Bulmershe Community Bulletin
Spring Term 2026
We’re delighted to bring you the latest news from The Bulmershe School! From student achievements to community events, this bulletin offers a glimpse into the heart of our vibrant school community. To discover more about The Bulmershe School, and the transition programme we put together for incoming Year 7s, visit our website.
A message from Mrs Woodfin
Welcome to our latest Community Bulletin, designed to give you a window into life at The Bulmershe School. It has been a busy time and I am pleased to share some news that made us very proud last term. For the first time, our school was included in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. This national survey identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK and seeing Bulmershe listed was a lovely moment for our entire community.
We are currently ranked in the top 15% of schools in the South East and among the top 400 state secondary schools nationally. While these numbers are excellent, what really pleased me was the guide’s recognition of our “comprehensive excellence.” They highlighted that we focus on top marks alongside happy students. In fact, our therapy dog, Buddy, even got his own mention in a national article about innovative things happening in schools for his role in supporting student wellbeing!
For those of you currently researching secondary schools for your children, I always encourage looking beyond raw league tables. I also suggest visiting schools to see the student behaviour and the overall atmosphere for yourself. I hope this bulletin gives you a feel for life here and I look forward to meeting many of you at our future events, such as our Summer Showcase on 7th July and our Open Evening on 24th September.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
What our parents and carers say
We are incredibly proud that 92% of our Year 11 families would recommend The Bulmershe School, with over half of them enthusiastically doing so. Our families consistently highlight the supportive, caring and high-achieving environment that defines our school community.
We often hear from parents and carers about the impact our staff have on their children’s lives. One parent shared, “We have been so impressed with Bulmershe, which made the decision to stay on in Sixth Form easy.” Others have noted our commitment to wellbeing, stating, “You are absolutely great at providing pastoral care,” and highlighting how “the revision sessions and staff support made an unbelievable difference to my daughter’s confidence.”
We are grateful for the trust our community places in us and are proud to serve families in Woodley and the wider area with care, commitment and ambition for every student.
Student Leadership
At Bulmershe, we believe that leadership opportunities are about more than just building a CV; they are about helping students find their voice and learn the importance of being part of something bigger than themselves. We are pleased to offer a wide variety of roles that allow students to step up and make a difference within our school and the wider local community.
From Year 7 through to the Sixth Form, there is a role for everyone. Our Peer Mentors play a vital part in welcoming new pupils during transition events, while our Sports Leaders act as enthusiastic ambassadors at local primary school competitions. We also have a thriving Student Council, dedicated library assistants, Sixth Form Academic Mentors who support students in lower years and a senior Head Student team, all of whom contribute their time to make Bulmershe a better place.
These experiences help our young people develop maturity, responsibility and empathy. Seeing our students rise to these challenges with such passion and drive is one of the highlights of school life, as they grow into the confident leaders of tomorrow.
Creative and Performing Arts at Bulmershe
Creative and performing arts are a cornerstone of the Bulmershe identity. We believe that participation in the arts, whether on stage or behind the scenes, builds the unshakeable confidence and resilience that young people need to thrive.
Our annual school production is a particular highlight of the year, bringing our entire community together to celebrate the energy and professionalism of our students. This spirit of collaboration continues into our Summer Showcase, where our school is transformed into a vibrant gallery and performance space. Families can explore GCSE and A-Level art exhibitions, view innovative media projects and enjoy live performances in dance, drama and music. From Bollywood dancing to the uplifting sounds of our Samba Band, the evening celebrates the diverse talents of our students in an inclusive and joyous atmosphere.
These opportunities allow students from Year 7 to Year 13 to work side-by-side, fostering a supportive community where everyone has a chance to shine. If you would like to experience this for yourself, please put a date in your diary for our next Summer Showcase on Tuesday 7th July 2026.
Attendance Matters – Supporting your Child in School
Transitioning to secondary school is a big step, and we know that for some children, the idea of attending school every day can occasionally feel overwhelming. At The Bulmershe School, we believe that good attendance is the foundation for a happy and successful school life. It helps students build lasting friendships, stay on track with their learning and feel a true sense of belonging.
We also understand that every family faces different challenges. If your child ever finds it difficult to come into school, we want you to know that we are here to help, not to judge. Our dedicated pastoral and attendance teams work closely with families to provide a supportive environment. Whether it is through personalised mentoring or simply having a quiet chat to understand a child’s anxieties, our focus is always on the well-being of the student.
By building a partnership with our families early on, we can ensure every child feels confident and supported as they grow with us.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
We are incredibly proud to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) to our students, with pathways available at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. This award is one of the most enriching experiences we provide, helping young people build confidence, independence and resilience.
At Bulmershe, the journey begins in Year 9 as part of our unique Leadership and Challenge curriculum. This weekly lesson allows students to start their Bronze Award by volunteering in the community, learning new skills and preparing for their first expedition. As students move up through the school, they can progress to Silver and Gold awards through our popular after-school DofE club, supported by a dedicated team of staff volunteers.
The qualities developed through DofE, such as leadership and problem-solving, are highly valued by universities and employers. We look forward to welcoming our future Year 7 students into this programme and watching them push themselves beyond their comfort zones to achieve something truly remarkable.
Follow us on Social Media
To keep up to date with all the latest news, student achievements and events at The Bulmershe School, please follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We love sharing what’s been happening in school and it is a wonderful way for our community to stay connected.