Headteacher's Bulletin
10/01/25 - Edition 47
Mr Lisseman - Headteacher
Happy New Year to all our students, staff & families! It’s been an absolute pleasure to see everyone return to school this week, bringing energy and focus despite the frosty weather. The term has started with a calm and productive atmosphere, which bodes so well for all the exciting opportunities ahead.
We are delighted to welcome 3 new members to the Twickenham School community:
- Ms N Fenton, Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, an experienced member of Senior Leadership and an RS & History teacher, joining us from Teddington School.
- Mr A Glavanis, our new Head of Humanities and an experienced middle leader from Lampton School.
- Ms J Morgan, our very experienced Food & Nutrition teacher, from Kew House School.
Please join me in offering them all a warm welcome as they settle into their new roles and enrich our school further.
Uniform Expectations: A Reminder
As we embrace the New Year, I’d like to remind families and students of our uniform policy to maintain the high standards that reflect Twickenham School’s values.
Key points include:
- Outerwear: Hoods and hats must not be worn inside the building.
- Jewellery: Students may wear a maximum of 2 plain studs (silver, gold, or small diamante). Ear tunnels, spikes, rings, or bracelets are not permitted. Pendants or chains should be discreet and worn inside collars.
- Hair, Nails, and Make-Up: Hair must be of a natural colour (black, brown, auburn, or blonde) with no extreme styles such as tramlines or crew cuts shorter than grade 2. Nail extensions, false nails, and nail polish are not allowed. Make-up should be subtle and understated.
We appreciate your support in ensuring all students are dressed appropriately, ready to learn, and embodying the professionalism we aim to instil in our community.
Celebrating Success
I am thrilled to share some outstanding news to begin 2025:
- We already know that Twickenham School is ranked in the top 30% of schools nationally based on Progress 8 however, according to the new Fairer Schools Index, we have climbed an incredible 384 places, placing us in the top 20% of schools nationally.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and high aspirations of our staff and students. I couldn’t be prouder of what we are accomplishing together as a school.
Wishing you all a warm and restful weekend
Ms Martin - Assistant Headteacher and Head of Careers
2025 will bring many exciting opportunities for our Year 10 students as part of our Careers programme. From starting personal 1:1 careers interview with Innervate, to participating in a dedicated drop-down careers day, students will have multiple chances to explore their future pathways. In addition to these activities, we are keen for all our Year 10 students to experience a week-long work experience placement. This will take place during the week of 07-11 July 2025.
We will officially launch the work experience programme shortly with an online webinar – further details will be shared closer to the time. Students will be responsible for sourcing their own placement and uploading the relevant details to an online platform. This platform will guide both students and employers through the process, ensuring that all necessary steps are safely and effectively managed.
In the meantime, students are encouraged to start thinking about the type of work experience they would like to pursue and where they might like to do it. We recommend conducting some research, reaching out to potential employers via phone or email, and asking family and friends if they can offer support or connections. Taking early action will provide students with the best chance of securing a meaningful and rewarding placement.
Mr Grantham - Deputy Headteacher
As we enter the critical final months before GCSE exams, it is essential that students make the most of every opportunity to strengthen their understanding and refine their exam skills. To support this, Year 11 intervention sessions will be restarting formally from Monday, running from 3.00 to 4.00pm.
The timetable is as follows:
The PTA are in need of volunteers to help run the Rugby parking. Rugby parking is the main way that the Friends of Twickenham School (PTA) raise funds for the school. Please feel free to bring along your children. It would be beneficial for them to join you for work experience, to increase their confidence when talking to new people and to be able to learn how to run events.
You’ll be greeting our friendly customers, guiding cars into parking spaces, and helping to raise vital funds for the school.
Volunteers are needed on for the following matches -
8 February - Kick off at 4:45
22 February 22 - Kick off at 4:45
9 March - Kick off at 3:00
Ms Aitken - Head of Music
Our Music Department is excited to offer instrumental lessons through Open2Music! To kick off the year, Open2Music are offering FREE taster sessions for the next two weeks—so don’t miss out, book now!
Playing an instrument helps with:
- Boosting confidence
- Improving focus and discipline
- Developing creativity
- Enhancing teamwork and communication skills
Give it a try and discover the joy of music!
Deadline to book your taster session: 17th January
Sign-ups for lessons close: 31st January
Mr Hayes - Head of PE
We are thrilled to start the new term with two victories in the Year 8/9 and Year 7 Boys Basketball League. A huge congratulations to our teams for their fantastic efforts!
Clubs and Activities:
Whitton Sports Centre is offering boxing classes after school, and you can register directly through their center.
A reminder that you can still sign your child up for our paid clubs:
