Letters sent Home

Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Please note that because most letters are now sent by email, the text of the email and the date on which the communication was sent to Parents and Carers is shown below. Letters are listed with the most recent at the head of the list; older letters or those that are no longer relevant may be removed from this page.

Non-uniform 'own clothes' day

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 12 January 2026

Dear Parent or Carer,

We are pleased to announce that Friday 16th January will be a non-themed own clothes day for all pupils.

The purpose of this day is to raise funds for our House System, which supports prizes, activities, and events designed to give back to pupils throughout the school year. So far this year, the funds collected from our non-uniform days have funded the House Photography prize, festive movie night, and the upcoming House attendance award breakfast.

In order for whole-school events such as non-uniform days to continue, pupils are expected to engage positively with the community culture that these days are intended to promote. Pupils must contribute £1 in order to take part in the non-uniform day. If fewer than 50% of pupils participate through contributing, the school will need to review the viability of future non-uniform days.

Pupils who wish to take part are asked to donate £1, either through Arbor (via the shop feature) or by bringing a £1 coin on the day. If bringing cash, form tutors will collect donations during morning registration and pass them to the Finance Office.

We completely understand that some parents, carers, or pupils may choose not to donate, and that is absolutely fine. If this is the case, pupils should attend school in full school uniform as normal, and will take part in the school day as usual.

To ensure expectations remain clear:

• This is an own clothes day, not a themed event.
• Clothing must be appropriate for a normal school day, including if a pupil has P.E. they are required to bring in P.E. kit for these lessons.
• The usual rules regarding jewellery, makeup, and footwear remain in place.
• No pyjamas, cropped tops, or revealing clothing should be worn.
• Pupils wearing clothing deemed inappropriate or unsuitable for school will be sent home to change.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us raise funds to reward and celebrate our pupils.

Kind regards

Mrs G Braggins-Elder

Teacher of Music | House System Co-ordinator | Staff Wellbeing Team

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safely and Responsibly

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 9 January 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are writing to you to highlight the importance of helping our community and young people use artificial intelligence (AI) safely and responsibly. AI tools are becoming increasingly common in everyday life and in education, when used appropriately, they can support learning, creativity, and problem-solving. However, as with any powerful technology, AI can also be misused.

Bad actors can exploit AI to spread misinformation, manipulate people, impersonate others, or generate harmful content. Recent public conversations about platforms such as Grok and other AI systems have shown how quickly content can be created and shared, including inappropriate and sexualised images, sometimes involving men, women and children. As per our Use of AI Tools policy, paragraph 8C explicitly explains the consequences if any stakeholder is found to use AI for malicious or nefarious purposes.

We want to be clear: the creation or sharing of sexualised images of men, women and/or children is illegal and deeply harmful. Even when content is “AI-generated,” it can still cause real-world damage to the people depicted or targeted and it contributes to unsafe online environments.

It is also important to recognise that young people may come across this kind of material online without seeking it out, and they may not immediately understand its risks or implications. The school has blacklisted Grok as a AI tool and we will continue to review and monitor which programmes are safe to use and those which are not.

To help keep children safe, we ask for your support in the following ways:

Talk with your child about AI: what it is, how it works, and why it should be used responsibly.
Reinforce that creating or sharing abusive, sexualised, or degrading content — including AI-generated content — is never acceptable.
Encourage your child to think critically about information and images they see online and to question whether something may be misleading or manipulated.
Remind them not to share personal information, photos, or videos that could be misused by others.
Monitor their online activity in an age-appropriate way and keep communication open so they feel able to talk to you if something worries or confuses them.
Let the school know if your child encounters disturbing or inappropriate AI-generated content so we can provide support.

As a school, we are continuing to teach pupils about digital citizenship, online safety, and respectful behaviour. We have a clear policy and guidance on AI so that students understand both the opportunities and the risks that come with AI technologies https://www.sele.herts.sch.uk/docs/2025_Use_of_AI_Tools_in_School_Policy.pdf.

Thank you for working in partnership with us to keep our children safe, informed, and responsible as they navigate the digital world. If you have any concerns or would like further advice, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Burgess sburgess@sele.herts.sch.uk who oversees Online Safeguarding and AI

Kind regards

Chris Quach; Headteacher

End of Term Message and Information for the Spring Term

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 18 December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we reach the end of a very busy and successful Autumn Term, I want to thank you for your continued support. I want to take a moment to celebrate our end of term successes with our festive celebrations. To celebrate the final day, we will be giving out a lolly to students as a festive treat, generously donated by one of our staff. Please note that students are under no obligation to take one, and they should not do so if they have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

We had a wonderful final half-term filled with memorable festive activities:

Form Party Celebrations: The form groups enjoyed a well-deserved party to celebrate the excellent behaviour and achievements of this term. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to relax and celebrate together.
Christmas Dinner: The whole school enjoyed a delicious and festive Christmas lunch on Wednesday, complete with crackers and Christmas music. It was a lovely occasion enjoyed by all.
Festive Jumper Day: We are looking forward to finishing the term on Friday with our annual Christmas/Festive Jumper Day, raising money for charity. Festive jumpers, hoodies and t-shirts are acceptable, along with school trousers and shoes. A reminder that school finishes at the normal time of 2.45pm on Friday 19th December

Keep safe over the break

We have noted a concerning increase in the number of students online late in the evening and into the night. Sleep is essential for learning and well-being. Excessive screen time, particularly before bed, is detrimental to health and academic focus. We urge all parents and carers to actively monitor their child's social media use and overall online activity. Please be aware of what they are accessing and who they are communicating with, especially during night-time hours. If you have concerns, you can make changes to your internet access at home. Many home routers or third-party Wi-Fi systems offer parental controls to help enforce healthy sleep habits. Here is a general guide:

Router Setting	Function
Parental Controls	Find this section in your router settings menu (usually accessed by typing your router's IP address into a browser, this is usually on the device).
Schedule/Access Times	Locate the option to set specific times when a device is allowed to connect to the internet.
Device Identification	You will need to identify your child's specific devices (phone, laptop, console) by their MAC Address which is found in the setting
Time Block	Set a 'pause' or 'block' rule for these devices, for example, between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Reminders for the term ahead

Please be reminded that full and correct school uniform is expected for all students when we return in the New Year. High standards in appearance are an important part of our school ethos. Students arriving in incorrect uniform may be sent home to change before being allowed to attend lessons. If there are any genuine issues or difficulties concerning uniform, please contact us before the new term begins. Open communication allows us to work together to resolve any problems.

While our attendance figures have improved, we still have work to do to ensure all students are attending school reliably. Regular and punctual attendance is directly linked to academic success. Please continue to prioritise your child's attendance. Every lesson missed is a gap in their learning that is difficult to recover.

Students in Year 11 and Year 13 have now completed their Mock Examinations; the results are currently being collated and analysed. The hard work continues in the New Year. We will be implementing targeted interventions and support programmes upon our return to help students focus on the specific areas highlighted by the mock results.

Finally, on behalf of all the staff, I wish you and your family a safe, restful, and joyous holiday period. We hope you enjoy this valuable time together. We look forward to welcoming the students back, refreshed and ready for a productive Spring Term on Tuesday 6^th January at 8.40am.

Kind regards

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

For information - to clear corrections

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 17 December 2025

Good afternoon

This email is only relevant where a student has outstanding corrections. If your child does NOT have outstanding corrections, then you may ignore this message.

In order to have a fresh start in the New Year, Mr Gallacher will run extended corrections on Thursday and Friday this week. So, if your child has more than one correction over a couple of days, they may serve them together on either day; this includes corrections that may already have been issued for January.

So, for example, if your child has two x twenty minute corrections outstanding on different days, they may serve one correction for forty minutes to clear them both. There is no need to inform school in advance if you wish your child to do this, they can just mention it at the time of the correction.

We hope to start afresh in January, however any corrections not served will still carry over into the new year.

Kind regards

Judith Adams; Administrator / Clerk

Next Generation Careers Event

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 10, 11 and 13 on Wednesday 17 December 2025

Good morning

Please follow the link to a poster regarding the next Generation careers event taking place in February.

Regards

Mrs Anna Brady; Careers and Futures Lead

Staffing News

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 15 December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We would like to inform you that our current SENCO, Ms Amy Kerbel, will be leaving The Sele School. We are extremely grateful to Ms Kerbel, for her dedication and hard work in supporting our students with special educational needs, and we wish her every success in the future.

We are pleased to announce that Ms Claire Millhouse will be joining our team as our new SENCO from January. Ms Millhouse brings a wealth of experience, having worked across primary, secondary, and ESC settings such as Rivers in Hertford and Ware. Over the past two weeks, Ms Millhouse has been visiting the school, meeting our team, observing lessons, and beginning a thorough handover to ensure a smooth transition.

This transition marks an exciting opportunity to continue to adapt our SEN provision and to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive. We are confident that Ms Millhouse’s experience and approach will make a positive impact on our school community.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions about this transition, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Mr Quach; Headteacher

Festive Jumper Day

The following information was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 12 December 2025

Good afternoon

Just a reminder that next Friday, the last day of term, is our Festive Jumper Day. Please be advised that it is NOT a full non uniform day and students will be expected to wear their school trousers and school shoes along with a festive jumper if they wish to do so. On this one occasion, a festive hoody may also be worn.

We ask for donations of £1 for charity that will be added to Arbor payments. Friday is not a day for just any jumper or hoody to be worn; they must be festive. Please support school by ensuring your child adheres to the dress code for the day. For example, a plain jumper with tinsel or a bauble attached, will not be deemed as acceptable.

