End of Term letter - July 2025
Our Ref: DK/jh/gltr/July 25
14th July 2025
Dear Parent/Carer
As I write to you for the final time this year, I aim to provide you with key details not only for the end of this term on Friday, but also dates and details for September along with an update on the behaviour system next year.
In this letter we will cover the following in more detail:
- Arrangements for the final day of the Summer Term and the first days back in September
- Summer holiday contact information including Safeguarding and support agencies
- Update on Catering prices for 2025-26
- Community support - Preloved uniform
- Pulse Magazine: Spring/Summer term edition
- Appendix = Key dates for Parents/Carers 2025-26
Arrangements for the final day of term: Friday 18th July
On the final day of term which is Friday 18th July, we will finish at 12 noon. Students who are eligible for Free School Meals will be able to collect a sandwich or equivalent before they leave.
Looking ahead to 2025-26: Arrangements for the first days back in September
We have Staff CPD days on Monday 1st September and Tuesday 2nd September and will bring students back to school using a staggered approach from Wednesday 3rd September to Thursday 4th September as has been the case in previous years. This will ensure all year groups have an extended Tutor period before they begin normal lessons on Thursday 4th September.
Wednesday 3rd September: Y7/12 only from 11:30am
Students in Years 7 and Year 12 will arrive at 11:30am for an induction day with their Form Tutors.
Thursday 4th September: All students will arrive for 8.40am
- Years 8-11 and Year 13 students arrive for an 8:40am start with Tutor time and a return assembly.
- Students in Year 7/12 will also arrive for an 8.40am start with an extended Tutor period.
- All students will have normal timetabled lessons from Period 2 at 10:40am after break time.
How we work and who to contact for support during the holidays
School working patterns are different during holidays, and whilst we do run a reception service over some parts of the summer break, response times can be slower than normal during term time. There is an emergency contact member of the Leadership Team assigned for each week, but emails sent to enquiry@holyheadschool.org.uk will only be forwarded to the designated Senior Leader in exceptional circumstances. Staff are generally not available on-site and we do restrict much of the site whilst building and renovation works take place.
Our Designated Safeguarding Leads and Vice Principals will continue to check the Holyhead Helpline and monitor online activity on a weekly basis. However, to deal with urgent safeguarding issues you should note the contact details below of external agencies:
External contacts - Safeguarding and Support Agencies
- Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership (Children’s Advice and Support Service) – 0121 303 1888 – https://www.lscpbirmingham.org.uk
- Police and Schools Panels – https://policeandschools.org.uk
- Police (emergency) – 999 / (non-emergency) – 101
- Police – Prevent (extremism and radicalisation) team – https://west-midlands.police.uk
- Childline – https://www.childline.org.uk – 0800 1111
- NHS – 111
- Women’s Aid (24 hour helpline) – 0800 980 3331 – https://www.womensaid.org.uk
- PAPYRUS (young persons suicide prevent team) – Tel: 0800 0684141
- Samaritans – Free Tel: 116 123
- Young Minds – https://www.youngminds.org.uk Text line: text YM to 85258
- Chat Health – Messaging service: 07480635485
- Kooth – https://www.kooth.com
- Forward Thinking Birmingham (Mental health service) – 0300 300 0099
- PAUSE – 020 7841 4470
- Winstons Wish (bereavement) – https://www.winstonswish.org – 08088 020 021
- Cruse bereavement support – https://www.cruse.org.uk – 0808 808 1677
- Edwards Trust (bereavement) – https://edwardstrust.org.uk – 0121 454 4838
You can find more information, support and guidance on the Safeguarding section of the school website and the Mental Health and Wellbeing page on the school website.
Changes to catering prices from September 2025
While inflation is easing, food costs continue to rise. As in previous years, we’ve carefully reviewed the situation to minimise the impact on meal prices.
Due to supplier costs and inflation, we’re unable to freeze all prices for next year. From 3rd September 2025, the meal deal will increase from £2.65 to £2.75 per day. However, many other items will remain unchanged. We’re taking a targeted approach, avoiding increases on healthier options where possible.
Our prices remain lower than other schools in the Trust and are benchmarked locally. If costs fall, we’ll reflect this in future pricing. Our Breakfast Club provision remains free and available to all from 8:15am, so please encourage your child to arrive early and make use of the option for a positive start to the day!
Preloved uniform - can you help by donating?
As the school year ends, we’d like to remind you about our Preloved Uniform system, which supports families in our community. If your child has outgrown any uniform items or you're replacing them, please consider donating them. Items will be dry cleaned and passed on to new owners.
Donations can be handed in at School Reception or given to Form Tutors. We accept blazers, ties, black jumpers, trousers, skirts, white shirts or blouses, and PE kit items. Thank you for your continued generosity!
Pulse Magazine - Spring/Summer Edition: Coming later this week!
This final term has been packed with exciting activities, culminating in our annual Enrichment and Experiences Week, where the usual timetable is replaced with academic challenges, competitions, trips, and cultural events.
While it may be too late for these stories to appear in Pulse Magazine, you’ll be able to explore the wide range of student experiences in the Spring/Summer edition, which is out later this week. Highlights include our first-ever ski trip to Italy, meeting the Prince of Wales and the Lionesses at St. George’s Park, and a special football session with ex-England goalkeeper Ben Foster in June!
Staff leavers and final thoughts…
As we close a successful school year, I want to express heartfelt thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Holyhead. Their dedication, care, and creativity make the experiences you'll read about in Pulse Magazine possible—and we never take that for granted.
We also say a fond farewell to Mrs Armitage and Mrs Leek, our Food Technician, as they move on to new opportunities. We’re deeply grateful for their service and wish them both every success in the future.
Thank you for your continued support - both to me in my first full year as Principal and to the school and your child’s education. I’ll share GCSE and A Level results in September, and details for Y11 and Y13 Results Days are available on the school website.
I want to wish you and your family a restful and joyful summer break, both from myself and everyone at Holyhead. We look forward to welcoming the students back in September for another highly productive and positive year to come.
Yours faithfully and with sincere gratitude,
Dave Knox
Principal