Update from the Head - 26th Sept
Dear Parents,
The weeks are flying by. I can’t believe we are already almost through the first month! That’s over 10% of the school year completed already!
Sponsored Walk
We enjoyed a great walk into the Cotswold hills last Friday. The entire lower school tackled the Annual Sponsored Walk and they were joined by several staff members. As I always I was the back marker and I really enjoyed a nice walk in the autumn sunshine. My thanks to Mr Goddard and Mr Lane for organising it. We don’t yet know how much we raised but when we do I’ll let you know.
Bonding BBQ
Whilst the lower school were enjoying a nice country walk, the sixth formers were engaged in the Bonding BBQ. Mr Constance and his team catered for over 400 whilst pupils from the music department played some brass music as a backdrop.
Cheltenham Half Marathon
On Sunday over 30 Balcarras staff ran the half marathon in honour of our friend and former colleague Kevin Clancy and to raise money for Sue Ryder. So far they have raised over £7,000.
Chelsea’s Story
On Thursday, Year 8 gathered in the hall to watch ‘Chelsea’s Story’ which is an educational play about Child Sexual Exploitation. It is used widely in schools across the UK and has proven highly successful in raising awareness around the issues surrounding Child Sexual Exploitation. It forms part of our personal development curriculum in Year 8.
PTFA AGM
On Wednesday the Balcarras PTFA had their AGM. Mr Constance went along to represent the school’s senior management team. I understand from him that it was a very successful meeting. The PTFA raised well over £10,000 last year and, more important than that, they hosted a number of great community events. We are very grateful to them.
House Cross Country
On Wednesday we had the first big House competition of the year. Hundreds of pupils tackled the House Cross Country Course. Selvey continued their winning streak in house events by claiming the first trophy of the year. To see an article click here:
https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1300
The Balcarras Baccalaureate Graduation Ceremony
On Wednesday Mr Towers and I met with the Year 12 pupils who achieved the Balcarras Baccalaureate at GCSE last year. It is quite a challenge and it was great that 8 of them managed to achieve it. See news article here:
https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1298
GITEP Board Meeting at Balcarras
On Thursday, I chaired the first meeting this year of the Goucestershire Initial Education Partnership (GITEP). I am starting my third year as the Chair of GITEP which is a teacher training provider based in Gloucestershire. Balcarras is the lead school of GITEP but the partnership includes well over 30 secondary schools and 10 primary schools across the county. This year GITEP is training 74 secondary teachers and 13 primary teachers. GITEP exists to ensure that we have a ready supply of excellent new teachers coming into the county. I thoroughly enjoy my role working with other headteachers, the staff of GITEP and colleagues across the county, to ensure that our offer for teacher training continues to be outstanding. If you are interested in the work of GITEP or you are interested in a career in teaching have a look at GITEP’s website here:
Work Experience Launch to Year 10
On Thursday evening I attended the Work Experience Launch for Year 10. I think work experience is a great thing and I look forward to hearing what our pupils get up to later in the year. Thanks to Mrs Lewis and Mrs Towers for all of their hard work on careers.
ASCL Survey on School Funding
I am a member of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL). Recently they conducted a survey of school leaders on school funding and I responded on behalf of Balcarras. On Tuesday they released the results. ASCL are submitting the survey as part of their evidence to the treasury ahead of the autumn budget.
The results of the survey make for grim reading. Schools up and down the country are having to cut services, increase class sizes, and reduce staffing. If you are interested you can view the results of the survey here:
Gloucestershire's New Teachers Gather at Balcarras
This week we hosted over 150 Early Career Teachers (ECTs) at Balcarras for their welcome conference to the ECTP (Early Career Training Programme). As new teachers to the profession the DfE funds all schools to support their professional development in the first two years of their careers. Balcarras and Odyssey Teaching School Hubs co-deliver this training with the support of University College London. It was fabulous to see both Primary and Secondary teachers from across the county gathering together and as a school we do a great job in hosting the event. The catering team got a lot of praise for the lovely lunch and it is fantastic that we don't have to out-source 
such events to hotels and conference venues. In the coming weeks we will also be welcoming ECTs and their mentors starting the second year of their programme.
Safeguarding Information
A reminder to you that the school has a dedicated safeguarding team led by Liza McCarthy who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead. All of the details are on our website here:
https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/page/?title=Safeguarding+and+Wellbeing&pid=139
Here is the safeguarding team for 2025-26:
* Mrs Winterbottom is on maternity leave until December
Upcoming Events
Annual Careers Fayre Thursday 2nd October from 5pm in the main hall
House Music Highlights Concert Wednesday 8th October 7pm in the Main Hall
Right that’s it from me. Time for the weekend. Leeds face Bournemouth at Elland Road. Come on Leeds!
Dominic Burke