If your child chooses not to wear a festive jumper then they must attend in full school uniform. We hope that by all abiding by the expectations of the day, that all students will enjoy the last day as they head off into the winter break.

Finally, a reminder that school finishes at the normal time of 2.45pm on the last day of term.

Kind regards

Judith Adams; Administrator / Clerk

Tarde de Villancicos (Christmas Carol Afternoon)

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 11 December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are excited to invite our students to our upcoming “Tarde de Villancicos” (Christmas Carols Afternoon), hosted by our Spanish Department. Here are the details for this special event:

· Date: 18th December 2025

· Time: 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM

· Venue: A14 Spanish class

To ensure that all attendees have a place, it is necessary to book your child’s attendance. We kindly ask for your consent. To confirm their place, please email Ms. Perez (Spanish teacher) at YPerezCorcino@sele.herts.sch.uk

We only have 30 places available.

We look forward to your child participating in this joyful celebration as we come together to enjoy the holiday season through music and community spirit. Please note, this event is solely for students and not for parents or carers attendance.

Kind regards

Ms. Perez; Spanish Teacher

Christmas Movie Night - Friday 12 December 2025

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 11 December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Please find attached information regarding the Movie Night planned for tomorrow. We will be screening 'Elf', in the school hall; the event starts at 15:00 and finishes around 16:30. Tickets can be purchased for £1 via Arbor and all proceeds will directly support further House events and rewards. Please see attached for more details

Any queries to gbraggins-elder@sele.herts.sch.uk

Kind regards

Mrs G Braggins-Elder; Teacher of Music | House System Co-ordinator

Christmas Lunch - Wednesday 17 December 2025

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 10 December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please find attached a letter confirming the following information regarding the end of term Christmas celebrations:

Christmas Lunch - Wednesday 17th December - Tickets to be purchased by the end of this week. Free School Meal students to order a free ticket from reception during morning break.

Festive breakfast treats served with whole school free breakfast 8am - 8.30am - Friday 19th December

Yours sincerely,

Helen Kirby; School Business Manager

HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 10, 11 and 13 on Tuesday 9 December 2025

Good morning, Please see below, information from Mrs Brady, Careers and Art Teacher:

Dear Parents and Carers,

We’re pleased to invite you to the HOP Into Apprenticeships & T Levels – Hertfordshire Virtual Careers Fair, a free online event designed to help you, and your child explore future career pathways and training opportunities. Please register by Monday 19th January, 2026 for your free ticket by clicking here. HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels

What is the Virtual Careers Fair?
This free to attend event is for parents, carers, and students to explore apprenticeships and T Levels. Visit different exhibitor rooms on a 10-minute rotation to learn about the programmes and opportunities available from local employers, colleges, and training providers.

Why Attend?
This event offers many benefits, including:

Free of charge to attend (fully funded by Hertfordshire Careers Hub)
Find out more about apprenticeships and T Level programmes with local training providers and colleges
Hear directly from Hertfordshire employers about opportunities and the recruitment process
Discover more about the skills and training provision being offered within Hertfordshire
Select which breakout room you would like to hear from
Ask questions and gather information from the comfort of your own home

Who Should Attend?
This event is open to all parents and carers but will be particularly useful for those supporting children in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13. Students in these year groups are also welcome to attend.

Book Your Place Today HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels

Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book early to avoid missing out. Take this opportunity to discover inspiring career pathways and learn more about how to support your child’s next steps.

Read the attendee guidance ahead of the event to help you prepare.

Please register by Monday 19th January, 2026 for your free ticket by clicking here. HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels

Further info here: The Hertfordshire Virtual Careers Fair for parents and carers

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Kind regards

Shea Costello
Careers Hub Operational Lead

Year 11 Progress Evening - 11 December 2025

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Thursday 4 December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

On Thursday 11^th December 2025 we will be holding our Year 11 Progress Evening from 4:30pm to 6:30pm in the School Hall.

This important event will give you the opportunity to meet your child’s subject teachers to discuss their academic progress.

Please note:

Mrs Calaz (Teacher of dance) will be available after 5.00pm

Mrs Braggins-Elder (Music) will be available until 5.30pm

Booking is online via the Arbor App which we will open from 9am Monday 8^th December 2025 and close on Wednesday 10^th December 2025 at 4pm.

Booking via this system will allow you to select the teachers you wish to see at a time convenient to you, with each meeting lasting 5 mins, you will receive a confirmation email once you’ve confirmed your booking.

To login into the Arbor App / Parent Portal, you will need the email address you have given to the school. If you have any issue booking onto the Parent Portal please contact arborsupport@sele.herts.sch.uk

If you are unable to make an appointment or have any queries regarding our Year 11 Progress Evening, please do not hesitate to contact me at jsmith@sele.herts.sch.uk

Yours sincerely

Mrs Jo Smith; Pastoral Admin Assistant

Behaviour Policy Survey

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 1 December 2025

Good morning

We would be grateful if all parents and carers would complete this survey to give feedback on our Behaviour Policy Behaviour Policy Feedback – Fill in form

As always, we appreciate your time and input.

Kind regards

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Head

Chocolate Tombola for Charity

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 27 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

After the success of the Easter Chocolate Tombola, when students raised over £120 for Mudlarks charity, we have decided to run a Christmas Chocolate Tombola. This event will take place at break time on Thursday 18^th December. Tickets will be 20p each.

Any money raised will be donated to the Jessica Brady Cedar Trust. Jessica was a student at a Hertfordshire school who went on to work in Stevenage for Airbus as an Engineer. Very sadly, in December 2020, Jessica died very soon after being diagnosed with cancer. The charity was set up to honour Jessica and all donations go towards developing awareness among GP's and thereby hoping to improve earlier cancer diagnosis in young people. https://jessicabradycedartrust.org.uk/

It would be amazing if we could beat the total we raised at Easter and so your support in allowing your child to bring cash into school on the day, is very much appreciated.

Kindest regards.

Nicky Wragg; Head of Well-being and Integration

Occasional Day - School Closed Friday 28 November 2025

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 27 November 2025

Good morning

Just a reminder that the school is shut tomorrow as we have an Occasional Day. Students do NOT attend school tomorrow, Friday 28 November.

Have a lovely weekend!

Kind regards

Judith Adams; Office Manager

Application for Leave of Absence from School during Term Time

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 20 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

All schools have been reminded by the Local Authority Attendance Team of the position with regards to student attendance particularly in response to holiday in term time. Please see message below from the LA and also this link to information for parents regarding penalty notice fines.

https://thegrid.org.uk/assets/hcc-sapt-statutory-attendance-helping-parents-understand-penalty-notice-fines-for-school-attendance-september-2024.pdf

Dear Parent/Carer,

All schools by law must follow the Department for Education’s statutory guidance relating to school attendance. They must use the appropriate national attendance or absence code, and follow the criteria set out within the guidance. The statutory guidance states:

· A leave of absence must not be granted unless there are exceptional circumstances and must be requested in advance.

· A leave of absence must be requested in advance by a parent who the pupil normally lives with

· Schools must judge each application individually, considering the specific facts and circumstances and relevant background context behind each request.

· Where a leave of absence is granted, the school will determine the number of days a pupil can be absent from school.

· A need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not constitute an exceptional circumstance.

· A school cannot grant a leave of absence retrospectively. If the parent did not apply in advance, the leave of absence should not be granted.

· Where this guidance refers to a parent, the school and/or local authority will need to decide which adult(s) is most appropriate. Generally, parents include:

· All natural parents, whether they are married or not.

· All those who have parental responsibility.

· Those who have day to day responsibility for the child.

Please note all schools are expected to regularly inform parents about their child’s attendance and absence.

Taking your child out of school during term time could be detrimental to their educational progress. If the absence is not authorised and the leave is taken, schools may refer to the Local Authority for legal action. Please find attached information regarding Helping Parents understand Penalty Notice Fines for School Attendance.

https://thegrid.org.uk/assets/hcc-sapt-statutory-attendance-helping-parents-understand-penalty-notice-fines-for-school-attendance-september-2024.pdf

Kind regards

Ross Gallache; Deputy Head

House System Festive Movie Night - Friday 12 December

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 20 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Re: House System Festive Movie Night – Friday 12th December

We are delighted to invite your child to take part in our Festive Movie Night, organised by the Heads of House as part of our House System fundraising programme.

The event will take place on Friday 12th December in the School Hall. The school day finishes at 14:45. Pupils attending the event will be supervised in the Hall and we plan for lights out at 15:00, with the film beginning at 15:15. The event will finish at approximately 17:00–17:30, depending on the length of the film.

This year, pupils will vote on Google Classroom for the film they would like to watch from a shortlist of festive options.

To attend, pupils will need to purchase a £1 ticket via Arbor. This payment acts as both the ticket and your permission for your child to attend. All proceeds will go directly towards House System events and rewards for pupils.

A small tuck station will be available with low-cost snacks, or pupils are welcome to bring their own nut-free snacks if they prefer. Pupils must be collected promptly at the end of the event, unless you have given your child permission to walk home.

If you would like your child to attend, please make the £1 payment on Arbor by Wednesday 10th December.

We look forward to celebrating the end of term with a joyful and festive event for our pupils.

Kind regards

Mrs Braggins-Elder; Teacher of Music/House System Co-ordinator

Reminder - flu vaccine catch up session

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 7 to 11 on Wednesday 19 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Vaccinate UK are coming in on Tuesday 25th November in the afternoon to deliver a catch-up session of the flu vaccine. If your child has not received it, please use the link below to accept or decline the vaccine. Information leaflet is attached with the link. If your child received the vaccine earlier this term then please ignore this message; you do not need to do anything.

file://ss-svr-004.sele.herts.sch.uk/Staff%20User%20Areas/Judith%20Adams/Downloads/E-consent%20parent%20information%20-%20Herts.pdf

Judith Adams; Administrator / Clerk

Year 7 Parental Engagement Evening - Monday 24 November

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 7 Students on Tuesday 17 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We warmly invite you to attend a Parental Engagement Evening on Monday 24^th November from 4:30pm - 5:30pm. The focus will be on gathering feedback about your child's experience at The Sele School since joining us in September.

This informal evening offers a valuable opportunity to meet with members of the Senior Leadership Team and Governors to discuss the positive aspects of your child's transition and current experience at The Sele School, as well as providing the opportunity to share any areas you feel we can further improve upon to enhance your child's school experience. SLT will be available to answer any specific questions you may on specific areas within the school's operation and curriculum.

We are keen to continue to develop our working relationship with families and your feedback is crucial in helping us continue on this journey.

To ensure we can cater appropriately for light refreshments, please confirm your attendance by Friday 21st November by completing the online form. Parental Engagement Evening – Fill in form

We look forward to meeting you and engaging in a productive conversation.

Yours sincerely,

Miss S Burgess; Senior Assistant Headteacher and Head of Post 16.

Tag Archery - Attendance Reward

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 14 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are delighted to announce the launch of a new initiative designed to celebrate and reward students who consistently demonstrate the highest standards of attendance and positive classroom behaviour.

We know that regular attendance and a settled, positive approach in lessons are the foundations for academic success and a great learning environment for everyone. To encourage these vital habits, we are launching the Tag Archery Express reward. Students who meet the criteria will earn a free, dedicated Tag Archery session with their year group. This is a fun, active, and exciting opportunity to celebrate their commitment to learning.

This is an automatic reward based on the data we collect during the next three weeks from the 17^th November to the 6^th December. To qualify for a spot on the Tag Archery Express, students must meet both of the following requirements during the designated period:

The student must achieve 100% attendance across all lessons, registration, and required school sessions.
The student must receive no removals from any lesson due to behavioural issues.

This system is designed to provide immediate, tangible recognition for the students who come to school ready and willing to learn every day.

If your child is struggling with attendance or behaviour, please remember our pastoral team and attendance team are available to offer support and discuss strategies.

Kind regards

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Year 7 and 8 Festive Dance

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 7 & 8 Students on Thursday 13 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Friends of Sele School (FOSS) are delighted to invite all of our Year 7 and 8 Students to their very own Festive Dance on Thursday 4 December 2025. From 6.00pm to 8.00pm our resident DJ will be making sure that the party goes with a swing.

Tickets are just £3 each and the entry price will include a glow stick and Haribo.

There will be a 'tuck shop' for some (before) midnight feasts and/or students are very welcome to bring a refillable water bottle. Tickets can be purchased on Arbor.

We look forward to a fun filled festive evening!

Kind regards,

FOSS (Friends of Sele School)

November Newsletter

The November Newsletter was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 12 November 2025, please click on the image to go to the Newsletter.

Mock Examination Timetable Amendments

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 11 and 13 on Tuesday 11 November 2025

Dear Parent or Carer

The Year 11 and 13 Mocks kick off this week with the first Food Tech Practical tomorrow followed by Art and Drama on Thursday.

There have been multiple changes made to the original timetable, due to following advice from the core subject advisors that have been assisting us.

The latest change is on Wednesday 19^th November, the morning and afternoon exams have been swapped, as the English Literature exam is now 2h 15m long. We have moved this exam to the morning to accommodate the increase in time and to ensure students use their extra time to the full potential. An updated timetable is attached.

Please take a look at the exams section on our website, where you can find lots of information about exams; https://www.sele.herts.sch.uk/Our-School/Examinations/

Students also need to ensure they bring the correct equipment for their exams; a stationary list can be found here; https://www.sele.herts.sch.uk/Examination-survival-and-Stationery-Guide/

Students will need to ensure they have their Chrome books in school and charged for the Drama Exam(13^th November) and Photography Exams(24^th/25^th November). If they do not have their own Chrome book, they will need to ensure they borrow one using the normal process, before the exam starts.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards

Mrs Beth Savage; Exams Officer

TikTok/Snapchat - inappropriate and potentially harmful messages and images

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 10 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

The school has become aware of the existence of unverified social media accounts on TikTok and Snapchat that are circulating inappropriate and potentially harmful messages and images concerning our students.

The content being shared includes materials that are deeply upsetting, damaging to the reputation and well-being of the individuals involved, and constitute a serious breach of school policy and potentially the law. While we are actively working to identify and report the accounts, the nature of these platforms allows information to spread rapidly and anonymously.

We are officially reporting this matter to the Police/Safer Schools Team. We will cooperate fully with them to ensure that appropriate legal steps are taken against those responsible for creating and distributing this content. We urgently request your support in safeguarding our students. We understand that screening a child’s phone can be difficult, but in light of this situation, it is necessary.

Check your child’s phone for any evidence of these inappropriate messages, images, or links to the offending TikTok or Snapchat accounts.
Ensure your children do not have hidden, secondary, or "finsta" accounts on any social media platform that might be involved in creating or spreading this harmful material.

The safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We thank you for your vigilance and support as we address this.

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Odd Socks Day and Children in Need 2025

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 7 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Please find below information on events taking place in school next week.

Odd Socks Day

From Monday 10th to Friday 14th November, The Sele School will be supporting Anti-Bullying Week.

On Friday 14th November, everyone is invited to celebrate ‘Odd Socks Day’ by wearing odd socks to school. Odd Socks Day promotes the message that everyone is different and everyone is unique and that we should remember to be kind to each other and respect each other’s individuality.

Children In Need

On Friday 14th November, The Sele School will be supporting Children in Need. In order for students to take part, please submit a donation of £1 via the Arbor payment portal. We expect students to be in school uniform on the day but they can wear one item that is yellow in addition to the regular uniform, and their odd socks. A yellow jumper for example, must be worn over the shirt and tie.

Kind regards

C Quach; Headteacher

Poppy Appeal

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 5 November 2025

Good morning

At The Sele School we are happy to support the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

We are aware that people do not often have cash on them, so this is just to let you know that Sixth form students will take the poppies around to form groups so that students may donate cash and wear a poppy if they wish to do so. At other times, the poppies will be available in reception. We would ask for donations of at least £1 but obviously this is at your discretion.

Many thanks as always for your continued support

Kind regards

Judith Adams; Office Manager

Head lice

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 7 Students on Wednesday 5 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are writing to inform you that there has been a recent report of headlice within the school community. While this is a common occurrence among school-aged children, we would like to take proactive steps to help prevent further spread.

How to check for headlice:

Examine your child’s hair regularly, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
Look for live lice, which are small and grey-brown, or eggs (nits), which appear as tiny white/yellowish dots attached firmly to the hair shaft.

If you find headlice:

Please begin treatment immediately. Pharmacy treatments are widely available, or you may choose to remove lice and eggs by regular combing with a fine-toothed nit comb.
Follow the instructions provided with your chosen treatment.
Ensure that all family members are checked and treated if necessary.

How to help prevent headlice:

Check your child’s hair weekly.
Encourage children to avoid sharing hats, brushes, hair accessories, or headphones.
Keep long hair tied back, if possible.

We understand this situation can be frustrating; however, with prompt action and regular checking, the spread of headlice can be controlled effectively. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Please see attached link to NHS for further advice

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/

Thank you for your cooperation.

C Quach; Headteacher

Reminder: Year 11 Mock Examinations

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Tuesday 4 November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

This is a reminder that Year 11 mock exams are taking place next week. These exams help students prepare for their real GCSEs. Please make sure your child brings the right equipment for every exam. All items must be in a clear pencil case.

Equipment needed for all exams:

Several black pens
HB pencil
Eraser
Sharpener
Ruler

Extra equipment for Maths and Science exams:

Maths set (compass, protractor, ruler)
Scientific calculator (all stored data must be cleared before the exam)

Students may bring a bottle of water. All labels must be removed; Juice and fizzy drinks are not allowed. Smart watches and phones are also not allowed in the exam space.

There will be a Year 11 assembly on Friday to remind students about exam rules. These rules are the same as the real GCSE exams. If rules are not followed, it could lead to disqualification in the real exams.

Thank you for your support,

Kind regards

C Quach; Headteacher

Half Term Message

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 24 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

As the first half term draws to a close, I want to take a moment to celebrate the brilliant start our students have made and provide information for after half term.

A highlight has been the introduction of House non-uniform days, which have been a fun way to foster team spirit and celebrate our community. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Cultural Appreciation Food Market, a fantastic event that allowed students to explore and enjoy diverse cuisines and traditions. The Newsletter will be sent out with more information on these and other achievements from this half term.

We've seen an improvement in attendance this term, and that's down to the consistent encouragement you provide at home. However, there is still more work to be done. We know that higher attendance leads to happier and more successful students (as research consistently shows), so please keep encouraging your children to be in school, on time, every day. We have weekly and termly rewards for attendance and we are sending positive messages home weekly for 100% attendance.

