Please note that because most letters are now sent by email, the text of the email and the date on which the communication was sent to Parents and Carers is shown below. Letters are listed with the most recent at the head of the list; older letters or those that are no longer relevant may be removed from this page.
Uniform Expectations
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 27 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
At Sele School, we take great pride in our school community. Our uniform plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and maintaining a professional environment focused on learning. We have noticed a decline in uniform standards from some students and therefore we are writing to provide a clear summary of our uniform expectations to ensure all students are prepared for success and represent the school with pride.
Sele School Uniform Summary
Item
Requirement
Blazer
Burgundy with school badge (Required)
Trousers / Shorts
Black or Grey tailored (No denim, cords, skinny trousers, or leggings)
Shirt / Blouse
White formal button-up (Suitable for a tie)
Tie
KS3 Burgundy / KS4 Burgundy Striped
Pullover
Plain Burgundy (Optional; no logos)No other colour is permitted
Footwear
Plain Black polishable footwear, any that includes fabric or any mesh panels,
should not be worn as these do not meet our uniform standards. Boots are not acceptable.
Socks / Tights
Black or grey (No white or coloured ankle socks)
Additional Notes:
Blazersand tiesmust be worn at all times, including traveling to and from school, unless permission is given to remove them.
Shirtsmust be tucked in with the top button fastened.
Hooded topsare not permitted as an alternative to a winter coat andare not part of the uniform
LeggingsareNOTacceptable
Support and Uniform Rectification
We understand that occasionally uniform issues arise. To support our families, we maintain a supply ofsecond-hand uniformon-site. If you require support meeting these standards, pleasecontact your child’s Form Tutorto speak with the Pastoral Team.
We require confirmation from the relevant professional should your child have a medical need that dictates any amendment to, or deviation from, our uniform policy. This could be a professional at school or from an external source.
Important Policy Reminder:
Students are expected to wear the correct uniform at all times. If a student arrives with incorrect attire:
They will be asked to rectify the issue immediately using our on-site uniform supplies.
If a student refuses to rectify the uniform issue, they will be sent home to sort this.
It is our expectation that the studentreturns to school immediately,once they are in the correct uniform, to resume their lessons.
Donations Welcome
If your child has outgrown any uniform items that are still in good condition, we would greatly appreciate donations to help maintain our second-hand supplies. Please leave any donations at the school reception.
We look forward to students returning after the Easter break, on Tuesday 14 April at the normal time of 08:40.We expect uniform expectations to be met and will contact home if necessary.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in upholding the high standards of The Sele School.
Kind regards,
The Pastoral Team
GSCE and A Level Examinations
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 11 and 13 on Thursday 26 march 2026
Dear Parent or Carer
This week, students will be given their individual exam timetables for the summer GCSE and A Level exams. The seating and rooming plans are still in progress, so please do not worry if these are not showing for all exams. The rooms and seating plans will be displayed outside the hall on the morning on each exam before line up.
Morning exams will begin at 9:00am and afternoon exams will begin at 1:30pm. Students are expected to arrive half an hour before the exam start time, so there is plenty of time to line up in the hall and go through the normal pre-exam process.
If your child has a clash of exams, you will be contacted separately.
Please note, extra time is not permitted in Art and Photography exams, so please ignore the extra time detailing on the timetable for these exams.
We wish everyone the best of luck for the examination season!
Kind regards
Mrs Beth Savage; Exams Officer
Development of the Dara Centre Curriculum
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Dara Centre Students on Wednesday 25 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are pleased to announce an exciting development in our Dara Centre curriculum. Following the Easter holiday, our Year 7 and 8 students will transition into a single, collaborative learning group.
Over the past term, we have trialled joint sessions, which have been extremely positive. Students are interacting with a broader peer group, building confidence and communication skills, which allows for more dynamic group work and an engaging and vibrant classroom atmosphere.
The Dara curriculum will focus on core academic and thematic learning together. It is important to note that certain aspects of the school day will remain unchanged to ensure stability. Students will continue to attend form time and creative arts subjects. Any additional subjects taken outside of the Dara Centre will continue to be managed on a one-to-one basis, through close collaboration between school and home.
OnThursday 16th April at 9amwe are inviting you into the Dara centre to showcase the work the group have produced, discuss these changes, and explore future pathways.
We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively as we support your child's academic growth and development.
Kindest regards,
Miss S Burgess; Senior Assistant Headteacher and Head of Post 16.
Free to students - Music Workshop
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on 25 March 2026
Good morning
Please see leaflet attached with details from Everybody Loves Music for a free music production workshop on Friday 10th April 2026 in Hertford.
Menigintis - Communication from Herts County Council
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 20 March 2026
Good morning
We have been asked by Herts County Council to share the attached 'Joint communication from the Director of Public Health and Executive Director of Children’s Services' with you regarding the recent outbreak of meningitis in Kent; please click on the link.
Judith Adams; Office Manager
Joining a MAT
The message below was sent to Parents and Carers on 17 March 2026
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Tuesday 17 March 2026
Dear Parent or Carer,
On Friday 20 March, The Sele School will be supporting Red Nose Day to raise money for Comic Relief, a charity that works to tackle poverty and inequality both in the UK and around the world.
To mark the occasion, pupils are invited to come to school in red-themed non-uniform. This could include red clothing or simply adding a red item to their usual uniform. Pupils must contribute £1 in order to take part, with all proceeds going directly to Comic Relief.
Donations can be made either through Arbor (via the shop feature) or by bringing a £1 coin on the day. If bringing cash, form tutors will collect donations during morning registration and pass them to the Finance Office, as with previous non-uniform events.
We completely understand that some parents, carers, or pupils may choose not to donate, and that is absolutely fine. If this is the case, pupils should attend school in full school uniform as normal and will take part in the school day as usual.
To ensure expectations remain clear:
• Pupils choosing to take part should wear red-themed non-uniform. • Clothing must be appropriate for a normal school day. • If a pupil has P.E. on this day, they must bring their P.E. kit for their lesson. • The usual rules regarding jewellery, makeup, and footwear remain in place. • No pyjamas, cropped tops, or revealing clothing should be worn. • Pupils wearing clothing deemed inappropriate or unsuitable for school will be sent home to change.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us raise money for such an important cause.
