On Monday 2 February, Ruth Harding, International Schools Coordinator had the privilege of going to the Houses of Parliament to receive the International Schools Award on behalf of NLS. We have achieved the highest level that the British Council awards. 

The many MPs at the event were very impressed with the work we are all doing. Uma Kumaran, the MP hosting the event, commented in her key note speech that this work brings hope in an uncertain and turbulent world.

The International School award is a prestigious accreditation and benchmarking scheme recognising schools that embed a global dimension into their curriculum, fostering cultural understanding and international awareness. As part of this we work with our partner school in India and our curriculum-based work helps to prepare students as global citizens. 

On 20 January, some of our Year 9 students were given an exciting opportunity to take part in a pilot Cyber STEM Day delivered by the Smallpeice Trust. This inspiring event introduced students to the fast-growing world of cybersecurity, digital technology, and engineering through a series of engaging, hands-on activities.

During the day, students explored the evolution of communication before diving into cryptology, where they tackled a code-cracking challenge using a themed newspaper, The Technology Times. They then put their engineering and programming skills to the test by designing, building, and coding a LEGO dial-lock safe, learning how digital security systems work in real life.

The day concluded with students working in teams to create and pitch their own cybersecurity company, demonstrating creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy.

It was a fantastic experience that gave students a real insight into future careers in technology and cybersecurity and we are proud of the enthusiasm, focus, and innovation they showed throughout the day.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 12 December, helping to raise money for Save the Children.

It was lovely to see and see so many students and staff embracing the festive spirit and fantastic to see such great participation from our students.

Donations of £1 have raised £579 so far. 

Thank you once again to everyone who took part and for your generous donations.

We would like to thank all the visitors from a range of local businesses, providers and parents who supported us by acting as interviewers for our Year 11 Mock Interviews on Tuesday 25 November.

The event was an opportunity for us to provide all Year 11 students with the valuable experience of taking part in an interview and for them to receive personalised feedback from it as part of our careers education programme to support them as they prepare for the world beyond school.

During the interview, students were also able to receive feedback on the CV they had produced during previous Tutor Time sessions.

The Winter Music Concert on Wednesday 3 December was a tremendous success. As always, the evening showcased a wide variety of acts ranging from solo performers through to our large ensembles, Pop Choir, Steel Pans and making their debut our new NLS School Orchestra. Students performed a variety of Winter-themed pieces, creating a magical atmosphere for all in attendance.

With over 70 students taking part it was fantastic to see every year group represented during the concert, creating a sense of unity and celebration of the hard work and dedication of our young musicians.

The programme featured a rich mix of genres including those students have studied in lessons such as Rock and Roll Music, classical music pieces such as Debussy’s Arabesque performed by Amelie on the piano and two stunning  solos,  I Dreamed a Dream from Emily and Once upon a December  from Clea.

The concert also included several band items with some classic pop pieces such as Don’t Look Back In Anger and Supersonic by Oasis.

Our Sixth Form Music students closed the show this year with wonderful renditions of Somebody To Love by Queen and a festive favourite Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens.

The music department are extremely proud of all our talented young musicians involved with extra-curricular music at NLS.

Thank you to all those parent/carers who attended and supported the event.

The Department for Education has released Key Stage 4 performance statistics of student outcomes 2024/25. Progress measures aren’t being published for this cohort as KS4 pupils in this year did not have KS2 assessments due to the Covid Pandemic, however attainment scores have now been released.

Search for schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts - Compare school and college performance data in England - GOV.UK