Principal’s Update
Dear Colleagues…
Economy and Skills 🏛️
By the end of this week, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Finance will complete the review of the zero-based budgeting exercise to plan for next year’s delivery. We’ll be making strategic decisions about our curriculum offer for the next three years, considering limited growth in funding.
On Friday, we welcomed representatives from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). They met with students on our new Accountancy and Business degree and held discussions with Kate Hobbs, UCJ colleagues, and myself about the progress and delivery of this exciting new programme.
People, Culture, and Community đź‘Ą
The Apprenticeship Awards last Thursday were a fantastic celebration of achievement and diversity. Huge thanks to our Events Team and Paul Caulfield (Construction Engineering). It is inspiring to see how the awards have grown—from a small classroom gathering to a hall full of attendees, with all awards now sponsored by local industries.
Learning and Environment đź“š
Teaching and Learning Observations will take place over the next 2–3 weeks. Observers will include Heads of Department and members of the Quality and/or SLT.
SLT is currently meeting with student groups to gather feedback on:
- Induction experience
- Enrichment activities
- Sustainability efforts
- Re-taking English and Maths
Thanks to Student Life and Kelly Freitas for co-ordinating these valuable sessions.
Voluntary Representatives 🧑‍🦱
I met with departmental voluntary representatives today.
Key updates include:
- Confidence in managing staffing gaps in specific areas.
- Ongoing risks due to the refurbishment of the old D’Hautree House School.
- Staff reported strong, supportive team cultures.
- Positive feedback on sixth form student transitions—reported as the best yet.
- Appreciation for the new Wednesday morning staff development slot.
Requests for:
- Clearer guidance on Stage 2 and Stage 3 learning contracts.
- Defined roles for personal tutors and English/Maths tutors regarding attendance follow-up.
English and Maths Retakes ✏️
There was excellent student attendance at last week’s November retakes!
Thank you to the Exams Department, English and Maths tutors, Learning Support, and Personal Tutors and fingers crossed for strong results!
Strategic Planning and Administration 🗂️
This week, SLT will use its regular meeting time to finalise the Whole College SAR (Self-Assessment Report) for 2024–2025. Lizzie Radcliffe and Raf will present findings from their Admin Review, including recommendations to better support our Central Administration Team.
Transition and Engagement Events 🏫
This week we host:
- Schools Experience Days for 2025 – vital for supporting young people in their transition to our sixth form.
- Parents and Carers Open Evening – Thursday 13th November.
My thanks to James Bennett and the Employability Team for leading these events. I’m confident they’ll be successful and enjoyable for all involved.
The winter nights are drawing in, so wrap up warm and keep out of the rain. Tony tells me the boilers in the old education building, which feed Turner, now have a temporary replacement system, which is certainly heating up our old building. Makes you think how different things would be with modern systems.
I hope you have a lovely week ahead.
Best wishes,
Jo