You may have heard about the Golden Ticket system. This initiative has been a great success, rewarding positive behaviour and effort by giving students special access to the Games Room. It's wonderful to see how motivated students are to earn this privilege. Students have a survey to feedback on our new rewards and behaviour processes and a link to a survey will be sent to parents shortly. We also need your continued support in helping your children meet uniform expectations. Specifically, please note that hoodies are not a replacement for a coat and school jumpers are not be be worn in place of a blazer. As the weather gets colder, please ensure your child has the appropriate school uniform and suitable outerwear. Reminder that uniform is checked daily and at the start of the half term we always have a big drive. Students who cannot meet expectations can be sent home. The uniform expectations are listed on our website, please refer to this link https://www.sele.herts.sch.uk/Uniform/

Our new behaviour policy is largely successful, creating a more settled and focused learning environment for everyone. However, I must address an increase in vexatious or defamatory calls and emails directed towards school staff from a few of our parents and carers. We value our partnership with parents and are always open to constructive dialogue. We are a team of professionals committed to your child's success, and we ask for your trust and respect in our work. Please know that while we are always here to talk, the school reserves the right to take necessary steps, including barring parents or carers, in response to abusive communication. We look forward to continuing to work together constructively for the benefit of all our students.

Please remember that we return after the half-term break on Monday, November 3rd, with a normal start time of 8:40am.

Kind regards

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Herts Police - Knife Angel Art Competition

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 24 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Please see message below from the Police and Crime Commissioner's office along with poster regarding the competition.

As you may know, the Knife Angel is a striking monument aimed at raising awareness of the destructive effects of Knife Crime. It's staying in Hertfordshire for the month of October - after arriving in Welwyn Garden City earlier in the month. You can read more here: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/news/article/395/knife-angel-arrives-in-welwyn-garden-city

Please encourage your young people to take part in the competition - either individually or in groups - and feel free share to these graphics within your school, venue and/or network.

Application forms and more information about the competition - including Rules and Terms & Conditions - can be found here: https://www.herts-pcc.gov.uk/getting-involved/how-to-get-involved/knife-angel-art-competition/

Kind regards,

Nat Chapman | Outreach and Engagement Advisor

Office of Jonathan Ash-Edwards | Police & Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire

Year 10 Progress Evening

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 10 Students on Wednesday 22 October 2025

Dear Parent and Carers

It is Year 10 Progress Evening tomorrow. and just to remind you that you can still book appointments until 4pm today!

Attending this evening and speaking with your child's teachers is crucial and highly recommended as your child stands at a pivotal point in their education. Year 10 marks the official start of the GCSE curriculum, and this evening provides a vital opportunity to:

Review Early Progress: Understand how your child is settling into their GCSE courses and identify any areas where they may need additional support.
Discuss Targets: Gain insight into the specific academic targets set for your child in each subject.
Plan Ahead: Collaborate with teachers on strategies to ensure a successful transition into the final year of Key Stage 4.

If you have not yet booked your time slots, please ensure you do so by 4pm today

Your partnership is essential to your child's success, and we look forward to meeting with you.

For Students who are in Maths 10/MA2 ONLY

Mrs E Hammond is very much looking forward to meeting you and discussing your child's progress in Maths. However, due to the timing of her arrival, we were unable to include her in the online booking system for this evening.

Upon arrival at the Parents' Evening, please go directly to Mrs Hammond where a sign-up sheet will be available. Slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mrs Jo Smith; Pastoral Admin Assistant

Year 11 - Review of Online Learning Platforms and Study Tools

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Tuesday 21 October 2025

Dear Year 11 Students and Parents,

As part of our support for your upcoming studies and exam preparation, we’re reviewing the list of online learning platforms and study tools that students regularly use as suggested by our student body.

We understand that some useful websites or programmes may currently be blocked by our school’s filtering system. To ensure you have access to the right resources, please use the link below to identify the online programmes or study websites you use for schoolwork or revision that are currently inaccessible on the school network. Please complete this by 31^st October 2025.

https://forms.office.com/e/S0qfKzrysR

QR code

Thank you for your help in making sure our network supports your learning effectively.

Kind regards,

C Quach; Headteacher

School Production - Our Day Out

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 20 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

This year our school production will be 'Our Day Out' by Willy Russell. We are very excited to begin the show.

The play takes us on a journey through comic highs and emotionally challenging scenes. Set in the 1970's, Mrs Kay's 'Progress Class' are unleashed for a day's coach trip to Conwy Castle in Wales, stopping off at the café, the zoo, the beach and the funfair.

The children take advantage of these numerous opportunities to bicker, fool around and get lost. Russell presents an exuberant celebration of the joys and agonies of growing up and being footloose, fourteen and free from school. This tender comedy points at the suggestion that these disadvantaged children have little else to look forward to.

If students wish to be part of this incredible show, they will need to attend workshop auditions on:

Tuesday 21^st October '25- 3.15pm - 4.30pm in the Drama Studio

and

Wednesday 22^nd October '25- 3.15pm- 4.30pm in the Drama Studio

On the Tuesday, the session will begin with workshop rehearsals, auditions then take place. Students do not need to prepare anything or learn lines. After students have completed their audition extract, they will then have permission to go home and will not need to wait around. On the Wednesday, only those who did not audition on the Tuesday will need to attend. Again, after the audition extract, they will have permission to go home and will not need to wait around.

Casting decisions will be announced after the half term break. All lead roles will then be needed on Monday's, Wednesday's and Thursdays leading up to Christmas (3.15pm-4.15pm). The full cast including all extras will then be needed from January to February '26 on Monday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's (3.15pm-4.15pm). All notices informing who will be needed and when will be placed on the Drama room door. Students will be informed a week in advance when needed. The performance nights for our school production are planned to be on the evenings of Wednesday 4^th February '26 and Thursday 5^th February '26. Students will be required to attend at 5.30pm for performances at 7.00pm until approx. 8.45pm.

We are looking forward to seeing students in auditions.

Kind regards

Mrs L Vivian; Head of Performing Arts

Mock Examinations Timetable for Years 11 and 13

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 11 and 13 on Monday 20 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Please find attached a timetable for the Year 11 and Year 13 Mock Exams taking place in November and December.

Students will not be on study leave for this mock examination period. If a student does not have an exam, they are expected to attend lessons as timetabled.

We take mock exams very seriously and treat them with the same rules and expectations as public exams.

You can find important information about exams on our website, please take a look and share with your child- https://www.sele.herts.sch.uk/Our-School/Examinations/

Students are expected to bring the correct equipment needed for each exam, please see ‘examination survival and stationary guide’ https://www.sele.herts.sch.uk/Examination-survival-and-Stationery-Guide/

Seating plans and room lists will be displayed outside the hall every day. Students are expected to meet in the hall 20 minutes before the exam start time.

The group lists for Photography, Art and Food practical exams can be found on the Exam’s Noticeboard in the canteen.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing Beth Savage, Exams Officer bsavage@sele.herts.sch.uk.

Kind regards

Mrs Beth Savage; Exams Officer

Changes to Communication and Information Sharing with the NHS

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 20 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

We are writing to inform you of changes to immunisation sessions at schools and to inform you that we are required to send parental details to the NHS and Vaccinate UK as follows:

NHS England are introducing a new digital service that will change the way vaccinations are managed in schools.

The new service will allow the NHS and Vaccinate UK to contact parents and guardians directly to request consent for vaccinations. They will ask school to provide email addresses and phone numbers for parents and guardians of children who are eligible for vaccinations and they will use these contact details to send consent requests and reminders. This means online forms will no longer be sent via the school. Parents will be directed to the NHS team for any query they may have. The NHS state 'All data in the digital service will be securely stored in line with NHS guidelines'

This is copied from the Gov.UK website, information for schools:

What data needs to be shared with the immunisation team and why

GDPR allows data sharing

You will need to provide data to support immunisation programmes in your school. This includes:

sharing information leaflets and consent forms with parents or carers
providing a list of eligible children and young people, and their parents’ or carers’ contact details to the school age immunisation team

Sharing these contact details does not mean that a vaccine will be given. A parent or carer will need to give their consent for a vaccine to be given to their child.

There is a lawful basis for you to share information with school immunisation teams under article 6(1)(e) of UK GDPR;

This states that the information can be shared if “processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller”. This means that the school can share this information with immunisation programmes as it is in the public interest.

Sharing information with immunisation programmes is part of the exercise of a school’s official authority. Schools also have a duty to support wider public health. Data protection laws do not prevent you from sharing personal data where it is appropriate to do so in a fair and lawful way, and in this instance, it is beneficial to do so.

Kind regards

Judith Adams; Office Manager

Girls on Board Programme

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 17 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We understand that while friendships are a vital part of school life, they can sometimes lead to what we call "friendship turbulence" the natural ups and downs, conflicts, and misunderstandings that all young people experience. As a school we have historically tried to have the adults intervene but this has often made the situation in the students' eyes, worse.

To proactively address these challenges and to help our students develop lifelong emotional resilience, we are excited to announce that we are adopting the Girls on Board approach across our school, starting next half term.

Girls on Board is a proactive, evidence-based program developed by former headteacher Andrew Hampton. It is designed to help girls (and the adults who care for them) understand the complexities and dynamics of their friendships.

The fundamental principle of the program is empowerment. Instead of adults (teachers or parents) stepping in to investigate and resolve every conflict, the Girls on Board approach provides the girls with the language, methods, and ideas to navigate social challenges and find their own solutions. The program recognizes that girls are almost always the only ones who truly can solve their own friendship issues.

In the past, when a conflict arose, the natural tendency was often for teachers or parents to mediate. However, research and feedback from students suggest that adult intervention can sometimes make the situation worse or prolong the issue.

The Girls on Board model changes the role of the adult from a judge or detective to a supportive coach. By using consistent language and simple analogies, we can help a girl reflect on her feelings and choices, building the confidence and independence she needs to navigate social situations effectively.

