The Lenham School Newsletter

Term 6 - SUmmer Edition

'Looking back to Ofsted'

Dear Parent/Carer,

Sometimes in today’s world, we simply don’t celebrate things enough. Earlier this year, Ofsted came and went, and before we knew it, we were back to normal! We never really took a moment to stop and reflect; we should all be so proud of The Lenham School. Whether you are a member of staff, a student, a parent or even a local resident, we should all celebrate what Ofsted recognised as a truly impressive moment in the school’s history:

· First off, inspectors recognised our clear vision for academic success and the wider development of every student. They noted how much progress we've made recently, especially in raising expectations and improving the quality of education across the board.

· Our curriculum has been transformed, with careful planning to make sure pupils build knowledge step by step. Sixth form students are enjoying the range of subjects on offer and are already looking ahead to bright futures that have been individually planned.

· Our incredible teachers were rightfully recognised for their strong subject knowledge and dedication to professional development. They’re helping pupils grow in confidence, especially when it comes to reading, writing and using subject-specific vocabulary.

· We’re especially proud of our inclusive ethos. Pupils with SEND are quickly identified and well supported, ensuring they can thrive in the classroom. Disadvantaged pupils are given the tools they need to succeed, too.

· Positive behaviour and respect for one another have been real strengths this year, helping us create a calm, focused, and welcoming learning environment throughout the school – including in the sixth form.

· Our personal development programme is making a big impact, helping students understand key topics like healthy relationships, respect, and their future pathways – whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or something else exciting.

Of course, there’s always more to do. Attendance is improving slowly, but we know we still need to support some pupils to be in school more regularly. And we're working on making sure we always check understanding carefully so every student can reach their full potential.

All in all, it’s been a fantastic year of growth and improvement – and we’re only just getting started. A huge thank you to our staff, students, and families for being part of the journey.

Have a wonderful summer.

Mr Ferguson - Headteacher

welcome

Welcome to the last newsletter of the school year. Once again, it has been a very busy Term 6 to bring to an end a truly great year for TLS.

Well Done YEar 11 - Enjoy your summer

Our Year 11 cohort have worked tirelessly this year to prepare for their GCSE exams. They worked hard in lessons, attended afterschool and holiday revision sessions and were superb throughout the exam process. It was sad to have to say goodbye to them at the end of the exam period, but they went out in style with the most amazing Prom night held at the Tudor Park Country Club.

Students will be able to collect their results from school from 9am on Thursday, 21 August 2025.

The Prom was a great night to say well done

Everyone looked so good

Sixth Form Induction Day

It was great to see so many of our Year 11s return (and meet some new additions from other schools) at our recent Sixth Form Induction Day. The day was centred around the key themes of our school – Academia, Opportunity and Belonging with students finding out about their courses, expectations of a Sixth Former as well as taking part in either a Team Building event or Pro Soccer Academy (PSA) training session.

Our new 6th Form students got to grips with a range of activities

They also experienced a PSA session

Welcome to TLS

Our new Year 7s joined us for a whole week to find out what their new school will be like. The students fitted in really well, as they experienced a range of lessons as well as a Team Building Day on the Friday. We can’t wait for them to join us full time in September.

Our new Year 7s

They really enjoyed their Transition Week

Sports day

After a week of incredibly hot weather with plans for water stations and extra suncream, it was an irony that that for our Sports Day the weather decided to turn and it was a day of drizzle. However, the weather did not dampen the spirits of the competitors or those cheering them on in the crowd. Thank you to the PE Department and Sixth Form helpers for making it such a success (despite the wet weather!)

Sports Day was so competitive

It was a great atmosphere

My First Year at TLS

Before I joined Year 7 I lost someone very close to me. This was very hard, and since that person was a secondary school teacher, I knew he would have helped me. But I'm so grateful that my first day at Lenham helped with those worries and that the teachers here made me feel reassured. Plus, on the first bus journey I met a friend!

The first few months did present a few challenges. I had to get used to the size of the school compared to the tiny little primary I attended. And, I had to learn my way around all the classrooms using the handy map given to us in our planners or by asking helpful members of staff. But someone once told me never to give up, and I had those words in my head when I was trying to navigate that first period at Lenham.

As the year has gone on, I've become more and more involved with the drama department. I'm performing in the summer showcase as ‘Wolfy’, and next January I am performing in the production of Footloose. I also regularly attend the games club because it’s nice and social, and I’ve made lots of new friends too.

Although I've had to adapt to my new school, I am really proud of myself that I have made it this far and that I've managed to overcome the challenges. I couldn’t have done this without the support of the teachers and staff – especially Mrs. Murrell!

For new year 7s joining the school, my advice would be this:

If you feel like someone is encouraging you not to do something, don’t listen to them – do what you want to do, and you will always find new people who match your way of thinking. There are so many helpful people at the school who will take the time to help you – you’re never alone!

