Welcome to Our First Half-Termly Portico Trust Newsletter
Welcome to the school year '2025 - 2026'. We hope you will enjoy our half termly newsletters, bringing you a summary of the varied and many Portico activities.
After years of Headship and roles in school improvement across Southend, I feel very privileged to lead our family of five in our work to provide excellent opportunities for all of our children.
So let us all work together for yet another year of achievement, opportunity and a clear sense of belonging to working with each other.
Cheryl Woolf, CEO
Estate Improvements
Our dedicated teams work hard to ensure that all schools, premises and facilities within our Trust, are maintained to a high standard and provide inviting and welcoming spaces conducive to the very best learning experience for all children. We’ve seen a hive of activity across all five schools so far since July, covering everything from small incremental improvements to large scale renovations across the Portico estate.
Highlights of our recent estate works include:
- New outdoor learning area at Porters Grange Primary School & Nursery, plus a full renovation to outdated welfare facilities and plenty of painting and decorating in high use areas to keep the school looking great.
- Fire safety upgrades at West Leigh Junior School, with further upgrades and a full electrical distribution and rewiring project starting in the near future.
- New dedicated SEND wing at Friars Primary School & Nursery which is already providing an outstanding experience for the children using it, plus replacement carpets fitted in corridor areas.
- Completion of a brand-new kitchen at Hamstel Infant School following an accidental fire incident.
- Redesign and refits to inadequately designed welfare facilities at Hamstel Junior School canteen and playground areas, as well as some essential playground repairs.
- Addition of the Portico Pod, a dedicated SEND provision for all schools within the Portico estate, which is set to open in January 2026.
- Completion of Trust-wide LED upgrades, which means all schools within the Trust now operate LED lighting only, improving lighting quality, energy efficiency and reducing lighting costs.
Growing Our Team
This half term, we’re delighted to share that the Portico family has continued to grow and thrive. Across our five schools, we’ve welcomed 26 new members of staff, bringing fresh ideas and expertise to our classrooms and support teams.
We’ve also said a fond farewell to three long-serving members of staff who have now retired after many years of dedicated service: June Etherington, Admin Assistant from Hamstel Junior, Nicola Gower, Teacher from Friars and Porters Grange, and Kathy O’Donnell, Teacher from West Leigh Junior School. Each of them has made a valuable contribution to their school communities and to the trust as a whole. We thank them all sincerely and wish them all the very best for their well-earned retirement.
Overall, we’re pleased to report that our staffing remains stable and strong, reflecting the commitment and dedication of colleagues across all schools. We’re proud of the teamwork, professionalism and shared values that continue to make Portico such a rewarding place to work.
In the News
This half term, several of our schools have been featured in the local media, showcasing the wonderful things happening across the Trust. Three of our schools appeared in the Echo’s New Starters supplement, celebrating the excitement of children beginning their school journey, and there was also a lovely feature on the IndiRock climbing wall visit. As the first half term is always about helping children settle into their new routines, we’re pleased to see our schools already making the news for such positive reasons. We look forward to continuing to share more of our schools’ fantastic stories and achievements with the local media in the coming terms.
Collaboration in RE Across the Trust
This half term, Religious Education leads from all five schools across the Trust have been working together to develop new RE and Diwali learning resources. The project has included collaboration with the Trust’s Media Department to produce engaging teaching videos that will enhance classroom learning and bring topics to life. This shared approach is helping to create consistent, creative, and high-quality RE experiences for pupils across all schools in the Trust.
It has been a lovely first half-term here at Friars with a great deal happening across the eight weeks. We always enjoy welcoming our new Nursery and Reception children through our doors and they have all settled in brilliantly. The half-term has been packed full of great learning, visits and visitors, sporting activities and other curriculum enrichment. We cannot wait for Autumn 2!
Climbing to New Heights
Our playground became a hub of excitement when the IndiRock mobile climbing wall arrived! Pupils of all ages challenged themselves to scale the wall, showing courage, balance, and determination. There was a fantastic sense of teamwork, with children cheering one another on and celebrating every effort. The day was a great reminder that confidence grows when we step outside our comfort zones!
Rhythm Connections Workshop
Music filled the school when the Rhythm Connections team visited for a day of drumming, rhythm and joy! The morning kicked off with a live performance on drums, piano and double bass, followed by interactive workshops where every pupil from Year 1 to Year 6 joined in using colourful boomwhackers. The energy was infectious, and pupils loved making music together, and we hope to welcome Rhythm Connections back next half term.
It’s been a very busy start to the new academic year at Hamstel Infants. The children have settled exceptionally well to their learning and have adapted to our routines and high expectations quickly. We have fully engaged parents in school life, having already held five parent workshops for nursery, maths, phonics and handwriting and two very successful parents' evenings. The children have continued to enjoy lots of enrichment activities already this year including walks of the local area, harvest festival, Black History Day, cross country competition, Night Owls and our amazing sponsored Colour Run which has generated funds for our exciting outdoor learning project.
A “Hoot” of a Morning at Hamstel Infants
The Year 2 children at Hamstel Infants School had a real treat when they welcomed the Nite Owls for an exciting and educational visit. Handlers Erika and Olivia introduced the pupils to a range of magnificent birds, including barn owls, scops owls and an impressive eagle owl, with stars Willow, Dotty, Cookie and Monty stealing the show. The children were amazed as the owls demonstrated their silent flight, swooping low over their heads, and some even had the chance to help fly them! They also discovered fascinating owl facts, from how they digest their food to their incredible hearing and ability to turn their heads almost all the way around. The morning ended with a close-up meet and photo opportunity with Dotty the Barn Owl, rounding off a truly memorable experience.