Mrs. Braggins-Elder
Road works on B1000 Welwyn Road
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 13 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers
We have been made aware of two separate road closures affecting the B1000 (Welwyn Road/Hertford Road) on different dates. As a courtesy, we are sending you the information we have received, please see attached from Hertfordshire Highways.
The first closure is during term time - next Thursday 19 March to Thursday 26 March. There will be no access from the roundabout at Thieves Lane down the B1000 towards WGC between 7.30am and 6pm. There will be access to school via the A414 from WGC, then up Thieves Lane - you will be able to turn right at this roundabout to the school.
The second closure, also of the B1000, is March 30 - April 10. This is during the easter holidays so school termtime is not affected. The road will be closed from 7.30am - 5pm.
Please note, school has no input in these roadworks, if you have any issue or concern, please contact the Highways department on the numbers or email listed on the attached information leaflets.
Kind regards
Judith Adams; Office Manager
Year 11 Exam and Study Leave
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Friday 13 March 2026
Dear Year 11 Parents and Carers,
As we embark on the crucial period leading up to the examination season, we want to ensure that both you and your child are well-informed and supported in the academic journey ahead. I have attached the exam timetable.
Recognising the diverse needs of our students, we have implemented a range of interventions and support mechanisms, including ResilientMe and HFL workshops. Research consistently shows that a structured programme of study, with regular attendance and engagement, leads to the best academic outcomes. It is crucial for all students to understand the study leave policy in place. Study leave cannot be granted early. Until 1st May, students are expected to attend all classes.
If all subject teachers and either the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher sign off, a student may go on study leave from the 1stof May onwards. All students are expected to remain in school and attend all lessons until May half term or until all necessary signatures are collected. It is important to note that students cannot stop attending individual lessons simply because a teacher has signed off on their study leave. Our advice is for students to stay engaged in the structured programme of study until the end of May. After May half term, students only need to attend school for their exams and may remain in the canteen if they have two exams on a day and do not wish to return home.
Kind regards,
Mr Quach, Mr Gallacher and Ms Burgess
Second Work Experience Placement Date
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 10 Students on Thursday 12 March 2026
Good morning
Please see message below from Mrs Brady. Please email Mrs Brady directly with any queries - abrady@sele.herts.sch.uk
We have now confirmed a second date in the school calendar that we can offer students the opportunity to undertake a weeks work experience. This week will take place onMonday the 8th-12th June.
The process for applying will stay the same. Students will need to make contact with potential placements and get agreement with them. When they have this, they will be able to complete the relevant paperwork in Unifrog.
I am happy to help students to secure a placement, they must come to speak to me if they would like support with this.
The deadline for securing a placement will beMonday 27thApril.This will then give us ample time to complete the paperwork side of the process.
If for any reason you think your child would not benefit from this opportunity, please do get in touch with me so we can explore options.
Kind regards
Mrs Anna Brady; Careers and Futures Lead
Election of Parent Governors
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Tuesday 10 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
ELECTION OF PARENT GOVERNORS
As you may be aware, Governors are responsible for the strategic direction, values and ethos of the school. Parent Governors form a vital part of theBoard at The Sele School.
We currently have three vacancies for Parent Governors and I am writing to parents and carers to ask you to consider whether you would like to contribute to the school community by undertaking this important role. Please find attached a copy of the Code of Conduct for Governors and a Role Descriptor for Governors at The Sele School; along with additional information on our website (click on the ‘About Us’ tab and then go to ‘Governance’) these provide an outline of what the role entails.
Governors hold their post for four years. Only parents of children registered at the school are entitled to stand or vote in the election; however, you may continue in post if your child leaves during your term of office.
In most cases it will be obvious whether you are a parent. For the purpose of the election of a Parent Governor, a parent is:‘..a parent, or an individual exercising parental responsibility, of a registered student at the Academy at the time when he/she is elected.’(Articles of Association paragraph 53).
You are disqualified from becoming a Parent Governor if you are paid to work at the school for more than 500 hours in any consecutive 12-month period or you are an elected member of the Local Authority.
It is very valuable to the school if the Board has Governors with a range of skills and experience. Our Committees are:
Business Management which includes matters such as finance, premises management and human resources, and
Curriculum and Impact which has a student, safeguarding, teaching and learning focus
I am sure that you are wondering about the work load that might be involved in becoming a Governor? All Governors are members of both the Full Board and of one of our two committees; this means attendance at seven meetings a year.
Meetings take place on Thursday evenings commencing at 18.30 and usually last about two hours. In addition to attending meetings there is also pre-reading ahead of each meeting (which can be done at home), visits to linked faculties or areas of school life and occasional additional duties. Plus, in the first several months after joining the Board, for people new to Governance, we ask that you attend training courses, mainly held remotely.
If you would like to stand for election, please self-nominate by completing and returning the attached form to the school office by10.00 am on Wednesday 18 March 2026. You may return the form electronically or as a hard copy – please mark for the attention of Sophie Bruton.
Please be aware that regulations require everyone elected or appointed to a governing board to undergo a DBS check. We also require two references from every Governor; coupled with the DBS check this is to ensure the safety of our students. If you are elected and you do not produce references, or you subsequently decline to undergo a DBS check, you will disqualify yourself.
Please give brief details about yourself (not more than 80 words) on the form. If an election is needed these details will be copied and sent to all parents as part of the election. Please note that the 80-word limit will be strictly enforced and words exceeding 80 will be deleted.
If the number of nominations is the same as, or less than, the number of vacancies, then the Board may choose to appoint the candidates. If the number of nominations is greater than the number of vacancies then a ballot will be held; if an election is necessary, we will send details of the voting system during week commencing 23 March 2026.
If an election is required, each parent will have one vote per vacancy regardless of how many children they have at the school. The ballot will be secret, and you will be notified of the result as soon as possible afterwards.
Before self-nominating you may have questions; for example, about whether you are eligible to stand, what being a Governor involves, how much of your time is likely to be needed or any other issues relating to the post of Governor at The Sele School. If this is the case, please do contact me, either by emailclerk@sele.herts.sch.ukor by phone 01992 581455 x 1016 and I will try to help; a visit to the school is also possible – please contact me to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.
Our Chair of Governors has also offered to meet remotely if any potential candidates would like to speak with her before making a decision about nomination for the post of Parent Governor.
