Latest News - 14th February 2025
Dear Parents & Carers,
The Spring term is often thought of as the quietest, however, our school has been buzzing with activity - it’s felt quite the opposite!
Our Year 10 and Year 11 students saw A Christmas Carol come to life through a visiting production. We also hosted the Apprenticeship Road Show, took our French students on a three-day trip to Paris, and arranged a theatre trip for our Drama students to see Blood Brothers.
This half-term, we proudly staged our biggest-ever school production, Oliver! with an incredible cast and crew. To support their preparations, we took them to the West End to experience an award-winning production firsthand.
A group of our students also participated in the Big Challenge, competing against other schools in various events. Meanwhile, fundraising efforts have been in full swing, with the Prom Committee organising a disco for Year 7 and Year 8, and the Student Council raising money to support their chosen charities through a cake sale.
With Year 11 now more than halfway through their studies before exams in May, we encourage them to use this break to continue revising and staying on top of their work.
A quick reminder about parking at the end of the day - please ensure the bus lanes remain clear, as blocked spaces are preventing buses from parking properly.
Finally, we’ve received some wonderful feedback from families recently, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of all our staff - it truly means a lot to us.
Whatever your plans for half-term, I hope you find time to rest and enjoy time with your family. We look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday, 24th February at 8.30am.
Best wishes
Francis Murphy
Headteacher
Year 9 GCSE Options Evening
Our Year 9 Options Evening will take place on Monday, 24th February*, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, with a talk in the main hall at 6:00 pm.
This is an important event designed to help students and parents/carers understand the various subject choices available for Key Stage 4. It provides an opportunity to learn about the different courses, meet subject teachers, and receive guidance on making informed decisions about future studies. The evening aims to ensure that students select the subjects that best align with their interests, strengths, and career aspirations.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
*Please note this is a change from the previously advertised date.
Student Council Cake Sale – Supporting the Osborne Trust.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported Cake Sale on Friday. It was a hige success - the students sold out of cakes and raisied £120 in just 15 minutes!
Please click here if you’d like to know more about the Osborne Trust
Uniform & Equipment Expectations – Important Reminder
Please use the half-term to ensure your child has the correct uniform and equipment. When the students return to school on 24th February, the following measures will be in place:
Uniform Issues – Students missing key uniform items (e.g., blazers, ties, correct footwear) will be asked to rectify the issue or may be placed in reflection until it is resolved.
Chromebook Issues – A sanction will be applied if students repeatedly fail to bring a charged Chromebook to school.
As you know, are reinforcing our uniform and equipment policy to ensure a positive and focused learning environment. By following these expectations, students develop key values such as self-respect, responsibility, and readiness for learning.
Uniform Requirements:
Blazers – Must be worn at all times.
Shirts & Ties – White shirts must be tucked in, with the school tie properly fastened.
Trousers & Skirts – Boys should wear grey trousers, while girls may wear either grey trousers or the school skirt (appropriate length).
Jumpers – Optional but must be a V-neck style with no logo (unless featuring the school badge). Sweatshirt-style jumpers are not permitted.
Footwear – Black shoes only. Trainers, including Nike Air Forces, are not allowed.
Socks & Tights – White socks are not permitted.
PE Kit – Students must wear the correct school PE kit during lessons.
Hoodies – Not permitted on school grounds. Any hoodies worn will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.
Equipment Requirements:
To ensure students are fully prepared for learning, they must bring:
A sturdy school bag to carry books and stationery.
Essential stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, scientific calculator).
The required textbooks and notebooks for their lessons.
A fully charged Chromebook every day, as it is essential for class activities.
Click here to visit the uniform and equipment page of our websire for more detailed information.
Support & Pre-Loved Uniform:
We appreciate that meeting uniform requirements can be challenging. If you need assistance, please contact the school—we are here to support you. Pre-loved uniform options are also available on our school website, providing an affordable and sustainable solution. Click here to visit our uniform shop.
Your support in reaffirming these expectations is greatly valued. By working together, we can ensure students take pride in their appearance and arrive fully prepared for learning.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office. Thank you for your cooperation.
Click here to read the full email sent home this week.
Why School Uniform Matters
We’ve had several enquiries from parents and carers since we wrote home about our uniform expectations, querying why school uniform matters.
A strong school uniform policy is about more than just appearance—it plays a key role in shaping students’ attitudes, behaviour, and approach to learning.
Encourages Positive Behaviour – Studies show that students who dress smartly tend to adopt a more focused and responsible attitude towards their work. A consistent uniform sets clear expectations and helps maintain a respectful atmosphere.
Reduces Distractions & Inequality – Uniform removes pressure to wear certain brands or trends, ensuring all students are on an equal footing. This allows them to concentrate on learning rather than what they or their peers are wearing.
Prepares Students for the Future – In many careers, professional dress is expected. Wearing a uniform reinforces the importance of presentation, self-discipline, and readiness for different environments.
By supporting our uniform policy, you are reinforcing values that will benefit your child both in school and beyond.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring they arrive smart, prepared, and ready to learn every day.
Important Reminder: Staff Meetings by Appointment Only
We wrote home recently to remind parents and carers that all meetings must be arranged in advance, to ensure staff can give you their full attention. Teachers have busy schedules, so unscheduled meetings cannot be accommodated.
Academic Concerns – Email the subject teacher.
Pastoral/Well-being Concerns – Email your child’s Form Tutor.
For full guidance, visit the Who to Talk to if You Have a Concern page on our website. Staff email addresses can be found in the Staff Directory.
For urgent safeguarding concerns, call 01296 711853 immediately.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Make it stand out
EmpowerU: Building a Healthy Mind and Future is a life skills programme supporting young people’s mental health through self-care, resilience, inclusivity, digital safety, and healthier habits.
The EmpowerU programme takes a holistic approach to youth mental health, fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. It provides tools for well-being and healthier life choices in a safe, supportive space.
Y11 Tutor ‘Revision Boost’ Sessions
We work closely with Tutor Doctor, a tutoring agency that provides revision sessions. They have asked that we share this flyer with you for their Easter ‘Revision Boost’ sessions.
These sessions are at a cost, and are arranged directly with Tutor Doctor, but we’d certainly recommend them. Please do note that we see these sessions as an accompaniment to, rather than replacement for students planned revision timetables- Easter is a crucial time for sustained revision in Year 11 – but we do think these will be of help.
Please contact Tutor Doctor via the contact details on the flyer if you are interested
Become a School Governor – Make a Difference in Our School Community
Becoming a school governor is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our students. Governors work alongside the school leadership team, providing strategic guidance, supporting school improvement, and ensuring the best outcomes for all students. Whether you're a parent, local resident, or someone with a desire to give back to the community, your skills and commitment can make a real difference.
Watch the video below and visit the National Governance Association to learn more about the role of a school governor and contact kate.duckmanton@sirthomasfremantle.org if you’re interested in becoming a governor at Sir Thomas Fremantle School.
Arbor Student App
The Arbor student app is now available.
1. Download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store - search for Arbor Student App
2. Log in with existing Arbor Student Portal details. (Use the 'forgotten password' facility if necessary.)
The app will enable students to:
Check their timetable
Keep track of their homework assignments
Monitor their attendance
View their behaviour points and comments
Click here for more information and guidance.
Please remember we are a 'no phones' school. The app is intended only for use outside of school and must not be used on the school site during the school day.
The services and events advertised in this newsletter are not endorsed by the school. We are simply passing on information that may be of interest to our school community. Parents and guardians are encouraged to exercise their own discretion when considering these opportunities.