By placing the responsibility for resolution back into the girls’ hands, the program aims to:

Build Resilience: Equip students with skills they will use throughout their lives.
Increase Empathy: Help girls understand the multiple perspectives at play in group dynamics.
Improve Focus: Reduce the distraction and anxiety caused by social issues, allowing them to focus more effectively on their learning.

Staff have completed extensive training to become certified Girls on Board Champions. We will be integrating the program into our curriculum and holding dedicated sessions with our students next half term. We will be training more staff in this approach in the weeks ahead.

Crucially, the program is most effective when the home and school approaches are aligned. We need your support to reinforce this new philosophy. We have included a parental guide on the programme to support your understanding. We believe the Girls on Board approach will be a transformative addition to our pastoral care provision, creating a happier, more resilient, and more focused student body.

Kind regards

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

GCSE - Year 11 Information for Mock Examinations and Core Subjects

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Friday 17 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this email finds you well. As we move further into this crucial exam year, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that every Year 11 pupil receives the very best support and preparation possible for their upcoming GCSEs.

To strengthen the quality of teaching and maximise outcomes, we are delighted to confirm that the school will be bringing in subject specialists in English, Mathematics, and Science to bolster our provision. These highly skilled professionals will work closely alongside our existing staff to provide personalised guidance for our Year 11 students. Our goal is to make sure every pupil is fully equipped and confident in these core subjects ahead of their final exams.

In addition, we are seeking to appoint a fixed-term member of staff in the Photography and Art department. This will allow Miss Burgess to dedicate time to working strategically with the subject specialists, ensuring that all support systems are fully aligned and effectively implemented across the curriculum. This is part of our broader strategy to create the best possible learning environment and ensure every student has access to the expertise they need.

We would also like to confirm that Year 11 mock examinations will begin during the week commencing Monday 10th November. The practical subjects will take place during the first week, with the theory examinations scheduled slightly later. This adjustment has been made to ensure fairness for students participating in the upcoming Spanish trip, so that no one is disadvantaged by their involvement in this valuable enrichment experience.

We are extremely proud of our Year 11 cohort and confident that, with the additional specialist support and the continued hard work of both students and staff, this will be a successful and rewarding year for all. We truly appreciate your continued encouragement and partnership as we work together to help your children achieve their very best.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how you can further support your child’s preparation, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

Mr Quach; Headteacher

Year 10 Progress Evening

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 10 Students on Thursday 16 October 2025

Dear Parent/Carer

On Thursday 23rd October 2025 we will be holding our Year 10 Progress Evening from 4:30pm to 6:30pm in the School Hall.

This important event will give you the opportunity to meet your child’s subject teachers to discuss their academic progress.

Please note:

Mr Hughes (PE) will be available until 6pm

Mrs Calaz (Teacher of dance) will be unavailable until after 5.15pm

Mrs Braggins-Elder will be unavailable on the night so a separate email will go to her students

Booking is online via the Arbor App which we will open from 9am Monday 20th October 2025 and close on Wednesday 22^nd October 2025 at 4pm.

If you are unable to make an appointment or have any queries regarding our Year 10 Progress Evening, please do not hesitate to contact me at jsmith@sele.herts.sch.uk

Yours sincerely

Mrs Jo Smith; Pastoral Admin Assistant

Spanish Event - After-school Movie

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 16 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are pleased to inform you that our Spanish department will be hosting an exciting after-school event for our students!

Movie: Coco

· Theme: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

· Date: 22th October

· Time: 3:30 PM (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes)

· Venue: Spanish Classroom (maximum 30 students)

The movie Coco offers a wonderful cultural experience, focusing on Día de los Muertos, an important holiday in many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Mexico. This animated film by Pixar explores the significance of family, tradition, and the afterlife, offering students a fun and meaningful way to connect with Hispanic culture.

This after-school movie is a great opportunity for your child to enhance their understanding of the Spanish language and Hispanic traditions while enjoying a popular and engaging film.

Pickup will be at approximately 5:15pm.

We kindly ask that you complete and return the attendance slip below by Monday 20th October to confirm your child’s participation. Should you have any questions or require further details, please do not hesitate to contact me on

YPerezCorcino@sele.herts.sch.uk

We look forward to seeing your child at this enriching and enjoyable event!

Please confirm your child's attendance by answering the statements below via email to YPerezCorcino@sele.herts.sch.uk or printing and completing the reply slip below

Attendance Confirmation Slip

Please complete and return this slip by [insert deadline date].

I, the parent/guardian of _________________________ (student’s name), confirm that my child will be attending the after-school movie screening of Coco on 22th October from 3:30 PM to 5:15 PM.

Parent/Guardian Name: _______________________________ Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________

Kind regards

Miss Y Perez; Spanish Teacher

Friday 24 October is a Non-Uniform 'Own Clothes' Day

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 13 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are pleased to announce that Friday 24th October will be a non-themed 'own clothes' day for all pupils.

The purpose of this day is to raise funds for our House System, which supports prizes, activities, and events designed to give back to pupils throughout the school year. Pupils who wish to take part are asked to donate £1, either through Arbor (via the shop feature) or by bringing a £1 coin on the day. If bringing cash, form tutors will collect donations during morning registration and pass them to the Finance Office.

We completely understand that some parents, carers, or pupils may choose not to donate, and that is absolutely fine. If this is the case, pupils should attend school in full school uniform as normal and will take part in the school day as usual.

To ensure expectations remain clear:
• This is an own clothes day, not a themed event.
• Clothing must be appropriate for a normal school day.
• The usual rules regarding jewellery, makeup, and footwear remain in place.
• No pyjamas, cropped tops, or revealing clothing should be worn.
• Pupils wearing clothing deemed inappropriate or unsuitable for school will be sent home to change.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us raise funds to reward and celebrate our pupils.

Kind regards

Mrs G Braggins-Elder; Music Teacher and House System Coordinator

Annual Cultural Food Market - Wednesday 22 October

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 13 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are excited to inform you that our School Council will once again be hosting the annual Cultural Food Market on Wednesday, 22^nd October as part of our Black History Month celebrations and in recognition of cultural appreciation. This event has been a huge success for the past four years, with over 20 different cultures represented each year, and we are looking forward to another fantastic experience this year.

Students have the opportunity to sign up and lead a food stall representing a culture of their choice, if your child wishes to participate, they need to let me know by Wednesday 15^th October. We encourage students to actively participate by sharing food and traditions from their culture. We ask that students are able to store their food and no reheating of meat takes place.

In addition, students are invited to wear cultural dress on the day to celebrate the diversity within our school community.

We would also like to extend an invitation to parents and carers to join us for the event from 10:40 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. in the school hall. If you are planning to attend, please let us know in advance by replying to this email, so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

We look forward to celebrating this special event with you and our students.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Safety Notice issued by children's publisher - Puffin Books

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 13 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have been made aware of an important safety notice issued by the children’s publisher Puffin concerning books written by Andy Cope, including titles from the Spy Dogs, Spy Cats, and Spy Pup series.

Within some of these books, there is a web link encouraging children to “find out more” about the story online. Unfortunately, the domain for this link is no longer owned by the author and now directs visitors to a third-party website publishing pornographic material. The books are generally written for primary aged children and we are making you aware as you have younger children.

Please be assured that the stories themselves remain appropriate, and there is no suggestion that either Puffin or Andy Cope are responsible for the inappropriate content. However, to safeguard our students, we have checked our school library to ensure no books can be accessed.

If you find any of these books, we ask that you remove them from your child’s access. Please take this opportunity to remind your child not to follow any links or QR codes they may come across in books or online content without speaking to an adult first.

We are sharing this information to ensure all our families remain informed and that children are kept safe online, even when reading trusted books.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Vaccinations - Year 9 on Wednesday 15 October

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 9 students on Wednesday 8 October 2025

Good afternoon

If you have already responded to the NHS team regarding the Year 9 DTP/MEN vaccine, then you may disregard this further reminder.

The NHS team are in school on Wednesday 15 October to deliver the vaccine to Year 9 students and older students that may have missed it. The attached letter has details

Every child in Year 9 will have the opportunity for immunisation on the day. The electronic link to accept or decline this vaccination is open until midday on the day of the session and is on the attached letter. If parents have difficulty accessing the online consent form, please call the Immunisation Team on 0300 555 5055, Option 1. If you do not wish for your child to have the immunisations, you need to sign in the ‘No consent’ box; this will update their NHS record.

If you do not respond at all, it will take up valuable time on the day as the Team may then have to try and contact you on the day.

Kind regards

Judith Adams; Administrator

Invitation - CRE8 Stevenage Introduction Evening

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Monday 6 October 2025

Good morning

Please see and invitation below to a new post 16 provider holding an upcoming opening event:

We are delighted to invite you to our Introduction Evening for the CRE8 Stevenage Campus, for students wishing to join our exclusive college programme in September 2026!

📅 Date: Monday 20th October
🕖 Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, SG1 1LZ

https://www.vluk.org/study-with-us/cre8-stevenage

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

Meet the CRE8 team and learn more about our programmes
Explore how students can study a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media (equivalent to 3 A-Levels)
Discover pathways into careers in film, design, photography, social media, and more
Ask questions about applications, progression routes, and life at CRE8

If you are considering a future in the creative industries, this event will give you a clear insight into how CRE8 can help you build the skills, experience, and portfolio you need for success.

👉 Confirm your place here: https://forms.gle/CWNbwoxTa8UpwztG7

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the exciting opportunities available at CRE8 Stevenage.

