As we come to the end of our first half term, I wanted to share an update on how positively Year 11 have begun what is undoubtedly a significant and memorable year in their school journey. It has been encouraging to see so many students approach the new academic year with purpose, determination and a growing awareness of the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being in Year 11.

The GCSE year brings its own challenges, but it also offers students the chance to demonstrate how far they have developed, take greater ownership of their learning and make the most of the support available to them. Across the school, our students are already showing many of the qualities that will help them succeed.

Our CORE Values of Commitment, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence remain central to everything we do. It has been pleasing to see these values reflected in students' approach to their studies, their relationships with others and their contributions to the wider school community.

As we come to the end up the first half-term of Year 9, we want to take a moment to celebrate the excellent progress so many students have made and to share some important information about the term ahead.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication Year 9 students have shown throughout the first half of the autumn term. They have embraced the challenges of this pivotal stage in their education with resilience and a strong commitment to their studies. The students are beginning to Step Up to the Plate, as we have been asking of them in assemblies and tutor time.

As always, we value the close partnership with parents and carers, working together to ensure every student has the support and opportunities they need to become the very best version of themselves.

Year 9 Curriculum and Assessment

Year 9 is a pivotal year in school and myself and Ms Foy have conducted an assembly on this, followed up by a letter to parents and carers. Year 9 targets are now showing on Go4Schools. These targets represent the stage we have reached in the educational journey as targets in RE, English, Maths and Science are all attuned to GCSE grades, where the other subjects have retained the familiar bandings.

More information on all aspects of our assessment and reporting practices can be found on our website.

 Year 7 have settled into secondary school life exceptionally well, making a positive start to this exciting new chapter. Although moving from primary to secondary school brings plenty of changes, students have approached the experience with confidence and maturity. They are becoming familiar with their new surroundings, building strong relationships with their peers and making the most of the wide range of activities and experiences on offer. We would also like to thank all the parents and carers who attended our Year 7 Information Evening on Monday 14 September 2026. Your continued involvement and encouragement are invaluable in supporting our students as they adjust to school life and work towards achieving their best.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Trip

Our Year 7 students enjoyed an exciting day of discovery, teamwork and adventure during their recent rainforest-themed visit! Experiences like this are an important part of life at NLS, helping students develop a broader understanding of the world while creating shared memories and getting to know their tutor group in a different setting.

The day was packed with opportunities to get involved, particularly during the Rainforest Challenge. Working together, students followed a series of puzzling clues, putting their observation and problem-solving skills to the test as they attempted to identify a mystery rainforest plant.

There were also some unforgettable encounters with the animal kingdom! Students had the opportunity to get up close to a range of unusual creatures, including a Corn Snake, Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, Sunny Stick Insect and Giant African Land Snail. These hands-on encounters brought their learning to life, allowing them to discover how different animals have adapted to survive and thrive in their natural habitats.

It was a memorable experience that combined learning with plenty of excitement, giving students the chance to try something new, work together and build friendships beyond the classroom. A fantastic day of exploration that our Year 7 students could really get their teeth into!

I am incredibly proud of how Year 7 have approached their first year at secondary school. They have navigated the transition from primary school with maturity, resilience and a growing sense of confidence, quickly establishing themselves as valued members of our school community. Adjusting to a new environment is no small task, yet they have successfully adapted to moving between lessons, organising themselves independently, and working with a wide range of teachers across a diverse curriculum.

Alongside this, it has been fantastic to see their development both academically and personally. Many students have made strong progress in their learning, building new knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects, while also growing in independence, responsibility and self-belief. It has been equally pleasing to see their confidence flourish as they learn to take on new challenges, work with greater resilience, and develop positive relationships with both staff and their peers.

And just like that... Year 10 awaits!

As we reach the end of another successful academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself fully as your child's Head of Year. Following the recent transition from Mrs Barley-Morey, I feel incredibly privileged to be leading this fantastic cohort as they begin one of the most exciting and important stages of their education, their GCSE journey.

Although I have only been with Year 9 for a relatively short period of time, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students. Over the past few weeks, I have spent a great deal of time visiting lessons, speaking to staff and students, attending tutor time, and learning about the strengths of this year group. I have been genuinely impressed by the kindness, humour, resilience and potential that so many students demonstrate each day.

I would also like to thank all parents and carers for your continued support throughout this period of transition. A strong partnership between home and school is essential, and I know that by working together we can ensure every student is supported to achieve their very best over the next two years.

Well, that year seemed to pass by incredibly quickly! I hope it has been a good one for you and your children as we look to celebrate this term’s achievement and look forward to the Summer break…

Year 13 Prom

We were delighted to celebrate with our wonderful Year 13 at their prom on Tuesday 1 July.

England’s woeful first half performance at the World Cup initially threatened to cloud proceedings perhaps just a little! Luckily, Harry Kane saved us – and our terrifically resilient Year 13 would anyway not have let anything mar their evening.

It was lovely to talk about time at NLS and to look forward to the future: whether university, apprenticeships, employment or a well-earned gap year awaits. After two brief yet unarguably wonderful speeches (!), students and staff alike enjoyed some great food in a lovely setting – with so many staff as well as students there, the mood was terrific and everyone had fun. The dance floor moves on display from students and staff alike was testimony to what terrific relationships and teamwork exist in the NLS Sixth Form – though some of the moves were perhaps a touch more on-point from the students than from some of the staff. Who would have thought “the caterpillar” could make a come-back?

Behaviour was impeccable and it was a real privilege to be part of such a terrific send-off. Well done all and best wishes for the future…