As we continue through this academic year, it has been brilliant to see the sustained commitment, maturity, and drive across our Post-16 community.

UCAS Applications

We are delighted to share that 32 UCAS applications have now been sent off, with students already receiving offers by the day. This is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of the focus, resilience, and dedication shown throughout the process. In particular, the time and care invested in personal statements truly stood out, they were a pleasure and a privilege to read, and reflected both academic ambition and genuine self-reflection. Well done to all involved; this hard work is already paying off. We hope the offers you are receiving now continue to fuel that drive to teach the destinations you are working incredibly hard to get to.

Year 13 Parents’ Evening

Year 13 Parents’ Evening was a great success, and we hope it has helped both students and parents gain a clear understanding of current progress, priorities, and next steps. These conversations are vital in identifying each student’s highest leverage points as we prepare for the next round of Pre-Public Exams just before and after February half term. Now is the time to act on feedback, refine revision strategies, and push for further progress. It is your final practice before the Summer exam series, so give it your all, and anything you are wanting to try, now is the time to test it.

Attendance Battle Winners

A huge congratulations to Year 12, who were the winners of last term’s Attendance Battle in Sixth Form. Your consistency and commitment were rewarded with a KFC lunch, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who stayed to celebrate this well-earned victory. The next Attendance Battle is already on, with McDonald’s up for grabs, whether that’s lunch or perhaps even breakfast is still to be decided. Keep the momentum going, as every day in school really does count, and at present it couldn’t be closer between the two year groups.

Year 12 Private Study and Intentions

Year 12 students have adapted impressively to the new Intentions system we have introduced in Private Study. Clearly stating what you aim to achieve in each session, and then reflecting on whether those targets were ambitious enough, or perhaps too ambitious, is a powerful habit to build. This level of honesty and self-evaluation will be invaluable as you continue to develop independence and effective study skills, and will prepare you for life beyond Brakenhale, whether that is university, an apprenticeship or the world of work.

It’s been another positive and purposeful period for Post-16, full of ambition, reflection, and progress. Keep pushing forward, you are laying strong foundations for the months ahead and doing yourselves proud.