Parent Bulletin 18th Sept 2026
Message from Mrs Matthews
I hope you've had a good week and are looking forward to the weekend. After a first week welcoming back our students, settling in our Year 7s and clarifying expectations for the year ahead, we've had a busy week this week getting ready for our Open Evening - which is next Wednesday 23rd September, with our Open Mornings on the 24th, 25th, 28th and 29th. It's a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase our school and subjects, but the other things that make it a wonderful place to work and learn, best demonstrated by our students and staff. Please do encourage friends and family with Year 5 & 6 children to attend, even if they have current or past siblings etc here, as things have changed so much over the past few years, and especially recently with the new 3G pitch, Odette Hallowes Hall, Performing Arts Studio, B4 and B5, new Science Lab in B10 and of course the remodelled Canteen. Those students who join us in Year 7 for September 2027 will see even more change, with a £4.5 million expansion programme for new classrooms and remodelled outside social spaces, including a new 'Nugget' area!
Thank you for all your support as always. Please do keep reminding your child of those expectations each day, including equipment, correct uniform and punctuality, so that they can get the very most out of lessons and enrichment at our school.
Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Matthews
Insight into Apprenticeships
The final trip for last year's Insight into Apprenticeship students was to visit Muller in Bridgwater.
Students used this visit to hear about apprenticeship opportunities and recruitment. They also got to see plastic milk bottles being made and filled!
Year 11 Curriculum Evening
Year 11 Curriculum Evening was held on Wednesday 16th September, providing students and parents with valuable information about the year ahead as students prepare for their GCSE examinations in May.
During the evening, students had the opportunity to speak with local colleges about potential courses and future pathways, meet subject leaders from the core curriculum areas, and discuss any questions or concerns with their tutors.
The presentation shared key dates, expectations, and next steps with both students and parents. We were also delighted to welcome Adam Sturt, Principal of Taunton College, Parent and Governor at Court Fields, who spoke about the wide range of opportunities and progression routes available to students following the successful completion of their GCSEs.
Students reported that they found the evening both informative and valuable, helping them to better understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to continuing to support our Year 11 students throughout the year, working together to ensure they feel confident, prepared, and ready to succeed in their GCSE examinations next summer.
Guest Speaker visit
We were delighted to invite James Shakespeare from Evo Agency, Taunton to Court Fields this week, our first guest speaker of the academic year.
Speaking to our Year 9 students about his award-winning digital and e-commerce agency that designs websites, builds digital platforms, and runs targeted marketing campaigns.
Course Guides 2027/28
Year 11s, come and grab a copy of the Exeter College and UCS College Course Guides 2027/28 from the Library - there’s plenty!
Photo Ordering
All children in Years 7, 9 and 11, who had their photograph taken on Thursday by DSP Photography, should have brought home a slip with ordering information.
Please note that the images will be live to view/order approximately 10-15 working days after the photoshoot. You can register for an email update when the images are ready to view.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
Work Experience Reminder
Students will be on work experience the week commencing 30th November - 4th December (in 12 weeks)
If students are wanting to work for a business that IS NOT listed on the work experience database they will need to have a completed New Placement Form handed to Charity by 19th October. Students can collect this form from Charity directly.
If students have already informed Charity of their placement they will have received the necessary paperwork, which needs to be completed and returned as soon as possible. If they haven't had the paperwork please contact Charity
Library Updates
National Year of Reading
Graphic Novels are this month's National Year of Reading theme
Visit the library to discover how words and illustrations combine to create powerful and engaging stories. Then, pop in at break or lunchtime and get creative by designing your own comic!
Book Buzz is back!
We are delighted to be taking part in the Bookbuzz scheme again this year.
As part of the programme, the library will gift every Year 7 student a book to keep, helping them begin their reading journey at Court Fields.
Each year, an expert panel of librarians and teachers carefully selects 16 diverse and inclusive titles, offering something for every reader.
The collection includes both fiction and non-fiction books, covering a wide range of genres, interests and reading levels.
Next week, all Year 7 students will be invited to take part in the Bookbuzz scheme and choose the book they would like to receive.
If you would like to find out more about Bookbuzz, please visit the Bookbuzz website:
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/.../the-2026-bookbuzz.../
We're recruiting for an assistant caretaker!
Part time, permanent, all year round
25 hours per week
NJC Point 4 (£25,185 FTE – pay award pending)
Actual salary - £17,017 plus shift allowance
25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
Find more details and apply here: https://www.eteach.com/.../assistant-caretaker-1569629/...
Open Evening
If you have a child due to start secondary school in September 2027, we’d love to see you at one of our Open Evening next week!
All prospective families are welcome to the Open Evening, and Open Morning tours will need to be booked by contacting the school office via email or phone.
Please share with any other parents/carers that may be interested.
** Please note: School will finish at 1.30pm on Wednesday 23rd September to allow us time to prepare for the Open Evening, and there will be a late start on Thursday 24th at 9.05am. An email will be sent on Monday with further details.
