08/09/2026
RE: Expectations & Key Dates for Year 11
A big welcome back to all our students, in a year that sees them continue their GCSE courses.
After a very successful Year 10, I am writing to give you notice of some key Autumn Term dates and re-iterate expectations for the new school year. During the past year pupils have excelled on many levels, most noticeably with the excellent early entry GCSE results they achieved. It was wonderful to see students enjoy the usual end of term events such as Celebration Assembly, College Taster Days and Work Experience. I am pleased to have the year group back at school, and look forward to their final year at St Edmund’s.
I would just like to take this opportunity to remind parents of the following:
Attendance
Attendance and punctuality is extremely important as every lesson counts towards outcomes at the end of Year 11. All students should be in Tutor time/Assembly to start at 8.25, therefore students should aim to arrive by 8.15. After Christmas we will send communication out with regards students attending school till 4.10pm to allow for extra support and catch-up time in their subjects with Evening Prep lessons. Each student will have a bespoke timetable for Evening Prep along with their normal timetables. Evening Prep is compulsory for all pupils so other extra-curricular activities will need to be planned for after 4.10pm on those days.
Personal Qualities (PQs)
Students must come to school with the correct attitude to achieve their best, every individual deserves to succeed and with the positive ‘can do’ attitude will achieve their potential. Their PQ scores on every progress review report are based on Preparation for Learning, Behaviour, Homework and Effort. Students that continue to not achieve satisfactory scores will jeopardise their involvement in taking part in reward activities, including Prom and leavers events.
Uniform
The uniform policy at St Edmund’s is very clear. On the whole the students looked very smart throughout the Year 10. A reminder that wearing a school jumper is compulsory in the Autumn and Spring Term. The school will assess the weather day to day as to whether they can be taken off during the school day. Shoes need to be a formal shoe (as per the website) rather than a leisure shoe. Skirts must be of an appropriate length and not be more than an inch above the knee. Trousers must also be a straight cut, not skinny or tight fitting, or of canvas or jean style material, or contain any zips. Uniform allows for one pair of studs to be worn in the ear lobes, but no make-up or nail varnish/nail extensions. Eyelashes should look natural and extensions should be avoided. Hair must be kept clean and tidy. Hairstyles should be appropriate and not contain exaggerated colours, styles or adornments. No unnatural coloured braiding/weaves/dreadlock braiding beads or metal cuffs or extensions allowed. Hair should be the same natural colour throughout. Hair extensions are not permitted. Hair which is shaven should be no shorter than grade 1 and equal throughout. Hair with shaved head designs and undercuts are NOT permitted. Please check the website for further information.
Please be aware that over the next term there are a number of important events in the calendar for Year 11. So that you can plan ahead and are able to attend the parents’ events, whilst supporting your child, the details are as follows:
Autumn Term key dates:
11th September – Individual student photos
16th September - Post 16 Evening 4.30 – 6.30pm
All students and parents/guardians are expected to take the opportunity to meet representatives from colleges, universities and training providers plan for next year.
3rd October - St Edmund’s Open Morning - 9am-1pm
All prefects required for tours.
3rd November - Year 11 Exam Information Evening
All students are expected to attend with a parent/guardian.
12th November - Year 11 Parents’ Evening 4.00 – 6.30 pm
This parents’ evening will be virtual.
All pupils and parents are expected to make appointments and attend.
13th November - Mock Interview Day & PHSE day in school
27th November – Inset Day (school closed for all pupils)
7th-18th December - Year 11 GCSE Mock Exam fortnight
Advanced warning:
4th March Second Year 11 Parents’ Evening 4.00 – 6.30 pm
This parents’ evening will be virtual.
All pupils and parents are expected to make appointments and attend.
23rd April Year 11 Leaver’s Mass
All pupils are expected to attend this during the school day.
30th April Year 11 Leaver’s Tea
All pupils are expected to attend this during the school day. Some pupils may not be invited to attend if they do not meet requirements for the invite.
25th June Year 11 Prom
Invite only – Only pupils who meet the criteria will be invited.
Reminder messages will be sent regarding each of these events as we approach the relevant dates.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
I look forward to working with you and your child in the coming year.
Kind regards,
Year 11 Head of Learning
