The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 78
4th September 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been a pleasure to welcome our students back for the start of a new academic year. The school has quickly returned to its familiar rhythm, with classrooms full of energy and enthusiasm.
The beginning of a new term is always an important time for establishing the routines that underpin success. In my assemblies over the past two days, I have shared clear messages about the importance of excellent attendance (above 95%), high standards of uniform, and being ready to listen and learn. These expectations play a vital role in helping students thrive both academically and personally.
As a reminder, now that we are in the autumn term, all students should be wearing their school blazer unless they are on the school’s exemption list. We appreciate parental support in ensuring students arrive at school each day wearing the correct uniform.
I have also reminded students of our expectations regarding mobile phones. From the moment students enter the school site, mobile phones should be switched off or on silent and kept in their bags throughout the school day. Phones may be used as students leave the school site at the end of the day. Students should carry a paper copy of their timetable and should not use their phones to access this information during the school day. If a timetable is lost, students can visit Student Reception or their Head of Year office to obtain a replacement copy.
Should families need to contact their child during the school day, please do so through Reception. Likewise, if students need to contact home, they should go to Student Reception who can call on their behalf.
Open communication between home and school remains essential. We encourage parents and carers to contact us if there are any concerns or changes in circumstances so that we can provide support at the earliest opportunity. By working together, we can ensure that every student has the very best start to the year and is well placed to achieve their full potential.
Following the less structured routines of the summer break, the return to school can take a little adjustment. We are grateful for the support that families provide in helping students re-establish positive habits and effective daily routines.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I look forward to a successful and rewarding year ahead for all members of our school community.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Don’t forget! School will be finishing early on Thursday 24th September, to allow staff and students to prepare for our Open Evening. Everyone will be offered a food break before school ends at 12:20pm. Buses will be organised to collect students at this time from Reception as normal.
Upcoming Events
8/9 – Year 7 Curriculum Evening – from 5pm in the Auditorium
15/9 – Year 9 Curriculum Evening – from 5pm in the Auditorium
17/9 – Year 11 Curriculum Evening – from 5pm in the Auditorium
24/9 – School Closes at 12:20pm to allow us to prepare for Open Evening
29/9 – Year 10 Curriculum Evening – from 5pm in the Auditorium
1/10 – Year 13 Curriculum Evening – from 5pm in the Auditorium
PARKING ON SITE
We encourage all students to try to take public transport, walk or cycle to school. Our on site carpark is for staff only. We have no dedicated area near the school for dropping off or picking up students by car, as the area at the front of reception is reserved for buses and disabled visitors only.
If you have to drive your child to/from school, please arrange to meet them in a safe place off-site. Please be respectful of our neighbours and do not park on yellow lines or block driveways.
Heathers: The Musical Auditions
Following the triumphant success of The Addams Family, our Performing Arts team is thrilled to launch our next whole-school production: Heathers: The Musical – Teen Edition.
This witty and dynamic coming-of-age story follows Veronica Sawyer as she navigates the complex social hierarchy of Westerberg High. While this modified edition is suitable for secondary performers, it touches on thoughtful themes surrounding identity and belonging.
We are looking for performers of all ages for principal roles and a large ensemble, as well as a dedicated backstage crew for lighting, sound, costumes, props and marketing.
Auditions take place on Monday 7th September in D1. They start at 3:00pm and could run into the early evening, so please discuss travel plans with your child beforehand. Students should prepare by joining our Heathers Google Classroom using code q3w7zrbi to access character profiles and rehearsal materials. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Celebrating Success
We are delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our Year 11 and Year 13 students this summer.
Our largest Year 13 cohort to date delivered outstanding A-Level and vocational results. An impressive 11.6% of grades were A*, well above the national average, with six students achieving at least three A* grades. Almost all university applicants secured their top-choice places, including progression to Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine and Engineering. A growing number of students also landed competitive degree apprenticeships with top organisations like British Airways and Thames Valley Police.
Our Year 11 students achieved our highest ever Attainment 8 score of 50.56, with over 58% of grades at Grade 5 or above. For the second year running, our Progress 8 score places Bulmershe in the top 25% of schools nationally. English and Maths performance was exceptional, with over a third of Maths students securing top Grades 7 to 9. Beyond high marks, 25 students made over two full grades of progress across all subjects.
These results reflect the incredible effort of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the invaluable support from parents. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
Urgent – Free School Meals
Due to recent council process updates, all eligible families must submit a new application for Free School Meals this term.
Even if your child previously received free school meals, their status might not automatically roll over. We currently have a large number of eligible students who are not yet registered on the new system, so please submit your form as soon as possible to avoid a too long interruption to your child’s daily allowance.