By Tallulah in Year 7

Tallulah shared her experience of her first year at TLS

'Unmissable' Week

During the last week of term, we once again promoted trips and events to make it ‘unmissable’. This included daily activities on the Plaza and 3G, the playing of music during lunch, trips to Chessington for Year 7 and Thorpe Park for Year 12, language students in Years 9-11 visiting Cologne in Germany, as well as our Annual Prize Giving Ceremonies. Attendance to school is so important, not only because it means you are keeping up with your learning but also because we want you to truly be part of our community and experience the wide range of opportunities that we have on offer.

'Unmissable' week was a mix of in-school activities

We had our Annual 'Prize Giving' Event

Students ran an event to celebrate the Train Station's Birthday

Students in Year 7 enjoyed their trip to Chessington

Duke of Edinburgh Silver

For the first time this year, TLS proudly ran the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award – and what a success it was! In June, 15 determined Year 10 and Sixth Form students formed three teams to complete both their practice and qualifying expeditions with courage, teamwork, and resilience.

The practice expedition brought with it some challenging conditions. Faced with stormy weather, heavy rain, and tough hiking terrain in the North Kent Downs, our participants were truly put to the test. Over two days and two nights, the teams hiked from a local starting point and camped at Dunn Street on the first night. Despite the relentless weather, not a single student complained or gave up. On Saturday morning, they emerged from their soaked tents at the Wildside campsite still smiling – soggy socks and all!

The qualifying expedition presented an entirely different challenge: a heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 30°C. Thankfully, the students were well-prepared, drawing on their training to manage the heat safely and effectively. By starting early in the day and making sensible decisions along the way, they completed the trek without any heat-related issues.

Evenings at the campsites offered a welcome chance to relax, unwind, and bond as a group. Laughter, games, and plenty of s’mores around the campfire made for some unforgettable memories.

We are incredibly proud of all the Silver participants – their perseverance, teamwork, and positive spirit truly embodied the values of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. A huge well done to everyone involved!

A heartfelt thank you to all the staff who stepped in at the last minute to support the expedition—Ms Collins, Ms Adams, Mr Campbell, Ms Macro, and Ms Murrell—your help was truly invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer break, and we look forward to seeing you next year for the launch of Gold DofE!

Miss Mason

Duke of Edinburgh is so popular at TLS

Goodbye from our Head Student

Dear The Lenham School,

Looking back on my time as head student I'm proud to have made the role more visible and effective by being actively involved around the school every single day. I have worked extremely closely with key staff. I've done my very best to help bring our schools vision for the future to life.

One of my highlights of my time has been leading the school council. During my time we restructured it into three focused subcommittees to better address the school's priorities and create more opportunities for student involvement. I also had the privilege of leading the school's remembrance of holocaust assemblies and visiting Poland. These experiences have had a profound impact on me.

I will carry everything I've learned over the past seven years at The Lenham School, along with all the leadership roles I've been honoured to hold as I take the next steps on my journey. I want to wish the newly elected head students all the very best as they continue to lead and inspire the school community.

Lee (Year 13 Leaver)

Lee saying goodbye to TLS

Jasmin Vardimon Associate school

We are delighted to inform you that we have been selected as a Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company Associate School for 2025-2027.

As a member of the Associate Schools Programme, the school will have the opportunity to network with other local schools and access exclusive events run by the JV Company. We are very excited about the opportunities this will give to our performing arts students!

Mrs Fullerton

Students really enjoyed the week's activities

When the Adults Change

Since January, our staff have invested in developing a relational culture rooted in mutual respect with our young people. We believe that we can be strong and maintain boundaries whilst being big on heart. With adult consistency, kindness and professionalism, we can create a culture that fosters better conduct and stronger relationships, ultimately creating a place where all young people can thrive.

As parents, we encourage you to work with us: jointly, we can help our young people navigate adolescence and all the brain development and relationship building involved. You can join the Behaviour Book Club via this link: https://www.whentheadultschange.com/events

You may also want to read about ‘When the Parents Change’

https://www.whentheadultschange.com/when-the-parents-change.

We look forward to working more in partnership with you on developing culture in the new Academic Year.

The Sixth Form loved their day out at Wembley

Rights Respecting School

Student ambassadors have been busy working towards our silver award. To do this, students have been familiarising themselves with the 42 articles that make up the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child. They have been exploring the rights and why they matter.

They have now chosen a couple they would like to focus on and raise awareness around, these are Article 19 'Protection from violence, abuse and neglect' and Article 22, 'Refugee Children; If a child is a refugee or is seeking refuge, governments must make sure that they have the same rights as any other child'.

Our next steps are to focus on action planning around these articles. Students are planning how to raise awareness and researching possible fundraising activities for charities that support these articles.

Two of our Rights Respecting Ambassadors, Bella and Lucy, from Year 9, have said 'I am really glad the school is taking action towards Human Rights using Unicef'. 'Rights towards education is something I feel strongly about. I am proud to be a part of this movement regarding Human Rights'.

