Welcome to this week's newsletter
The first week back has been let down by the wet weather which has made it feel more like February and not June, but the school has been lit up by the return of students. We will start to see less and less of Year 11s and 13s as the exam season moves on, but there are still booster sessions being run by subject staff which will cover vital information about exam content and questions styles, so that students are mentally prepared for the exam in each subject. Talking to Year 11 students before and after exams they are confident and well prepared, which will always put them in a great position to do well in this difficult period. Keep going Year 11 and Year 13 - you are doing brilliantly and the end is in sight. Do everything you can in these last few weeks as it will still make a difference.
On Wednesday, I led an assembly alongside Mrs Parker with Year 7 to review their progress with the Manor Passport. Our Year 7 students have embraced this initiative wholeheartedly and many of them have made great progress, accumulating a large number of Manor Passport points. The aim of the Manor Passport is to encourage students to get out and do more life changing things that will develop them into well-rounded young people and adults. Our Year 7 trip to the Science Museum earlier in the year was a key part of this, alongside our litter picking sessions and gaining REACH points. Other things are not so big, but will open young people's eyes to our wider world. Reading books, researching future careers, and getting out and walking around the local area will get them out and about. This assembly - and all assemblies this week - have also focused on attendance. Students who attend school regularly stand a greater chance of achieving higher outcomes, both academically and socially. Our whole school attendance for the end of Term 5 was 91.3%, which is a huge improvement on the same period last year. For some days last term we were above the national average and we were only 0.4% below the national average for secondary schools. I must commend our Year 7s, 8s, 12s and 13s who as year groups are well above the national average. Our rising attendance says so much about the direction of travel at Manor.
Finally, in a teaching career that has latest over 20 years, I am constantly reminded of how thoughtful and considerate students can be. Every now and then though, I am truly honoured by what students do, to go above and beyond. To the group of Year 9 footballers who gave me a present this week, I will always be thankful. I will keep it forever and it has made me smile all week. It is the little things that mean a lot that make a difference. These students are what Manor School is all about.
Have a very restful and relaxing weekend.
Adam Crawte, Principal
Student representative
Hi, I’m Tyler H, and I’m really proud to be the representative for Manor School and East Northamptonshire, as well as an Associate to the Youth Parliament. I’m part of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a team of passionate young people from all over Northamptonshire who work to make real change happen. I’ve even had the honour of serving as Chair of the YAC. I work closely with MPs, councillors, the Youth Parliament, Young Ambassadors and many more people or organisations to make sure young people’s voices aren’t just heard, but actually listened to.
As someone who understands the struggles around mental health and SEND support, improving wellbeing is something I care deeply about. But I also know there’s more we need to tackle things like poverty, youth unemployment, and the climate crisis. These are big issues, but together, we can take them on.
Manor is a brilliant school full of potential, and I’m here to help make it even better. This role isn’t just a title for me, it's a responsibility I take seriously. I’ll always stand up for Manor School, make sure the voices of students at Manor are heard, and do everything I can to make a real difference.
Year 11 exam timetable
We will be sharing an overview of the following week's exam timetable both in the newsletter and on social media throughout the exam season.
Students are now only required in school if they have an exam (colour coded as orange). They are also encouraged to attend school for booster sessions (colour coded as blue).
Please take note of the following:
- Students leaving site during the school day will be expected to sign out of school prior to departing
- Students will not be allowed to leave the school site and then return later that day
- In the event that there is a gap between an exam and a booster session, students remaining on site will have access to a quiet supervised study area
- All afternoon exams start at 1:15pm, therefore students coming in for an afternoon exam must be on site for 1:00pm at the latest
For further information about study leave and our leavers' assembly, please see the letter sent via Arbor on Monday 2 June.
Appointments during school hours
We kindly remind you that if your child has an appointment during school hours, the school must be informed in advance. Please provide the following details:
- Student’s name and form
- Reason for the appointment
- Name of the person collecting the student (this must be an adult and listed as an emergency contact on our records)
This helps us to facilitate a smooth and timely release, minimizing wait times for the person collecting your child. It also allows us to update the Arbor system so teachers are aware; however, students must still ensure they leave the lesson at the designated time.
Please send all appointment notifications to attendance@manor.school or update the details via the Arbor App, including all required information.
Uniform donations
If you have any items of school uniform that are no longer needed and are in good condition, please can you consider donating them to the school. We are in particular need of ties. Donations can be handed in at main reception. Thank you.
Year 7 Consultation Evening
Thursday 26 June, from 4pm
Bookings for meetings with teaching staff must be made using the Arbor app or online portal by following the link to the Consultation Evening on the dashboard.
You will be able to start making the appointments at 8:00am on Thursday 12 June and the system will close to new appointments at 12:00pm on Wednesday 25 June.
If you have not already done so, the simplest way to register is to sign into the parent portal - please visit https://login.arbor.sc/ and select 'Forgotten password'. You will then be sent an email containing further instructions. Once you have registered, you can download the app from Google Play or the App Store and log in with your details.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding this event, please contact M. du Pille on mdupille@manor.school
Healthy Minds blog
Please click the following link for this week's mental health blog.
County lines webinar
We would like to invite you to join an important online information session focused on protecting young people from the growing threat of county lines exploitation. This is provided by a charity called Unseen.
- Date: Thursday 12 June
- Time: 12:30 - 13:15
- Location: Online via Microsoft Teams (link)
This session will help you understand what county lines and criminal exploitation are, the warning signs to look out for, and also how to support and safeguard your child.
With increasing concerns in our area, we strongly encourage all parents/carers to attend and empower themselves with the knowledge to keep their children safe.
Preparing for KS5 results day
Parents and carers can learn more about what happens on results day and how to prepare for all outcomes as part of a free online webinar on Wednesday 2 July. The session will offer guidance and reassurance on Clearing, insurance offers and supporting your young person through results day.
Click here for more information and to register.
UCAS guide for parents/carers
Please click the button below to download an advice guide for parents/carers to help you to support your child with their higher education choices (2026 admission).
Instrumental lessons
We are pleased to offer your child the opportunity to either continue their instrumental music lessons next year or to begin to receive instrumental music lessons in the next academic year.
Music lessons are provided by specialist teachers from Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust. Details of the lessons available and how much they cost can be found as part of the application form.
Many of our musicians are members of school music groups which rehearse weekly and perform regularly at school events. In previous years some musicians have also performed at a variety of prestigious venues including The Royal and Derngate Theatre, Spinney Hill Theatre, The Castle Theatre and have enjoyed success in the Rotary Young Musician Competition. We have also experienced international music concert tours, where musicians embraced the opportunity to perform in completely new environments.
This is a thriving music department and we encourage all students to take part in the extra activities and clubs that are available to them. Their lessons provide them with the individual support and guidance they need to develop, whilst the school groups provide the opportunity for enjoying their music with peers and showcasing their talents in public concerts.
Please find below an application form for you to complete if your child would like to continue or start lessons during the forthcoming academic year. Please note that if your child is pupil premium eligible, then we can support with the costing for the instrumental lessons. Please return the reply slip via email to mjarvis@manor.school, no later than Wednesday 18 June.
The music department at Manor School, together with staff from Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust, look forward to helping develop your child’s musical skills and enjoyment of the subject next academic year.
Extra-curricular timetable
We have a new Dungeons & Dragons club taking place after school on Thursdays with Mr Malden. The club is open to all experience levels, and students are encouraged to ask any questions they may have.
Student Council meetings are now scheduled for every Wednesday lunchtime.