Letter from the Headteacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
The summer term is moving at a rapid pace, and it is incredible to think we are already entering the final half term of the academic year.
This is a momentous time for Clarion as we celebrate unprecedented national recognition. I am thrilled to share that we have been shortlisted for three national awards: Headteacher of the Year and School Partnership of the Year (in association with Football Beyond Borders) at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, alongside Staff Wellbeing School of the Year at the TES Schools Awards. These nominations are a testament to the dedication of our staff and the vibrant culture we have built together.
Adding to this success, we recently hosted our Challenge Partners Quality Assurance Review. I am immensely proud to report that the school received an overall evaluation of ‘Leading’ the highest possible outcome across all four categories. The review team praised our ‘dynamic and ambitious’ leadership and our ‘warm, purposeful atmosphere’. We were also accredited for an Area of Excellence in ‘Communication Integration’, recognising our work in developing students’ vocabulary, oracy and literacy. One student’s comment to the reviewers truly captured our journey:
‘Everybody belongs to the school and excels - this is a different school’.
While these accolades carry specific titles, they belong to our entire community. They reflect the hard work of our students and the unwavering support you provide at home.
I wish all members of our community a warm and peaceful half-term break.
All the best,
Mr Hunt Headteacher
Challenge Partners Review‘Leading’ in all areas
We’re thrilled to share that Clarion School has received a ‘Leading’ rating across all areas in our recent Challenge Partners Quality Assurance Review — including for leadership, quality of provision, and outcomes for all pupils, including those with additional needs.
We are also proud to have received an Area of Excellence Accreditation. Perhaps most meaningfully, our own students said it best:
“Everybody belongs to the school and excels – this is a different school.”
Challenge Partners are a charity working to advance education for the public benefit. They are not a statutory accountability body. The QA Review does not audit schools’ safeguarding or behaviour policies and practices. However, Lead Reviewers and visiting reviewers are expected to follow Challenge Partners’ safeguarding policy and report any concerns as set out in the procedures.
TES National Award Shortlist
We’re absolutely thrilled to share the news, Clarion has been shortlisted by TES as Staff Wellbeing School of the Year!
Our staff are a core part in what we do and how we deliver for our students. Knowing that their wellbeing is seen, valued, and celebrated on a national stage fills us with pride.
Here’s to every member of the Clarion staff, thank you for making this place truly special.
The shortlist was selected by a panel of expert judges, including experienced school leaders and education specialists. This year’s awards feature 23 categories spanning all areas of school life, from leadership and teaching to pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
This year’s awards will be hosted by award-winning comedian, writer and presenter Katherine Ryan, with winners announced at a gala ceremony on 19th June at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
The runway event showcased some of the amazing traditional clothes and music from cultures represented across Clarion.
International Culture Day 2026!
International Culture Day is one of the most anticipated events in our school calendar and this year’s celebration was truly one to remember.
The highlight of the day was our Cultural Dress Runway, where students proudly showcased traditional and cultural attire from their heritage, walking to a soundtrack of music they had personally chosen to represent their nations and backgrounds.
Performances in Clarion Hall brought further colour and joy to the day, with students sharing music, dance and artistic traditions from around the world. Meanwhile, the school canteen marked the occasion with a week of diverse foods, giving everyone the chance to explore different culinary traditions from across the globe. Staff also got in on the spirit, hosting their own community pot luck, sharing homemade dishes from their own cultural backgrounds in a moment that perfectly captured the warmth and unity the day is all about.
Thank you to all staff who supported! We’re already looking forward to next year.
Students Top Left: Aryana, Stella, Kawthar, Hariny, Ore, Izabel
Girls Robotics Club claims competition podium place
Our Girls Robotics Club has had a remarkable start to the year, claiming third place out of nine schools at the inaugural Girls Robotics Challenge: Space to Explore, hosted at King’s College London.
The competition challenged students to design and build a fully functioning robot from the ground up, encompassing everything from coding and electrical engineering to create a functional robot that could take on a practical challenge. Competing against eight other schools, our team rose to the challenge with impressive skill and determination, earning a welldeserved place on the podium.
