Dear Parent / Carer

I hope you’ve all had a lovely week. It has been wonderful to finally see some sunshine, even with the cold temperatures - it certainly feels like spring is on its way!

This week, we have been busy with recruitment, and I am pleased to share that we have successfully filled all advertised positions so far. Interviews for a maths teacher vacancy will take place next week.

One key appointment I’d like to highlight is our new SEND Coordinator. After a long and successful career, Mrs. Smith will be retiring this summer. We will make sure to send her off in style! To ensure a smooth transition, we have appointed Ms. Leech, who has worked at the academy for several years and is incredibly passionate about her new role. She has already started working closely with Mrs. Smith and the SEND team in preparation for September.

For now, please continue to contact Mrs. Smith for any SEND-related matters, but be aware that Ms. Leech may also be involved in supporting students during this transition.

This week, Mrs. Ogilvie delivered assemblies on LGBT+ History Month, which is celebrated every February. The theme for 2025 is Activism and Social Change, and students learned about key individuals who have campaigned for equal rights.

She also linked this to how our own students have campaigned for change within the school through the newly formed Student Council and Leadership Team - a fantastic example of activism in action!

On Tuesday, TOVE Learning Trust conducted a review of our Sixth Form provision. We received excellent feedback on:

•  The strong leadership of our Sixth Form team
•  Our broad and balanced curriculum (in partnership with Huxlow Academy)
•  The personal development programme, which ensures students leave with the skills and knowledge needed for success

The Student Leadership Team spoke highly of our induction programme and the excellent pastoral support available to them.

Reminder: Sixth Form applications are still open! Please ensure all applications are handed in to form tutors or the Sixth Form office as soon as possible.

On Thursday, our Student Leaders were fantastic ambassadors, organising and leading a Primary School Boccia event in partnership with Northamptonshire Sport. We were proud to welcome students from: Alfred Lord Tennyson, Newton Road, Ruskin Academy, Denfield Park, Great Addington, Ringstead, and Whitefriars.

A huge well done to all participants for demonstrating our Team Rushden Values! We also wish those advancing to the county competition the best of luck.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you next week.

Yours sincerely,

Mr J Firth

Principal