Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

As we approach the half way point of this half term I wanted to thank parents for their continued support for the new academic year. The start of the year has been strong and Townley students have presented themselves extremely positively and are coming together as a community, ensuring they live by our school values - please take the time to speak to your child and ask them about our school values as well as what their hopes and aspirations are this year - something I talked to all students about in my assembly last week. We talked about collecting "trinkets". Not physical objects, but memories, experiences, and feelings that make up their unique journey. I asked them to cherish the small victories, the new friendships, the 'aha!' moments in class, and the times they pushed through when they thought they couldn't. These are the "trinkets" that will build stories and show them how far they have come. I hope you take some time to ask them about their trinkets and cherish those moments with them.

Safety travelling to and from school
Please can we ask that as parents you speak to your children about safety travelling to and from school. Please discuss with them alternative journeys if a bus or train is cancelled or a footpath blocked. Please also speak to them about being vigilant walking unaccompanied - please discuss with them having headphones in, which limits alertness, being aware of their surroundings and ensure they are alert and focussed.

As always, incidents can be reported to the police by dialling 101 (non-emergency), or 999 if there is immediate risk. It is important we all work together to ensure a safe community and we appreciate parents’ support with this.

Important - Reporting for Academic Year 2025-26
Please follow the link here to our website information for parents, in relation to reporting and assessment for this year. In particular, please see the changes to the grading for behaviour for learning and effort.

John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2025
We are immensely proud to share that three of our International Relations students from last year have been shortlisted for the final of the prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2025. This year’s competition saw over 65,000 entries from students worldwide, making this an extraordinary achievement. Townley stands out as one of only a handful of state-funded schools globally to have not just one, but three students reach the finals. A huge congratulations to Ava E., Shaelyn R. and Darisimi O. on this remarkable success! 

ATOM Learning Competition
Atom Learning have asked us to share details of their competition with Year 10 and 11 students. Please can we ask you as parents/carers to review and consider if your child should enter.

Bexley SEND Market Place
Please see the attached flyer for information on the event being held on Monday 6^th October at Danson Youth and Community Centre.  They have over 45 local authority services and charities attending to promote how they can support pupils where early needs are emerging and those that are accessing SEN support. This is a brilliant event to understand what support is available within the local authority and community. Parking is free and on site, or available across the road at LCEB College. Refreshments will be available.

Bexley Voice – Tea & Talk Parent/Carer Support Groups
Please see the attached flyers for information on the support groups run by Bexley Voice where you can join them for an informal chat about anything SEND. There is both a morning group and evening group coming up in October – 14th and the 23rd  all dates and timings are attached. Come and speak directly to members of their team who will signpost you to the right advice and support

Kind regards,

Miss S Totty
Interim Headteacher