You can collect a paper application form directly from school reception or download it from our website. Please complete and return it to us promptly so our admin team can process it with the local authority.
While your application is being processed, please ensure your child has alternative arrangements in place for break and lunchtime. Students will need to either:
- Bring a packed lunch from home
- Have funds added to their IRIS ParentMail account online
- Bring cash to main reception so staff can add credit to their account in school
If you have any questions or need help completing the form, please pop into reception or contact then via email.
Studybugs – Reporting Student Absence
As shared earlier this week, we are moving to a new tool called Studybugs to make reporting student illness quicker, simpler and safer.
Studybugs updates our registers automatically so tutors know immediately that your child is safe at home. It also frees up our Attendance Team to provide direct support to families rather than processing voicemail messages.
Please create your free account today:
- Head to the Studybugs Parents Page, click “Sign in” and select “Register free!”
- Confirm your email address via the link sent to your inbox.
- Add your children under the profile section.
Once registered, you can log absences in seconds via the Studybugs app or directly through the link on our website. We ask all families to begin using Studybugs immediately to help everyone get used to the process. From 1st January 2027, Studybugs will become our sole method for reporting illness. Thank you for your support.
Message from Mrs Edwards for Year 7 Families
Our new Year 7 have had a jam-packed first two days. They started with an assembly with Mrs Woodfin and me before ensuring all their fingerprints were taken so they could use the canteen…(Important things first!). They have received their timetables, had a tour of the school and practised the fire drill – all this is on top of going to lessons in the afternoon. They are in the process of writing letters to their future Y11-selves which will be returned in 5 years’ time to see how they have changed.
Year 7 are already demonstrating that they want to and will be the best year group we have – they impressed Mrs Woodfin with their impeccable entrance into her assembly and all looking very smart in their uniform.
We know it’s a daunting time for both students and parents but rest assured there a lots of staff on hand to support so please reach out if you need to. I am looking forward to seeing how they get on and all the amazing things we know they will do!
CCF Announcement
Our brand new Combined Cadets Force contingent meets for the first time on Monday! If your year 9 or Year 10 child is signed up, please can you let them know to head to the Tennis Courts instead of Registration on Monday morning? Thank you!
Welcome new staff
We are delighted to welcome a wonderful group of new staff members to The Bulmershe School community this term. Just like our new Year 7s, they are busy learning the lay of the land and finding their feet on site.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new team members:
Teaching Staff
- Miss Aljabar (Maths)
- Ms Bowler (Science)
- Mr Day (Science)
- Ms Hacke-Woods (PE)
- Mr Hickling (SEND)
- Mrs Nande (Science)
- Ms Richards (Maths)
- Ms Shearing (English)
- Ms Wooller (History)
Support & Specialist Staff
- Ms Dunford (Deputy SENDCO – Beacon)
- Ms Allen (Deputy SENDCO – Oasis)
- Ms Amara Lincoln-Carrington (LSA)
- Mr Bamford (LSA)
- Mr Beard (LSA)
- Mr Burrows (LSA)
- Ms Norton (SALT Practitioner)
Re-establishing Routines
Transitioning from summer freedom back to structured school days can take a bit of adjustment. Here are five practical strategies to help your child settle back into a productive routine:
Keep in Touch: Open communication between home and school is key. Please reach out to your child’s tutor if you have any worries or changing circumstances so we can support you early on.
Reset Daily Schedules: Re-establish consistent wake-up times, meal routines and departure plans to align smoothly with the school day.
Manage Digital Devices: Gradually reduce recreational screen time. Ensure screens are switched off at least an hour before bed to support restful sleep.
Encourage Independence: Involve your child in packing their bag, planning lunches and laying out uniform the night before to build responsibility and ease morning stress.
Focus on the Positive: Talk openly about the exciting parts of school life, from catching up with friends to trying out new extra-curricular clubs.
You can find more information on re-establishing routines, alongside lots of other resources on our website:
Staff Achievements
Two members of our staff team completed extraordinary physical endurance challenges over the summer break, raising thousands of pounds for causes close to their hearts.
Mr Scott took on a gruelling 72-hole golf marathon, walking over 42,000 steps from dawn until dusk. Despite the intense fatigue, he raised an exceptional £8,757 for SANDS, a charity supporting bereaved parents.
Meanwhile, Mr Whearity completed a breathtaking 174-mile run along the Thames Path. Clocking 35 hours of running over four days, he raised £2,458 for the Oxford Hospitals Charity to support the trauma team at John Radcliffe Hospital who treated him after a severe accident.
We are immensely proud of their resilience and determination. Together, they have raised over £11,000 for two incredible charities.
STEM Fundraising Challenge
Following last year’s brilliant STEM campaign, where students designed Addams Family keyrings to fund our first 3D printer, we are launching a new challenge to expand our technology suite.