The Girls Robotics Challenge was designed specifically to inspire girls aged 12–16 to explore the world of engineering and technology, and it is safe to say our students embodied that spirit entirely. Their performance was not only a testament to their technical ability, but to their creativity, teamwork, and ambition. We loved their banana split inspired design too!
Mr Shah Science Lead for Robotics
Parent Champions Morning
On Wednesday 15th April, Clarion hosted our first Parent Champion Morning of the year. This is an ongoing project to create a community space for parents and carers to build a link between home and school. We want to build a platform together for sharing views, supporting families and strengthening our community. We were kindly joined by Barnet’s Parent/Carer Champion Network, who gave further information on how parents can get involved in the community and the positive impact of spaces like these.
The event was organised by Ms Walsh, who shared the following message:
A big thank you to all the parents who attended our Clarion Parent Champion coffee morning! It was wonderful to connect with you, hear your thoughts, and gather such valuable feedback. Your input really helps shape what we do, and we truly appreciate your time and support.
We look forward to meeting again in the autumn term!
Ms Walsh Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
To register interest in joining the Parent Champion Coffee Mornings, please register interest by contacting swa@clarion.school
Generous support from Tesco Brent Cross
Lighthouse ARP Receives Generous Support from Tesco Brent Cross
We are delighted to share our sincere thanks to Tesco Brent Cross for their generous donation to the Lighthouse Autism Resource Provision at Clarion School.
This week, our students received a fantastic selection of healthy food items, including fresh fruit and breakfast cereals. These resources will play a vital role in supporting our students’ wellbeing, ensuring they start the day positively, settled, and ready to learn.
Access to nutritious food is particularly important for many of our young people, helping to maintain consistent routines and supporting emotional regulation throughout the school day. In addition, the donation directly enhances our Life Skills curriculum, where students learn essential independence skills such as making healthy choices, preparing food, and understanding balanced diets.
Opportunities like this allow learning to become practical, meaningful, and engaging, supporting our students not only academically but also in their everyday lives. We are incredibly grateful to Tesco for their continued support of the local community. Their contribution will have a lasting and meaningful impact on our students’ wellbeing and development.
A special thank you to Trish, Tesco’s Community Champion, for being so helpful, supportive, and caring throughout.
Thank you, Tesco Brent Cross,
Mr Figueiredo ARP ASC Lead Teacher
Name our new mascots!
We are delighted to introduce two very special new members of the Clarion community.
Our mascots have arrived and over the coming months they will begin to feature across school life, representing the spirit, character, and identity of Clarion. From events to communications, they will become a familiar and meaningful presence for our students. There is just one important detail missing, they do not yet have names.
We are inviting all students to take part in a school-wide competition to name our mascots. This is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to contribute to the culture of the school in a lasting and meaningful way.
What we are looking for
We encourage students to think carefully about their submissions. The names should reflect the values that sit at the heart of Clarion: Ambition, Respect, Effort
We are looking for names that are thoughtful, appropriate and representative of the standards and character we promote as a school.
How to enter
• Students may submit one or two names (one for each mascot)
• Entries should be submitted via this form - also through the QR code.
Competition outcome
All entries will be carefully reviewed, and the chosen names will be announced to the school community. The winning student will receive one of the Clarion mascot bears as a prize, along with recognition for their contribution.
This is a small but significant moment in shaping Clarion’s identity. We look forward to seeing the creativity and thought our students bring to this opportunity.
Closing date for entries: Summer 2026
Scan the QR code to submit your name ideas
St Luke’s Church Music Trip
Recently, a group of students from Clarion School attended a relaxing lunchtime concert at St Luke’s Church as part of a music enrichment trip organised by Ms Alison Harris, Head of Music Department.
The concert provided students with the opportunity to experience live music in a calm and welcoming environment, helping to develop confidence, cultural awareness, and enjoyment of the arts outside of the classroom. Students represented the school brilliantly and engaged positively throughout the visit.
This trip was also an excellent example of how Clarion School promotes inclusion during educational visits. Staff carefully planned the experience to ensure that SEND students were fully supported and able to access the opportunity successfully. From travel arrangements and preparation beforehand to emotional support and adjustments during the visit, inclusion remained at the centre of the trip.
