SLT Update
As the GCSE exams draw to a close I would like to express my thanks to the families of the Year 11 students for the support you have given your child over the past few weeks during the exams and throughout their educational journey. We have been incredibly impressed by their resilience and the ambition and aspiration that they have shown in taking these exams. All of our Year 11 have secured an offer of a placement for September for their next step and we are looking forward to celebrating with them on Monday after their last exam.
I hope that you have a lovely weekend and that the sunshine returns!
Miss Milligan, Principal
Above and Beyond
Every week a certificate is issued for a deserving student who demonstrates CRA values. Please see below this weeks students and the reason they have been awarded.
Caeli - Jacob T for Courage A number of times over the past two terms Jacob has shown an admirable level of courage for standing up for his peers especially those different to himself, for being incredibly sensitive and considerate in Character Days and PSHCE sessions, and being a thoughtful and kind student around the academy. It is wonderful to see you developing your character so actively Jacob, you are a real role model! Terra - Gracie-Mae G for Ambition Fantastic debate and analysis of art on the recent art trip. Aqua - Harvey H for Ambition Harvey has improved on all levels at school, attending lessons, a beautiful attitude to learning , where he believes in himself and working to do well, especially in his KPIs.
Why We Do What We Do
Eating Inside
The David Ross Education Trust has recently moved to asking pupils in all of their schools to sit down at lunchtime and enjoy their food together. To enable us to do this we have bought more seating for our canteen and have implemented this since last week. There are many benefits to this change, including:
- Encourages social interaction and helps you build friendships
- Improves communication skills
- Creates a sense of belonging and community
- Supports mental wellbeing by reducing feelings of isolation
- Helps develop table manners and social etiquette
- A reduction in the amount of disposable packaging
To further encourage social interaction and communication we have placed an order for a number of games that pupils will be able to borrow to play amongst themselves including Uno and Dobble. Pupils can continue to go outside once they have eaten their food as we also know that physical activity and being outside in the fresh air can support mental wellbeing.
Times Tables
At the end of all lessons students stand behind their chairs in silence to prepare for themselves for the next lesson. From September, on a weekly rota, Years 7 and 8 will be reciting their timetables to help embed them in their long term memory.
Week beginning 15 June 2026 - 7
Accelerated Reading
Week beginning 15 June 2026 - Period 3
Teen Support: Helping Young People Thrive
The teenage years can be exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming—for both young people and the adults who support them. As students grow, they are navigating friendships, identity, academic expectations, and the influence of social media, all while developing their sense of independence. It is important that we work together to ensure they feel supported, understood, and confident in asking for help when they need it. One of the most powerful ways to support teenagers is through regular, open conversation. Creating a calm, non-judgemental space at home allows young people to share how they are feeling without fear of criticism. This doesn’t have to be a formal discussion—simple moments such as talking during a car journey or over dinner can make a meaningful difference. Often, listening without immediately offering solutions helps young people feel heard and valued. It is also important to recognise that emotional wellbeing is not the absence of difficulty, but the ability to manage life’s ups and downs. Teenagers may experience stress, anxiety, or low mood at times, particularly when facing academic pressures or changes in friendships. Encouraging them to see challenges as part of learning and growth can help build resilience over time. Supporting them to reflect on what they have managed before, and what strategies helped, can give them confidence in handling future situations. In today’s digital world, young people are also managing an online life alongside their offline experiences. Social media can bring connection and inspiration, but it can also lead to comparison, pressure, and sometimes negative interactions. Reminding young people that what they see online is often only a highlight can help maintain perspective. Encouraging healthy boundaries—such as taking breaks from devices and prioritising real-life activities—can support a more balanced approach. Another key message for teenagers is that they are not alone. Whether they are worried about friendships, schoolwork, or something more serious, there is always someone ready to help. In school, tutors and pastoral teams are here as a first point of contact, offering guidance and support where needed. At home, reassuring your child that asking for help is a strength—not a weakness—can encourage them to speak up sooner. There are also small, everyday strategies that can significantly support wellbeing. Regular routines, including sleep, physical activity, and time away from screens, all contribute to emotional and physical health. Encouraging hobbies, creative interests, or simply time to relax can help young people manage stress and build a sense of achievement. Celebrating effort as well as outcomes reinforces the idea that progress matters more than perfection. Finally, it is important to remember that every teenager develops differently. What one young person needs at a particular moment may not be the same as another. Patience, empathy, and consistency are key. By maintaining strong relationships and keeping communication open, we can help our young people feel safe, supported, and ready to navigate the challenges ahead. If you have any concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We are here to work in partnership with you to ensure every student feels confident, supported, and able to succeed.
Table Talk
Rules around e-bikes and e-scooters
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This means the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need to have a licence and insurance. There are two ways of using an e-scooter:
- by privately owning one
- by renting one through an authorised rental scheme
It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters which means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres. If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance. You can rent e-scooters via an e-scooter company but only if you are aged 18+ and hold a valid full or provisional driving licence. In the UK, you must be at least 14 years old to legally ride an e-bike. The e-bike must have a maximum motor power of 250W and a top assisted speed of 15.5 mph
Careers
We are pleased to share with families four careers webinars designed especially for parents and students to engage with together. Wind energy, agrifood and the visitor economy are all vital and growing sectors of the Lincolnshire economy. These seminars will provide valuable insights into how to enter and thrive in these industries, Mr Aram, Strategic Lead for Ambition & Aspiration
🌬️ World Wind Day Parent Webinar Date: 15th June Time: 6:00 – 7:00pm A dedicated session for parents to understand the opportunities available in the wind energy sector and how to support young people into these careers. Greater Lincolnshire World Wind Day Parent Webinar - Pathway CTM These sessions are a great way to help students:
- Gain real insight into different industries
- Understand career pathways and opportunities
- Hear directly from employers and sector professionals
Attendance.
