10.10.2025
TERM 1 VALUE:
Justice & Service
In Loving Memory of Sally Read
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sally Read, a beloved teacher and cherished member of our College community.
Sally made a profound impact on the lives of students and staff alike. Her dedication to education, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to student wellbeing were evident in everything she did. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
We understand that this news may be upsetting and difficult for many. Our Pastoral Teams are available to support students during this time, and guidance on accessing this support has been shared.
In the coming days, we will be creating a space for students to reflect, share memories, and support one another. Details will be shared shortly.
Resources will also be available via Teams, and we are committed to ensuring that students are supported both emotionally and academically during this period.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sally’s family, friends, and all who are grieving her loss.
With deepest sympathy.
Marian Curran
Principal
CHAPLAINCY
The Chapel is open every day for quiet reflection.
You can find the Chaplaincy team in room B209, all faiths & no faiths are welcome!
There are lots of enrichment activities that you can get involved in via the Chaplaincy, click the button below to find out more.
Thought of the Week:
“But Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”” – Luke, 11: 28
True service is about putting others before yourself. Reflect on how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. How can you serve someone selflessly today?
KEY DATES
Wednesday 22nd October: Online Learning Day (All Students) & Settling in Review (ATL3 & Year 12)
Thursday 23rd October: Online Learning Day (All Students) & Progress Review (Year 13)
Thursday 23rd October: Last day of Term 1
Monday 3rd November: First day of Term 2
EVENTS
Open Events
A huge thank you to our wonderful Student & Subject Ambassadors who supported our Open Day event last Saturday. Your enthusiasm, and pride in our college truly shone through — you are fantastic advocates for all that makes our community special. For any parents, carers, or prospective students who were unable to attend, our next Open Evening will take place on Wednesday, 15th October. This is another excellent opportunity to explore our courses, meet our staff and students, and experience the welcoming atmosphere of our college.
Early UCAS Applications
A big well done to all our students who have already submitted their early UCAS applications. Your hard work and commitment are commendable, and we wish you every success as you take this important next step in your educational journey.
LRC Access for Students on Remote Study Days – 22nd & 23rd October
During the upcoming remote study days (Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd October), students will be working from home while parent/carer meetings take place. All work will be set via Teams.
We understand that not all students have access to a suitable study environment at home. To support this, we are offering bookable spaces in the college LRC for students who:
- Do not have access to a working laptop or PC
- Do not have a quiet or appropriate space to study
- Know they work better in a structured college environment
The LRC will be open and supervised to ensure students can complete their work successfully.
Sign-up deadline is 4pm on Monday 20th October so we can confirm arrangements with Finance and ensure the LRC team is prepared.
🚍 Please note:
- SB buses will not be running on these days – students will need to make their own way to college using public transport or other means.
- Students eligible for free school meals will be provided with a grab bag lunch.
- The LRC is the only part of the site open – no other areas will be accessible.
If your young person would benefit from this, please encourage them to sign up early as places are limited.
Save the Date! Settling in Review- October 2025
As part of our commitment to parental/carer engagement, we are delighted to invite you to our Settling in Review event which will take place on Wednesday 22nd October 2025, 09:00 – 16:00
This event is open to all parents/carers of our Access to Level 3 and Year 12 students at our college. The purpose of the Settling in Review is to allow you to talk with subject teachers, progress tutors, and inclusive learning key workers (where applicable) to discuss how your young person is settling in and progressing at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College.
How will appointments run?
All appointments will take place virtually via our booking system, School Cloud. This system does not require your young persons teams page and you will be able to connect directly through your chosen email address.
How do I book an appointment?
You will be emailed shortly with details.
Even though these are virtual appointments, we encourage your young person to also attend where possible.
Please note that the College will be closed to all students on 22nd and 23rd October, however work will be set on the students Teams pages for them to complete. Half term begins on Friday 24th October.
POLICIES
📣Lost Property Reminder📣
We’ve accumulated a significant amount of lost property at reception, including coats, jewellery, and other items. If you’ve misplaced something recently, please stop by reception to check—your belongings may be waiting for you there.
