Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 30

I hope this newsletter finds you well.

We’ve had a truly fantastic start to the GCSE examinations this week for our Year 11 students. They have approached their first papers with focus, resilience, and a positive attitude and I have been incredibly impressed by the maturity and dedication they have shown. We wish them all the very best as they continue with their examination schedule in the coming weeks.

I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support for all our students, across all year groups. Your partnership with the school is invaluable, and your encouragement plays a vital role in the academic and personal growth of your children. Whether it’s supporting homework, attending parents’ evenings, or simply providing a positive and encouraging home environment – your involvement makes a significant difference.

We have a busy and exciting few weeks ahead, with various activities and events planned across the school. Further details regarding these will be shared in separate communications.

Thank you once again for your ongoing commitment to our school community.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Uniform reminder

We are proud of our students at York High School and want them to look smart in their school uniform and would like to remind parents of our expectations. 

Pupils are expected to be in the required uniform and ensure these expectations remain throughout the school year. Should you need any assistance with uniform please contact your child’s Progress Leader and we can look to see what we have available in our community cupboard to support.

Please see below a reminder of our expectations.

All pupils are to have a school bag/rucksack to carry their equipment and planner in. 

Pupils in Years 7-9

• YHS V neck blue jumper*
• Plain white shirt with collar and top button
• YHS Tie* (Colour dependent upon Year Group)
• Plain black trousers or plain black knee length skirt (with black opaque tights)
• Plain black shoes or plain black trainers. No coloured markings, reflective material or metal. 

Pupils in Years 10 and 11

• YHS V neck black jumper*
• Plain white shirt with collar and top button
• YHS Tie* (Colour dependent upon Year Group)
• Plain black trousers or plain black knee length skirt (with black opaque tights)
• Plain black shoes or plain black trainers. No coloured markings, reflective material or metal.

School trousers must have a front fastening clip and zip to be classified as school trousers. Leggings, jeans and chino type trousers are not permitted. 

Jewellery

Pupils are only allowed the following items of jewellery in school:

• Watch (not a smart watch, fitbit or other)
• Single pair of stud earrings
• Medic alert pendant
• Clear nose stud/retainer
• Hairstyles – All hair colouring should be natural colours only. If in doubt about acceptable hairstyles and colours please contact your child’s Progress Leader.

Any other items of jewellery, for example rings and bracelets, are not allowed. 

Summer Uniform is in place at the moment and we allow school shorts for both boys and girls. We have no issue with girls wearing no tights with their skirts during the summer term only so long as their skirt is at knee length. 

We are aware that replacing incorrect school uniform can be an expensive exercise, and we will do our best to support and access our community cupboard.

Regular messages like these help ensure our pupils meet the requirements of our uniform expectations and we thank you for your ongoing support. 

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

On Thursday 1 May, our York High School Anti-Bullying Ambassadors were kindly hosted by colleagues at Aviva. During the morning, we learnt all about Aviva’s anti-bullying policy and heard stories from staff who were bullied at school and how they dealt with their experiences.

We then worked with Aviva’s campaign team and learnt how to build a campaign from the beginning. Afterwards we had a working pizza lunch and were shown round Aviva’s office, learning what all the different departments do.

Our students were polite and engaging and a credit to themselves and school throughout the day. A massive thank you to Aviva who sponsored this trip.

Mrs Walker

Year 9 Graduation

We’re delighted to announce our first Year 9 Graduation event at York High School which will take place on Wednesday 9 July at 6.00pm. Letters have been sent home via email to explain more about the event.

We’d love to see as many parents, carers, guardians, and other important adults in your child’s life at the event. We’d appreciate it if you could complete the Google Form, attached to the letter emailed, to let us know how many tickets you need.

Battlefields Trip

Letters for the March 2026 Battlefields trip have gone home today to students in Year 9. Despite the increased costs of trips, we have managed to keep the price at £360 for a three-day, two-night trip to the Battlefields of France and Belgium.

Excellence Every Day

We had a bumper week this week, with Mr Kumar handing out a total of 38 awards to 34 students!

Congratulations to: Logan, Ruby, Willow, Skye, Brooke, Betsy, Ava, Harry, Izzy, Grace, Holly, Maddie, Heather, Summer, Maisie, Sophie, Kacey, Jayden, Bryony, Lionel, Bradley, Paul, Layla, Tyla, Oscar, Maddison, Eddie, Max, John, Tegan, Tyler, Kai, Jethro and Mercy!

Match report

A fantastic performance from our Year 7 girls’ rugby team yesterday evening!

Despite facing tough opposition – most of whom were a year above – the girls showed incredible courage, determination, and team spirit throughout the tournament.

Special mentions go to Verity and Elizabeth for some outstanding tackles, and to Skyler for her brilliant runs.

Well gone girls!

The YHS Way

Next week’s focus: Routines and Habits – Positive Interactions

Community Cupboard

Our school is committed to helping those in need through our community cupboard, ensuring that every student and family has access to essential food/household items. Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated, as they help us continue to support the local community.

If you or someone you know needs any support, please contact Aimee a.stewart@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk or Emma e.masterman@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk, or pop into main reception.

All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.