Headteacher’s Summer Term Blog 2025
As we come to the end of another school year, I find myself reflecting with immense pride on all that our students have achieved. This has been a truly positive and uplifting year for our school community – one marked by growth, resilience, and countless moments of connection.
Every day, we see our school values in action, whether it’s through acts of kindness, determination in the classroom, or the way our students support one another. These values aren’t just words on a wall, they’re lived out in the way our students treat their peers, engage with their learning, and build strong, respectful relationships with our staff (and vice versa). Clearly, as the Headteacher of the school, I am a little biased, but this view has been backed up by countless external visitors and agencies that have visited us, this year.
One of the most powerful things to witness has been the strength of those relationships between students and staff, and among students themselves. There’s a real sense of belonging and mutual care that defines our school, and it’s this spirit that continues to make our community such a special place to learn and study.
We’re also incredibly grateful to the vast majority of parents and carers for their support, encouragement, and kind words over the past 11 months – it has meant a great deal to our staff, particularly in some of our more challenging times.
As we head into the summer break, I want to wish all our students, families, and staff a restful, joyful holiday filled with time to relax and recharge with loved ones. The summer is a great time, in which young people can be young people, and enjoy themselves for a long period of time. Enjoy the well-deserved break – and we look forward to welcoming everyone back when school resumes in September.
Best Wishes,
Mr Green
Headteacher
Round Up from the Heads of Year
Year 7
Well, here we are at the end of the first year of secondary school, and what a busy term this has been. It has been an absolute pleasure to take on the role as Head of Year 7 from Mr Hallmark in this final term. Year 7 have all worked incredibly hard, they have displayed respect and kindness to their peers who have been sitting their GCSE and A Level exams. This has affected their daily routines, classrooms and sometimes teachers, due to the booster sessions we provide for all our students. I am proud to say they have taken it in all their stride and adapted well.
The second half of the term has seen lots of trips and events taking place across the school. Year 7 were invited again to the Festival on the Close at Rugby School, where Rugby School’s grounds are transformed into a cultural hub with performances and workshops. Across the day students took part in a diverse collection of workshops including Bhangra beats, African drumming, Parkour and many more. I was extremely proud of how they presented themselves across the day and got stuck into the different tasks alongside the older Rugby School students.
Finally, we have had transition day which meant Year 7 were no longer the youngest in the school, 24 of our Year 7 students were tasked with giving whole school tours and supporting our new students in a range of lessons across the day. The feedback from parents was that their children had a fabulous day and the Year 7 buddies were kind and helpful throughout.
Good luck in Year 8 and I wish you all a safe and happy summer!!
Mrs Devine – Head of Year 7
Year 8
It’s been such a fun and exciting summer term for Year 8! We’ve made some brilliant memories together – whether that was exploring the sights (and pastries!) of France or screaming our way around Alton Towers. It’s been great to see so many of them stepping out of their comfort zones, enjoying new experiences, and making the most of every opportunity.
Looking back over the whole year, I’m so proud of how far they’ve come. They’ve grown in confidence, shown real maturity, and have started to find their voice – both in and out of the classroom. It’s been amazing to watch them develop and I’m really excited to see them take that next step into Year 9 and begin their GCSE journey.
On a more personal note, I’m really sad that I won’t be continuing with them as their Head of Year. The past 18 months with this group have been an absolute privilege. I’ve laughed with them, supported them through some tricky moments, and watched them grow into the brilliant young people they’re becoming. Thank you, Year 8 – you’ve been a joy, and I’ll be cheering you on all the way.
Miss Angell – Head of Year 8
Year 9
What a year it has been!
Watching you all go through a huge year in terms of choosing your GCSE courses, trips, events and so much more has been an absolute pleasure. Everybody I speak to says how much of a pleasure you are to be around, to teach and to spend time with. I couldn’t agree more. You have carried yourselves brilliantly through what is a difficult process, and have hopefully all come out with the subjects that you wanted. Your maturity and sensible decision-making has made me extremely proud.
You have all conducted yourselves absolutely amazingly this year, in assemblies, in classrooms and around school, at Alton Towers more recently and during events like Sports Day and Culture Day. It’s so nice to never have to be concerned about how you all behave, and I thank you for that.
To our wonderful parents, thank you for always showing up in numbers to our events, parents’ evenings and alike. Without you, it would be a whole lot more difficult.
The difficult time now is to say goodbye. I won’t be your Head of Year again next year as I am staying with Year 9. However, I leave you in the capable hands of Mr Rupal, who will take great care of you. Of course, I’m still always here to help if you need anything.
Have a restful, happy summer. I look forward to seeing you all again in September.
Take care.
Mr Hallmark – KS3 Lead and Head of Year 9
Year 10
As the academic year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey our Year 10 students have taken over the past few months. This year has been marked by determination, maturity, and a collective commitment to success, laying strong foundations for the all-important GCSE year ahead.
Rising to the Challenge
One of the most impressive aspects of Year 10’s journey has been their focused approach to their PPEs. Students embraced the challenge with a level of motivation and resilience that has positively set the tone for the next academic year. Many took their studies more seriously than ever before, demonstrating increased independence, effective revision strategies, and a genuine desire to achieve their best.