To celebrate our upcoming show, we are asking students to design a 3D-printable item inspired by Heathers: The Musical. Concepts could include keyrings, fridge magnets, pendants, small figurines or original graphic symbols. Designs must be original work without copyrighted logos. Students can sketch their ideas by hand or use Canva to build their models.
Submissions can be uploaded to the Google Classroom using code q3w7zrbi.
Winning entries will be 3D printed and sold to raise funds for additional printers. Winners will also receive a Certificate of Innovation and have their artwork showcased around the school. Please encourage your child to get involved and put their engineering skills to the test!
Tone & Poise Dance Competition
We are excited to announce that students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have the opportunity to represent The Bulmershe School at the Tone & Poise Dance Competition at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley.
This year we will be creating a dynamic Jazz/Musical Theatre piece, with places for up to 40 students. Successful applicants will join a dedicated Preparation Day on Wednesday 16th December, followed by rehearsals in January ahead of the main event on Friday 5th February 2027.
No prior dance experience is required; we are simply looking for energy, commitment and great teamwork. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with sign-ups closing on Friday 16th October 2026.
If your child would like to take part, please ask them to complete the Tone & Poise Entry Form to express their interest.
Sixth Form and College Open Events for Year 11
It’s time for year 11 families to be thinking about and applying for Post 16 places. The Bulmershe Sixth Form Open Evening will be held on Thursday 12th November from 17:45. We hope to see many of you there.
Other local open events are as follows:
Henley College – 24th September
Reading College – 10th October/11th November
Bracknell and Wokingham College – 14th October/14th November
The Forest School Sixth form – 13th October
BCA – 3rd October/14th October
Maiden Erlegh – 1st October
Reading Girls School – 15th October
Reading Boys School 25th November
The Piggott – 19th November
(Other colleges/sixth forms have not yet published their dates)
For students living in Wokingham – more information can be found on their Elevate Me page, for those living in Reading here’s the Elevate Brighter Futures link
Year 10 Work Experience Reminder
Year 10 has an important milestone ahead with Aspiration Week, scheduled for the week beginning 25th January 2027.
During this week, students will participate in interactive skill-building workshops, mock interviews hosted by external employers, and a three-day Work Experience placement running from Wednesday to Friday.
Students are responsible for sourcing their own three-day placements, which can be completed alongside family or friends in a professional workplace. All placement details must be submitted and approved via Unifrog before any placement can go ahead. The deadline for completing Unifrog submissions is Monday 30th November.
Please visit the Work Experience Presentation on our website for step-by-step guidance. If you have specific questions or need advice on securing a placement, please contact Miss Parker at cparker@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk.
Summer Pétanque
During last term’s Culture Day, Mme Gardiner’s year 7 French Class made the most of the warm weather and enjoyed a game of the French classic – Pétanque:
Shout Outs
On a Friday we like to shine a spotlight on those who deserve a thank you or have done well over the past week. If you would like to nominate your child, or a member of staff, please use our nomination email address: HeadsPA@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk.
Student Shout Out
Mr Chandler would like to say a huge well done to Louis in Year 9 who became the British Champion in his gymnastics youth category in July. What a phenomenal achievement!
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 7th September
What’s On
Free Online Talk: Masking Awareness
FACE Family Advice is running a free online talk on Masking Awareness for parents on Thursday 24th September from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. The session aims to support parents in understanding masking behaviors in children. Click here to book via the Parent > Live Talks page.
Open Water Swim Evening at Dinton Activity Centre
Dinton Activity Centre is holding an Open Water Swim Evening on Saturday 5th September from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The event offers supervised open water swimming alongside lakeside food and drinks. Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for under-16s, who must be accompanied by an adult. Discounted parking is available if booked in advance. Click here to find out more.
Waingels Woodley Run Fest
The Waingels Woodley Run Fest takes place at Waingels School on Saturday 26th September from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The event features chip-timed 5k and 10k races, a 2k children’s run, refreshments and medals for finishers. Click here to find out more.
Reading Pride Parade and Festival
The annual Reading Pride parade and festival takes place on Saturday 5th September, starting at 12:00pm from Reading Town Centre through to Kings Meadow. The community event features live stage performances and local vendor stalls. Click here to find out more.
Upcoming Local Theatre Productions
Several local venues are staging productions:
Reading Rep Theatre: Dracula (from 23rd September)
Progress Theatre: Cold Comfort Farm (3rd–12th September)
The Mill at Sonning: Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d (from 3rd September)
University of Reading: Samuel Beckett’s Not I (19th–20th September)
South Street Arts Centre: Monstering The Rocketman (23rd September)
Oakwood Centre: Hades Town – Teen edition (14th-17th October)