The lunchtime concert created a peaceful and enjoyable experience for our students and highlighted the importance of providing meaningful opportunities that allow every young person to participate, succeed, and feel included.
A special thank you goes to Ms Alison Harris, Head of Music Department, and all staff involved in supporting the trip and making the experience possible for our students.
New Tennis and Table Tennis Sessions
Hi I’m coach Joe, I am the new Greenhouse Sports table tennis and tennis coach based at Clarion. After half term I will be running lots of breakfast, lunch time and after school clubs in both table tennis and tennis which will be open to all students in the school to come and play and have fun. For more information and to sign up, please come and find me in the PE office.
Clubs will be starting Monday 1st June
Every Food Break 2 - Table Tennis Drop In
Monday - Tennis After School - 3.10 - 4.30pm
Tuesday - Table Tennis Before School 7.45 - 8.30am
Tuesday - Table Tennis After School 3.10 - 4.30pm
Wednesday - Table Tennis After School GIRLS ONLY 3.10-4.30pm
Thursday - Tennis After School 3.10 - 4.30pm
Friday - Table Tennis Before School 7.45-8.30am
A MESSAGE FROM BRENT CROSS TOWN
We’re excited to share that as part of the plans to improve Clitterhouse Playing Fields, Brent Cross Town will be opening a brand - new all - wheels skate park, which will be open to everyone to use and enjoy.
In-person workshop: The first workshop will be held at the Brent Cross Town Visitor Pavilion, Claremont Road, NW2 1FE on Monday 18 May from 6pm to 8pm.
Online workshop: The second workshop will be held online via Teams call on Thursday 28 May from 6pm to 8pm. You can join the online session here.
To learn more about the improvement works happening at Clitterhouse Playing Fields, please click here
Students must sign up via the QR code before they can join.
Year 7 Wimbledon Guided Tour
Year 7 Students Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Wimbledon
In May, our Year 7 students were treated to an unforgettable visit to the All England Club, as Wimbledon’s iconic grounds were being prepared ahead of this summer’s tournament.
The group enjoyed a full tour of the estate, stepping inside Centre Court and Court One, two of the most famous sporting arenas in the world, as well as taking in the remarkable views from the roof terrace of the broadcasting centre. With the grounds immaculate and the atmosphere already building ahead of the tournament, it was a truly special setting for a school trip.
Students also learned about the rich history of Wimbledon, from its origins in 1877 to its status today as the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. A particular highlight was discovering the meticulous science and craft behind the preparation of Wimbledon’s famous grass courts; a process that begins months in advance and involves an extraordinary level of precision and care.
It was a brilliant opportunity for our Year 7 students to connect a world-class sporting venue with real learning, touching on history, science, sport and broadcasting all in one visit.
A special thanks to all staff who supported in bringing this wonderful experience together for the Year 7 cohort.
Students in Centre Court
Race To The Line - Science Drop Down Day
The Science department recently brought out the competitive spirit in our students with its exciting ‘Race to the Line’ event, a hands-on engineering challenge that put creativity, scientific knowledge and design flair to the test.
Students were tasked with designing and building their own rocket-powered cars, applying their understanding of aerodynamics, drag and air resistance to create vehicles built for speed. Using wire cutting techniques to sculpt their chassis and card to craft nose cones and rear wings, each car was as much a product of engineering thinking as it was of careful design. Performance wasn’t the only consideration, students were also challenged to brand their cars, adding a creative dimension to the project that saw some genuinely impressive and inventive designs come to life alongside the science.
This is a national competition that schools across the country take part in where after testing the best models, student will time how fast their cars can travel. A massive thank you to the science technicians for their support preparing for the event and all staff who supported on the day.
Survival Skills Residential Trip
As part of our enrichment programme, Year 7 students recently took part in a hands-on bushcraft survival skills session with London Bushcraft and it’s safe to say it was a day unlike any other.
Away from the classroom and out in the open, students got stuck into a range of practical wilderness skills, from fire lighting and shelter building to foraging, natural navigation and learning about plants. The session was designed to be as engaging as it was educational, giving students the opportunity to develop resilience, teamwork and confidence through real, practical challenges in a natural environment.
