Dear HP families,

Update From The Headteacher, Mr Hudson: I finish writing this bulletin after visiting all the Year 11 Period 6 lessons taking place this afternoon. Period 6 is an important part of our provision for all Year 11 students, providing approximately 150 additional hours of teaching, practice and feedback across the year. It makes a real difference and gives our students an advantage as they approach their GCSEs. This afternoon, I saw students completing Catering, Business and Health and Social Care coursework that contributes to their final grades, practising exam questions in History and Geography, learning new content in Physics and PE, practising speaking in Spanish and receiving precise feedback on how to improve their writing in French. Without Period 6, and the commitment of students to attend it, they would miss out on a significant opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and improve their outcomes.

Building on our best ever September attendance figure, HP also received an award this week from the Fischer Family Trust for being in the top 25% of schools nationally for improved attendance during the 2025/26 academic year. More HP students are attending regularly, which reflects both the provision they receive and the way families are working in partnership with us. Thank you for your continued support.

Finally, I would encourage all families to complete our parent survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us make HP better. The introduction of positive telephone calls from tutors to every child’s family was a direct result of feedback from last year’s survey. The survey takes around five minutes to complete and must be completed in one sitting for your responses to be saved. Once you select ‘Finish survey’, your responses cannot be edited. Please complete it by Friday 20th November.

Homework and Online Learning: Please ignore any email from Seneca if your child is in Year 7 or Year 8, as they do not need to log in to this platform for homework yet. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are now being set English homework through Sparx Reader. Please check your emails for a message from Mr Weller with further details. Students can also access resources from home by logging into the HP Student Hub using their usual HP login details. The easiest way to access it is to select ‘Quick Links’ at the top right of the HP homepage, then choose ‘Student Hub’. Please email k.barrett@hphigh.co.uk with any questions.

Transfer to Secondary School in September 2027: If your child is due to transfer to secondary school in September 2027, please remember to submit your application by 31st October 2026. Applying before the deadline gives your child the best chance of securing a place at your preferred school.

Black History Month: October is Black History Month and, at HP, we are using the opportunity to celebrate Black history, culture and achievement throughout the month. Students will take part in assemblies and can attend a range of optional lunchtime seminars. These include Black History Month in Media, exploring the work and impact of figures such as John Boyega, Naomie Harris, Daniel Kaluuya and Lashana Lynch, alongside sessions on the power of language, vox pops and the evolution of Black music. Lunchtime seminars will take place in H4 on Wednesdays and H3 on Thursdays throughout October. There will also be a themed catering day on 15th October, with the menu available on our website. Please email a.sharples@hphigh.co.uk with any questions.

Autumn Fest: One Church is hosting Autumn Fest on Thursday 29th October, from 10am to 12pm, at The Ramblers, GL2 5AS. Families are invited to enjoy a relaxed morning of crafts, activities and treats. Everyone is welcome. This is an opportunity to enjoy some autumn themed activities together during half term.

Little Monsters at Blackbridge: Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society is offering free activities, sports and games for pre school children at the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead. Sessions take place on Mondays from 11am to 12pm, running from 28th September to 14th December 2026, with no sessions on 26th October or 2nd November. Free refreshments are also available in the social space. To book a free place, email littlemonstersrugby@outlook.com.

Nature Nurtures: Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is offering free eight week Nature Nurtures sessions at Robinswood Hill in Gloucester for children experiencing low level mental health difficulties. The sessions provide opportunities to connect with nature, learn about the natural environment and meet new people. Sessions run from 24th October to 12th December 2026, with groups for children aged 5 to 9 and 10 to 15. To find out more or sign up, contact Katie at naturenurtures@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk.

I wish you all a lovely weekend,

Mr Hudson
Headteacher