Any further questions do not hesitate to reach out or follow us on socials for more update @LEARNTOCRE8

Best Wishes

CRE8 Stevenage

Regards

Liza Dawson; Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Flu Vaccinations - 8 October

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 3 October 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

If you have already replied to the invite for the flu vaccine then please disregard this message.

The Immunisation Team from Vaccinate UK will be in school on Wednesday 8 October to deliver the flu vaccine to students in Years 7 to 11. Please find attached form that gives details about the vaccine and an online link to either consent or decline the vaccine. Please note, school cannot do this for you, either use the online link or contact the team directly on 01462 427008 - the details are also on the form attached.

If you do not respond it will take up valuable time on the day as the team may try and contact you. Please also note this sentence on the attached form:

Secondary School students only: Young people under the age of 16 can give or refuse consent themselves if considered competent to do so by nursing staff.

I am also copying the link to consent or decline below:

https://bed.schoolvaccination.uk/flu/2025/hertfordshire

Kind regards

Judith Adams; Office Manager

Services for Young People

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Tuesday 30 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students

As your child is now in Year 11, they are entitled to a 1-2-1 appointment with Services for Young People. This will happen on Monday during the school day. Each appointment will last for 1 period.

You will receive an email in advance to inform you of the appointment. I would recommend talking about this opportunity prior to the appointment. Kath, our school advisor from SfYP offers independent, impartial advice about next steps Post-16.

You are entitled to attend this meeting with your child (although most parents and carers do not). If you would like to do this, please make sure you speak to reception in advance so we know you are coming.

If you have any questions regarding this appointment, please do not hesitate to get in touch. abrady@sele.herts.sch.uk

I have also attached the slides from last weeks assembly to Year 11 (which are also in the students google classroom), with regards to next steps. Please be aware that Open Days and events will be starting as of Tuesday 30th Sept, so I highly recommend you note a few in your calendar.

Kind regards

Mrs Anna Brady; Careers and Futures Lead

Careers Fair for Year 10 Students

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 10 Students on Tuesday 30 September 2025

Dear Parent or Carer

A virtual booklet for next Tuesdays (7th Oct) trip to The Beam Theatre careers fair 'Generation Hertford' has been sent direct to all Parents and Carers.

Within it you will find information about the companies that will be attending and some handy hints and tips to help the students make the most of their visit. Students have also had this document shared to them in their Year 10 google classroom.

If you would like to attend later, there is a twilight session that can be booked that runs from 3.30pm. Before your child attends, please take some time to talk to them about this event to help them to make the most of this great opportunity.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch abrady@sele.herts.sch.uk

Kind regards

Mrs Anna Brady; Careers and Futures Lead

Womens' Rugby - Taster Session

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 29 September 2025 and is from Datchworth RFC

Good Afternoon Parents and Carers

England's Red Roses have won the Women's Rugby World Cup! Not only have the Red Roses remained unbeaten for 33 games but this home World Cup Competition has broken attendance records for Women's Rugby across the world.

It is a very exciting time to be involved in Rugby and as a result Datchworth Rugby Club would like to invite your daughter to a free, 'girls rugby taster session' this Sunday 5th October, please see the attached poster for more details and to register attendance. If your daughter is unsure about coming alone encourage them to bring a friend along too.

If you cannot make this Sunday please do get in contact anyway and we can arrange for you to come along to another session. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Lynne Solomon

Datchworth RFC; Women & Girls Team Manager

Open Evening - Helpers Information

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students who have volunteered to help at Open Evening on Thursday 25 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your continued support with our upcoming Open Evening. Your child has kindly offered to support the school at this event, and we are grateful to have their help in showcasing what makes The Sele School such a special community.

Please follow the link below to give permission for your child to take part:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_i1Iqc1Oc06XzPN5XSGE3hN8QcDQCWlJuVzUbvAl6P9URVpOTEZTQUhSQUhVOE9BSkQyTktYNFVNRS4u

Kind regards

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Year 12 provision for 2026 - 2027

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Wednesday 24 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to inform you that we will not be opening our Year 12 intake for the 2026/27 academic year.

This provision is currently under review, and we are in active discussion about how best to shape it for the future. We have met with all the Year 11 students to explain the other A level and College pathways available to them and will support that process for every young person at Sele.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Quach; Headteacher

Open Evening

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Tuesday 23 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are delighted to let you know that our Open Evening will take place on Tuesday 30 September from 6pm to 8pm. This is always a highlight of the school year – a chance to celebrate our students, showcase their achievements, and share the spirit of our school with the wider community.

This will mean some alterations to the school day on Wednesday only. Tuesday will be a normal school day, but Wednesday 1 October will be a late start; all students are expected at 9.50am and should go straight to form rooms to register and hand in their mobiles. Students that often arrive early - please note, the gates will be locked and there will be no student access until 9.30am.

Our staff have been working hard to prepare, and the evening promises to be a vibrant showcase of everything that makes our school special. We are pleased that a significant number of students have volunteered to help on the night. Students that are helping at Open Evening will be expected to return to school at 5.30pm.

For parents of students who have kindly opted to support the school during the event, you will receive a separate email. This will include a link to provide consent and full details about pick-up arrangements; students will not be allowed back on site if consent has not been received.

Thank you, as always, for your support. We are looking forward to an inspiring evening that celebrates the very best of our school.

Kind regards

C Quach; Headteacher

Year 7 History Trip

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 7 Students on Monday 22 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

As part of your child’s historical studies of the Romans, a field visit has been arranged to the Verulamium Museum and St Alban’s Cathedral on Monday 17^th November 2025.

The visit is an integral part of their current studies of the Romans in Britain. The trip will include a visit to the Verulamium Museum where the students will be given an opportunity to handle some of the Roman artefacts found in the vicinity. They will also visit St Alban’s Cathedral where the students will be given a guided tour and will re-enact some of the Roman history that they have been studying.

The coach will leave school at 9am and students will register as normal beforehand. We aim to return to school at approximately 3.30pm so you will need to make arrangements for your child to be collected from school at this time. All students should wear full school uniform and bring a packed lunch.

A donation of £24.50 per student is required for this trip to go ahead. If you are likely to experience any difficulty in paying this money then you are advised to contact Mrs J Winship in the first instance. Payment should be made via the school’s Arbor system. Please be aware the deadline for payment is Monday 3 November 2025. Please give parental consent on Arbor and notify the school if there are any changes to the medical information that we have.

I am sure the students will learn a great deal from this visit as well as thoroughly enjoying the experience and I thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Mrs J Winship; Head of Humanities

Friday 26 September - House Colours Non-Uniform Day

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 18 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are excited to announce a House Colours Non-Uniform Day on Friday 26th September 2025.

To celebrate and promote house spirit, all pupils are invited to come to school wearing clothing in their House colour:

Scholar – Red
Ambition – Blue
Knowledge – Green
Challenge – Yellow

The colour worn must be clearly visible and form the main part of the outfit (e.g. a top or trousers), rather than just an accessory. If your child does not own an item of clothing in their House colour, they may wear their P.E. top, which displays their House colour.

This event is part of our ongoing efforts to build a vibrant House culture at The Sele School. A £1 donation will be payable via Arbor through the shop feature, and all funds raised will go directly towards House rewards, trips, and events for pupils.

To ensure the day runs smoothly:

No football or team shirts
No pyjamas or costumes
Clothing must be practical for a normal school day
All existing rules around jewellery and makeup still apply

Pupils whose clothing is deemed inappropriate or in breach of these expectations may be sent home to change.

We look forward to seeing the school filled with colour and House pride, and we thank you for supporting our pupils in making the most of this event.

Kind regards

Mrs Braggins-Elder; Head of House

Arriva Bus Strikes and School Transport

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 18 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We write to inform you of confirmed bus strike action by Arriva workers which is expected to affect services in our area. If your child catches an Arriva bus to school, these strikes may disrupt their normal transport to school. We wish to ensure that no student is disadvantaged as a result. We strongly encourage our school community to come together during this period of disruption. By organising carpooling or sharing lifts with other families, you can help ensure that every student is able to attend school and continue their learning without interruption. Even a small contribution, such as offering a lift to one or two children, can make a real difference. Working together as a community, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity to strengthen our neighbourly ties and support one another.

https://www.thecomet.net/news/25448105.hertfordshire-arriva-staff-strike-pay-offer/

Strike Dates
Industrial action has been announced for the following dates:

Tuesday 23 September – Friday 26 September
Wednesday 1 October – Saturday 4 October
Thursday 9 October – Sunday 12 October
Tuesday 14 October – Friday 17 October

School Response
If the Arriva strikes affect your child’s journey to school, please contact the school office as soon as possible on admin@sele.herts.sch.uk so we may compile a Late Exemption List to ensure that students arriving late due to the strikes are not penalised.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office in the first instance and they will direct your query to the relevant staff.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Quach; Headteacher

Prime Ministers Letter for Parents and Carers

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 17 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Please see attached letter that the Head has asked be sent to all families.

best start in life pm signed.pdf

Kind regards

Judith Adams; Office Manager

Flu Vaccines at School on 8 October - Consent Link now Open

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 7 to 11 on Wednesday 17 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers - please see email below from Vaccinate UK on behalf of the NHS, and attached e-consent that needs competing to either accept or decline the flu vaccine which takes place in school on 8 October

All queries should be sent directly to Vaccinate UK

Dear Parent/Carer/Guardian,

Flu has had a serious impact on the health of England’s population over the past two winters. Vaccinating your child helps reduce the risk of serious illness and plays an important role in protecting vulnerable individuals in your community, friends and family.

