Headteacher's Message
EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS – We have been made aware that for a number of parents some of our email communications are heading straight to spam/junk folders. Please can we ask you to check these folders regularly for any missed school emails while we try to resolve this issue. Many thanks for your patience in this matter.
We started the week with a flash, or plenty of them for the whole school photos which took place throughout Monday and Tuesday. My thanks go to the staff and students who helped everything run to time, ensuring lesson disruptions were minimised.
Our second half of Year 7 tutor groups enjoyed wonderful weather this week as they headed off to the Thames for their kayaking and raft building activities. These trips are a rite of passage for Year 7 – with the infamous dock jump at the end of the day! – and I hope enjoying these fun activities together has helped them get to know their tutor groups outside of the school environment.
On Tuesday we welcomed our new Year 7 parents to Waldegrave for an Information Evening, giving parents the opportunity to meet their tutors and learn a bit more about our school. It was lovely to see such a high turnout, thank you to everyone for making the time to attend.
Yesterday and this morning we have been showing prospective parents and pupils around the school during our open mornings – three more of which take place next week. As Head Teacher it is wonderful to showcase not only our facilities and staff but the brilliant attitude of our students too and I have been very proud of our fantastic Year 8s who have shown such maturity and confidence while taking tours of the school. Well done to them!
Finally, today we welcomed a special guest for the first of this year’s Working Lunch series of careers talks. Our speaker from the Cabinet Office talked about her role as part of the government team responsible for major national crises and emergencies, from extreme weather and pandemics, to major fires and transport issues. It was a thrilling talk and is sure to have inspired students interested in a career in government, politics and the civil service.
Please note we have updated our Safeguarding Policy, this can be found on our website.
This week saw the final two Thames Young Mariners trips on Monday and Wednesday. Students had a splashing time and engaged in developing their teamwork and communication skills along with challenging themselves throughout the day.
On Friday 9 October Waldegrave will be taking part in the Macmillan Cancer Support World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – a charity fundraiser to support those living with cancer in the UK. The bake sale cannot happen without all the students’ amazing baking skills and we would love Year 7 to take part. See more details 
We have had another great week in Year 10. The theme of the week this week has been Kindness. Each form has been discussing the impact that kindness can have on themselves and others across our school community. This week the students have been writing thoughtful appreciation cards to teachers and staff across the school. The cards have been greatly received – Well done Year 10! In year 10 we encourage each other to be kind and thoughtful at all times and we pledge to continue to work on ways to encourage a sense of belonging for ALL.
A huge congratulations to Jessica S, Dakshina P and Hannah A who participated in the The 2026 Jack Petchey Achievement Awards at Epsom Playhouse on 15 September. Hannah received an award for her volunteering work with Cub Scouts, while all three girls performed as part of 
On Tuesday afternoon, the Year 8 football team went up against Grey Court in their first match of the new season. The final scores were 2-2 with Luna B, 8EAL scoring both goals for our team. Sophia W, 8FKI also received player of the match for her excellent goal keeping skills. Well done to the whole team!