Yours sincerely
Sophie Bruton; Governance Professional Clerk
Student Attendance
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 6 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers
Re: Attendance
It is the view of the Department of Education, the Local Authority and The Sele School that being in school and having the best attendance possible, is key in securing the best possible life chances for young people.
The benefits to regular attendance are, but not limited to:
• Access to quality education • Safeguarding • Social development
We are all aware, that for some young people, attending school every day can be harder than for others. Therefore, we are committed to working together to ensure that every young person attends regularly.
Parents/carers have a duty, under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, to ensure that their child of compulsory school age (5 to 16) receives a full-time education either by attendance at school, or otherwise. It is a parents’ responsibility to ensure that their child attends school every day.
Student absence from school is taken very seriously. In line with Section 444 (1) Education Act 1996, if a child is absent without authorisation, then a school will follow their Attendance Policy to ensure that an offence is not being committed. This could and does result in fixed penalty notice fines being issued to those families who do not comply with ensuring that their child attends school regularly.
At the Sele School, our Attendance Officer, Mrs Radcliffe is committed to improving attendance for every young person. Her role involves her discussing with parents/carers and child about why attendance may not be as expected. It must be noted, that under the recent Department of Education guidance, it states‘Many children will experience normal but difficult emotions that make them nervous about attending school, such as worries about friendships, schoolwork, exams or variable moods. It is important to note that these students are still expected to attend school regularly.’
Both I and Mrs Radcliffe are pivotal in working with families to improve their child’s attendance. Should you need to contact us, please do so via email tosradcliffe@sele.herts.sch.uk
Yours sincerely,
Mrs N Wragg Head of Well-being and Integration
Mrs S Radcliffe, Attendance Officer
Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) Field Trial
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Year 9 Forms 9A and 9Z on Friday 6 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are pleased to let you know that your Year 9 child’s class has been selected to take part in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) Field Trial, which will take place on Monday 16th March.
What is TIMSS? TIMSS is an international project that helps schools understand how children around the world learn maths and science. The Field Trial is an early stage of this project, designed to test and refine the activities and questions before the main study in 2027.
Why has our school been selected? Schools across the country are chosen to help ensure the study is fair and representative. Taking part allows our pupils to contribute to important research that supports teaching and learning in the UK and internationally.
What will pupils be doing? Pupils will complete a series of maths and science questions, as well as a short questionnaire about their learning experiences.This is not a test they can or should revise for, and the results are not shared with the school, the pupils, or parents. The purpose is purely to trial the materials and gather feedback.
We want to reassure you that the sessions are designed to be age appropriate and accessible. Pupils are simply encouraged to try their best. The sessions will take place during the school day.
All questions will be answered on pupil’s Chromebooks. With this in mind, pleaseensure they attend on the day with a fully charged Chromebook. This will aid the smooth running of the trial. The school only has a limited number of spare Chromebooks that will be available to use.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your support.
Warm regards,
Philip Saint-Bryant; Head of Mathematics
Inappropriate Social Media Activity
The followiing message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 5 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to provide an update following my previous communication in November regarding inappropriate social media activity.
First, I would like to share that we successfully identified the students responsible for the previous accounts. This matter has been dealt with internally in accordance with our school policies. We appreciate the support from those of you who provided information to assist our investigation.
However, it has come to our attention that a new account, "Sele Baits 8," has recently been created. This account, like the previous ones, is being used to circulate inappropriate and harmful content.
We want to be incredibly clear; the school has a zero-tolerance policy toward the creation or distribution of content that targets or harasses members of our community. Any student found to be creating or requesting content for, or managing accounts such as "Sele Baits 8," runs the risk of permanent exclusion from the school.
These accounts are not "harmless fun"; they are a serious breach of safeguarding and, in many cases, the law.
We urgently request your continued vigilance in safeguarding our students. Please monitor devices, regularly check your child’s phone for evidence of these messages, images, or links to the "Sele Baits 8" account. Check for secondary accounts, ensure your child does not have "finsta" or secondary anonymous accounts used to bypass your supervision.
Please discuss consequences: ensure your child understands that their digital footprint has real-world consequences, including the potential loss of their place at this school.
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
Additional Year 11 Mock Exams in English and Mathematics
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Wednesday 4 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to inform you that over the next fortnight, our Year 11 students will be taking part in a further round of mock examinations. These assessments are an important opportunity for students to practise their exam technique, experience formal examination conditions, and identify areas for improvement ahead of their final examinations.
The mock exams will take place during normal school hours and will be sat in students’ usual classrooms under exam conditions.
These mock examinations will be in English and Maths only.
In English, students will sit: • English Language Paper 2 • A hybrid Literature paper covering Romeo and Juliet and the Power and Conflict poetry cluster
In Maths, students will sit: • Non-calculator paper • Calculator paper
We encourage students to revise consistently, prepare thoroughly, and ensure they are well rested for each exam. These assessments play a vital role in helping both students and teachers understand current progress and determine any additional support that may be required.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Kind regards,
K Goldsmith & P Saint-Bryant; The English & Maths Department
Reassurance regarding social medial posts
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 2 March 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are aware of recent social media posts circulating under the title “School Wars”, in which a number of local schools — including Simon Balle All-Through School, The Sele School, Richard Hale School, Bishop’s Stortford College, Haileybury Turnford, Robert Barclay Academy and Goffs Academy — have been labelled as “Red Team” or “Blue Team”.
We understand that this may be concerning. Please be reassured that there is currently no specific or credible threat to our school. We are working closely with local schools and the police.
This week, assemblies will be delivered to all students to address the issue directly. We will reinforce expectations around respectful behaviour, responsible social media use, and the importance of not engaging with online trends that promote confrontation. Students will also be reminded to report any concerns to a trusted adult.
We would encourage parents to continue conversations at home about online safety and to contact the school if your child shares any information that may help us safeguard our community.
The safety and wellbeing of our pupils remains our highest priority. We will keep you informed of any further updates.
Kind regards,
C Quach; Headteacher
Mayor of Hertford's Nature Creativity Competition
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 27 February 2026
Good morning
Please see message and attachments below in connection with the Mayor of Hertford's Nature Creativity Competition.
The Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Steven Watson is launching a Nature Creativity Competition and invites children of all ages (as well as adults) to create a nature inspired illustrated poem, short story or picture. Entries will be judged in differing age categories and winners will be invited to The Hertford Art & Literature Festival which is taking place on 11thApril 2026 at Hertford Castle.