Our team will be visiting your child’s school soon to offer the flu vaccine. You can choose between the quick, painless nasal spray or a pork gelatine-free injection.

For further information about the vaccines, please read attached E-consent letter. Alternatively, click here Vaccination UK Immunisation. The form is available in 10 languages— select yours when it opens.

If you do not want your child to be vaccinated, please submit a decline via the same link to avoid further contact from our team.

Note: School aged children cannot receive this vaccination with their GP unless they are clinically vulnerable.

Thank you for your support.

Kind Regards,

Carol Beech – Office Administration

Free Opportunity for ages 13 - 16 and the University Of Hertfordshire

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 8 - 11 on Wednesday 17 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We’re delighted to let you know about a fantastic free opportunity for young people aged 13–16 at the University of Hertfordshire. The Film & Screen Saturday Club is returning due to popular demand, giving students the chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and explore their creativity.

The Club is part of the National Saturday Club Network and is supported by the British Film Institute and the University. Sessions take place on the Hatfield campus, where students will work alongside our film tutors and university students. They’ll also have the chance to contribute to a national exhibition and hear directly from industry experts.

The impact of this programme is clear:

93% of past participants reported developing new skills
81% said their confidence improved
84% felt their educational aspirations grew

One parent recently shared:
"My daughter has made good friends, had fantastic experiences, and has grown socially, emotionally and academically."

Places are limited to just 25 students, with sessions beginning in mid-October. To apply, please visit: https://saturday-club.org/map/#club=31473

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs Sharon Maxwell-Magnus directly at S.R.Maxwell-Magnus@herts.ac.uk

We hope your child will take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

Warm regards,

Mr C Quach; Headteacher

School Photographs

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Tuesday 16 September 2025

Dear Parents

Have you ordered your school photos yet? A polite reminder that the closing date for free delivery back to school isTuesday 23^rd September 2025. Order through the Tempest website using your unique link or visit www.tempest-orders.co.uk

If you need any assistance in ordering your photos, feel free to contact Tempest on 01736 751555 (option 3).

Many thanks

Liza Dawson; Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Behaviour Policy Information

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 11 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Further to my end-of-term letter sent in July, our new Behaviour Policy is now live and can be viewed on our school website here: Sele School Behaviour Policy 2025.

As shared in July, this policy has been shaped by feedback from parents, students, and staff. It places a strong emphasis on positive reinforcement, with a wider range of rewards, while also ensuring consequences are applied clearly and consistently.

For some students (and families), including our new Year 7s, everything is new, but our existing students will be familiar with different processes. All students have already been introduced to the new policy during form time, and next week they will attend a dedicated assembly to reinforce expectations and highlight the opportunities available through our reward system. We believe this updated approach will help create a more positive and supportive learning environment for all students, ensuring they are recognised for their efforts and understand the importance of meeting expectations.

We are grateful for your partnership in reinforcing these standards at home, as consistency between school and families is vital to the success of our approach.

Kind regards,

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Electives

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 8 - 11 on Wednesday 10 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are excited to inform you that elective selections for our students will be open tomorrow during form time. This presents a fantastic opportunity for your child to explore various interests and enhance their skills.

Please be aware that some electives may involve a cost, and certain activities are offsite. By signing up, you agree to cover any associated expenses and give consent for your child to participate in offsite activities. It's crucial to carefully review the details of each elective before making a selection. This will be open over the weekend for you to have an informed conversation with your child. The deadline is Monday and electives start Friday 19th September.

Additionally, certain electives are exclusive to particular year groups, and some are running for the entire year, making them unavailable for selection.

We encourage you to discuss the available options with your child, ensuring they make an informed and exciting choice. The list of electives is attached and all the information will be on your child's Google account over the weekend.

Thank you for your ongoing support in enriching the educational experience for your child.

Kind regards,

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Unlocking Opportunities - Barclays in England Apprenticeship Virtual Event

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 11 and 13 on Tuesday 9 September 2025

Good morning

Please see message below sent on behalf of Mrs Anna Brady, Careers Advisor.

Email from Barclays Bank

Barclays are hosting a virtual Early Careers event on the11^th September 2025.

This session is designed for students, parents, guardians, teachers, and career advisers who are interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities at Barclays in England.

During the event, attendees will be able to:

Learn about Barclays and its apprenticeship offerings
Explore Barclays campuses
Hear personal journey stories from current apprentices
Ask questions to a panel of Early Careers Leaders and existing apprentices

This one-hour event is aimed at students, parents, guardians, teachers, and career advisers, interested in finding out more about our apprenticeship opportunities.

Sue Farrugia l Local Specialist - Customer Care Colleague l Bishops Stortford l Hertfordshire and Essex | South Region

Mobile +44 (0) 7350370231 | Email: susan.farrugia@barclays.com

Please consider the environment before printing this email

Regards

Liza Dawson; Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Generations Careers

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 10 Students on Tuesday 9 September 2025

Good morning

Please see attachment sent on behalf of Mrs Anna Brady, Careers Advisor

Regards

Liza Dawson; Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Careers Event

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 9 to 13 on Tuesday 9 September 2025

Good morning

Please see message below from Mrs Anna Brady, Careers and Future Lead

Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal are running a Careers event at The Beam Theatre in Hertford on Tuesday 7^th October. This event will be attended by Year 10 during the school day but there is also a twilight session that runs from 3.30-5.30 for anyone else who would like to go along and find out about Career opportunities within Hertfordshire.

Please see the link below to sign up

https://www.hopinto.co.uk/events/generation-hertford-2025/

Regards

Liza Dawson; Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

New Term Information for Autumn 2025

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 3 September 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please be reminded of the start of term information sent out in our end of term letter in July.

A reminder that all students must return in full school uniform in September. Students who do not meet uniform expectations will be sent home to change. Please do check our school website for uniform guidance over the summer break if needed.

The first day back for students is Thursday 4 September:

Year 7 and Year 13: Arrive at 8:40am
Years 8, 9, 10 and 11: Arrive at 10:40am for break, with registration beginning at 11:10am

We look forward to our students returning for the academic year ahead.

Kind regards

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

A selection of letters sent home during Academic Year 2024 - 2025

Celebrating our students GCSE achievements

The following message was sent to parents and carers on Thursday 21 August 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

I am writing to share with you the GCSE outcomes for our students this year. First and foremost, I want to congratulate every student in Year 11 for their hard work, resilience, and commitment throughout their GCSE journey.

We continue to improve and build on our previous success with the number of students achieving a pass grade (4+) exceeding 60% which places us just above the national average. The number of students achieving a strong pass (5+) has also increased to include our creative subjects with nearly 4 out of every 5 students achieving that strong pass in Drama, and 1 in 2 students achieving that in Fine Art while History and Science continue to do exceptionally well with strong pass grades.

We are incredibly proud of the determination shown by our students, many of whom have overcome significant challenges along the way. Their efforts are a credit not only to themselves but also to the families and staff who have supported them.

Key Highlights from 2025 Results:

Strong passes (Grade 5+) were achieved across a wide range of subjects, including:

Modern Foreign Languages (39%)
History (58%)
Triple Science: Physics (55%), Biology (60%), Chemistry (60%)
Creative subjects: Fine Art (50%), Photography (37%), Drama (78%), Music (30%)
Practical subjects: Food Technology (43%), Religious Studies (75%), Business Studies (22%)

Many students achieved multiple strong passes, demonstrating both academic achievement and breadth across subjects.

We are committed to ensuring that every student leaves our school with the qualifications, skills, and confidence they need to thrive and continue to raise aspirations for all.

Finally, I want to thank you, our parents and carers, for the encouragement and support you have given your children. Working together, we will continue to help them achieve their very best.

Warm regards,

Chris Quach; Headteacher

Sele Newsletter

We hope that you will enjoy the final Newsletter of the 2024 - 2025 Academic Year, celebrating the many achievements of the Summer Term. Click anywhere on the image to read the Newsletter.

HOP into Apprenticeships & T Levels

The following message was forwarded to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 9 to 12 on Wednesday 23 July 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We’re pleased to invite you to the HOP Into Apprenticeships & T Levels – Hertfordshire Virtual Careers Fair, Wed 21^st Jan 2026 5.30pm-7pm. a free online event designed to help you, and your child explore future career pathways and training opportunities. Please register by Monday 19th January, 2026 for your free ticket by clicking here. HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels

Why Attend?
This event offers many benefits, including:

Free of charge to attend (fully funded by Hertfordshire Careers Hub)
Find out more about apprenticeships and T Level programmes with local training providers and colleges
Hear directly from Hertfordshire employers about opportunities and the recruitment process
Discover more about the skills and training provision being offered within Hertfordshire
Select which breakout room you would like to hear from
Ask questions and gather information from the comfort of your own home

Book Your Place Today HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels

Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book early to avoid missing out. Take this opportunity to discover inspiring career pathways and learn more about how to support your child’s next steps.

Read the attendee guidance ahead of the event to help you prepare.

Please register by Monday 19th January, 2026 for your free ticket by clicking here. HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels

Further info here: The Hertfordshire Virtual Careers Fair for parents and carers

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Kind regards

Shea Costello
Careers Hub Operational Lead M: 07976 610937 T: 01442 454338
E:shea.costello1@hertfordshirefutures.co.uk


Hertfordshire Futures address: Hertfordshire County Council, Farnham House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2ST

Pen Pal Exchange

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 9 and 10 who are taking Spanish GCSE on Wednesday 23 July 2025

Dear Parent or Carer,

We are excited to offer a new opportunity for our GCSE Spanish students to take part in a pen pal exchange with students from a school in Barcelona, Spain. This initiative aims to enhance their language learning through authentic, real-world communication with native Spanish speakers of a similar age.

