11th September 2017
Dear Families A warm welcome back after our summer break and especially to our new families, new year 7s and reception children. Whilst hopefully we have all enjoyed some kind of break and rest, Simon Balle has not stood still. A big thank you to the hard work of the Premises and IT teams for the work they have done in preparing the campus for us as we come back. Some of our students also have enjoyed being part of the Simon Balle community, with a successful summer school and a brilliant music tour to the Ghent Music Festival. The “window walling� refurbishment continues to make good progress, although a little delayed following building regulation checks post Grenfell Tower. We hope that the majority of work will be completed by our important Open Morning (September 23) During the summer many of our students received their examination results and I am pleased to report that results were pleasingly high. All schools had expressed concerns with the uncertainty of the new exams, but here at Simon Balle more of our students achieved the highest levels and in particular level 9 (English, Maths) than nationally. Whilst it is very difficult to make comparisons this year with last, our results are equally strong. We are currently analysing performance and asking for re-marks for some students who missed a grade by 1 mark. Already some of these appeals have been successful. A level grades were equally pleasing and this has allowed those students wanting to pursue their academic studies at their chosen university to do so. Well done to students, the hard work of our teachers and of course parents. The term has started well and thank you for enforcing our uniform and behaviour code. I am delighted to inform you that the school is full staffed and we are taking this opportunity to let you know our new staff. In addition to the list provided, I am delighted to inform you that James Pooley has been promoted to the position of Assistant Headteacher and is our lead on attendance and all data. James also takes on other whole school duties. Please see below his message about attendance.