Celebrating Good Attendance Attendance figures being communicated through weekly whole school assemblies. Competitions between tutor groups and between houses to have the best attendance through our Houseopoly game Tutor attendance weekly competition in which groups are awarded cards to place on their challenge board. Each completed board results in a prize. By awarding certificates to individual children who have 100% for each term. Individual attendance challenge cards which result in rewards when targets have been met. A Year 11 Buddy system which rewards students who reach their targets with their buddy. By awarding academy certificates to individual children who get 100% attendance for the whole academic year (September to July). Celebrating and rewarding the success of those who have gained the most improved attendance throughout the academic year. Regular communication through MCAS congratulating parents and students on their individual and/or form group attendance success.
If your child is absent from school, please ensure you contact school daily either by email/MCAS or by telephoning the attendance line 01476 550333 ext 502. It is vital we are notified everyday of any absence for safeguarding reasons, unless previously authorised. A reason for illness will always be requested, this is to observe attendance patterns and outbreaks of illness amongst students.
Please do not hesitate to contact myself tsandison@charlesreadacademy.co.uk ext 502 to discuss ways to support your child's attendance.
CRA - Lets work together to make every day count!
Leave of absence request
A Principal can only authorise a leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. We will take into account the Government guidance when considering what the exceptional circumstances are- all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be able to take your child out of school in exceptional circumstances, providing an application is made in advance by the parent/carer, this request complies with Government guidance and the leave is deemed to be ‘exceptional’ by the Principal.
If you take a leave of absence without our permission or if your child fails to return by the agreed date if permission was granted, then this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and noted in your child’s record. You might also be issued with a fixed penalty notice for this absence. If your child has not returned within 10 days of the expected date of return then, after consultation with the Local Authority, we may take your child off our school roll.
As examples, the following reasons are not considered to be exceptional circumstances:
- availability of cheap holidays
- periods overlapping with beginning or end of term
- visits to family
- renewing passports
Requests for leave of absence will only be considered if made in writing. Please ensure you use the leave of absence request form to do this.
To request a leave of absence, please use this form.
House News
CRA House – World Cup Competitions
‘Top Bin’ Challenge The House ‘Top Bin’ challenge got underway this week but was cut short due to the rain. Terra currently lead the competition through Freddie and Reegan who are the only participants so far to have hit the ‘top bin’ net! The competition has been extended through next week to allow participants the opportunity to get involved. This will take place during lunchtime on Monday on the 3G
Guess the Scores – League Table The 2026 World Cup got underway last night as Host nation Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. South Korea also secured a victory of their own in a 2-1 victory over Czechia. Over 90 participants have entered our very own score prediction competition, running across all the World Cup group games and the points have been added from predictions made for last nights games. Every correct score is awarded 5 points and 2 points are awarded to the correct result! Keep an eye out for the next update!
Tutor Group Sweepstake Each Tutor groups has drawn out their nations to follow in this years World Cup. Tutor groups who have nations that finish either 1st, 2nd or 3rd place overall will be awarded house points to go into next years totaliser!
The Sporting Post.
We are delighted to invite you to the biggest sporting event of the year, the DRET Summer Cup! This year, our annual event will take place on Wednesday 1st July and brings our 11 secondary and 25 primary academies together to compete across 7 sports, and 9 competitions, with the aim to be crowned champions!
We’ll be joined by an incredible line-up of elite athletes, making this a truly unmissable event. It promises to be a spectacular celebration of sporting excellence across the Trust, and we’d love you to be part of it by coming along to support the Charles Read Academy team on the day. Refreshments can be purchased in the leisure centre cafeteria, with other light refreshments available. This year the Tennis will be off site, at the fantastic venue of Grantham Tennis Centre, Gonerby Road, NG31 8HU between 11:30 – 14:30. To enable us to reserve car parking and speed up registration on the day, please RSVP by pressing ctrl, and clicking on this invite by 30th June 2026, and completing the form. We hope to see you there.
PE kit reminder - 2025/2026
The standard PE kit is as follows:
- CRA House PE top (compulsory)
- CRA PE shorts or skorts (compulsory)
- CRA PE Hoodie (compulsory)
- Black socks. These can be purchased from any provider.
- PE track pants / leggings / skins - optional - must be plain navy or black. These can be worn under the CRA PE top, shorts or skorts. These items should have no logos/writing/labels. These can be purchased from any provider.
Sports trainers- These can be purchased from any provider. No fashion trainers.
Girls will take part in hockey and boys will take part in rugby during PE lessons. Gumshields and shinpads are recommended for their safety.
Shinpads will also be needed for girls' and boys' football.
Moulded football boots are also recommended as students can wear these on the 3G artificial surface and grass field.
Please can all students be collected from the BACK of the school when being picked up from after school clubs and fixtures.
Term Dates
Please see the below latest term dates.
A list of diary events can also be found on the CRA Website by clicking here
Credits:
Created with images by sosiukin - "upcoming evente word written on wood block. upcoming evente text on table, concept" • Brad Pict - "Upcoming events" • Rob Byron - "school cafeteria" • Leigh Prather - "Five star rating - shiny golden stars" • Studio Romantic - "Young people walk in the park in spring." • Svitlana - "Lets ride.,Girl and boy having fun driving electric scooters on a sunny day" • Naypong Studio - "Sports Equipment on white background" • CharmB - "Back to School"