Students will write letters by hand, which not only helps reinforce their written Spanish skills but also ensures the work is genuinely their own, avoiding the overuse or misuse of AI tools. The exchange will focus on topics aligned with the GCSE curriculum, such as family, school life, hobbies, and cultural traditions.

We believe this experience will be both educational and enjoyable, providing your child with meaningful insight into Spanish culture while improving their language fluency and confidence.

Please complete and return the consent slip below by 01/09/2025 if you are happy for your child to take part.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at YPerezCorcino@sele.herts.sch.uk

Kind regards,

Ms Perez; Spanish Teacher

End of Year Letter and Information for the new Academic Year

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 6 to 10 and to Year 12

Dear Parents and Carers,

Firstly, I would like to remind parents and carers that term finishes on Wednesday 23 July at 3.15pm. As we approach the end of a busy and successful academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to reflect on what has been a very positive end to the term.

Over the past few weeks, students have enjoyed a vibrant programme of activities, including our Sports Days, the time capsule event, tutor picnics, and Year 7 and Year 8 trips. These opportunities have provided fantastic moments of celebration and community spirit across the school. We still have our eagerly anticipated House Festival to look forward to on the final day, a fitting way to end the year together.

I am pleased to share that our attendance drive has had a real impact, with noticeable improvements across the final half term. We are incredibly proud of our students’ efforts, and we are excited to introduce a wider range of rewards next year to continue recognising and encouraging excellent attendance and behaviour. In response to feedback from parents, students and staff, we are also introducing a new behaviour policy from September. This policy will place greater emphasis on consistency, positive reinforcement, and a clear system of rewards. Full details will be shared with students in the new academic year.

This term we also celebrated the achievements of our third cohort of 'We Will Build It Better' students as part of our ongoing and successful partnership with Airbus, which continues to go from strength to strength. We are incredibly proud of the opportunities this partnership brings to our students and look forward to further collaboration in the coming year.

We’ve also been working hard to improve the school environment. This year has seen significant investment in the playground, tennis courts, and toilets, and we are planning further improvements to the school hall, electrical systems, CCTV, and changing facilities in the near future.

The first day back for students is Thursday 4 September:

Year 7 and Year 13: Arrive at 8:40am
Years 8, 9, 10 and 11: Arrive at 10:40am for break, with registration beginning at 11:10am.

We have achieved a great deal together and your partnership has been crucial in ensuring the success and well-being of our students. I wish you all a safe, happy, and restful summer break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September, refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Ofsted Report

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 11 June 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are delighted to share our Ofsted report with you; we are rated Good across all four areas: Quality of Teaching, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management. We are extremely proud of our staff and students achieving this improvement in the space of 30 months. Onwards and upwards!

Please use the link below to gain access to the report

https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/138484

Kind regards

Chris Quach; Headteacher

Important Safeguarding Concerns

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Tuesday 10 June 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are writing to make you aware of some recent safeguarding concerns relating to the Netflix series Ginny & Georgia, which is now in its third season (first released in 2021). While we appreciate that viewing choices at home are entirely personal and not something the school seeks to police, we feel it is important to share this information in case you are unaware.

We have recently observed some copycat behaviours among students that appear to be influenced by themes and scenarios portrayed in the series. Ginny & Georgia, which carries a 15+ age rating. This includes references to sex, alcohol, drugs, and self-harm. These themes may not be suitable for all young viewers, particularly those under the recommended age.

We are sharing this simply to support families in making informed decisions about what their children are accessing online and to encourage open conversations where needed.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us to keep all students safe and well.

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

School-age children and work

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 22 May 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

I wanted to bring to your attention a matter regarding a local food business situated opposite the school. Recently, it has come to our notice that a number of our students have been spending time at the jerk chicken outlet, occasionally helping out in exchange for food.

While we understand that this may seem like a harmless and even generous arrangement, we do have a duty of care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our students. Informal working arrangements, no matter how well-intentioned, can pose health and safety risks, as well as raise concerns around safeguarding and appropriate employment practices.

We have spoken with the business owner, who shares our desire to ensure young people are kept safe and supported. We are keen to maintain a positive relationship with local businesses and recognise the value of work experience opportunities for our students.

We want to reassure you that we are not discouraging young people from gaining experience or exploring the world of work. These can be valuable and rewarding experiences when done properly. However, we strongly advise that any such arrangements are made with full parental knowledge and consent, and that safeguarding and safety checks are considered. Please be advised that employers must apply for a permit for a school aged child to work for them in Hertfordshire. A school aged child is defined as being between 13-16 years old. They're no longer legally classed as a school-aged child from the last Friday in June in the academic year in which they reach 16. Please see the link below for more details.

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/young-people-and-work/apply-for-a-childs-work-permit/apply-for-a-childs-work-permit.aspx#:~:text=Employers%20must%20apply%20for%20a,in%20which%20they%20reach%2016.

Kind regards,

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

Year 7 - French Pen Friend Exchange

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 7 Students on Tuesday 29 April 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

We are thrilled to announce that our Year 7 students will be taking part in an exciting pen pal exchange with a school in Évron, France! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to put their French learning into practice, make international connections, and gain insight into life in a French-speaking country.

As part of this exchange, our students have been working hard on their writing skills, and they are now able to introduce themselves in French. They can share details such as their age, birth month, appearance, personality, nationality, and whether they have any pets or siblings. To kick off this exchange, we will soon be sending postcards to our new pen pals in Évron, giving our students a real-world context for their language learning.

If you would prefer for your child not to take part in this exchange, please inform me in writing by Tuesday 6th May. Without written communication from you, we will assume that you are happy for your child to participate. You may email me on hhughes@sele.herts.sch.uk

We are so excited to see our students develop their language skills and cultural understanding through this project. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Merci beaucoup et à bientôt

Miss H Hughes; Teacher of French

Working together to improve school attendance

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 13 December 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

At The Sele School, we value the partnership we have with our families in supporting every child’s education and well-being.

The Department for Education (DfE) introduced new statutory guidance relating to school attendance for the autumn term 2024. During this term we have been looking at how we best implement this guidance and ensuring our practices and processes are in place so that we can follow through with this latest statutory guidance. While we have always considered individual circumstances when addressing attendance issues, it is essential for us to align our practices with national expectations and ensure a consistent and robust approach.

We will be fully adhering to the Working Together to Improve School Attendance 2024 guidance. This means that we will take a more systematic approach to monitoring and addressing attendance concerns, always with the aim of supporting families and helping students maintain consistent school attendance.

The DfE have clear expectations of parents and it is important that you are aware of these expectations which are:

· To ensure their child attends every day the school is open except when a statutory reason applies.

· Notify the school as soon as possible when their child has to be unexpectedly absent (e.g. sickness).

· Only request leave of absence in exceptional circumstances and do so in advance.

· Book any medical appointments around the school day where possible.

· Work with the school and local authority to help them understand their child’s barriers to attendance should they occur.

· Proactively engage with the support offered by the school to prevent the need for more formal support.

It is important for all parents and carers to be aware that:

Attendance is crucial to your child’s academic success and personal development.
In line with national guidance, 10 or more sessions (equivalent to 5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-week period can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) being issued.

To provide a clearer understanding of how attendance percentages translate into missed learning time, please see the table below:

Attendance Percentage	Days of School Missed Per Year	Lessons Missed Per Year
95%	Nearly 2 weeks	Approximately 60 lessons
90%	19 days	Approximately 114 lessons

We remain committed to working collaboratively with families to address any barriers to attendance. If you are experiencing challenges that may affect your child’s ability to attend school, please do not hesitate to contact us; together, we can explore available support and solutions.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding as we implement these changes to ensure the best outcomes for all students at The Sele School.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact us.

Kind regards

Chris Quach; Headteacher

Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher

The letter below is from the 2023 - 2024 Academic Year

GCSE Results 2024

The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 22 August 2024

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Carers,

We hope you have had a lovely summer break.

I am delighted to say that our GCSE results are better than last year, which means we have achieved three consecutive years of academic improvements as measured by Progress 8. We are now in the 3^rd Quintile.

I want to congratulate all of our Year 11 cohort for their amazing achievements. But it does not stop here, we intend to hit 2nd quintile (to 40%) in the next two years and then 1^st quintile (top 20%) within 5 years.

1 in 3 (33%) students achieved a Grade 5 in both English and Maths

1 in 2 (50%) students achieved a Grade 5 in English

And just under 1 in 2 (45%) students achieved a grade 5 in Maths

However, the best results come from MFL and Science with the curriculum changes put into place.

In MFL, 1 in 2 achieved (53%) achieved a Grade 7 or higher

And in Science, 2 in 5 (39%) achieved a grade 7 or higher in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

GCSE	2022/23	2023/24
Triple Sci Entered
Physics 5+	48%	91%
Physics 7-9	12%	39%
Biology 5+	68%	83%
Biology 7-9	20%	39%
Chemistry 5+	60%	87%
Chemistry 7-9	16%	39%
MFL Entered
MFL 4+	73%	73%
MFL 5+	47%	73%
MFL 7-9	40%	53%

These results, alongside improvements in Maths, Humanities and across a range of subjects, mean that The Sele School celebrates another successful year of progress. Thank you to everyone for their constant support and belief; when we pull together our community benefits and most of our all, our children benefit.

Kindest regards,

Mr C Quach

MEd, BA Hon, PGCE, PACES, Dip. Trauma and Mental Health, PGCA, NPQEL

Headteacher