London Bushcraft specialise in bringing these kinds of immersive experiences to schools, and the impact on our students was clear, there’s something uniquely powerful about learning by doing, especially when the skills in question connect young people to the natural world in such a direct and memorable way.
Students taking part in axe throwing and archery
Enrichment Highlights
Every fortnight across the school in Year 7 - 9 students take part in enrichment activities, from knitting and origami to martial arts and padel. Here are just some of the highlights over the last term.
Year 7 Updates
Dear parents and carers,
It has been a busy and productive start to the Summer Term for our Year 7 pupils at Clarion School. As we enter the final stretch of the academic year, it has been wonderful to see the students maintaining their focus and energy across their subjects.
Here is a look at what has been happening and what we have to look forward to
The Year 7 trip to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Learning Centre offered a captivating blend of sporting history and interactive education. Students stepped back in time to explore the evolution of the game.
In the Learning Centre, the focus shifted to the science and mechanics of tennis, with pupils engaging in hands-on workshops that explored the materials used in modern racket technology and the aerodynamics of the yellow felt ball.
The Year 7 residential at Bushcraft was an exhilarating leap into the wild, trading traditional classrooms for the canopy of the forest. Throughout the trip, students embraced the “wilder” side of life, mastering essential survival skills such as building waterproof shelters from natural debris and learning the delicate art of fire lighting using only flint and steel. The experience pushed many out of their comfort zones as they prepared meals over open flames and navigated the woodland terrain during teamwork challenges.
Beyond the practical skills, the residential fostered a deep sense of resilience and camaraderie, leaving the year group with soot-streaked faces, a newfound independence, and a collection of shared stories from nights spent under the stars.
Upcoming Key Dates
Year 7 Parents Evening – Wednesday, 11th June
This is a vital opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their successes, and look ahead to Year 8. Further details regarding booking appointments will be shared shortly.
Middlesex University Trip – 15th and 16th June
We are excited to take the year group to Middlesex University this month. This visit is designed to inspire pupils by giving them a taste of campus life and exploring future educational pathways.
London Zoo Trip – July
To celebrate a fantastic first year at Clarion School, we will be heading to London Zoo in July. This trip will offer both educational insights into conservation and a chance for the cohort to enjoy a well-earned day out together.
The transition through Year 7 is a significant milestone, and the progress the students have made is a testament to the strong partnership between home and school. Thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support and for working with us to ensure the best outcomes for our young people.
We look forward to a brilliant final few weeks of term!
Year 8 Updates
Mr Francis
Year 7 Team Leader
Year 8 students have had a busy and productive beginning to summer term. An early highlight to the term was Student Progress Evening; it was fantastic to see so many parents and students coming in to talk about progress and achievement over the course of the year. Year 8 students have also selected their options for Year 9 and I know many are looking forward to focusing more on the subjects that they truly enjoy next year.
We look forward to the final - and busiest - term of the year starting in June. Year 8 students will be attending the University of West London as part of their careers/university curriculum, and I know many of them are already looking forward to the end of year trip which will be going to the London Eye and Aquarium in July. And we can’t forget to mention the many other activities and trips that will be running, in particular Sports Day and the House Drop Down Fun Day in July.
Have a wonderful half term Year 8.
Ms Ott
Year 8 Team Leader
Year 9 Updates
This half term has been a busy and successful one for Year 9. Students approached Assessment Week with maturity and resilience, persevering brilliantly through their end-of-year assessments and demonstrating excellent determination throughout.
Alongside their studies, students have enjoyed a range of enriching opportunities, including ongoing History trips to the Imperial War Museum, where they deepened their understanding of key historical events. Year 9 also took part in an important knife crime awareness workshop, encouraging thoughtful discussions around personal safety and decision-making. Cultural Day was another highlight of the term, with students dressing beautifully to celebrate the diversity within our school community.
Finally, we are incredibly proud of our Year 9 girls’ robotics team, who achieved an outstanding third place in their competition; a fantastic accomplishment that reflects their teamwork, creativity, and dedication.
As we move into our final term, we will continue to maintain the high expectations we have for all Year 9 students, both academically and personally. With many more exciting trips and opportunities planned, we are looking forward to ending the year on a positive and successful note.
