Headteacher News for September 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
A Bright New Start
Welcome back to a brand-new school year! It was such a joy to see so many of you at our Community Picnic in Week 2. Despite the rain, the rainbow moments made it all worthwhile – thank you for showing up and making it such a positive, community-spirited event.
Big Dreams, Big Impact
This year, we’re building on our strengths with a sharp focus on big ambitions that make a lasting difference. Our five key priorities are which link to Friends of Tetherdown Fundraising are:
- OPAL Play – joyful, adventurous play
- Oracy (Voice 21) – inspiring confident voices
- Arts & Creativity – igniting imagination
- Community Links – giving back & growing stronger
- Technology – tools for every child to shine
OPAL Adventures
We’re entering our second year of OPAL Play, now led by the fabulous Louisa Koshyck (Y6 Phoenix Class). She’ll be sharing updates and requests for resources as the year unfolds.
👉 Save the Date 🛠 Make Do and Mend Day – Saturday 29th November
We’ll be upgrading play areas and need your helping hands. Bring energy, ideas, and a willingness to get stuck in!
🌧 All-weather play reminder: please ensure children come to school with raincoats every day. We’re embracing outdoor play in all seasons – the benefits of movement and fresh air are too valuable to miss.
Oracy Voice 21 – Raising Confident Voices
Our Oracy project is off to a flying start. Ms Ghenti Etan launched with a whole-school assembly, and children are now practising how to speak with confidence, clarity, and purpose across lessons. The aim: for every child to leave Tetherdown with a strong voice and the courage to use it.
Community Connections – Giving Back, Growing Together
In our fast-moving, tech-driven world, children need human connections more than ever. This year, every year group will take part in a community project, strengthening ties inside our school and reaching out into the wider world.
Year 4 are already shining! They’ve begun weekly visits to Spring Lane Care Home, singing, chatting, and sharing stories with residents. These intergenerational moments develop children’s empathy and communication skills while bringing joy, energy, and purpose to residents.
The care home has also shared a special video: residents celebrating Julia Donaldson’s birthday with a reading of Paper Chase. You can watch it here: Watch on YouTube.
These projects will grow throughout the year – from volunteering and fundraising to creative partnerships and environmental action. Together, we’re building a culture of giving, caring, and belonging.
These projects will grow throughout the year – from volunteering and fundraising to creative partnerships and environmental action. Together, we’re building a culture of giving, caring, and belonging.
Friends of Tetherdown (FoT)
We say a big thank you to outgoing co-chairs Jenny Roberts and Barbara Keith and their wonderful team for years of service. At the AGM we welcomed our new FoT team, led by Mia Economou and Azey Siddiqui (both Year 1 parents), along with fresh faces bringing energy and enthusiasm.
First FoT event: Quiz Night – Saturday 15th November
A fun-filled evening for our community – don’t miss it!
Brilliant Beginnings in Reception
A huge welcome to our Reception children, settling beautifully into school life with Ms Moffatt and Ms Clarkson. They are already finding their feet with routines, expectations, and – most importantly – a love of learning.
Opening Our Doors – School Tours & Events
Please share details of our upcoming events with families who might be considering Tetherdown:
School Tours (book via our website) – guided by our wonderful Y6 pupils, whose confidence and honesty always impress visitors.
- Stay & Play – Saturday 15th November – a chance for prospective families to experience our Early Years setting.
- Please invite them to the Winter Fair – Friday 5th December – always a community favourite!
Celebrating Attainment
We are delighted to share that Tetherdown continues to be amongst the top 5–10% of schools nationally. Please see the link to our Performance Data on our school website.
Highlights include:
- Reading, Maths, SPaG, Science, and Phonics remain strengths.
- SEND and EAL pupils achieve well across all subjects.
- Attendance is strong, with very low persistent absence.
- Writing is our focus for improvement, with exciting curriculum developments led by our English Lead.
Y6 Secondary School Destinations
We are proud to share the destinations of our Year 6 pupils for July 2025. Once again, Tetherdown children are moving on to a wide range of excellent schools.
📊 Key Highlights
- Fortismere remains the most popular choice – 60% of pupils moving on this year.
- Other local schools welcomed 22%, showing the breadth of strong options nearby.
- Selective grammar schools continue to be a successful pathway, with 10% gaining places at highly competitive schools.
- Independent schools attracted a smaller proportion this year (7%, compared to 16% in 2024).
Important Reminders
📌 Attendance Matters
Please read the Attendance Policy carefully. Holidays cannot be authorised during term time, including days added to existing breaks. Unauthorised absences may result in fines. As Headteacher, I am no longer able to make exceptions. Please see the link to the Attendance Policy on our website policy page.
⌚ Smart Watches
Devices that take photos, videos, or calls are not permitted. Y5/Y6 independent travellers with smartwatches must hand them in to teachers each morning, just as they do with phones.
Food Bank Collection Begins
Today, we welcomed Mia Jenkins, who spoke to the children about supporting our local food bank. We are collecting dried food and tins to help families in need, and every donation – big or small – will make a difference, especially in the current economic climate.
🛒 The collection point will be open in school until Friday 17th October in the yellow floor hub. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Annie Ashraf
Headteacher