Dear Parents and Carers,

With five weeks of the term already behind us, I have been delighted with the very strong and positive start to the new academic year.  

Head of School Introductions
From September 2024 we have introduced a revised structure overall in relation to Townley Grammar.

We anticipate that all students entering Townley will be on a 7-year journey with us. We have introduced the notion of Lower School (Years 7-9), Middle School (Years 10 and 11) and Upper School (Year 12 and 13). We are all part of the Townley school community.

The mantra for all students is the same - 'from here it's possible’ and this is indeed the focus for all the heads of the different schools - Lower, Middle and Upper. In all cases they have the same aim to support your child in their academic journey and in terms of pastoral needs.  I have included an introduction from each of them below.

The Head of School’s are:

Lower school: Mr De Fabiani
Middle school: Mrs Franz
Upper school: Mr Rouse

Lower School (Years 7-9) – Mr De Fabiani
The Lower School marks the beginning of your daughter's Townley journey and I will work with optimism and dedication to support your child through their Lower School journey alongside our brilliant staff teams. During their Lower School years, each student will build the foundations upon which future success in the Middle and Upper Schools shall be based upon.

It is a privilege to lead the Lower School and I am very much looking forward to working alongside and supporting students in Years 7-9. In the Lower School, we expect every student aspires to be the best version of themselves and seeks excellence in all they do. The Lower School is anchored within our school values of Consciousness, Courage, Compassion and Curiosity.

Middle School (Years 10 & 11) - Mrs Franz
As students move from Lower to Middle School, we will continue to ensure that our school values are at the heart of all we do and that there is a continuous development in relation to character. The academic focus now moves towards the GCSE years and we will support all students, not only in terms of academic progress, including via study skills, but equally from the pastoral aspect.

In Middle School (Key Stage 4), the GCSE years, the main focus is academic, including study skills and intervention via the school's Mastery Programme.  I am very much looking forward to working with you all as we continue to support our students in the next phase of their life at Townley.  I encourage them to take advantage of all the opportunities provided and indeed work towards creating their own.

Upper School (Sixth Form: Year 12 & 13) - Mr Rouse
The crescendo of the Townley journey for students is embarking on their A-Level studies. Our desire is for students to have an extraordinary Upper School journey by engaging with a rigorous curriculum. Students are able to push on from their significant GCSE successes and utilise their study skills and take ownership of their learning. We support students to delve into their passions, develop their character, and explore their post-18 options through careers information, advice and guidance. Upper School students really are key leaders within our school community and there are many opportunities for students to engage with, both formally and informally.

I am passionate that each student is provided an opportunity to thrive in Upper School and move forward to the next stage of their journey with the values, skills and knowledge to succeed in any endeavour.

Potential KS3 Summer School 2025
We are considering running a KS3 Summer School at the end of July or the start of August 2025 which would be available to all Year 7, 8 and 9 students, dependant on spaces. It will offer academic and enrichment sessions, running potential classes such as STEM, Maths and English and AI. All of the sessions will challenge students academically while also ensuring a fun and welcoming environment. These sessions will also be open to international students to attend, allowing Townley students the unique opportunity to socialise with students from different countries around the world and share cultural experiences.

Please note that this summer school will come at an extra cost of around £200-£250 per student for 5 days of classes, running from 9.15am – 3.15pm. The exact dates and costs have not yet been confirmed as we are asking parents to express an interest at this stage to gauge the level of demand. If you would be interested in your daughter attending this summer school, please complete the form here. We will contact all interested parties in due course with more information on what we can offer, dates of the summer school and the cost of the programme.

Hello Yellow – Thursday 10th October 2024
The Townley community are asked to join us for Hello Yellow on Thursday 10th October and wear a yellow accessory, with normal school uniform, in a bid to brighten up the country by wearing yellow and fundraising for Young Minds to show young people they are not alone. You are able to donate on Arbor via the school shop.

There are days when all of us struggle with how we are feeling. Things can get tough and it can be difficult knowing how to cope. For so many young people, when this happens, they don’t always get the help they need, when they need it. They don’t know where to turn, who to talk to, or even if anyone else feels the same. No young person should feel alone with their mental health. But together, we can change this. By wearing yellow and donating what you can this October, you can show unwavering support to those in need. Every donation helps Young Minds to create vital mental health resources, campaign for local support hubs and run their essential Parents Helpline. Please find further details regarding the parent and carer helpline on the attached poster.

Important date reminders:
PTA Meeting on Monday 14^th October at 7pm – Please join us on Monday evening in the main hall – we look forward to welcoming you.

Early Finish on Thursday 17^th October – Please note that due to our Sixth Form Open Event on 17^th October, students will finish lessons earlier at the end of period 5, at 2.35pm.  We have informed the 602 bus company and asked that Abbey Travel departs here at 2.55pm.

Townley Bulletin
I encourage parents and carers to read this week’s Townley bulletin here for many more important community updates and opportunities.

Kind regards, 

Nevita Pandya

Headteacher