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 9 Students on Friday 27 February 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are conducting a review of our Year 9 form group structures. Our primary goal is to ensure an equitable and productive environment for every student. To achieve this, we are making a series of adjustments to our current form arrangements. These changes are driven by two main factors.
Firstly, rebalancing group sizes. We currently have some form groups exceeding 30 students while others remain significantly smaller. We are redistributing students to ensure more balanced group sizes across the year.
Secondly, optimizing the learning environment. We are using this opportunity to address specific pastoral or social issues that have arisen, ensuring that every form group remains a focused and positive space. This is also an opportunity to split some unhealthy groupings which have caused issues across the school.
It is important to remember that as students transition into Year 10, they are grouped according to their specific subject sets and option blocks rather than their form groups. Consequently, these adjustments will have no impact on your child’s academic groupings or lesson assignments for the upcoming GCSE years.
If your child is personally affected by a form change, a member of our pastoral team will contact you directly.
We appreciate that change can sometimes feel unsettling, but we are confident that these adjustments will create a more stable and balanced atmosphere for all students as they prepare for the challenges of Key Stage 4.
Kind regards
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
Year 10 Work Experience
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 10 Students on Thursday 12 February 2026
Good morning
Please see message below and attachment from Mrs Anna Brady, Art and Careers Teacher
Polite reminder that the work experience week is coming up on the week beginning the 2ndMarch. I appreciate that the turnaround on this opportunity is tight and therefore suggest that wherever possible students reach out to friends and family.
All students have been shown where they can access support (in the 2025 Year 10 google classroom) with email writing and where there is a list of placements we have used before.
Once a placement has been agreed, students should use the placements tool to add the employer contact details and parent/ carer details. this will then set up a confirmation checklist.
I have asked that the students prioritise this, this week and over the half term. If they are really struggling they must come and see me with an idea of what they would like to do and be able to tell me what they have done to find somewhere so far
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 11 February 2026
Dear Parents and Carers
We have received one or two requests for work when students are off sick. Please be advised that staff routinely upload work to Google Classroom. It is not our expectation that students do work from home if they are ill and not well enough to attend school. It is expected that students would need to catch-up on their return. Students may check Google Classroom if they wish to do so but staff may not 'provide' work other than already uploaded onto Google.
We would like to remind parents and carers that the first parking bay in the middle row of our carpark is for those displaying a disabled badge. If you do not have a disabled badge, please do not pull up or park here as we have had occasions where those with a disabled badge have been unable to use the bay designated for them.
many thanks for your understanding and cooperation in these matters.
Kind regards
Judith Adams; Office Manager
School Crossing Patrol
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 9 February 2026
Good morning
Please see attached poster from Hertfordshire County Council in relation to our School Crossing Patrol Officer, who will be wearingwearing a body camera whilst on the crossing when we return after half term.
The School Crossing Patrol Officer will be wearing a hi-viz jacket over her uniform, clearly indicating that a camera is in operation.
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 6 February 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you for your continued support of the school’s mobile phone policy. We appreciate the positive feedback we have received and your partnership in helping us maintain a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for all pupils.
We are writing to provide an update in light of ongoing national discussions regarding the possible introduction of a Government ban on mobile phones in schools.
Should such legislation be introduced, mobile phones would be legally classed as aprohibited itemin all schools. In these circumstances, and in line with theEducation and Inspections Act 2006 (Sections 90–94), school staff would have the legal authority to search for, confiscate, retain, and, where appropriate, dispose of mobile phones as part of a disciplinary sanction. The law also provides staff with protection from liability for damage to, or loss of, confiscated items, provided the confiscation was lawful.
At Sele, it is deemed lawful to confiscate a phone if the student refuses to comply with our school Behaviour Policy and mobile phone process which is to hand your mobile phone into school. Our Behaviour Policy already identifies mobile phones as a prohibited item.
We believe it is important that parents and carers are fully informed of the legal framework that schools must operate within, and we will continue to communicate clearly should any national guidance or legislation change.
Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. By working together, we can ensure that our school remains a positive and productive place for learning.
Yours sincerely,
C Quach; Headteacher
Year 11 - Key initiatives to aid GCSE preparation
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Thursday 5 February 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Following on from our intervention email. We are committed to ensuring our students are not only academically prepared for their upcoming GCSEs but also mentally equipped to handle the pressures of the exam season. To support this, I am writing to outline two key initiatives taking place over the coming weeks.
ResilientMe
On Tuesday 24th February, the entire Year 11 cohort will participate in a specialist intervention day delivered by ResilientMe. This session is designed to provide students with practical strategies for stress management, cognitive load techniques, and maintaining a positive, resilient mindset. This will take place during the school day and is a vital part of our commitment to student wellbeing and high outcomes.
HfL Online Workshops
We will be offering targeted academic and revision workshops through HfL (Herts for Learning). These workshops are for specific students. If your child has been identified for a workshop, you will receive a separate, additional follow-up email shortly. The sessions will commence in March and will be conducted online, outside of normal school hours. The school has fully funded these places to ensure our students have access to the highest quality external expertise. As these places are limited and carry a significant cost to the school, attendance is mandatory for those selected. If your child is offered a place but is unable to attend for any reason, we must be notified at the earliest possible opportunity. This will allow us to offer the place to another student on our waiting list and ensure the school's resources are used effectively.
Kind regards,
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
National Apprenticeships Week Resources
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 4 February 2026
Good morning
Please find below message from Mrs Brady; Careers and Futures Lead
National Apprenticeship week.
Next week 9th-13this National apprenticeship week.
Students will be learning more about what they are and how they work throughout the week.
Lessons will highlight potential apprenticeships relating to subjects and activities will take place through the week.
Below you will find a link to the Parent /Carer section of the Amazing Apprenticeships website. Here you will be able to learn about how they are changing and developing along with a webinar being held on the 9that 6.30
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Monday 2 February 2026
Dear Parent or Carer
This week, student's will be given a statement of entry for the summer exams.
There will also be a letter explaining the process.The statement will need to be signed by both parent/carer and student and returned to their form tutor as soon as possible.
