Welcome to this week's newsletter
It has been another busy week that seems to have flown by here at Manor. Our Year 11 and Year 13 students have been completing their trial exams, and it has been encouraging to speak with them about how they feel the exams have gone—where their preparation paid off, and importantly, what they have learnt from the experience. Exams are always a stressful time, and strong preparation, effective revision and honest reflection are essential parts of the process. I have loved seeing Year 11 students walking around with their revision notes before exams, quizzing each other, and seeking support from teachers. Whatever the outcomes of this set of trial exams, they should be seen as an opportunity to identify strengths, gaps in knowledge, and areas for development in exam preparation and technique. There is still plenty of time between now and the summer exams to make a significant difference—whether that means working harder or avoiding complacency. Our teachers and senior leaders are here to support every student to achieve their best. After-school intervention sessions are running, and I encourage students to attend to consolidate their knowledge, practice key skills and address the gaps they now know exist. There are also online platforms such as Sparx and Seneca that can support students in their own time. My thanks go to the site team and exams team for ensuring the exam period has run so smoothly. I would also like to thank the PE department, who have been without the Sports Hall over the past few weeks, and the humanities team, who have been displaced so that isolated classrooms could be used. Your flexibility and adaptability are hugely appreciated. I would also like to draw your attention once again to the letter from Ofsted regarding our monitoring visit in October. The inspection team—four experienced His Majesty’s Inspectors—found many improvements and positives since the previous inspection. They also reminded us that there is still further work to do. Please be assured that the senior leadership team and I remain fully committed to driving the school forward, ensuring it is a place where all students can thrive and where the town of Raunds, and the wider community, can feel proud. As we approach December, I would like to make you aware of the arrangements for the last day of term on Friday 19 December. As in the summer, we will finish early on this day. This allows staff, particularly the site team, to fully close down the school ready for a well-earned break over the festive period. More details will follow in a separate letter early next week, but rest assured that catering and transport arrangements have been made for those who rely on them. I wish you a restful and relaxing weekend.
Adam Crawte, Principal
Homework
Thank you for your continued support as we work to improve the quality and completion of homework at Manor School. Homework is a vital part of learning, giving students the chance to practise and develop their skills. With your help, average completion rates across all Sparx platforms have risen from 59% before half term to 65% this week. Reminders:
- Sparx Maths and Science are set every Friday at 3pm and due the following week.
- Sparx Reader may be set on a different day but always has a one‑week deadline.
- Students are expected to complete 100% of their Sparx homework each week. If this isn’t possible, please contact the class teacher before the 3pm deadline.
- If homework is not completed, an email will be sent on Tuesday inviting your child to the Thursday after‑school catch‑up session.
Our goal is to support every child to achieve their best. Thank you in advance for helping us reach that aim. For individual support, please contact your child’s subject teachers. For general queries, email homework@manor.school
Poppy appeal
This year's sale of poppies for Remembrance Day raised just under £45 for the Royal British Legion. Thank you to anyone who contributed.
I'm a Teacher, Get Me Out of Here
Six courageous staff members stepped up for the ultimate challenge of I’m a Teacher, Get Me Out of Here at lunchtime on Wednesday 27 November. Each duo faced three tricky questions spanning a range of themes. A wrong answer came with a price—sampling something truly gruesome. From chilli & lime crickets to fiery scotch bonnet powder, the menu was not for the faint-hearted. The tension built to an all-important final question: When was the Eiffel Tower constructed? With the closest correct answer, Mrs Connolly and Mr Fitzpatrick claimed victory. Their reward? The power to choose a team for the ultimate punishment—a chilli dipped in Marmite. Safe to say, Mrs Eales and Mr Bhangal weren’t thrilled with the decision! Our students loved every moment, cheering as our staff braved the bizarre bites. Best of all, every £1 entry fee went straight to charity, making this spicy showdown a win for a great cause.
