Headteacher Update

March 2024

Many of you may well have seen an article in the Chronicle last week regarding future 6th Form provision at John Spence and whilst we are hugely excited at the prospect of delivering post 16 education in the future, there is a long way to go with many challenges ahead before any final decision can be made. The background of the announcement by North Tyneside Council is that they approached us as part of their investigations into 6th form provision in North Shields to gather our views as well as ask if we would be willing to consider developing 6th Form provision in the future, which as an Academy we are able to do.  We are obviously very keen to explore this and are in the process of looking at viability as well as considering how our offer would not undermine the local offer in place at other schools. The Pele Trust CEO has informed the Department for Education that we are considering this and whilst a concrete proposal is some distance away, I do hope that we will be able to deliver on this for the young people of North Shields in the future; and it is good to know that we have the backing of North Tyneside Council if we do proceed.

Yesterday, we welcomed Year 9 parents into school for their child’s options interviews. The day was well attended with plenty of really good discussions about the future as well as the choices that they are about to make for their GCSEs. Thank you to Mrs Clay for organising the day and who now has the unenviable task of collating all the options forms, creating classes and then the timetable for next year. Year 11 will have their SLT review day meetings on 18th March so please look out for details and get your appointments booked in as we approach the last stretch before the summer exams.

On the subject of Year 11, a rumour was circulating that we had cancelled the prom this year, I can categorically say that this is not the case and it will be taking place as usual and this year it will be on Thursday 27th June! More details will be forthcoming from Mrs Brown and Mr Redpath in the coming weeks. It will also be great in the next few weeks to see many Year 11 wearing their leavers hoodies around school if they have completed their hoodie passport which shows that they have gone above and beyond in accessing support and intervention. It is always a big moment and really pulls into sharp focus how close they are to leaving John Spence.

I hope you all have a good weekend.

Best wishes
Jonathan