The GCSE exam timetable for the summer has been attached to this email. There will also be the following exams in March;
Wednesday 11th March- FOUNDATION Spanish Speaking MOCK
Thursday 12th March- HIGHER Spanish Speaking MOCK
Thursday 12th March- 9am- Food Tech Practical- Group 1
Friday 13th March- 9am- Food Tech Practical- Group 2
Please get in touch with any questions.
Kind regards
Mrs Beth Savage; Examinations Officer
Re-wilding project
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 26 January 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Our students have been incredibly busy this week during their elective session. They have officially started construction on our new dead hedge located at the back of the site.
By using deadwood, large logs, and branches, the students are creating a vital habitat corridor that provides shelter for invertebrates, amphibians, and small mammals. To help this project, we are looking for the following donations:
Wooden Pallets: We need these to build compost bins and bug hotels
Bird Infrastructure: Donations of bird feeders, nest boxes
Pollinator Plants: We are looking for bee-friendly plants to fill our planting beds.
We will continue to keep you updated on this project as we work to improve site diversity.
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
Year 11 Leavers Hoody and Yearbook
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Monday 26 January 2026
Dear Parents and Carers
I'm delighted to be writing to you to offer you the opportunity to purchase a Class of 2026 Yearbook & Leavers’ Hoody for your child. We are working with Fizz, the UK's premier supplier of Leavers’ Yearbooks and Hoodies, and are eagerly anticipating what are sure to be wonderful keepsakes to celebrate their time at the school.
The Hoodies will have a large ‘26’ print on the back, containing the names of all students in the Year Group, and will also feature an embroidered logo on the front.
Students can pick from a variety of 3 different Hoody styles and a range of 100 different colours. Students will also have the opportunity to personalise their Hoody with a nickname should they wish, at a small additional cost.The deadline to order your Hoodie is 12/02/26.
Our Yearbooks will feature messages from staff, portraits, photographs and comments from students which are sure to bring back many happy memories for years to come, and is the perfect way of capturing all of those priceless moments from the school years that have flown by so quickly.The deadline to order your Yearbook is 31/05/26.
All of the students have the opportunity to purchase a Yearbook, Leavers’ Hoody, or indeed both. It is essential that their orders are placed in plenty of time so that they don't miss out.There will only be one order; students willnotbe able to place orders after 12/02/26 for Hoodies and after 31/05/26 for Yearbooks.
You must place an order before 12/02/26 for Hoodies and before 31/05/26 for Yearbooks. I cannot stress this deadline enough, as we do not want anyone to be disappointed. The school will not be ordering any spare Yearbooks or Hoodies, so if your child later wishes they'd ordered one once they see other students with theirs, unfortunately it will be too late! So please don't miss out.
All orders will be delivered direct to school for you to collect. We will advise when this will be in due course.
Yours faithfully,
Mr C Quach; Headteacher
chool lunch times
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 23 January 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are writing to acknowledge that the school is aware of a petition circulating on social media, requesting an extension to the lunchtime period. We appreciate a parent has taken an active interest in the structure of the school day; as a school, we regularly review our daily timetable to ensure it meets the needs of our pupils.
At present, there is no evidence to suggest that the current structure of the school day requires change. Our existing lunchtime arrangement has been carefully designed and evaluated, taking into account the size of our school and the specific needs of our pupils.
Before implementing the times of the school day, parents at the time were consulted and the majority were in favour of the timings. As all schools must offer 25 hours of teaching a week, an extension to the lunch break would impact on the time we finish daily, resulting in a longer school day, including the early home time on Friday.
Evidence from our own practice, alongside established research and guidance, shows that our lunch period works effectively for all pupils. We continue to monitor pupils’ wellbeing, behaviour, and engagement closely. Should evidence emerge that a change to the school day would be beneficial, we would of course review our arrangements thoughtfully and in consultation with the school community.
Thank you for your continued support and for working in partnership with us to ensure the best possible experience for all our pupils, but as it remains, there will be no change to the length of the school lunch.
Kind regards
C Quach; Headteacher
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safely and Responsibly
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 9 January 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are writing to you to highlight the importance of helping our community and young people use artificial intelligence (AI) safely and responsibly. AItools are becoming increasingly common in everyday life and in education, when used appropriately, they can support learning, creativity, and problem-solving. However, as with any powerful technology,AIcan also be misused.
Bad actors can exploitAIto spread misinformation, manipulate people, impersonate others, or generate harmful content. Recent public conversations about platforms such as Grok and otherAIsystems have shown how quickly content can be created and shared, including inappropriate and sexualised images, sometimes involving men, women and children. As per our Use ofAITools policy, paragraph 8C explicitly explains the consequences if any stakeholder is found to useAIfor malicious or nefarious purposes.
We want to be clear: the creation or sharing of sexualised images of men, women and/or children is illegal and deeply harmful. Even when content is “AI-generated,” it can still cause real-world damage to the people depicted or targeted and it contributes to unsafe online environments.
It is also important to recognise that young people may come across this kind of material online without seeking it out, and they may not immediately understand its risks or implications. The school has blacklisted Grok as aAItool and we will continue to review and monitor which programmes are safe to use and those which are not.
To help keep children safe, we ask for your support in the following ways:
Talk with your child aboutAI: what it is, how it works, and why it should be used responsibly.
Reinforce that creating or sharing abusive, sexualised, or degrading content — includingAI-generated content — is never acceptable.
Encourage your child to think critically about information and images they see online and to question whether something may be misleading or manipulated.
Remind them not to share personal information, photos, or videos that could be misused by others.
Monitor their online activity in an age-appropriate way and keep communication open so they feel able to talk to you if something worries or confuses them.
Let the school know if your child encounters disturbing or inappropriateAI-generated content so we can provide support.
As a school, we are continuing to teach pupils about digital citizenship, online safety, and respectful behaviour. We have a clear policy and guidance onAIso that students understand both the opportunities and the risks that come withAItechnologieshttps://www.sele.herts.sch.uk/docs/2025_Use_of_AI_Tools_in_School_Policy.pdf.
Thank you for working in partnership with us to keep our children safe, informed, and responsible as they navigate the digital world. If you have any concerns or would like further advice, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Burgesssburgess@sele.herts.sch.ukwho oversees Online Safeguarding andAI
Kind regards
Chris Quach; Headteacher
End of Term Message and Information for the Spring Term
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 18 December 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of a very busy and successful Autumn Term, I want to thank you for your continued support. I want to take a moment to celebrate our end of term successes with our festive celebrations. To celebrate the final day, we will be giving out a lolly to students as a festive treat, generously donated by one of our staff. Please note that students are under no obligation to take one, and they should not do so if they have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
We had a wonderful final half-term filled with memorable festive activities:
Form Party Celebrations: The form groups enjoyed a well-deserved party to celebrate the excellent behaviour and achievements of this term. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to relax and celebrate together.
