SLT Update
The end of a half term always brings a moment of reflection to look back on all of the successes that have been achieved over the past seven weeks. All of the staff have been so proud of how the students have embraced their learning and all of the extra opportunities that they have taken part in. The Year 7 pupils have settled in well and are a real credit to the Academy in terms of their attitude to learning, and this is demonstrated by their attendance which currently stands at 95.4%, the best across all the year groups. We are also really proud of the Year 11 pupils who are showing real resilience and ambition in their studies, and we are looking forward to seeing how their hard work pays off in the upcoming mock exams.
It is not just in the classroom though that we have been able to praise our students. It was wonderful to celebrate the success of our Winter Shield teams who all represented the Academy so well, demonstrating all of our values across the day in the different matches. This half term also saw pupils visit France as part of a joint French and History trip with them getting to visit the Eiffel Tower, Chateau Versailles and experience a different culture. We have enjoyed taking part in lots of different House competitions including Limbo, House Football and this week the Academy has been filled with the sound of singing for the Masked Singer competition. We also took Charles Read and our Bushcraft intervention to the Sheep Fair in Corby Glen and participated in the Harvest Festival at the church. It has been lovely getting to know people in our local community.
This week also marks the end of my first term in the Academy as Principal and I would like to say thank you to you all for making me feel welcome, and for the support you give to the school in ensuring your child does their homework, attends everyday and take pride in how they are presenting themselves. I would also like to thank all of the staff in the Academy who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the school is the best it can be for our students.
Have a lovely half term break, and I look forward to welcoming students back on November 3rd.
Kerry Milligan, Principal
Communication with School
I would like to remind all parents of the expectations when communicating with staff either face to face, over the phone or via email. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the overwhelming number of parents who do communicate with our staff in a friendly and respectful manner. However, unfortunately we have had a small number of individuals who have failed to communicate respectfully. We understand that this can often be due to frustration and wanting the best for your child, however our staff have a right to feel safe and respected.
We do have an expectation that any communication sent into the school will be responded to within 48 hours. It is not always possible for a member of staff to respond sooner than that due working patterns or other commitments they have during the day. If you do not hear back within the 48 hour framework please do contact us again.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Table Talk
Why Parental Controls on Phones Matter
In today’s digital age, smartphones are an everyday part of life for teenagers, offering access to learning, communication, and entertainment at their fingertips. While this technology brings many benefits, it also comes with risks that can impact students' safety, wellbeing, and academic focus. That’s where parental controls play an important role.
What Are Parental Controls?
Parental controls are tools available on most smartphones and apps that allow parents and carers to manage and monitor how their children use their devices. These settings can limit screen time, restrict access to inappropriate content, control app downloads, and monitor online activity.
Why Are They Important?
Online Safety:
Young people may unintentionally access harmful content or interact with strangers online. Parental controls help reduce these risks by filtering websites, limiting app access, and monitoring activity.
Healthy Screen Time:
Excessive phone use, especially late at night, can negatively affect sleep, concentration, and mood. Setting screen time limits supports a healthier balance between screen use and rest or study time.
Support for Learning:
Phones can be a distraction from homework and revision. Parental controls can help students stay focused during study times by blocking social media or gaming apps at certain hours.
Emotional Wellbeing:
Social media can sometimes contribute to anxiety, peer pressure, or negative self-image. Monitoring app usage helps parents start conversations with their children about healthy online habits.
Encouraging Responsibility:
Using parental controls isn't about spying, it's about guiding. As students grow, these tools can be gradually adjusted to promote independence and responsible digital behaviour.
In Summary
Parental controls are not about limiting freedom, they’re about creating a safer, more supportive digital environment for young people to thrive in. We encourage families to regularly talk about phone use at home and explore the tools available to make smartphones both useful and safe. To help with this we have included parent guides from #wakeupwednesday for both android and ios systems.
Celebrating Success
Does your child compete in a sport outside of school? Take part in a drama group? Or participate in another type of activity? We would really like to share news of any successes your child achieves, both within school and the wider community.
Please send any information and photos (if applicable) to enquiries@charlesreadacademy.co.uk
Parental Survey
We would really appreciate if you could take a few minutes to complete the survey below.
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 - Marta A for Resilience
For showing tremendous resilience this term in the face of adversity. You always have a smile on your face and support your peers. You are an inspirational tutor group leader, leading by example always showing that perseverance conquers!
Terra - Morgan E for Respect
For volunteering to help others, hand out folders and taking part. Well done!
Aqua - Freddie B for Respect
For continuously respecting the house system , respecting the efforts it takes to succeed in house competitions, house cups and for yourself.
Sparx Stars
Each week, our students at CRA, complete maths and reading for their homework on Sparx. Some students answer additional questions, further increasing their knowledge. We do this as there are online resources to help and guide students if they are struggling with a question. You might like to ask them to show you what they typically do on a weekly basis.
Our Sparx stars this week are
MATHS
READER
Top 3 before half term
Top 3 this year
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 3 November 2025 - 7
Accelerated Reading
Week beginning 3 November 2025 - Period 3
Moments Matter, Attendance Counts
Regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.
As we return to school and move into winter, there is inevitably an increase in illnesses. It can be tricky deciding whether to keep your child off school when they are unwell. There are government guidelines to support you in this decision.
Attendance.
From Monday 3rd November you will be able to see your child's attendance to school on the My Child At School App. We will also be launching a series of new competitions based around attendance to celebrate the resilience, ambition and aspiration many of our students demonstrate by being in every day.
