Parental Bulletin – 16th January 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER
Dear Parents, Carers and Students,
After snow stopped play last Friday, this is the first opportunity I have had to write to you on our Parent Bulletin and wish you a Happy New Year and welcome back to Spring Term.
I know it doesn’t strictly feel like spring at the moment, weather-wise, but the first two weeks have been really busy with typical spring term business in the classroom and much more outside the taught classroom too.
This week it was wonderful to see so many Year 9 parents, carers and students at our Year 9 parents’ evening. This parents’ evening signals the start of the formal Year 9 options process, where students get to choose, with guidance, their courses for key stage four study. It is imperative that parents join us on Thursday 22nd January for the Year 9 information evening and begin to understand both the process and the choices available.
For Year 11 and 13 students, exam season is around the corner and our attentions are focussed on supporting them towards their second series of mock exams at the end of January. Every lesson counts now and therefore exceptional attendance and studying at home, as well as in lessons, are non-negotiable if students want to be successful in the next few weeks and into the summer.
It has also been lovely to see Years 10 and 12 return and be working so diligently in their courses too.
In the wider ‘broadening horizons curriculum’ Matilda, our school production, is in the latter stages of rehearsals, preparing for the three-night run of shows from 25th-27th February. There are lots of staff and students involved in the production itself and behind the scenes and it is set to be a fantastic show. Thank you to those working so hard.
This term, our extra-curricular programme and house events programme will once again be published weekly on our website and student hub.
In Spring term, we will continue to ask, politley, that you work with us to ensure that your child is in school every day, unless they are extremely unwell or there are other exceptional circumstances. We would also ask that you work with us to ensure that they arrive well ahead of 8.40am and that they present to school each day in immaculate school uniform.
In Spring Term, full school uniform is expected and appearance should be immaculate. Facial piercings are NOT permitted, and students should understand that blazers are compulsory and jumpers are optional. We will only accept the Trinity sweatshirt or knitted v neck available from Orchard clothing. As it remains colder in January, the rule is coats are fine to wear but must be worn OVER the blazer and not instead of it. Hoodies or tracksuit tops are not permitted.
If you would like support or guidance with any of these things, please speak to the relevant Form Tutor, Head of Year or Pastoral Manager and we will be happy to support you.
It is lovely to be back, and we will see you throughout the term.
Mr Ford
CONTACTING SCHOOL
As many of you will have heard on the school answer phone message, we receive an exceptionally high volume of calls on a daily basis. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to answer a high percentage of these calls or to listen to all voice messages left. We would therefore urge you to email the relevant person/people you wish to contact. Not only does this ensure that we have a written trail of communication between you and school, but it also means that the person you wish to speak to is guaranteed to receive your message.
Please find below key contact email addresses: –
Attendance – for planned absences and recording illness absences
Admissions / appeals
General Enquiries
Safeguarding
Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs L Chinn – chinnl@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Year 9
Head of Year – Mr D Kesterton (teacher) – kestertond@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Pastoral Manager – Mrs S Harvey – harveys@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Year 10
Head of Year – Miss M Rowley (teacher) – rowleym@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Pastoral Manager – Mrs L Lester – lesterl@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Year 11
Head of Year – Mr S Green (teacher) – greens@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Pastoral Manager – Mrs M Senior – seniorm@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Sixth Form
Head of Sixth Form – Mrs K Loader (teacher) – loaderk@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Pastoral Manager – Mrs J Nelder – nelderj@trinity.bmat.co.uk
All staff – https://www.trinity.worcs.sch.uk/uncategorised/staff-emails/
WHEN EMAILING SHOOL
If you email Office@trinity.bmat.co.uk or Attendance@trinity.bmat.co.uk please can you ensure you put your child’s full name and year group in the title. If your child is absent, please only email Attendance@trinity.bmat.co.uk and NOT Office@trinity.bmat.co.uk thank you.
STUDENT EQUIPMENT
Please ensure your child has pens, pencils and any equipment needed for their day. Please also ensure your child has a refillable water bottle to keep them hydrated throughout the day.
CAREERS CORNER
Free Guide to support Parents/Carers in Supporting a Student In Exploring University
The Parents Guide to University
Open Events:
HOW College – January Open Event 2026! | Heart of Worcestershire College
Cadbury College and Sixth Form 24th January Open Days – Cadbury Sixth Form College Birmingham
Stratford Upon Avon College– There are no new dates released yet. Call 01789 266245 for new dates relevant to you
Year 11 – Need support with looking at the options available to your child when they finish school? Take a look at the support from : Parents & Carers – Aimhigher West Midlands
Apprenticeship Webinars:
Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship | Tesco Careers
https://www.tesco.com/careers/en-GB/early-careers/apprenticeships/maintenance
Parents and caregivers’ session: make the most out of using Unifrog to support your child with SEND
Join this session to learn how to use the Unifrog platform to support your child with SEND and additional needs and find out how to access your parent account, navigate specific resources, and use the “student side” to see the some of the tools your child has access to. Understand how to make the most of these features and hear from our careers guidance specialist on having effective careers conversations and ensuring your child has the support they may need in 1:1 guidance session. https://www.unifrog.org/teacher/webinars/upcoming/1638-preview
Careers Fair – 13th February 2026 – All year Groups
We are planning a Careers Fair on 13/2/2026 and would be delighted to hear from any parent/carer that works for an organisation or has their own business that may be interested in attending.
