Welcome to this week's newsletter
This week was a big week at Manor. We opened our school doors to prospective parents/carers and students for our new Year 7 in September 2026. It is always a proud day, when our staff and students come together to show the best of Manor to external visitors. My talks were ably supported by presentations from our Head Students Aimee, Lois and Chris, and three super star Year 7s, Abi, Rio and Alfie. Visitors were welcomed by piano playing from Kiano, who set the tone perfectly. We also welcomed Richard Spencer, from the Meridian Trust, who talked about our imminent move to that academy trust. In different departments we had 130 students helping out and showcasing different subjects.
Walking around school, it gave me a great opportunity to speak to students, staff and visitors about what they had seen. From PE in the Sports Hall, to experiments in science and problem solving in maths, there really was a great range of different experiences on offer. It was an incredibly positive evening and showed off what a great place Manor is. It was good that Kallie, in Year 13, was also able to raise £50 from donations towards her running the London Marathon, for Asthma and Lung UK, for next year.
In other good news this week, congratulations to Zachary T in Year 13 who will be performing in the Eileen Cobb Vocal Fellowship Finals on Tuesday. Zach was selected from a wide range of singers, all of whom perform to a high standard in NMPAT county ensembles. The winners of the Fellowships receive a financial award and are counted amongst distinguished musicians, many of whom now study music at a conservatoire. We are looking forward to hearing Zach sing in school before too long!
Adam Crawte, Principal
Use of e-scooters
We have been asked by Northamptonshire Police to share the below information regarding the use of e-scooters.
Online gaming advice
With new kits, updated squads and refined gameplay, EA FC 26 brings the thrill of top-tier football to living rooms once again. While it continues to offer family-friendly fun in modes like Kick-Off and Career, the ongoing popularity of Ultimate Team – where players spend money to build fantasy squads – brings a mix of excitement and risks.
Children can encounter issues such as gambling-like mechanics, voice chat with strangers, and potential exposure to scams. This guide from The National College breaks down the game’s most important features, highlights the key risks to be aware of, and shares practical advice for helping young adult players stay safe while gaming and interacting online.
Year 11 Prom
Sports results
Boys football
Our U14 boys kicked off their district league fixtures this week against Wrenn.
It was a case of déjà vu from last season, as the team made a slow start and quickly found themselves 2–0 down. However, the boys showed great character to fight back, with two well-taken headed goals from Jack M bringing the score level at 2–2.
Wrenn then capitalised on a couple of defensive lapses to restore their lead, and despite a late strike from distance by Tommy N to make it 4–3, time ran out before we could find an equaliser.
Although the game ended in defeat, the boys created plenty of chances and showed determination throughout. There’s work to be done if they are to defend the league title they won last year, but plenty of positives to take forward.
Next up, the squad face a County Cup tie away at Parker E Act Academy — fingers crossed for a strong performance and a winning result to report in next week’s newsletter.
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The Year 11 boys’ football team began their league campaign in style on Thursday with a hard-fought 3–1 win away at Wrenn.
On a bumpy pitch that tested both sides’ control, Manor settled quickly and showed their attacking intent. Bobby L proved the difference in the first half, striking twice with composure in front of goal to give Manor a deserved lead. Wrenn rallied after the break and pulled a goal back, briefly swinging the momentum in their favour. However, Manor’s resilience shone through. Joel A restored the two-goal cushion with a confident finish, ensuring the points would be heading back to Manor. The squad’s spirit and teamwork were evident throughout, with several Year 10s stepping up to contribute to a strong team performance.
It was the perfect way to start the season - a solid team effort, sharp attacking play, and an early statement of intent in the league.
Girls football
Manor faced a tough challenge in the second round of the County Cup against a very strong Northampton School side packed with academy-level players. The first half was an uphill battle, with Manor pinned in their own half and forced to defend wave after wave of attacks. Despite resolute efforts from the back line of Ettie Y, Lexi Y, Indie W, and Emily C, the opposition went into the break with a 4–0 lead.
After a spirited half-time team talk, Manor came out determined to show their character and play with freedom. The change in mindset paid off, with Mia B scoring a deserved goal in the second half following good link-up play from Emily M and strong runs down the wings by Sofia M. Olivia F also worked tirelessly throughout, pressing and closing down the opposition at every opportunity.
Although Northampton added a fifth goal, Manor matched them after the break with the second half finishing 1–1 — a testament to the team’s resilience and togetherness. Lily A was named Player of the Match by the opposition for her outstanding goalkeeping, commanding her box with maturity and confidence.
Despite the final score of 5–1, Manor can take great pride in the way they responded after half time, showing grit, teamwork, and determination against high-quality opponents.
Netball
A huge congratulations to our netball teams on their fantastic results against Wrenn School this week.
Our Year 9 girls put in an outstanding performance, playing with great energy and teamwork to secure a 19–3 victory. Their passing, movement, and shooting were excellent throughout, and they thoroughly deserved the win.
The KS4 team also came away with a brilliant result in a much tighter game. In a nail-biting contest, they showed real determination and focus to edge out Wrenn by just one point, finishing with a 15–14 victory.
Both teams should be very proud of their efforts - two fantastic wins and a brilliant showcase of skill, resilience, and school spirit. Well done, girls!
Extra-curricular timetable
Please note that there have been a number of additions and amendments to our music clubs.