughout the summer holidays.
Use the link below to find where the summer savings closest to you are!
https://summersavings.gov.uk/
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 Year 10 Food: From Afternoon Tea to Paris
Our Year 10 Food students have demonstrated their creativity, practical skills and enthusiasm both in the classroom and beyond.
Click here to read more
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 Year 10 Computing Visit to Bletchley Park
Our Year 10 Computer Science and IT students enjoyed an inspiring visit to The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park.
Click here to read more
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Lights, Camera, Action: Media Students Film Local Lower School Promos
Sixth Form students swapped the classroom for a week of work experience, filming promotional videos and social media reels for our Shefford Lower School and Cotton End Lower School.
Click here to read more
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Students and Staff Raise Funds for New Sensory Room
The Learning Support Student Team organised a successful cake sale and the ever-popular Soak the Teacher event, raising an impressive £350 towards the project.
Click here to read more
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High Attainers Celebration Afternoon
SWA hosted our High Attainers Celebration Afternoon, recognising the dedication, curiosity and commitment of students who have excelled both inside and beyond the classroom.
Click here to read more
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Whitbread Sports
Keep up to date with all Summer Whitbread Sports News.
Click here to read
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 Performing Arts
Keep up to date with all Summer Performing Arts News.
Click here to read
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Community Events
Here are some great resources for activities and workshops happening in the local community.
Click here to read
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 Future careers, pathways & options
Keep up to date with all Careers Newsletters.
Click here to read
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Pastoral Resources & Support
As we head into the summer break, we would like to remind students and families that a range of support and wellbeing resources remain available.
We hope these resources provide useful information and support throughout the summer holidays.
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Staff Farewells
As we come to the end of another academic year, we would like to take the opportunity to thank several valued members of staff as they move on to new chapters in their careers.
Click here to read more.
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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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