Aylesford Weekly Newsletter - 16 October 2026

Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers

There was a real sense of positivity at our Year 11 Pathway to Success Evening last night, with parents, carers and staff coming together to support students as they prepare for their GCSE examinations.

The evening provided practical revision advice, useful resources and guidance on how AI can be used positively to support learning. 

At Aylesford, we believe success is built through partnership, and it was wonderful to see so many families working alongside us to help our students achieve their full potential.

Now it is over to our Year 11 students to put these strategies, resources and skills into practice over the coming months. With consistent effort, determination and the support of their families and teachers, we are confident they can achieve their very best.

Mr Perry

Meet Our Director of Operartions - Mrs Orme 

I have been part of the Aylesford School community for 14 years, although my career actually started in the commercial sector at Thomas Cook. I have a degree and Masters in Modern Foreign Languages and Film Studies, and more recently completed a qualification in Business Leadership. 

My journey at Aylesford has certainly been varied! I started on the front desk as Office Manager before going on to become the Headteacher's PA, HR Manager, Clerk to Governors and School Timetabler, eventually taking on my current role as Director of Operations. I have always been a bit of a "jack of all trades", which is probably why Operations suits me so well.

I am incredibly fortunate to work with an amazing Operations Team. Together, we look after the many non-teaching functions that keep a school running, including HR, Estates, Finance, Procurement, IT, GDPR, Marketing, Compliance and Data. Ultimately, our job is to make sure that everything behind the scenes works effectively so that our teaching colleagues can concentrate on what matters most, teaching and supporting our pupils.

The last three years in particular have brought some significant challenges for the Operations Team, but I am incredibly proud of the way we have worked together and come through them stronger. It has given us an even greater appreciation of each other's roles and of the contribution support staff make every day to school life.

Outside of work, I am a very proud dog mum and spend lots of time outdoors with Oreo. I also love travelling with my husband, who I actually met at Aylesford! My passion for travelling and discovering new countries has definitely stayed with me since my Thomas Cook days.  My other big passion is running, particularly long-distance and trail running. I recently completed a trail marathon from Bristol to Bath, and I have some big ultra-running goals for 2027, including hopefully taking on my first Backyard Ultra.

After 14 years, Aylesford still means a huge amount to me. It is a genuine community school with a real sense of family, and that is what makes coming to work each day worthwhile. 

I am very proud of what we have achieved and incredibly excited about this next chapter for Aylesford.

Year 11 Pathway to Success Evening – Supporting the Class of 2027!

Last night, we were delighted to welcome 111 families to our Year 11 Pathways to Success Evening, bringing together students, parents, carers and teachers with one shared goal – to support our young people as they prepare for their GCSE examinations.

The evening was a fantastic opportunity to share practical advice, revision strategies and valuable resources to help students feel confident, motivated and prepared for the months ahead.

Every student received a revision goodie bag, packed with useful tools and information to support their revision journey. Families also explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used positively to create engaging, interactive and personalised revision materials, making learning both effective and enjoyable.

At Aylesford, we believe that success is built through teamwork. When teachers, parents and students work together, sharing high expectations, encouragement and support, we give every young person the best possible opportunity to achieve their potential.

To further support learning at home, revision guides are now available to purchase through ParentPay, and all examination information booklets will also be accessible on the school website.

A huge thank you to all the families who attended and to our dedicated staff for their continued commitment to helping our students succeed.

To the Class of 2027 – the next nine months are your opportunity to make a difference! Stay focused, work hard, develop positive revision habits and believe in what you can achieve.

Working together, we can turn ambition into achievement.

Class of 2027 – your pathway to success starts now!

A Warm Welcome Back: Former Student Inspires Aspiring Actors in our Drama students

We were delighted to welcome back former student Molly Russell, who came in to speak to our Year 8, 10 and 11 Drama students about her journey since leaving school. Molly graduated in 2021.

Molly shared her experiences of progressing from our school to BOA (performing Arts Academy) and Italia Conti Drama School, and of developing as a performer as she takes her next steps towards a professional career. She spoke honestly and inspiringly about overcoming challenges to her self-esteem and confidence associated with the birthmark on her face, demonstrating the importance of resilience, self-belief and embracing what makes you unique.

Her visit had a real impact on our students, fuelling their sense of ambition and encouraging them to believe in their own potential. Molly also worked with our Year 10 and 11 students on their GCSE Drama coursework, generously sharing ideas, practical advice and insights from her own training and experience.

It was fantastic to welcome Molly back and for our students to see where determination, hard work and self-belief can take them.

Reading List

Reading helps students develop vocabulary, comprehension and empathy. As part of our weekly tutor-time reading programme, each year group explores carefully selected texts, extracts and videos to build literacy skills and broaden their understanding of the world.

This week, students have explored the following texts:

Year 7: We are Britain! Poems by Benjamin Zephaniah

 

 

 

 

 

Year 8: Punching the Air -by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

 

 

 

 

 

Year 9: Cane Warriors by Alex Wheatle

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Thrive Youth Bus

Are your children looking for somewhere to go and socialise in the local area?

The Thrive Youth Bus is a mobile youth centre for secondary-aged young people in Warwick, offering gaming consoles, board games, crafts, computers, snacks and drinks in a safe, welcoming environment.

Young people can socialise, unwind and connect with trained youth workers and volunteers, with opportunities to explore life's bigger questions in a relaxed setting.

Safeguarding is a priority, with all staff and volunteers fully trained and safely recruited. Parents can also opt to receive email notifications when their child visits the bus.

Weekly Term-Time Schedule:

 

 

 

 

For more information can be found on: www.thrivebus.com

Extra-Curricular P.E Opportunities

Upcoming events/ Dates for your Diary

• Tuesday 20 October - Year 10 Work Experience and Ten steps to success at GCSE evening - If you are a Year 10 parent or carer and haven't yet registered your attendance, please do so by Monday 19 October. The link can be found in your synergy message.
• Thursday 22 October - Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening. If you are a Year 7 parent or carer and haven't yet registered your attendance, please do so by Wednesday 21 October. The link can be found in your synergy message.