Welcome to this week's newsletter
Term 1 has drawn to a close, and so much has happened over the past eight weeks — it really has flown by. We have now reached a well-earned break, an important opportunity for everyone to recharge their enthusiasm and energy.
The final week of term has been an eventful one, with many activities taking place. Our KS4 boys’ football team, made up of both Year 10 and Year 11 students, secured a great win against Huxlow earlier in the week. It was particularly encouraging to see some new Year 10 players stepping up to replace Year 11s who were attending college Open Evenings. It’s clear that we have a strong pipeline of talented players coming through — the future looks bright.
On Wednesday evening, our sixth formers organised and led a fantastic Halloween fair, transforming the sixth form areas, the LRC and several classrooms into themed spaces to entertain younger students. The event raised money for Kallie R’s charity Asthma + Lung UK, as she prepares to run the London Marathon in 2026. The planning, preparation, execution and clean-up were all handled brilliantly by the students, providing a great opportunity for them to shine as leaders. They are already turning their attention to the Christmas fair, and I’m sure they’ll take forward some valuable lessons from this week’s success.
Finally, we welcomed visitors from Ofsted for two days this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, four of His Majesty’s Inspectors joined us as part of the Ofsted monitoring process. This was an ungraded inspection. Over the two days, the inspectors observed lessons, spoke with staff and students, and experienced school life at Manor first-hand. While the outcome is still provisional and cannot yet be shared, I want to express how proud I am of our students and staff for their hard work and professionalism throughout the visit—and indeed, all term. The inspection team recognised the progress we are making, and although there is still work ahead, this was a very positive step for us.
I hope you all have an enjoyable and restful half-term break, whether you have something exciting planned or simply some time to relax. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 4 November, following our staff training day on Monday 3 November.
Adam Crawte, Principal
Halloween fair
On Wednesday 22 October our sixth formers ran a Halloween fair which included a variety of different activities such as apple bobbing, a mummy wrap race, and other crafty and fun activities. We raised £357.82 throughout the night, which will go towards Kelly’s Heroes and Year 13 student Kallie’s marathon charity ‘Asthma + Lung UK’. Thank you to everyone who attended and donated to the cause - we hope you had a good time.
The next event our sixth formers are hosting will be the Christmas Fair on the last week of term.
PE kit donations
After half term, students who do not bring their PE kit to school for their PE lessons will be requested to wear spare PE kit so that they are still able to participate in the lesson safely.
If anyone has any spare kit or trainers that they could donate to the school it would be gratefully received.
Sixth Form Open Evening
We are pleased to invite Year 11 students and their parents/carers to our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 20 November.
There will be two presentations - one starting at 5:15pm and the second starting at 6:00pm (gates open at 5pm). Following this, you will be able to visit the subject information fair where members of staff and current sixth form students will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.
Click here to book your place.
Use of e-scooters
We have been asked by Northamptonshire Police to share the below information regarding the use of e-scooters.
IT competition
Students have the opportunity to take part in an exciting competition with the National No-Code Hackathon on Sunday 9 November from 10am-4pm.
Created to inspire the next generation of tech leaders, this hackathon offers students a hands-on opportunity to build their own apps and tackle real-world challenges. This competition supports the government's initiative to up-skill young people in technology, providing a career-relevant experience and a chance for our school to shine on a national stage. The winning team will also secure a spot in the national finals.
Find out more here.
Online safeguarding: Fortnite
With half term upon us, the spotlight falls on the ever-popular game Fortnite. From comical dance emotes to realistic weapons and big-name collaborations, Fortnite is a cultural heavyweight. But even with its PEGI 12 rating, many younger children are joining the action. The below guide from The National College explores the risks – and offers useful, clear advice for trusted adults.
Sports results
Boys football
The U13s got their County Cup campaign off to a flying start with an emphatic 7–0 win in the first round.
The team took control early on, with Prince and Roni both finding the net to give the side a comfortable 2–0 lead at half-time. After the break, the goals kept coming as the boys showcased their attacking flair and teamwork. Alex W added his name to the scoresheet, while Jude struck twice with a composed brace. Prince completed a superb hat-trick, including a spectacular free kick and a stunning long-range effort that left the goalkeeper no chance.
It was an excellent all-round performance from the team, full of energy, skill, and determination. The U13s will now look forward to testing themselves again in the next round of the County Cup.
Meanwhile, our U14 team played two league games this week with mixed outcomes.
An excellent all-round performance saw the team dominate from start to finish in a convincing 4-0 win over Huxlow. Maxwell showed great determination and strength to win the ball and slot home the opener, whilst Ronnie calmly converted from the penalty spot after being brought down in the box. Our third goal came from Tommy with a moment of brilliance as he struck from distance to stretch the lead, followed by Ronnie wrapping up the game with his second goal, capping off a confident display. Solid defensive work and good discipline ensured no goals were conceded, resulting in a clean sheet.
The team faced Wollaston in their second match, a game that started brightly but ended in frustration, as late errors allowed Wollaston to snatch a draw. Manor were the first to score with Tommy and Ronnie both netting goals to give us a 2-0 lead. However, a lapse in concentration gave the opposition a way back into the game, followed by Wollaston capitalising on another error to level the score 2-2.
This was by far the best football the boys have played in the league this season, and it was a shame to concede the second versus Wollaston as our boys deserved to win both games this week.
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Elsewhere, our Key Stage 4 team are now firmly in contention to be league winners after two superb performances this week, recording impressive 3–1 and 4–1 victories against Huxlow and Wollaston.
Playing on the school’s brand-new playing surface, the boys produced confident, composed football that showed how far they’ve come this season — especially after a previous loss to Wollaston in the County Cup. Determined to set the record straight, the team controlled possession, pressed with energy, and took their chances with clinical finishing.
With several Year 11 regulars unavailable, the squad leaned on a number of Year 10 call-ups, who rose brilliantly to the challenge and brought fresh energy and enthusiasm to the side.
A standout moment of the evening came courtesy of the ever-impactful Alfie Lee C, whose stunning goal capped off another strong individual display and underlined his growing influence within the team. Every member of the team has performed superbly throughout the season but a special mention also goes to Bobby L, who finishes the season as the team’s top scorer, consistently leading the line with quality and composure throughout the campaign.
With momentum now firmly on their side and two statement wins under their belts, the KS4 boys look well-placed to secure a top-two finish and fingers crossed for the top spot in the final league table.
Girls football
On a damp, skiddy pitch on Monday 21 October, our Year 10&11 girls football team battled their way to an impressive 2–1 victory against Moulton School — securing their place in the next round of the competition.
Our girls started brightly, showing determination and composure despite the tricky conditions. Their efforts were rewarded when Darcy opened the scoring with a composed finish. Moulton responded well and levelled the match before half-time, setting up a tense second half.
After the break, Manor’s teamwork shone through. A moment of brilliance came when Libby finished off a superb move, the result of wonderful link-up play through midfield and attack — a goal worthy of winning any game.
There was a change between the posts in the second half, as Amelie took over goalkeeping duties from Jenna, and she did a fantastic job maintaining composure under pressure to help see the team home.
It was a spirited performance from every player in Manor colours — full of energy, teamwork, and resilience. The girls now look ahead with confidence as they march into the next round.
Netball
Our Year 9 and KS4 netball teams have both been in action this week.
The Year 9 team put in a strong effort against Wollaston, showing great determination throughout the game. Despite some excellent defensive play and moments of teamwork, Wollaston proved to be the stronger side on the day, taking the win 15–2. Well done to all players for their positive attitude and perseverance.
The KS4 team had a fantastic afternoon of netball, securing two hard-fought victories. Against Huxlow, the team displayed great communication and control, earning a confident 5–2 win. In a tense match versus Wollaston, Manor kept their composure and edged ahead to win 6–5. Outstanding teamwork and determination were shown across both games — well done, everyone!
Football team opportunity
With some of our Year 7 students already on the U12 team, Raunds Town Youth FC have asked us to share the below opportunity to join them as a goalkeeper.