EXCELSIOR
PARENT/CARER BULLETIN
ANOTHERYEAROFSUCCESSATTHE EXCELSIORACADEMY
As the summer holidays passed, and we came together to celebrate the achievements of our Year 11 and Year 13 students,
I took some time to reflect on their journey through the school leading up to their examination results
For Year 11, in particular, there were some tough challenges, including starting secondary school in the middle of a global pandemic and lots of changes within the school as we introduced new systems to improve their chances of achieving their full potential. Their resilience and hard work paid off and we have welcomed many of them back to our sixth form this year
Year 13 achieved the best results ever at TEA. They believed in themselves and took their studies seriously, worked hard and achieved some exceptional outcomes, with which they are well placed to excel in their chosen pathways.
That’s what we all strive for at TEA We know that when we work together; students, staff and parents/carers, we can ensure that our young people will BELIEVE, ACHIEVE and EXCEL
We are now looking forward to another successful year, full of exciting opportunities for our students, and I am particularly looking forward to welcoming many of you to our Cultural Fayre on Friday 26 September as we celebrate our rich and diverse community!
WHAT’SBEENHAPPENING...?
When starting their journey in Year 7, our students have a lot to get their heads around.
They have to adapt to a new environment, explore new subjects, make new friends and get to grips with new systems and routines.
We are proud of the way our new Year 7 students have settled into life at the school. They look smart in their uniforms and are learning our new systems and routines quickly There are lots of opportunities for them to be proactive in learning, ask for help when needed, and get involved in extracurricular activities.
Our Year 7 Parent/Carer Information Evening next week a great opportunity for you to learn more about the curriculum, the overall running of the school and some of the opportunities that your child will have during the year.
The Sixth Form area has been transformed with state of the art features, making it a vibrant and inviting space for our KS5 students. With a fully stocked vending machine, cafe area, device charging ports and luxurious seating
We are pleased to welcome a new cohort of 100 Year 12 students into our ever growing Sixth Form They join our highly ambitious Year 13 students who are gearing up to send off university applications this term.
Drama students performed an extract from Lord of the Flies at the Hackney Empire in July Students gave 100%, and their performance was well received by the audience Look out for our annual performance in July 2026, which will be held at Stratford East Theatre
FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2025 TH THE EXCELSIOR ACADEMY
FAIR FAIR CULTURAL CULTURAL FAIR FAIR
SHACKLEWELL LANE, E8 2EY
TEA Enrichment Activities & Clubs Timetable 2025/26
ENRICHMENTATTEA!
No sign-up needed – just turn up! Looking to try something new or sharpen your skills? Join one of our many exciting clubs running this term:
Karate – build confidence and discipline
Computing Club – code, create & problem-solve Football – teamwork, fitness & fun
Crochet – get creative Choir – sing, perform & enjoy
✔ Open to all year groups ✔ Free to attend
✔ A great way to meet new people and develop new skills
See the Enrichment timetable around school or speak to your tutor for details. Come along, get involved, and make the most of life at The Excelsior Academy!
Mobile Phone Pouches
As you know, The Excelsior Academy has, for a number of years, not allowed the use of mobile phones in school.
This year, however, we have taken the decision to issue a lockable mobile phone pouch to each student. On arrival at school, students place their mobile phone in their pouch and then they lock the pouch. The phone remains locked in the pouch throughout the school day. At the end of the school day, students are able to unlock their pouches and retrieve their phones as they leave the school.
Why have we introduced the pouches?
The primary goal is to minimise digital distractions for students. This allows them to concentrate and focus on their learning without the urge to check their phones. When phones are locked away students are more likely to more likely to interact with each other which improves social communication and encourages students to have more ‘real life’ conversations with their peers.
A phone free environment helps to promote healthier attitudes towards technology, reduce anxiety, and decrease instances of cyberbullying, which can negatively impact mental health.
The use of pouches aligns with government guidance issued in February 2024 that instructs schools to adopt phone-free policies during the school day.
The response to this change from our students has been phenomenal.
