Whole School Events
Remembrance Day

On Tuesday 11 November, our NLS community gathered for our annual Remembrance Service. Year 11 students took on significant responsibilities during the wreath-laying ceremony and demonstrated the respect, maturity and professionalism we expect from our oldest students.

 

Christmas – Charity and Community

In the lead-up to Christmas, Year 11 tutor groups contributed to the Community Christmas Hamper initiative. It was wonderful to witness students carefully considering who in the community might most appreciate a hamper—many selecting local care homes, and working together to create thoughtful, generous donations.

Students also enjoyed Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 12 December, raising money for Save the Children and contributing to the festive atmosphere across the school.

Tutor Curriculum

Throughout this half-term, Year 11 students have spent much of tutor time working through their DTTR (Diagnose, Reflect, Review Therapy) blocks, focusing on targeted development within different subject areas. In PSHE, sessions have centered on the theme of “Staying Safe,” addressing topics such as festival safety, passenger safety, drugs education and virtual reality.

One of the highlights of the term has been the Year 11 Mock Interviews.

Every student took part in a formal interview with a local employer or external organisation. Students demonstrated exceptional professionalism—arriving prepared, speaking confidently and engaging with their interviewers in a mature and thoughtful way. Many interviewers commented on how impressed they were by the high standard of responses, the ambition and aspiration shown, and the polite and respectful manner of our students.

In preparation for the interviews, students took part in sessions covering appropriate dress, body language and interview-style questions. Following their interview, each student received personalised written feedback, offering clear strengths and specific next steps to help them continue developing their employability skills. This was an invaluable experience, and students should feel very proud of how they represented both themselves and the school.

Rewards

As always, we concluded the term with a range of reward events to celebrate the achievements of our students. The top 30 reward point earners enjoyed a festive treat in the canteen.  

In our end-of-term Celebration Assembly, certificates were awarded across three categories—Achievement (progress), Attainment (highest average points) and Reward Points—to recognise exceptional effort and engagement between Data 1 (September–December 2025). All students recognised should feel extremely proud of their hard work and commitment. These students have the highest reward points in year 11 this term:

Reward Top 10

Attainment

The ‘highest attainers’ refers to the students in Year 11 who are currently achieving the strongest academic outcomes across their subjects.

Achievement

These are students who have made the most significant academic progress relative to their starting points. These students have shown exceptional commitment to their studies and have worked hard to exceed the targets set for them. Their progress demonstrates determination, resilience and a consistent effort to improve, regardless of their initial baseline or ability level.

Highest achievement is therefore not simply about obtaining the top grades. It recognises students who have shown the greatest improvement, closed gaps in their learning, and demonstrated an outstanding attitude towards their education. These students are excelling because of their work ethic, their willingness to engage with feedback and their perseverance in overcoming challenges.

Duke of Edinburgh Silve Awards Evening

It was lovely to see those Year 11s at the Silver DofE awards evening on November 27,  wheN we recognised their outstanding achievements and presented their certificates and badges.

For the Silver award students have  completed four sections: Volunteering, Physical, and Skills, followed by an Expedition. They have committed at least six months to Volunteering and either six months for one section (Physical or Skills) and three months for the other, with the expedition a minimum of three days and two nights.  

  

Online Safety

Our December online safety newsletter has been added to the website and includes information on AI chatbots, online grooming, and smartphone safety. December Online Newsletter

Calendar / Upcoming Events 

After-School Revision

To support students in the lead-up to their summer exams, after-school revision sessions will run from the week beginning Monday 2 February – Students will be issued with their ‘Passport to the Prom’ on this date. Each subject has an allocated slot, and students will receive this timetable shortly and will go live on the website on Friday 9 January.

Careers Fair Year 11

Thursday 15 January - in the theatre

NLS Sixth Form Applications

Applications to join the NLS Sixth Form for September 2026 are currently open. Application forms and entry requirements can be found on the school website. Sixth Form Admissions - Application Form
The deadline for applications is Friday 16 January 2026.

February Mock Exams

The final round of mock examinations will take place over two weeks in February 2026 (beginning 2 February to 13 February). Students will receive both whole-cohort and personalised timetables, including seat numbers, in advance. Subjects to be assessed in this window: Maths, (all three papers). English, Science and three BTEC Subjects: Sport Science, Travel and Tourism and Health and Social Care.

Year 11 Subject Evening

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent Subject Evening on Monday 1  December. It was lovely to see and interact with so many parents / carers. The advice provided by staff is invaluable and should support you and your child to make the required progress in each subject area. The next Year 11 Subject Evening will take place on Monday 23 March 2026, providing another valuable opportunity to discuss progress and preparation ahead of the summer exam season.

Prom and Yearbook

Students are already aware of the criteria needed to secure their invitation to Celebration Day on Monday 6 July 2026, which includes our End-of-Year Assembly and the Prom at Chesford Grange. The vast majority of students are on track, and any concerns will be communicated to parents and carers in the New Year.

Further information regarding the Yearbook will be shared with students next term via Core Communication, assemblies and Go4Schools. Parents and carers will also receive information on how to purchase a copy.

Thank you all so much

When students return in January, there will be just 14 school weeks—or 69 school days—until the official start of the summer exam season. For subjects with earlier practical or speaking assessments, such as Modern Foreign Languages, Dance, Art, Textiles and Photography, these will begin even sooner.

I hope all students take the opportunity to rest and recharge over the Christmas break before returning ready for the final push. Tutors, teaching staff, support staff, Mr Atkins and I will continue to support students in every way we can. Uniform, attendance and punctuality will remain key priorities, as these fundamentals have a direct impact on learning and achievement.

Finally, I would like to wish all students and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr Royle
Year 11 Lead