Hello and welcome to our January Rough Notes Roundup including Rough Notes Express! It’s a shorter, faster version of our usual newsletter, packed with the same great stories, updates, and highlights you already enjoy.

We know everyone likes to read in different ways, so Rough Notes Express gives you the choice between in-depth articles when you want all the details, or quick reads when you’re short on time. You’ll still get all the important news, just in a simpler, snappier format.

January is a fresh start, full of hope and new chances to learn and succeed. We wish our students sitting summer exams the very best and thank our parents and carers for their continued support. We are proud to share that, based on the latest Department for Education data, our school is the top-performing school in Dorset – a fantastic achievement for our whole community.

We began the term by celebrating our students. Our Headteacher’s Commendation recognised one outstanding student from each year group, who enjoyed hot chocolate and cakes while receiving their certificates. Students have also taken part in brilliant experiences, including a trip to Manchester to visit the National Football Museum and watch Manchester City play, a GCSE Drama visit to the Bristol Old Vic, a Year 9 geography trip to the Eden Project, beginner ski training for Sixth Form, and a lively dodgeball event for local primary schools.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises even more opportunities, with trips planned to the mountains, Dartmoor, the Mendips, Normandy and Valencia. Students have also explored future pathways through a languages talk and our well-attended Year 9 Options Evening. We hope you enjoy this edition of Rough Notes and invite you to visit our website or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for regular updates.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year,
Dan Watts, Headteacher