⌚ Attendance Monitoring ⌚
Attendance is crucial for success, particularly during these initial weeks. For our Year 12, ATL3 and Year 13 students, please be aware that we will be closely monitoring attendance. Maintaining regular attendance is important, as it impacts your ability to remain enrolled on your courses. Should there be concerns about your attendance falling below our threshold during the first three weeks, it may affect your place at St Brendan’s.
We are here to support you through these transitions and ensure that your time at St Brendan's is both successful and enjoyable. Our staff, including teachers, progress tutors, inclusive learning team, careers team, mental health team and the senior team, are here to help with any concerns or queries that you may have.
💳 Cashless Campus 💳
St Brendan's is a cashless campus so please make sure you have a card and/or contactless payment on your phone.
🖨️ Print Credit 🖨️
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.
❗️ Lanyards ❗️
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 , Frank and Blessing, patrol the site and can be approached if any student is concerned about their own safety or the safety of others.
🚘 Turning Right at the end of the day 🚘
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.
Parent/ Carer Handbook
Our Parent & Carer handbook contains important information about your young person's time at College.
In the handbook you will find key dates and contacts, information about the College, and details for logging in to Pro-Portal so that you can monitor progress and attendance from home.
SUPPORT
📖The LRC 📖
Book Club:
This year's Book Club starts on Tuesday 21 October and the theme is books by black authors. Meet up in the LRC on 21 October at 12:15. You will find more details in the attached poster.
Celebrating Black British Authors:
The LRC is currently displaying books by top 12 black British authors that you should read. Get double points on your LRC loyalty card when you borrow a book from the display!
LRC Loyalty card:
If you borrow library books regularly, you need a loyalty card. Collect points every time you borrow books and win prizes! Details in the attached poster.
Print credit:
A reminder that print credit needs to be purchased from the College Store. The LRC no longer accepts payment for this. If you have any problems logging in to the College store or topping up your credit please contact the Finance office.
📝Study Skills Support📝
Are you in need of some study skills support?
Click here to find out more about how the LRC can help!
✉️ Weekly Bulletins ✉️
Our weekly bulletin is designed to keep you informed about upcoming events, opportunities, and essential information. Please make sure to keep an eye on these updates to stay informed throughout the College year.
🖥 16-19 Student Bursary 🖥
Bursary Applications are now open for current students to reapply/apply for a bursary for this academic year.
Don’t delay apply today!
Any queries please email bursary@stbrn.ac.uk
There is information in the Bursary Support section of our website and an email has been sent to students with all the details.
CLUBS & SOCIETIES
Enrichment Activities
To see the current timetable for all clubs and societies click here
If you'd like to take part you can either turn up on the day, or email bwi@stbrn.ac.uk to be added to the Teams page.
CAREERS
Careers News
Head over to the Careers News page for lots of useful resources and opportunities.
Careers SharePoint Site
Our Careers Team have created a Careers SharePoint site to support you in obtaining all the information, advice and guidance for your future plans.
On the site, you will find the following pages:
💬 Careers Guidance Meetings - You will see our calendar of activity and have access to our booking link
🧭 UCAS - Information and guidance on personal statements, open days, taster days, key deadlines and much, much more
📍 Apprenticeships - Guidance on understanding apprenticeships, useful links, and hints/tips for interview
📢 Industry Spotlight - Videos that will inform, educate and empower you to make an informed next step decision
📝 CV and Cover Letters - Useful templates and guidance
🚀 Labour Market Information - Understand more about the growing and declining sectors and industries
🔎 Subject Careers Support - Information and links to subject-related support that can impact your studies
💡 Work Experience - Dates and opportunities to gain ready-life experience of the workplace
Click the link https://stbrn.sharepoint.com/sites/Careers or log onto the jump page and click on the Careers Zone button.
KEY CONTACTS
Marian Curran Principal
David Beesley Vice Principal (Curriculum Quality & Innovation)
Vicki Haigh Assistant Principal (Student Progression, Inclusion and Success)
Shane Blackshaw Executive Finance Director
Tanya Schottlander Head of Student Wellbeing & Safeguarding
Ross Stone Exam Officer
Sarah Hinder Finance Manager
Claire Woodhouse Attendance Officer