Ms Ahmed Year 9 Team Leader
Year 10 Updates
Year 10 Parents’ Evening – Preparing for Success in Year 11
We were delighted to welcome so many families to our recent Year 10 Parents’ Evening, with an excellent attendance rate of 90%. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for students, parents and teachers to come together to discuss progress, celebrate successes and identify clear next steps as students begin preparing for the important transition into Year 11.
Research consistently highlights the importance of strong communication between home and school. The Education Endowment Foundation states that parental engagement can lead to “an average of four months’ additional progress” over the course of a year. These conversations are therefore a vital part of helping students achieve their potential. cont.
Throughout the evening, students and families were able to discuss current attainment, areas for development and, most importantly, set meaningful targets for the months ahead. As students move closer to their GCSE exams, developing positive study habits, organisation and resilience becomes increasingly important.
We hope that parents and students found the evening informative and supportive, particularly as the next assessment cycle begins on 8th June. This assessment window will provide another important opportunity for students to demonstrate their progress and identify priorities
Thank you to all parents, carers and staff who contributed to such a positive and productive evening.
Year 10 Work Experience Week - 22nd June – 26th June
We are also looking forward to our upcoming Year 10 Work Experience Week, taking place from 22nd June to 26th June. Attendance is compulsory for all students, as this programme forms an important part of their personal development and preparation for life beyond school. Work experience provides students with invaluable opportunities to develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, punctuality, problem-solving and professionalism. It also allows students to gain a greater understanding of different career pathways and workplace expectations.
In addition, work experience plays a significant role in developing students’ cultural capital by broadening their experiences, aspirations and understanding of the wider world. These experiences help students build confidence and prepare them for future education, training and employment opportunities.
This programme directly supports our school vision of helping students to achieve great grades and develop great character. We encourage all students to fully embrace the opportunity and represent both themselves and the school with pride.
Mr Tan Year 10 Team Leader Associate Assistant Headteacher
Year 11 Updates
Dear Year 11 Students,
As you have now reached the halfway point of your final examinations, marking a significant milestone during one of the most demanding periods of your education, I implore you to maintain your focus until you finish the exams.
Following weeks of intensive revision and early starts, many of you are undoubtedly finding increased confidence as you become accustomed to the examination routine. While subjects such as English Literature, Mathematics, and Biology have already been completed, several major papers are still scheduled over the forthcoming two weeks, and I strongly encourage you to persevere.
The staff has commended your determination and resilience. Mr Walker noted, “The effort and the conduct of Year 11 students this year in the examination hall have been exemplary.” I recognise the considerable effort you have shown and the mutual support you have demonstrated throughout this challenging time, and I urge you to continue with your commitment.
At this stage, I encourage you to prioritise maintaining a healthy habit by ensuring adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and brief rest from your studies. Although the examination season presents some challenges, you have only two weeks remaining, and we can then look forward to the summer break and receiving your results on 20th August.
Thank you for your hardwork, and I wish you a restful half-term break.
Mr Opoku Year 11 Team Leader
Sixth Form Updates
It has been a very busy half term for both Year 12 and 13. The official examinations are well underway and students have been completing compulsory coursework submissions.
Year 12 have been taking part in multiple workshops around Study Skills, Time management and Effective appropriate use of AI. They have Work Experience in Summer Term 2 as well as a workshop run by ARU Anglia Ruskin University and a trip to The University and Apprenticeship fair.
Year 13 have been accepting offers from universities including several Russell Group universities. We are proud of the determination students are showing and we wish them luck with their remaining exams.
Ms Hodgson Director of Sixth Form
Sixth Form Updates
Motivation starts with believing you can do it even on the tough days. Staying motivated is often more about systems than willpower. When the “spark” disappears, these strategies help keep the momentum going:
1. The “5-Minute Rule” - If you’re procrastinating, tell yourself you’ll only do 5 minutes of work. Usually, the hardest part is starting; once you’ve opened the book, you’ll likely keep going.
2. Mix Up Your Environment - Don’t just sit at the same desk every day. The “Library Effect”: Study where others are working to trigger “body doubling” (working better because others are doing the same).
Topic Zones: Associate specific spots with specific subjects (e.g., Biology at the kitchen table, History in the library).
