Latest News - 14th March 2025
Uniform Donations Required
Stock in our Preloved Uniform Shop is a little bit low at the moment, so please think of us if you’re having a clear out and have items of uniform that your child has outgrown.
Any donations will be gratefully received at the school reception.
All proceeds go directly to the students via the Student Council.
Exam Stress Support
As exam season approaches, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but students don’t have to face the stress alone. Our staff are of course available to offer guidance and support, but an additional option is Kooth - a free, safe, and anonymous mental health platform, offering a range of resources to help students manage exam pressure. From expert advice and coping strategies to personal stories and interactive tools, their Exam Stress Collection provides support whenever it’s needed. From relaxation techniques to tips on staying motivated, or a space to share your worries, Kooth is here to help. Visit Kooth’s Exam Stress Collection to find out more.
CCF Promotions – Congratulations to Our Cadets!
We are proud to celebrate the recent promotions within our Combined Cadet Force (CCF). These cadets have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication to their training.
Cadet Finnian Daw – promoted to Lance Corporal
Cadet Jenson Moore – promoted to Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal Seth Pallett – promoted to Corporal
Corporal Jake Heanan – promoted to Sergeant
Corporal James Williamson – promoted to Sergeant
Well done to all for their hard work and achievements! We look forward to seeing them continue to excel and inspire others in the CCF.
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.
Sponsor a Fruit Tree!
We are excited to launch our Fruit Tree Sponsorship Initiative to plant five new fruit trees at the school allotment! For just £10, you can sponsor a tree and have your name (or multiple names) added to a special plaque beside it. Choose from Apple, Pear, Cherry, or Plum, and help us improve and maintain this valuable green space.
All proceeds will go directly towards the purchase of the trees and the ongoing care of the allotment. To sponsor a tree, simply make your selection and payment via Arbor.
For any questions, please contact alice.rosier@sirthomasfremantle.org.
Let’s grow something special together!
This half-term’s KS3 Science Challenge is now underway!
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!
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, or via this link if you are interested.
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.