The way they approached their mock exams spoke volumes about their character and ambition. Teachers reported improved classroom engagement, more thoughtful questions, and a noticeable shift in attitude towards learning. The effort put into preparation was evident not only in the exam results, but in the pride and confidence students began to show in themselves.
A Year of Positive Change
Beyond the academic improvements, this year has seen significant progress in behaviour, punctuality, and attendance. As a year group, Year 10 has shown a growing sense of responsibility and maturity. Behaviour in lessons has improved markedly, with students increasingly focused, respectful, and willing to contribute positively to the learning environment.
Punctuality also saw a notable improvement. Students have understood the importance of making the most of every minute in school, arriving to lessons on time and ready to learn. These small but meaningful changes reflect the growth in their attitudes and their understanding of what it takes to succeed.
Attendance has been another strong area this year. A more consistent presence in school has meant students are making the most of every learning opportunity – something that will be crucial as they step into Year 11 and the demands of final exams.
Looking Ahead
As we say goodbye to Year 10, we do so with pride and optimism. This has been a year of real transformation – a time when students have begun to truly understand their potential and the path ahead. With continued focus, self-belief, and support from both school and home, there’s no doubt that they are ready to take on the challenges of Year 11.
Well done Year 10 – you’ve made fantastic progress this year. Enjoy a well-earned break and come back ready to finish your school journey stronger than ever.
Miss Woodward – Head of Year 10
Year 11
As Head of Year 11, I could not be prouder of the incredible journey our students have taken this year. After months of dedication, resilience, and hard work, our Year 11s have completed their exams – and they did so with maturity, determination, and a strong sense of purpose.
The results, while not officially in yet, I hope reflect the countless hours of preparation and the unwavering support of families, teachers, and peers. The wider school team and I are immensely proud of each and every student, not just for their academic achievements, but for the character and growth they’ve shown throughout their school journey.
Now, with exams behind us, we can afford to pause, reflect and most importantly to smile. The end of year assembly was a perfect opportunity to do just that. It was a joyful celebration of memories, milestones, and moments that have defined the Year 11 cohort. The laughter, stories, and shared experiences showcased the heart of this year group so brilliantly. Then we had Prom; a stunning evening where our students shone with confidence, pride, and joy. It was a fitting finale to an unforgettable year, and a reminder of the bright futures that await them.
Year 11, thank you for the privilege of being part of your journey. Wherever life takes you next, know that we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
Mr Rupal – KS4 Lead and Head of Year 11
Year 12
As always, the summer term has been a very busy time for our Year 12 students. It feels like no time has passed since we returned from the Easter holidays, but in that time, students have achieved a great deal.
All students have faced exams this term, whether that is a GCSE retake, a controlled assessment, or their PPEs for their A Level subjects. We have been very impressed with how all students have conducted themselves during this exam period, and we hope that they are all pleased with their results. Many subjects are also beginning their NEA units with students now, and it is lovely to hear that students are getting excited about exploring an area of their own interest within their A Levels.
Now that Year 13 have completed their studies and have left us, our Year 12 students have begun to step up to the plate of being the oldest students in the school. It is fantastic to see so many of them putting their names forward to be Head Students and presenting in front of their whole year group. We look forward to seeing what our Student Leadership Team will achieve in the next academic year.
Students have also begun to think seriously about their next steps beyond Sixth Form, with most of them making a very productive start on their UCAS applications. To support with this, the last week of term sees our students completing their work experience placements. We have been very impressed with the independence demonstrated by students as they have sought out their own placements. We can’t wait to hear all about how they got on when they return to school in September.
We wish all Year 12 students a happy, healthy and productive summer holiday and we look forward to welcoming them back as Year 13s!
Mr Chadwick – Assistant Headteacher: Sixth Form
Mr Edwards – Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
Ms Bagnall – Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
Year 13
As the academic year comes to a close, we bid a fond farewell to our incredible Year 13 students at Rugby Free Secondary School. It has been a joy to watch them grow into confident, capable young adults, ready to take on the next exciting chapter of their lives.
We celebrated their journey with a fantastic Leavers Assembly, full of memories, laughter, and heartfelt messages. The celebrations continued with a wonderful Prom on 20th June at the Holiday Inn, Crick, where students dressed to impress and enjoyed a well-deserved evening of fun and dancing.
We are so proud of everything our Year 13s have achieved and wish them all the very best in the future. We look forward to seeing them again on Results Day – Thursday, 14th August.
Good luck and goodbye (for now), Class of 2025!
Mr Chadwick – Assistant Headteacher: Sixth Form
Mr Edwards – Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
Ms Bagnall – Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
Set for Life
Community
Community is part of our Set for Life curriculum and is our commitment to ensuring students have the opportunity to develop their social skills through working collaboratively and celebrating similarities and uniqueness.
Festival on the Close
What a fantastic day this was! Year 7 were invited to attend The Festival on The Close, where Rugby School’s grounds were transformed into a cultural hub with performances and workshops. Across the day, students were challenged to create with curiosity and innovation as they took part in a diverse collection of workshop activities alongside Rugby School students. With an aim to inspire, an eclectic assortment of workshops were led by professional artists, creatives, industry leaders and passionate practitioners. The day covered a wide variety of topics and offered skill-building sessions to captivate creative minds, including Parkour, Morris Dancing, African Drumming, Football Freestyle and many more.
Finally, RFSS students got to watch and support the Rugby School students play in their bands on the main stage, it was a great end to the day.