Prizes will include:
- X Box controllers
- Skin care products
- Food items
- Non uniform days
This will be alongside our In it To Win Competition that pupils gain entry to every week that they are in for 100% of the days
You should not go to school with a fever or other high temperature, but you can attend if you have mild symptoms like a runny nose or slight cough, if you feel well enough to go. Although there are no longer specific rules for COVID-19 in schools, you should stay home if you are unwell.
When to stay home
- • High temperature: If you have a fever or a high temperature, you should stay at home.
- • Feeling unwell: If you are generally feeling unwell, it is best to stay home.
When you can go to school
- • Mild symptoms: You can go to school if you only have mild symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or a slight cough, and you feel well enough to attend.
Why this advice has changed
- • There is a low risk of COVID-19 to children and young people.
- • There are high vaccination rates in the population, which helps to reduce the risk.
At Charles Read Academy we follow the guidance from the NHS and Public Health England on whether your child should be in school.
This covers all the usual childhood illnesses. For more information click on the links below:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/people-with-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19
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.
House Football Results
It has been an action-packed week of house football at CRA this week as students across each year group went head-to-head. Six competitions took place across the week including boys competitions in years 7 to 11 and a all-girls competition. Results and points from the 18 matches that took place have been accumulated together where it is currently Caeli who are in the lead. Both Caeli and Aqua were crowned winners in three of the six categories however Caeli secured one more win than Aqua across the individual games.
Overall Points Total (Table)
- Caeli = 23 Points (7 x wins, 2 draws & 3 losses)
- Aqua = 20 Points (6 x wins, 2 x draws & 4 losses)
- Terra = 8 Points (2 x wins, 2 x draws & 8 losses)
Overall results as follows:
Year 7 Boys
- Match 1 – Caeli 1 v 0 Terra
- Match 2 – Aqua 0 v 1 Terra
- Match 3 – Caeli 1 v 0 Aqua
- Overall Winners - Caeli
Year 8 Boys
- Match 1 – Caeli 1 v 0 Terra
- Match 2 – Aqua 0 v 0 Terra
- Match 3 – Caeli 2 v 0 Aqua
- Overall Winners - Caeli
Year 9 Boys
- Match 1 – Caeli 1 v 0 Terra
- Match 2 – Caeli 3 v 0 Aqua
- Match 3 – Terra 0 v 1 Aqua
- Overall Winners - Caeli
Year 10 Boys
- Match 1 – Caeli 0 v 0 Terra
- Match 2 – Caeli 0 v 0 Aqua
- Match 3 – Terra 0 v 1 Aqua
- Overall Winners - Aqua
Year 11 Boys
- Match 1 – Aqua 2 v 0 Terra
- Match 2 – Caeli 0 v 3 Terra
- Match 3 – Aqua 3 v 0 Caeli
- Overall Winners - Aqua
Girls (All Years)
- Match 1 – Aqua 2 v 0 Caeli
- Match 2 – Caeli 1 v 0 Terra
- Match 3 – Aqua 3 v 0 Terra
- Overall Winners – Aqua
With the staff round of matches scheduled to take place after half term, Aqua still have a chance of being crowned champions.
CRA Masked Singer
It has been an exciting final week of term at CRA, featuring our very own version of the Masked Singer. Throughout the week we have been releasing videos of staff singing, whilst hiding their identity behind their costume. Following the release of each video students, staff and family members have been attempting to identify the member of staff behind the mask. Characters have included ‘Squirrel’, ‘Tiger’, ‘Penguin’ and ‘Duck’.
The final video of the competition (Penguin) is currently live, so there is still time to get involved. Register your guess by 7.00pm tonight by completing the online form sent out on MCAS to all parents and student emails.
Thank you to all the staff who took part in the singing for this competition, showcasing all of our CRA values. Full results will be released after half term.
The house with the most correct guesses will be crowned champions and the highest participation across the week will be awarded bonus points.
The Sporting Post.
Winter Shield 2025
The Winter Shield 2025 was a fantastic celebration of football, netball, and teamwork across all year groups. A total of 85 students travelled to the University of Nottingham to compete against four other schools from across the trust. Each team represented the school with pride, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, determination, and collaboration throughout the day.
We are delighted to share some outstanding results from the competition: the Year 8 Girls achieved Silver, while the Year 7 Boys and Year 9 Boys both earned Bronze medals. These achievements reflect the hard work and commitment shown by all our students and staff involved.
Standout Players
We would also like to recognise a number of students for their exceptional performances and contributions to their teams:
- Year 7: Callum, Reegan, Peggy and Chloe
- Year 8: Snow, Poppy and Louie Cl
- Year 9: Hector, Bailey S and Matilda
- Year 10: Oscar O, Harry L and Isla
- Year 11: Freddie and Charlie
A special mention also goes to Thea (Year 7) for stepping up to support the Year 8 Girls’ team, displaying impressive confidence and team spirit.
Overall, it was a highly successful and enjoyable day, and we are incredibly proud of all the students who took part in representing our school with such enthusiasm and excellence.
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 latest term dates for 2025-2026
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" • A Stockphoto - "Wood block symbol telephone, address,mail and mobile phone.The concept of communication through technology advancement." • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Isolated mobile phone with sample home and locked screens" • Munawar OP - "Assorted gold silver and bronze medals for awards and achievements concept" • Markus Mainka - "Gruppe Menschen halten Feedback Business Konzept Kundendienst Se" • Pixels Hunter - "Two smiling coffee mugs with speech bubbles above them symbolizing communication and cheerful conversation on orange background." • PX Media - "Help, support, advice, guidance signpost." • bbbar - "Acronym of AAB for Above and Beyond" • Gerisima - "Christmas star decoration of golden confetti stars against white" • Naypong Studio - "Sports Equipment on white background" • tatomm - "close up of calendar on the yellow table background, planning for business meeting or travel planning concept"