3. Use Gamified Rewards - Instead of “working until I’m tired,” work for a specific prize: “If I finish this practice paper, I get to….”.
Temptation Bundling: Only allow yourself to listen to your favourite upbeat playlist or eat a specific snack while you are doing the task you dislike most
Tick-Lists: Use a physical checklist (aka PLCs). Crossing off a task provides a genuine hit of dopamine that fuels the next one or create bingo cards, so each time you cover the topic, you are closer to BINGO!
4. The Pomodoro Remix - Standard Pomodoro is 25 mins work / 5 mins break. If that’s too short, try 50/10. Use the break to move your body—stretch, walk, or grab a drink—to “reset” your brain’s focus.
Remind yourself of the bigger picture. Is this for a specific university course? An apprenticeship? Or just to prove to yourself that you can master a difficult skill? Keep that goal visible.
Important dates:
Exams start at the end of April (especially oral exams!)
11th May – 23 June 2026: Main examination window for A-Level and AS levels.
8th -19th June - Y12 Exams
29th June- 3 July - Y12 Work Experience
13th August 2026: Results Day for A-Levels and AS Levels.
Ms Micun Deputy Lead for Sixth Form
Counselling Support
We are proud to have an experienced counsellor, Jon Thompson, who runs one-to-one support sessions for students identified as needing extra support. Jon works for FYP (Forever Young People) and helps students understand the difficulties they are facing, work through a booklet to help set targets, and learn strategies to cope with problems that may arise in their future. If you would like more information about this, please contact Mrs Hammond or Ms Thomas.
Forever Young People uses thought, emotional intelligence and ethical practices to create an inclusive and meaningful future through our teenage mentoring programs and coaching which engages young people through conversational-based learning. We aim to provide young people, children, and community groups with coaching/ mentoring that will support them with their low emotional well-being.
To learn more visit: www.foreveryoungpeople.com
New Food Menu
Nourish, our catering provider has introduced our new menu for The Hub. The new menu brings greater variety, stronger flavours and a more modern food offer. Students will see a range of new dishes alongside firm favourites, including:
• Chicken Katsu Curry with sticky rice
• Sweet & sticky honey garlic chicken with savoury rice
• Build your own tacos with a choice of fillings
• Golden buttermilk fried chicken with wedges
• Jerk chicken with rice & peas and pineapple salsa
• A new Mac & Cheese Bar with custom toppings
Vegetarian and plant-based options have also been strengthened, with dishes such as tofu coconut curry, roasted vegetable frittata and Cajun-spiced bean burgers now part of the regular offer. Next term, look out for the new Student Choice Day menu! This will give students the opportunity to shape a special menu by selecting a combination of dishes, including a main, a street food option and a vegetarian choice. This ensures student voice is embedded in a structured and meaningful way, while maintaining a high-quality, well-balanced offer. This is part of a wider focus on continually improving the student experience at Clarion, ensuring our provision reflects both quality and ambition in everything we do.
Dates for your diary
MAY
Friday 1 May – International Culture Day
Monday 4 May – Bank Holiday (School Closed)
Tuesday 12 May – Wimbledon Trip (Year 7 A&D)
Tuesday 12 – Friday 15 May – Year 7 Residential (Bushcraft Trip)
Thursday 14 May – Year 10 Student Progress Evening
Tuesday 19 May (10am) – Wimbledon Trip (Year 7)
Thursday 21 May – Year 9 English Trip
Friday 22 May – Break up for Half Term
Monday 25 – Friday 29 May – May Half Term
Monday 25 May – Bank Holiday School Closed
Tuesday 26 May – Students return to school
MAY EXAM PERIOD
8th - 22nd May
JUNE EXAM PERIOD
1st - 19th June
JUNE
Monday 1st June - Students return (Week1)
Monday 8th - Friday 19th June - Year 10 and Year 12 Assessment Week
Monday 22nd - 26th June - Year 10 Work Experience
Monday 29th June - 3rd July - Year 12 Work Experience
JULY
Tuesday 2nd July - Year 6 Transition Day
Wednesday 3rd July - House Drop Down Day
Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th July - Paris Trip
Monday 13th July - Sports Day (StoneXStadium)
Friday 17th July - Break up for summer