Christmas Dinner: The whole school enjoyed a delicious and festive Christmas lunch on Wednesday, complete with crackers and Christmas music. It was a lovely occasion enjoyed by all.
Festive Jumper Day: We are looking forward to finishing the term on Friday with our annualChristmas/Festive Jumper Day, raising money for charity. Festive jumpers, hoodies and t-shirts are acceptable, along with school trousers and shoes.A reminder that school finishes at the normal time of 2.45pm on Friday 19th December
Keep safe over the break
We have noted a concerning increase in the number of students online late in the evening and into the night. Sleep is essential for learning and well-being. Excessive screen time, particularly before bed, is detrimental to health and academic focus. We urge all parents and carers to actively monitor their child's social media use and overall online activity. Please be aware of what they are accessing and who they are communicating with, especially during night-time hours. If you have concerns, you can make changes to your internet access at home. Many home routers or third-party Wi-Fi systems offer parental controls to help enforce healthy sleep habits. Here is a general guide:
Router Setting
Function
Parental Controls
Find this section in your router settings menu (usually accessed by typing your router's IP address into a browser, this is usually on the device).
Schedule/Access Times
Locate the option to set specifictimeswhen a device is allowed to connect to the internet.
Device Identification
You will need to identify your child's specific devices (phone, laptop, console) by their MAC Address which is found in the setting
Time Block
Set a 'pause' or 'block' rule for these devices, for example, between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Reminders for the term ahead
Please be reminded that full and correct school uniform is expected for all students when we return in the New Year. High standards in appearance are an important part of our school ethos. Students arriving in incorrect uniform may be sent home to change before being allowed to attend lessons. If there are any genuine issues or difficulties concerning uniform, please contact us before the new term begins. Open communication allows us to work together to resolve any problems.
While our attendance figures have improved, we still have work to do to ensure all students are attending school reliably. Regular and punctual attendance is directly linked to academic success. Please continue to prioritise your child's attendance. Every lesson missed is a gap in their learning that is difficult to recover.
Students in Year 11 and Year 13 have now completed their Mock Examinations; the results are currently being collated and analysed. The hard work continues in the New Year. We will be implementing targeted interventions and support programmes upon our return to help students focus on the specific areas highlighted by the mock results.
Finally, on behalf of all the staff, I wish you and your family a safe, restful, and joyous holiday period. We hope you enjoy this valuable time together. We look forward to welcoming the students back, refreshed and ready for a productiveSpring Term on Tuesday 6th January at 8.40am.
Kind regards
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
For information - to clear corrections
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 17 December 2025
Good afternoon
This email is only relevant where a student has outstanding corrections. If your child does NOT have outstanding corrections, then you may ignore this message.
In order to have a fresh start in the New Year, Mr Gallacher will run extended corrections on Thursday and Friday this week. So, if your child has more than one correction over a couple of days, they may serve them together on either day; this includes corrections that may already have been issued for January.
So, for example, if your child has two x twenty minute corrections outstanding on different days, they may serve one correction for forty minutes to clear them both. There is no need to inform school in advance if you wish your child to do this, they can just mention it at the time of the correction.
We hope to start afresh in January, however any corrections not served will still carry over into the new year.
Kind regards
Judith Adams; Administrator / Clerk
Staffing News
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 15 December 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
We would like to inform you that our current SENCO, Ms Amy Kerbel, will be leaving The Sele School. We are extremely grateful to Ms Kerbel, for her dedication and hard work in supporting our students with special educational needs, and we wish her every success in the future.
We are pleased to announce that Ms Claire Millhouse will be joining our team as our new SENCO from January. Ms Millhouse brings a wealth of experience, having worked across primary, secondary, and ESC settings such as Rivers in Hertford and Ware. Over the past two weeks, Ms Millhouse has been visiting the school, meeting our team, observing lessons, and beginning a thorough handover to ensure a smooth transition.
This transition marks an exciting opportunity to continue to adapt our SEN provision and to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive. We are confident that Ms Millhouse’s experience and approach will make a positive impact on our school community.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions about this transition, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards,
Mr Quach; Headteacher
HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Students in Years 10, 11 and 13 on Tuesday 9 December 2025
Good morning, Please see below, information from Mrs Brady, Careers and Art Teacher:
Dear Parents and Carers,
We’re pleased to invite you to theHOP Into Apprenticeships & T Levels – Hertfordshire Virtual Careers Fair, a free online event designed to help you, and your child explore future career pathways and training opportunities. Please register by Monday 19th January, 2026for your free ticket by clicking here.HOP into Apprenticeships and T Levels
What is the Virtual Careers Fair? Thisfree to attendevent is for parents, carers, and students to explore apprenticeships and T Levels. Visit different exhibitor rooms on a 10-minute rotation to learn about the programmes and opportunities available from local employers, colleges, and training providers.
Why Attend? This event offers many benefits, including:
Free of charge to attend (fully funded by Hertfordshire Careers Hub)
Find out more about apprenticeships and T Level programmes with local training providers and colleges
Hear directly from Hertfordshire employers about opportunities and the recruitment process
Discover more about the skills and training provision being offered within Hertfordshire
Select which breakout room you would like to hear from
Ask questions and gather information from the comfort of your own home
Who Should Attend? This event is open to all parents and carers but will be particularly useful for those supporting children in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13. Students in these year groups are also welcome to attend.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book early to avoid missing out. Take this opportunity to discover inspiring career pathways and learn more about how to support your child’s next steps.
Read the attendee guidance ahead of the event to help you prepare.
Application for Leave of Absence from School during Term Time
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Thursday 20 November 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
All schools have been reminded by the Local Authority Attendance Team of the position with regards to student attendance particularly in response to holiday in term time. Please see message below from the LA and also this link to information for parents regarding penalty notice fines.
All schools by law must follow the Department for Education’s statutory guidance relating to school attendance. They must use the appropriate national attendance or absence code, and follow the criteria set out within the guidance. The statutory guidance states:
·A leave of absence must not be granted unless there are exceptional circumstances and must be requested in advance.
