Aylesford Weekly News - 18 September 2026

Welcome from Mr Perry

As we start the new school year you can see we have a new style newsletter to replace the PDF attachment which bunged up your email inbox last year.  This online version is designed to show you all the amazing range of things that go on here every day from activities, trips, club theme days to careers fairs etc.  We will also share the brilliant successes our students achieve both in and out of school so if you do wish to see your child celebrated for their out of school successes through our weekly news then please do email sharples.c@aylesfordschool.org.uk

Starting this week, our new Senior Leadership Team will begin to introduce themselves through these pages as well.  We have a new team at Aylesford and we are all excited to create the very best provision for all our students.  This week it is our Head of Secondary, Mrs Maughan, introducing herself and more will follow in the coming weeks.

Best wishes

Mr Perry

Welcome from the Head of Secondary Phase

It is a real privilege to introduce myself as the new Head of Secondary Phase at Aylesford School. I am excited to be working with our students, staff and families as we continue to build on the many strengths of our school.

I have been particularly impressed by the way students have returned this September. They have arrived looking smart, ready to learn and engaging positively with school life, providing a fantastic start to the year.

This year, our work will focus on several key priorities. We are launching our Great Teaching Framework, which brings together evidence-informed approaches to ensure every student experiences high-quality teaching every day. Alongside this, we will continue our curriculum review to ensure students receive an ambitious and well-sequenced education.

Attendance will remain a key focus, as we know that every day in school matters. We will continue to work closely with families to support excellent attendance and punctuality.

We are also committed to strengthening our school culture, ensuring that every student feels known, valued and supported while being challenged to achieve their very best. As part of this work, we will engage students, staff and families in shaping a refreshed set of vision and values that truly reflect the future of Aylesford.

There is much to look forward to this year. With dedicated staff, wonderful students and a supportive community, I am confident that together we can continue to make Aylesford a school that we are all proud to be part of.

Ms Maughan

Year 11 Post-16 Destinations Fair

On Tuesday 22 September, We have invited a range of local colleges, sixth forms and apprenticeship providers into school to meet with our Year 11 students and provide information about the opportunities available to them after Key Stage 4.

Representatives will outline the courses and pathways they offer, entry requirements, and the application process.

To ensure students are well prepared and able to make the most of this valuable event, tutors shared some introductory information during tutor time on Wednesday. Parents and carers may wish to discuss the event with their child and encourage them to consider any questions they may wish to ask providers.

Details of forthcoming Open Evenings and Open Days at local colleges and sixth forms will be shared shortly, enabling families to plan visits and explore the options available to them in greater depth.

Bleak Expectations

The Drama department has now begun initial rehearsals for the next school production of "Bleak Expectations", a comedy parody of Dickensian culture, history and traditions.

This is a inter year group production which brings together students of all ages and various staff members supporting.

This school production will take place in February 2027.

This follows on from the very successful production of "Alice" in February 2026 and "Midsummer and Night's Dream" 

Get Creative and Make a Difference!

We are delighted to be supporting the wonderful charity Kissing it Better (KiB) once again with their exciting Autumn Art Competition.

We invite students to use their imagination and artistic talents to create something special that will bring a smile to the faces of patients at Warwick Hospital and residents in local care homes. Whether they love painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, or digital art, we would love to see their creations!

Grab paints, pencils, pens, camera, or sketchbook and create a piece of artwork inspired by this year's competition theme.

Not only could their artwork be celebrated in the competition, but it could also brighten someone's day and make a real difference in our community.

Competition deadline: Monday 9th November
Hand all artwork to Mrs Hutchings in G98

We can't wait to see the amazing artwork produced by our talented Aylesford students. Get creative, have fun, and help spread a little happiness through art!

Book Donations Welcome!

If you are having a clear out and have any fiction or non-fiction books suitable for children aged 7-16, we would be delighted to receive them.

Our Learning Support Department is creating classroom libraries and reading areas to encourage a love of reading, improve literacy, and support students' wellbeing.  

Donations can be handed into the Secondary Reception or directly to Mr Hatton via students. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support.

School Library Opening Hours

A reminder of our School Library Opening hours for students:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra-curricular PE Opportunities

Vacancies

We currently have two vacanices available: