Head's Blog - July 2026
Keeping Pupils Cool, Celebrating Success, and Preparing for Next Year
Dear parents, carers and friends of The Aspire Academy,
As July brings hotter days, I want to reassure you about how we are keeping pupils safe and comfortable, and to share key school news as we move towards the summer break.
Keeping pupils cool and safe in hot weather
- Teaching staff are proactively prompting regular drinks breaks during lessons and enrichment activities where appropriate
- Timetable adjustments: where possible we’ve scheduled the most active or practical sessions to the cooler parts of the day and moved quieter, classroom-based learning to mid-afternoon when temperatures peak. This helps pupils remain engaged without overheating.
- Classroom cooling and shade: external doors and blinds are used strategically to reduce direct sunlight; classrooms are ventilated early morning and late afternoon. We have increased shaded areas outdoors use so pupils can take supervised breaks out of the sun.
- Uniform and common-sense measures: we’ve reminded families of our flexible approach to summer uniform during heatwaves (lightweight, plain polo shirts and sensible shoes), and staff are on duty to support pupils who need a moment in the Hub, Art room or Project Team Office.
- Curriculum and behaviour adjustments: practical lessons and Thrive/therapeutic sessions are adapted so pupils who struggle in warm conditions have low‑demand alternatives available. Staff are vigilant for signs of heat-related distress and will act immediately; where appropriate we send pupils home if medically necessary.
Prize Giving — Friday 17th July, Worcester Rugby Football Club
We are delighted to invite families and stakeholders to our Annual Prize Giving on Friday 17 July at Worcester Rugby Football Club. This is our moment to celebrate pupil progress, resilience, vocational achievements and the incredible personal growth many of our pupils have made this year. The ceremony will be followed by light refreshments. Please check the school communication for transport and arrival details.
Transitions — already working on next academic year
Transition is a central focus for us because a smooth move is crucial to pupils’ success. Even before the summer break we have begun transition activity for the next academic year to reduce anxiety and secure stronger starts:
- Developing a Gold Standard Transition rollout: we have completed some enhanced transition packs for incoming pupils and their families, including creating pupil passports, key contact information and an outline of the first six weeks, so pupils know what to expect.
- Information sharing and joint planning: SENDCos and year leads have already met with feeder and receiving schools to transfer up‑to‑date SEND information, recent learning snapshots and safeguarding notes. This avoids the ‘lost information’ pitfall at admission.
- Early timetabling and curriculum placements: we’re finalising provisional timetables and vocational placements so pupils know their pathway early — this reduces uncertainty for pupils who find change difficult.
- Supported visits and introductions: Where pupils remain on part-time or twilight arrangements, we’ve agreed bespoke plans with families to ensure continuity.
Number on Roll (NOR) and saying farewell to Year 11
Although we have said a warm farewell to a large cohort of Year 11s who move on to further education and training, our current number on roll stands at 112. We’re proud of every leaver — many have gained qualifications and secured positive next steps — and we remain committed to supporting them through final results and into their chosen destinations.
A final word
Thank you to our staff for their thoughtful, child-centred approach during the heat and to families for your ongoing support. Please ensure pupils wear sun cream on hot days if going outside. If you have specific concerns about your child and the weather or transition arrangements, contact your child’s form tutor or Head of Year.
Best wishes,
Simon Stevenson
Head Teacher