Hamstel Bursts into Colour!
The recent Colour Run at Hamstel Infant and Nursery School was a vibrant celebration of fun, fitness, and community spirit! The school field was filled with colour and laughter as children ran, cheered, and completed their 2km challenge (five laps around the field), showing amazing determination and teamwork. Meanwhile, the nursery children paraded proudly in full colour around their garden for parents and carers to enjoy. The event raised an incredible £4,200 to support the continued development of the school’s Outdoor Learning Garden, and the enthusiasm from pupils, staff, families, and supporters made it a truly memorable day. Well done to everyone involved for making the Colour Run such a huge success!
Our children have settled brilliantly into the new academic year, demonstrating fantastic learning behaviours including the Hamstel Habits of courage, determination and excellence! Their enthusiasm for school life has been amazing. They are working hard, adapting well to their new routines, and showing great focus in their learning. It’s wonderful to see such positive attitudes across the school — a fantastic start to the year!
Year 6 visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford
Year 6 pupils from Hamstel Junior School enjoyed an unforgettable visit to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford this half term. The trip brought their World War II studies to life as they explored historic hangars, the Operations Room, and an incredible collection of aircraft and wartime artefacts. A particular highlight was the chance to step aboard several planes, including the legendary Concorde, and watch aircraft take off and land on the airstrip. With interactive exhibitions and plenty of hands-on learning, it was a fascinating and inspiring day for everyone involved.V
We took part in NSPCC ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe.’ Programme
This half term our pupils in Year 5 and 6 took part in the NSPCC’s ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe.’ programme. An important initiative that helps children understand abuse in all its forms and know how to speak up if they ever feel worried. Through an engaging virtual assembly, classroom activities, and a workshop led by an NSPCC volunteer (with the help of mascot Buddy), pupils learnt about staying safe and seeking help from trusted adults or Childline. The sessions were informative, age-appropriate and reinforced the school’s commitment to pupil wellbeing.
The children have settled extremely well this half term, quickly adapting to new routines and classrooms. They have shown great enthusiasm for learning and have built positive relationships with both staff and peers. It’s been lovely to see their growing confidence and teamwork across all year groups. We’ve been fortunate to welcome several musical and non-musical visitors who have truly inspired our pupils. From interactive workshops and storytelling sessions to talks from community members, the children have been fully engaged—asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine curiosity about the topics shared. Classes have also enjoyed getting out and about in the local community this half term. Whether it’s local walks, visits to nearby landmarks, or trips linked to current topics, these experiences have helped bring learning to life and strengthen the children’s sense of belonging in their local area.
Pupils Inspired by Author Claire Linney
Year 6 pupils at Porters Grange Primary School enjoyed an inspiring visit to Southend Library to meet author Claire Linney. Claire shared her passion for time travel and Black British history, particularly during the Tudor and Victorian eras, challenging misconceptions and bringing the past vividly to life. The children listened attentively and took part enthusiastically in discussions, even learning some colourful Victorian slang along the way!
Place2Be Workshop
This half term, Key Stage 2 have been exploring the theme of identity and culture through a series of engaging and interactive sessions led by Kiesha and Lowell from Place2Be. The workshops encouraged pupils to think deeply about who they are, what shapes their identity, and how race, culture, and community contribute to the way we see ourselves and others. Through discussion, reflection, and creative activities, pupils learned about respect, inclusion, and celebrating diversity. The sessions were both informative and thought-provoking, helping pupils to build empathy, understanding, and confidence in expressing their own identities while valuing those of others.
As we come to the end of a busy first half term, it’s been fantastic to see how well the children have settled into their new classes and routines. They’ve embraced every opportunity to learn and grow, both in and out of the classroom, making a brilliant start to the year. From sporting competitions and residential trips, woodland and beach expeditions, and even auditions for our upcoming performance of Newsies, it’s been a busy start to the year and there is plenty more still to come! It is always busy at West Leigh with amazing opportunities for the children due to our hard working and dedicated staff.
Year 5 head to Mersea for their Residential
Year 5 pupils from West Leigh enjoyed an action-packed three-day residential at Mersea Outdoors, filled with adventure, teamwork and laughter. From high ropes and caving simulators to kayaking and giant paddleboarding, the children embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Evenings were just as memorable, with team games, songs and hot chocolate rounding off busy days in the fresh air. The trip gave pupils the chance to develop confidence, communication and resilience, and staff were incredibly proud to see everyone flourish.
Show Racism the Red Card Workshops
Pupils at West Leigh took part in powerful workshops led by Show Racism the Red Card this half term. The sessions were engaging and age-appropriate, helping children understand what racism is, how it affects others, and what they can do to challenge it. Through stories, discussions and interactive activities, pupils explored themes of respect, kindness and inclusion. The workshops supported the school’s ongoing commitment to creating a community where everyone feels valued and treated with fairness and equality.
Together Across Our Schools
One of the great strengths of Portico Academy Trust is the sense of community that connects all five of our schools. While each school has its own unique character and spirit, there are many moments throughout the year when we come together, and this half term has given us some wonderful examples.
Several of our schools came together for Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 Cross Country events and the Girls’ Football Tournaments, organised by the Southend Primary School Sports Association (SPSSA). Pupils showed fantastic determination, teamwork and sportsmanship, representing their schools with pride.
Even more impressively, all five schools took part in our Harvest Festival, collecting food to support the local community. It was inspiring to see pupils and staff working together to make a real difference, demonstrating the values of kindness, generosity and collaboration that unite us across the trust.
These events remind us that, whether through sport, charity, or shared initiatives, when our schools come together we achieve even more.