Headteacher News for July 2026
Dear Parents and Carers
A Year to Remember
As we reach the end of another school year, it is time to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Tetherdown.
It has not been without its challenges. We have worked with a slimmer Senior Leadership Team structure, supported colleagues through periods of long-term illness and kept things moving through teamwork, resilience and perhaps a little more coffee than usual.
A special mention goes to our much-missed Site Manager, Elvis Francis, who we are all hoping to welcome back in December.
Along the way, we have faced reduced budgets, extreme weather, the loss of our water supply and even the closure of the school for a day. Yet through it all, Tetherdown has continued to thrive. Once again, our community has shown what can be achieved when people pull together.
Amazing Academic Achievements
What makes me most proud is that, despite the challenges, our children have continued to achieve incredible things.
Our academic outcomes this year have been exceptional.
We have seen excellent results in the Early Learning Goals and Phonics, while our Year 4 pupils achieved fantastic outcomes in the Multiplication Tables Check, with an incredible 33 children — over 50% of the cohort — achieving full marks.
Our Year 6 SATs results were equally impressive and represent the strongest outcomes we have achieved in the past five years. These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our pupils, the support of our families and the dedication of our staff.
Thank you to the Staff
Before moving on, I want to say a huge thank you to our incredible staff team.
From our site team who keep the school running, our office staff who somehow manage to solve problems before most of us even know they exist, our support staff who work tirelessly alongside children every single day, and our teaching staff who continue to inspire, challenge and nurture our pupils — these achievements belong to all of you.
The results we celebrate this year did not happen by accident. They are the product of dedication, teamwork, expertise and an unwavering commitment to our children.
Simply put, without this wonderful team, none of this would have been possible.
To our Year 6 Leavers — Congratulations
You leave Tetherdown having given us one of our most memorable productions ever with your phenomenal performance of School of Rock. You truly rocked the school in every sense of the word.
We are incredibly proud of your next steps:
- 67% moving on to Fortismere.
- 17% attending other local schools.
- 8% joining independent schools.
- 7% gaining places at selective grammar schools.
We wish everyone happiness and success in the adventures ahead.
Another Goodbye
We say farewell and thank you to Zach Moss, who has supported both our after-school club and sports clubs so brilliantly. Zach is about to begin an exciting new chapter in the United States, studying Sports and Events Management in New York. We wish him every success and look forward to hearing about his adventures across the Atlantic.
Summer, Sport and Celebrations
The end of the year has, as always, been wonderfully hectic — but isn't that exactly how it should be? We managed to hold our Sports Days, although this year's temperatures left us wondering whether we were running an athletics event or preparing pupils for pre-season training in the Sahara Desert. As a result, we have made the decision to move Sports Day to the Spring Term from 2027.
Speaking of sporting success, our trophy cupboard is now looking less like a cupboard and more like a health and safety concern. It is positively overflowing with awards, achievements and accolades from across the year.
This week, we celebrated with the staff versus pupils dodgeball match once again proved two things: the children have excellent reflexes and the staff have excellent excuses.
Weddings, Joy and Community
Our final weeks together have been full of celebration and happiness. We were delighted that the reception held a special wedding party for Ms Clarkson and Ms Koschyk as they prepare for their forthcoming weddings.
Moments like these remind us what schools are about — community, friendship, laughter and making memories together.
Exhibition and Concert Evening
It was wonderful to see so many families attend our Exhibition and Concert Evening. The evening was a wonderful celebration of the creativity, confidence and talent of our pupils.
Twenty-Five Years at Tetherdown
This year also marks 25 years at Tetherdown for me. When I first arrived in January 2001, on my very first day, I was affectionately (mistakenly called) "Ms RiffRaff!"
I absolutely loved the colour celebration which celebrated this and the joy it brought. Watching children laugh, play and simply enjoy being with their friends remains one of the most important and rewarding parts of school life.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising for air-conditioning units. If I am honest, I expected the fundraising process to take two months rather than twenty-four hours. I thought this would give me plenty of time for research, feasibility studies and spreadsheets before decisions needed to be made.
As many of you know, some air-conditioning units can increase carbon dioxide levels in classrooms, so we are carefully exploring the safest, most sustainable and most effective options for our children and staff.
There is currently a national shortage of suitable units, but we are committed to making the very best use of this incredibly generous gift from our community.
Finally...
Thank you for your continued support, kindness and commitment to Tetherdown. To those families leaving us this year, please do come back and tell us your news — you will always be part of the Tetherdown .
To everyone returning in September, we cannot wait to welcome you back for another exciting year ahead on Monday, 7th September. Have a fantastic summer holiday, enjoy every moment and come back refreshed for another year of learning, laughter and, no doubt, a little organised chaos.
Kind Regards
Annie Ashraf
Headteacher
