Everyone is Welcome
The Aspire Academy is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.
We value and respect diversity and will make reasonable adjustments to support accessibility and individual needs wherever possible.
If there is anything we can do to make your visit more comfortable or accessible, please speak to a member of staff.
Head’s Blog – November 2026
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of The Aspire Academy,
As we move into November, I hope everyone has had the opportunity to rest and recharge over half term. The first part of the autumn term can be demanding (8 weeks!) and taking time to pause is important. We return ready to keep building the positive relationships, confidence and learning that help our pupils feel safe, valued and able to make progress.
We thank all the staff who supported our Beyond Aspire holiday provision and have enjoyed the success stories that have emerged.
Keeping safe and remembering
Bonfire Night is an exciting time for many families, but fireworks and bonfires can also be dangerous. Please take care, follow safety advice and ensure that children are supervised around fireworks and open flames. We will continue to remind pupils to make safe choices and look after themselves and others.
November is also a time to reflect and remember. Through our SMSC curriculum, pupils have opportunities to learn about Remembrance, consider its meaning and show respect for those who have served and sacrificed. We will approach this thoughtfully, making space for pupils to ask questions, share ideas and understand why remembrance matters.
Standing against bullying
Ahead of Anti-Bullying Week, we are looking forward to welcoming Lucy Alexander to an assembly. We are grateful that she will share her anti-bullying message with our pupils. At Aspire, every pupil should know that they matter, that they deserve to feel safe, and that there are trusted adults ready to listen. We will continue to encourage kindness, respect and the confidence to speak up if something does not feel right.
Growing our vocational offer
We are continuing to develop our practical vocational opportunities. Our plumbing intervention takes place on Mondays, with bricklaying on Tuesdays. These sessions give pupils the chance to try new skills, learn by doing and begin to consider where their interests might lead. They sit alongside our wider vocational curriculum and careers work, helping pupils build a portfolio of experiences and qualifications that can support a positive next step.
There is no single route to success. We want pupils to discover what they enjoy, recognise what they are good at and understand the opportunities available to them. These practical sessions are an important part of making that possible.
Sharing our progress
On 25 November, we look forward to sharing our careers development and other positive messages of growth and improvement at our Local Governors’ Committee meeting. Governors play an important role in asking questions, offering support and helping us keep our work focused on what matters for pupils.
We are still looking for a parent governor. If you are interested in contributing to the life of the Academy and helping represent the views of families, please contact the school for further information.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we can help our pupils thrive, grow, heal and achieve.
Best wishes
Simon Stevenson
Head Teacher