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

Our Anti-Bullying Ambassador Team have got some very exciting plans in place ready to launch in September. These include a student pledge, wellbeing walks and a celebration of kindness week.

This term they been focussed on developing our Anti-Bullying strategy TIDE:

• Tell someone

• Investigate

• Decide actions together

• Emotional support for all involved

We are pleased to announce the winners of our design a logo competition ; Luca Maggio and Matthew Lemmon in Year 8. Their designs will be used on our promotional material around Anti-Bullying, well done to them and thank you for all the entries.

The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors have also begun to mentor students who have experienced bullying; supporting students with their confidence, wellbeing and emotional resilience.

Sam and Oscar in Year 8 have said 'bullying can cause lifelong effects on those who are bullied, and bullies are often bullied themselves...we can provide help to them. Our work has made bullies realise that they can get help to stop bullying others. It has also helped new students arriving at the school knowing there is someone they can talk to and knowing that they are in a safe environment'.

Our work has only just started

Careers Update

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support with our school’s careers programme, particularly during the recent Year 10 and Year 12 work experience placements.

Thanks to your involvement, our students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of industries and workplace environments. We’ve been delighted to receive excellent feedback from employers, praising the professionalism, attitude, and enthusiasm of our students. Many commented on how mature and engaged our young people were — a real credit to both their families and the school.

During their placements, students developed a number of essential employability skills, including:

• Communication and teamwork

• Time management and organisation

• Problem-solving and resilience

• Adaptability in real-world settings

These experiences have not only boosted their confidence but also helped them understand what employers look for — giving them a valuable head start in preparing for life after school.

To build on this experience, all Year 10 and 12 students took part in a dedicated Employability Day. This event was designed to help students focus on their post-16 and post-18 pathways, with a series of engaging and practical workshops:

• Mock interviews with local employers

• CV writing workshop

• First aid training

• Employability skills development sessions

Students responded positively to the day, and many said it helped them feel more prepared and motivated for their next steps in education or employment.

We are proud of the progress we continue to make in developing our careers education programme, ensuring that all students are supported in raising their aspirations and exploring a wide range of future pathways.

As part of our commitment to delivering high-quality careers guidance, we are currently working towards achieving the national Quality Standard in Career Education. We are confident that we will be recognised with this award in the next academic year. More information about our Career Programme and progress with the Quality Standard can be found on the Career pages of our website.

Once again, thank you for your support in helping to make these opportunities possible. Together, we are helping to prepare our young people for a successful and ambitious future.

Students enjoyed the Enterprise Day

Harry in Year 10

Bethany in Year 12

Freddie in Year 12

Summer Reading

Whilst we hope our new year 7s enjoy delving into the magical realm of ‘Nevertell’, we do also encourage them to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at their local Kent Library: https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/summer-reading-challenge.

All current TLS students should also take advantage of Sparx Reader over the summer, continuing to develop their reading for meaning skills and experiencing a wealth of other worlds.

Reluctant reader in the family? Audiobooks may be the way to tap into their imaginations and get them hooked: https://www.audible.co.uk/search?keywords=free+children+books&node=19376662031

Relax with some reading...

...and writing

The Summer Food Voucher Support Scheme

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the UK government, the Household Support Fund scheme supports vulnerable Kent households in need of help with significantly rising living costs.

The summer food voucher scheme, worth £90 to eligible households, will stay open until the end of August and you can refer yourself following the link below:

Household Support Fund - Kent County Council

All applications must be submitted via the online form, if you are struggling to make an online application please contact the Citizens Advice freephone helpline on 0300 3048003 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) as they are authorised to take your details and submit the online application on your behalf.

Cost of Living

If you have money worries or are looking for ways you can make your money go further this summer holiday KCC can help you to find your way through to the advice and support available.

By following this link https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/cost-of-living-support you can:

• check if you are eligible for any benefits

• get advice about how to reduce energy use and who to contact for help paying bills

• use our help and support finder to find help available with food, Council Tax, clothing, childcare and much more.

You can also check the Government's cost of living hub for further information:

https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Summer Safety

Students have been delivered a key message in assemblies this week with regard to looking after themselves this summer and avoiding risk taking behaviours.

If you need support in the summer in regard to safeguarding please visit our web page which will signpost you to agencies and has helpful information for parents.

https://www.theeducationpeople.org/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-kent-haf/

How to Find Out More

Please feel free to join our Facebook Page The Lenham School | Maidstone | Facebook to keep up to date with all the exciting things that are happening both in and out of the classroom.

Second Hand Uniform

Details of how to access our second-hand uniform is available on our school website. With the continued rise in household costs, we hope this initiative can make a small difference by helping some of our families to access free uniform https://www.thelenham.viat.org.uk/1850/uniform.

We hope you all have a well-deserved summer holiday and look forward to welcoming you back in September!

.

The Lenham School Website