Christmas Concert
On Thursday 4 December we will be hosting our annual Christmas Concert. It is set to be a wonderful evening showcasing the musical talents of our students. The concert will begin at 6pm in the Main Hall, and tickets can be purchased here.
Christmas Jumper Day
Sixth form trips and events
Written by James F, Year 12
On Wednesday 5 November, Year 12 Elephant Group students visited Loughborough University for the Elephant Access Programme launch event. After arriving at the university at approximately 11am, we went on a tour of the university site. Various locations were visited around the campus such as gym facilities, the swimming pool, the science labs, and the accommodation. This was especially interesting to visit as Loughborough University is renowned worldwide for its sport facilities with a lot of ongoing investment. After a lunch break, we went into a lecture theatre to hear various seminars about universities, with information about Russell Group universities as well as courses and student support available. After this, we had the opportunity to speak to the different universities and ask various questions (Exeter, Oxford, Sheffield, UCL etc). It was a very informative and inspiring day, helping us to make decisions about whether university life might be for us.
Written by Miss Collier, Head of KS5
On Thursday 6 November, Year 12 were invited to attend the UK University and Apprenticeship Fair at the University of Northampton, with information being provided by public service employers, universities (local and national), further education settings and apprenticeship providers. Students chose to attend talks about student finance, life at university, applications and also having the freedom to look around a campus…. not forgetting to mention, collect as many freebies as they could carry home! This is another example of opportunities we offer our Manor Sixth Form students in supporting their post-18 destination decision making process which has already started. An interesting event for sure! Year 13 students have also been busy, working hard for their recent trial examinations. The Year 13 BTEC Business students attended a revision booster session held at Star City in Birmingham by Tutor 2 U on Tuesday 26 November. This session was in preparation for their upcoming marketing exam in January, with revision focusing on key concepts, exam technique and shortcuts to save them time, which was well received. Through their contributions to the interactive sessions alongside other schools, our students won tote bags and pens for positive contribution and effort. There are a number of events being organised by our Manor 6 leadership team and Head Students, including the Christmas Fair Fundraising event on Tuesday 9 December, the whole-school Christmas hamper appeal in support of Raunds Food Bank running from 1-15 December, continued fundraising by Kallie for Asthma + Lung UK alongside Save the Children on Christmas Jumper Day, and also a staff vs students 5-a-side match coming up before Christmas. A great end to a busy and productive second term.
Sports result
This week our U13 girls’ football team kicked off their next set of fixtures with determination and fight, despite a tough opening match against Weavers. Although the game ended in defeat, the team showed real heart throughout, battling for every ball and refusing to give up. It was an unfortunate result that didn’t truly reflect the effort put in across the pitch. The response in the second match against Higham Ferrers, however, was outstanding. The girls bounced back with energy and confidence, securing a brilliant 3–0 victory. Amelia opened the scoring with an absolute blinding strike, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Chloe P followed this up with two fantastic goals, showcasing her sharpness in attack and incredible composure in front of goal. Across the pitch, the girls demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience, and competitive spirit. Their defensive organisation was strong, their work rate impressive, and their desire to win shone through from start to finish. Players of the Match were awarded to Isabelle P, whose unbelievable goalkeeping skills kept the team secure at the back, and Chloe P, who delivered an exceptional performance full of determination and attacking brilliance. A brilliant effort from the whole squad—full of passion, teamwork, and promise for the matches ahead!
Extra-curricular timetable
Please note that a number of our after-school PE clubs have now finished for this term. This includes:
- Netball
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Girls' football
- Futsal
Apprenticeship opportunities
Northampton College have a number of apprenticeship courses starting at the end of July 2026 that may be of interest to our Year 11 students. Please note that to be eligible for a Level 2 apprenticeship, a minimum GCSE grade of 3 in both maths and English is required. For Level 3 apprenticeships, the minimum requirement increases to a grade 4 in both subjects. Interested students are politely requested not to contact the employers directly.