Please email: Kenderdiner@trinity.bmat.co.uk
Careers Talk with Young People – BT Group offer a checklist for parent/carers to support career conversations. It offers a way of connecting the dots how tech hobbies can develop employability skills and open future opportunities
Work Ready – Toolkit for parents and carers
Explore apprenticeship opportunities at the HSBC Open Evening Monday 9th February 2026 6.30 – 8pm 1 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 1HQ
Spaces are limited so students are advised to register by visiting HSBC UK National Apprenticeship Week Birmingham open evening
Please note that students under the age of 16 will need a parent/guardian to accompany them.
Virtual Events for Parents
How to support young people – Facilitating parental support in guiding their child’s career initiation.
Monday 9th February from 6pm until 7pm
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: National Apprenticeship Week – How to support your child. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Facilitating parental support in guiding their child’s career initiation.
Register here
Thinking of University?
A new episode of the Uni Guide Podcast has been released today, focusing on one of the most important topics in higher education: widening participation and access to university. The episode features special guests from The Sutton Trust.
University support for students considering university – events, guides and resources | UniTasterDa…– It includes a searchable list of events, information on universities offering financial and practical support to help with attendance, and access to the popular jargon buster.
Year 11 Next Steps after Trinity High School – still deciding / unsure what to do?
Some steps that may help:
- Attend open events at Sixth Forms, Colleges and training providers
- Check out the Unifrog Apprenticeship and College/Sixth Form tools
- Drop into the Careers Room at break or lunchtime and speak to Mrs Kenderdine or email kenderdiner@trinity.bmat.co.uk for a meeting
Virtual Apprenticeship Fair 11th February 2026 4pm -6pm Sign up on Unifrog Accounts Apprenticeship Fair– Access expert advice from a range of employers including KPMG, Metropolitan Police, Royal Airforce and the BBC. Take part in live workshops including:
SEND and Apprenticeships
11th February 5.00pm – 5.20pm
Thinking about an apprenticeship but not sure how it works if you have a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND)? Join this session to find out what adjustments and guidance you can expect during your application and beyond, and how to find the right opportunity that matches your strengths and goals.
How to use AI successfully in applications:
11th February 4.30pm – 4.50pm
Join this webinar to find out how to use AI to boost your applications. Hear from the experts on how to use AI tools to write cover letters and written application questions and prepare for interviews with tailored practice questions. Learn practical, ethical ways to stand out from the crowd when applying for opportunities.
UniFest
UniFest for year 10 students. Deadline to apply is 13th March and students applying can speak with Mrs Bond if they need any help.
Please see attached.
ATTENDANCE FIGURES FOR LAST WEEK
YEAR 9 – 89.3%
YEAR 10 – 88.3%
YEAR 11 – 89.7%
OVERALL – 89.1%
Well done to Year 11 for being the Year group with the highest attendance for last week.
WHAT PARENTS, CARERS AND EDUCATORS NEED TO KNOW
10 Top Tips for Parents and Educators – Essential Online Safety
What Parents and Educators Need to Know About – Digital Devices and Wellbeing
Please see attached.
For further guides, hints and tips please visit nationalcollege.com.
STAY SAFE AROUND FROZEN LAKES THIS WINTER
Please see attached advice.
ONLINE GAMING
Please see attached advice.
ONLINE CYBER CRIME
Please see attached advice.
YEAR 12 CYPRUS 2027
Reminder that the deposit for Cyprus 2027 for current Year 12 is due now please.
BRONZE EDofE
Bronze EDofE – ALL students must send all their 3 sections for approval on EDofE by Monday 2nd February. If there are any issues with logging in to EDofE students need to go and see Miss Lyons in the music room.
Bronze DofE meeting on Monday breaktime in the music room to go over EDofE. Students must have logged in, registered and completed the information on their 3 chosen sections (volunteering, skill and physical) Any issues please email Miss Lyons – lyonsc@trinity.bmat.co.uk
MATILDA THE MUSICAL Jnr
Matilda the Musical Jnr – Tickets are now on sale and selling fast. Please follow the link to purchase your tickets. www.ticketsource.co.uk/trinity-high-school-vith-form-centre
Please see attached poster.
CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER – A GUIDE FOR PARENTS ON MANAGING CHILDREN’S DIGITAL LIVES
Please see letter form Children’s Commissioner.
Please see guide for parents attached.
Please see activity pack attached.
HEALTHWATCH PARENT SURVEY – SEN FAMILIES OR DISABLED CHILDREN
Please see attached information.
SCHOOL TERM DATES 2025-2026
Please see attached.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR TIMETABLE
Please find the latest version attached.
WORD OF THE WEEK
Our New Word of the Week ‘’gumbo”
A noun which refers to a thick soup. But it can also mean a ‘mixture of things’.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
| 22 January | Year 9 Parents Information Evening for Options |
| 13 February | Break up for Half Term |
| 23 February | Term starts 8.40am |