·A leave of absence must be requested in advance by a parent who the pupil normally lives with
·Schools must judge each application individually, considering the specific facts and circumstances and relevant background context behind each request.
·Where a leave of absence is granted, the school will determine the number of days a pupil can be absent from school.
·A need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not constitute an exceptional circumstance.
·A school cannot grant a leave of absence retrospectively. If the parent did not apply in advance, the leave of absence should not be granted.
·Where this guidance refers to a parent, the school and/or local authority will need to decide which adult(s) is most appropriate. Generally, parents include:
·All natural parents, whether they are married or not.
·All those who have parental responsibility.
·Those who have day to day responsibility for the child.
Please note all schools are expected to regularly inform parents about their child’s attendance and absence.
Taking your child out of school during term time could be detrimental to their educational progress. If the absence is not authorised and the leave is taken, schools may refer to the Local Authority for legal action. Please find attached information regarding Helping Parents understand Penalty Notice Fines for School Attendance.
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 14 November 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are delighted to announce the launch of a new initiative designed to celebrate and reward students who consistently demonstrate the highest standards of attendance and positive classroom behaviour.
We know that regular attendance and a settled, positive approach in lessons are the foundations for academic success and a great learning environment for everyone. To encourage these vital habits, we are launching the Tag Archery Express reward. Students who meet the criteria will earn a free, dedicated Tag Archery session with their year group. This is a fun, active, and exciting opportunity to celebrate their commitment to learning.
This is an automatic reward based on the data we collect during the next three weeks from the 17thNovember to the 6thDecember. To qualify for a spot on the Tag Archery Express, students must meet both of the following requirements during the designated period:
The student must achieve 100% attendance across all lessons, registration, and required school sessions.
The student must receive no removals from any lesson due to behavioural issues.
This system is designed to provide immediate, tangible recognition for the students who come to school ready and willing to learn every day.
If your child is struggling with attendance or behaviour, please remember our pastoral team and attendance team are available to offer support and discuss strategies.
Kind regards
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
November Newsletter
The November Newsletter was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 12 November 2025, please click on the image to go to the Newsletter.
TikTok/Snapchat - inappropriate and potentially harmful messages and images
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 10 November 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
The school has become aware of the existence of unverified social media accounts on TikTok and Snapchat that are circulating inappropriate and potentially harmful messages and images concerning our students.
The content being shared includes materials that are deeply upsetting, damaging to the reputation and well-being of the individuals involved, and constitute a serious breach of school policy and potentially the law. While we are actively working to identify and report the accounts, the nature of these platforms allows information to spread rapidly and anonymously.
We are officially reporting this matter to the Police/Safer Schools Team. We will cooperate fully with them to ensure that appropriate legal steps are taken against those responsible for creating and distributing this content. We urgently request your support in safeguarding our students. We understand that screening a child’s phone can be difficult, but in light of this situation, it is necessary.
Check your child’s phone for any evidence of these inappropriate messages, images, or links to the offending TikTok or Snapchat accounts.
Ensure your children do not have hidden, secondary, or "finsta" accounts on any social media platform that might be involved in creating or spreading this harmful material.
The safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We thank you for your vigilance and support as we address this.
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
Head lice
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 7 Students on Wednesday 5 November 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are writing to inform you that there has been a recent report of headlice within the school community. While this is a common occurrence among school-aged children, we would like to take proactive steps to help prevent further spread.
How to check for headlice:
Examine your child’s hair regularly, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
Look for live lice, which are small and grey-brown, or eggs (nits), which appear as tiny white/yellowish dots attached firmly to the hair shaft.
If you find headlice:
Please begin treatment immediately. Pharmacy treatments are widely available, or you may choose to remove lice and eggs by regular combing with a fine-toothed nit comb.
Follow the instructions provided with your chosen treatment.
Ensure that all family members are checked and treated if necessary.
How to help prevent headlice:
Check your child’s hair weekly.
Encourage children to avoid sharing hats, brushes, hair accessories, or headphones.
Keep long hair tied back, if possible.
We understand this situation can be frustrating; however, with prompt action and regular checking, the spread of headlice can be controlled effectively. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Please see attached link to NHS for further advice
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 24 October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
As the first half term draws to a close, I want to take a moment to celebrate the brilliant start our students have made and provide information for after half term.
A highlight has been the introduction of House non-uniform days, which have been a fun way to foster team spirit and celebrate our community. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Cultural Appreciation Food Market, a fantastic event that allowed students to explore and enjoy diverse cuisines and traditions. The Newsletter will be sent out with more information on these and other achievements from this half term.
We've seen an improvement in attendance this term, and that's down to the consistent encouragement you provide at home. However, there is still more work to be done. We know that higher attendance leads to happier and more successful students (as research consistently shows), so please keep encouraging your children to be in school, on time, every day. We have weekly and termly rewards for attendance and we are sending positive messages home weekly for 100% attendance.
You may have heard about the Golden Ticket system. This initiative has been a great success, rewarding positive behaviour and effort by giving students special access to the Games Room. It's wonderful to see how motivated students are to earn this privilege. Students have a survey to feedback on our new rewards and behaviour processes and a link to a survey will be sent to parents shortly. We also need your continued support in helping your children meet uniform expectations. Specifically, please note that hoodies are not a replacement for a coat and school jumpers are not be be worn in place of a blazer. As the weather gets colder, please ensure your child has the appropriate school uniform and suitable outerwear. Reminder that uniform is checked daily and at the start of the half term we always have a big drive. Students who cannot meet expectations can be sent home. The uniform expectations are listed on our website, please refer to this linkhttps://www.sele.herts.sch.uk/Uniform/
Our new behaviour policy is largely successful, creating a more settled and focused learning environment for everyone. However, I must address an increase in vexatious or defamatory calls and emails directed towards school staff from a few of our parents and carers.We value our partnership with parents and are always open to constructive dialogue. We are a team of professionals committed to your child's success, and we ask for your trust and respect in our work. Please know that while we are always here to talk, the school reserves the right to take necessary steps, including barring parents or carers, in response to abusive communication. We look forward to continuing to work together constructively for the benefit of all our students.
Please remember that we return after the half-term break on Monday, November 3rd, with a normal start time of 8:40am.
