TERM 6 VALUE:

Truth

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the summer term. We hope that you have had a restful and restorative break. We also know that, for many of our students, the holiday period will have included focused revision and preparation for final examinations. As a Catholic college, we continue to hold all our students in our prayers during this important period, asking that they approach the weeks ahead with courage, calmness and confidence.

This week provides an important opportunity for our Year 12 students, parents and carers to take part in the Year 12 Progress Review. This is especially significant following the recent end of Year 12 mock examinations. These conversations are a chance to reflect honestly on progress so far, to celebrate what is going well, and to identify the next steps that will help each student move successfully into Year 13. For Year 12 students, this final part of the year is not simply about completing courses or receiving grades. It is also about preparing for progression. Students are now beginning to think carefully about their next steps beyond St Brendan’s, whether that is university, apprenticeships, employment, further training or another pathway. The Progress Review is therefore a valuable moment to consider aspiration, attendance, study habits, wellbeing and the support needed to help every student flourish.

We are also delighted to welcome our new Student Union, who now formally come into role. They will begin thinking about how they can represent the voice of students across the college, contribute to our community, and help shape the student experience at St Brendan’s. It reminds us that young people are not simply preparing for the future; they are already capable of service, leadership and making a positive difference now.

The recent national review led by Alan Milburn has highlighted a growing concern about the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, and the barriers that can prevent young people from accessing opportunity. This matters deeply to us. At St Brendan’s, our mission is to open doors, raise aspiration and help young people recognise the gifts and talents given to them. We know that education is not only about qualifications; it is about dignity, purpose, confidence and hope. This is why the work we do together matters so much. When students attend well, engage fully, ask for help early, and take their next steps seriously, they place themselves in the strongest possible position for the future. As a college community, we will continue to walk alongside them with high expectations, care and practical support.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support.

Kind regards

Marian Curran

Principal

With the welcome return of the sunshine and warmer weather, we would like to take this opportunity to remind students and families of the college’s expectations regarding smoking and vaping.

We strongly encourage all students to reflect on smoking or vaping as a habit and to consider their health and wellbeing. However, we also want to be absolutely clear about what is and is not permitted on site:

• Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area near the security gate.
• Vaping is permitted up the drive only, up to the zebra crossing leading to the main college site.
• Vaping or smoking is not permitted anywhere else on site or in any college buildings.

Any student found smoking or vaping outside of these agreed areas will receive an immediate two‑day suspension, in line with college behaviour expectations.

Thank you for supporting us in maintaining a safe, respectful and healthy environment for everyone.

The College takes the safety of students and staff very seriously. Students should not invite friends who do not attend St Brendan’s onto the site and must wear their student lanyard and ID at all times on campus. (Students should obtain a temporary student lanyard from the main reception if they do not have their ID card with them.) Our campus personal patrol the site and can be approached if any student is concerned about their own safety or the safety of others.

St Brendan's is a cashless campus so please make sure you have a card and/or contactless payment on your phone.

If you need to purchase print credit you can do this on the College “Store” which you can access on our website or by using this link St Brendan's Sixth Form College Store

When prompted to login, click on the “Sign in with Microsoft” option, where you can use your College email and password. Your print credit account will automatically update after payment has been approved.

A reminder to all students, parents and carers to please turn right only, when exiting the College between 15:50 – 16:20 at the end of the College day.