Kind regards
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
Year 11 - Review of Online Learning Platforms and Study Tools
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Tuesday 21 October 2025
Dear Year 11 Students and Parents,
As part of our support for your upcoming studies and exam preparation, we’re reviewing the list of online learning platforms and study tools that students regularly use as suggested by our student body.
We understand that some useful websites or programmes may currently be blocked by our school’s filtering system. To ensure you have access to the right resources, please use the link below to identify theonline programmes or study websitesyou use for schoolwork or revision that are currently inaccessible on the school network. Please complete this by 31stOctober 2025.
Thank you for your help in making sure our network supports your learning effectively.
Kind regards,
C Quach; Headteacher
Changes to Communication and Information Sharing with the NHS
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 20 October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
We are writing to inform you of changes to immunisation sessions at schools and to inform you that we are required to send parental details to the NHS and Vaccinate UK as follows:
NHS England are introducing a new digital service that will change the way vaccinations are managed in schools.
The new service will allow the NHS and Vaccinate UK to contact parents and guardians directly to request consent for vaccinations. They will ask school to provide email addresses and phone numbers for parents and guardians of children who are eligible for vaccinations and they will use these contact details to send consent requests and reminders. This means online forms will no longer be sent via the school. Parents will be directed to the NHS team for any query they may have. The NHS state 'All data in the digital service will be securely stored in line with NHS guidelines'
This is copied from the Gov.UK website, information for schools:
What data needs to be shared with the immunisation team and why
GDPR allows data sharing
You will need to provide data to support immunisation programmes in your school. This includes:
sharing information leaflets and consent forms with parents or carers
providing a list of eligible children and young people, and their parents’ or carers’ contact details to the school age immunisation team
Sharing these contact details does not mean that a vaccine will be given. A parent or carer will need to give their consent for a vaccine to be given to their child.
There is a lawful basis for you to share information with school immunisation teams under article 6(1)(e) of UK GDPR;
This states that the information can be shared if “processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller”. This means that the school can share this information with immunisation programmes as it is in the public interest.
Sharing information with immunisation programmes is part of the exercise of a school’s official authority. Schools also have a duty to support wider public health. Data protection laws do not prevent you from sharing personal data where it is appropriate to do so in a fair and lawful way, and in this instance, it is beneficial to do so.
Kind regards
Judith Adams; Office Manager
Girls on Board Programme
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Friday 17 October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
We understand that while friendships are a vital part of school life, they can sometimes lead to what we call "friendship turbulence" the natural ups and downs, conflicts, and misunderstandings that all young people experience. As a school we have historically tried to have the adults intervene but this has often made the situation in the students' eyes, worse.
To proactively address these challenges and to help our students develop lifelong emotional resilience, we are excited to announce that we are adopting the Girls on Board approach across our school, starting next half term.
Girls on Board is a proactive, evidence-based program developed by former headteacher Andrew Hampton. It is designed to help girls (and the adults who care for them) understand the complexities and dynamics of their friendships.
The fundamental principle of the program is empowerment. Instead of adults (teachers or parents) stepping in to investigate and resolve every conflict, the Girls on Board approach provides the girls with the language, methods, and ideas to navigate social challenges and find their own solutions. The program recognizes that girls are almost always the only ones who truly can solve their own friendship issues.
In the past, when a conflict arose, the natural tendency was often for teachers or parents to mediate. However, research and feedback from students suggest that adult intervention can sometimes make the situation worse or prolong the issue.
The Girls on Board model changes the role of the adult from a judge or detective to a supportive coach. By using consistent language and simple analogies, we can help a girl reflect on her feelings and choices, building the confidence and independence she needs to navigate social situations effectively.
By placing the responsibility for resolution back into the girls’ hands, the program aims to:
Build Resilience: Equip students with skills they will use throughout their lives.
Increase Empathy: Help girls understand the multiple perspectives at play in group dynamics.
Improve Focus: Reduce the distraction and anxiety caused by social issues, allowing them to focus more effectively on their learning.
Staff have completed extensive training to become certified Girls on Board Champions. We will be integrating the program into our curriculum and holding dedicated sessions with our students next half term. We will be training more staff in this approach in the weeks ahead.
Crucially, the program is most effective when the home and school approaches are aligned. We need your support to reinforce this new philosophy. We have included a parental guide on the programme to support your understanding. We believe the Girls on Board approach will be a transformative addition to our pastoral care provision, creating a happier, more resilient, and more focused student body.
Kind regards
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
Safety Notice issued by children's publisher - Puffin Books
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Monday 13 October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have been made aware of an important safety notice issued by the children’s publisher Puffin concerning books written by Andy Cope, including titles from the Spy Dogs, Spy Cats, and Spy Pup series.
Within some of these books, there is a web link encouraging children to “find out more” about the story online. Unfortunately, the domain for this link is no longer owned by the author and now directs visitors to a third-party website publishing pornographic material. The books are generally written for primary aged children and we are making you aware as you have younger children.
Please be assured that the stories themselves remain appropriate, and there is no suggestion that either Puffin or Andy Cope are responsible for the inappropriate content. However, to safeguard our students, we have checked our school library to ensure no books can be accessed.
If you find any of these books, we ask that you remove them from your child’s access. Please take this opportunity to remind your child not to follow any links or QR codes they may come across in books or online content without speaking to an adult first.
We are sharing this information to ensure all our families remain informed and that children are kept safe online, even when reading trusted books.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Ross Gallacher; Deputy Headteacher
Year 12 provision for 2026 - 2027
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers of Year 11 Students on Wednesday 24 September 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to inform you that we will not be opening our Year 12 intake for the 2026/27 academic year.
This provision is currently under review, and we are in active discussion about how best to shape it for the future. We have met with all the Year 11 students to explain the other A level and College pathways available to them and will support that process for every young person at Sele.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Quach; Headteacher
Ofsted Report
The following message was sent to Parents and Carers on Wednesday 11 June 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are delighted to share our Ofsted report with you; we are rated Good across all four areas: Quality of Teaching, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management. We are extremely proud of our staff and students achieving this improvement in the space of 30 months. Onwards and upwards!
Please use the link below to gain access to the report
Please see attached poster from Hertfordshire County Council in relation to our School Crossing Patrol Officer, who will be wearing wearing a body camera whilst on the crossing when we return after half term. 
