Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work that all of our students have put in this week. It’s been a phenomenal start to the new academic year, and their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

It’s been so impressive to see so many of our students embracing their studies with enthusiasm and focus. The energy in the classrooms and around the school has been fantastic. Whether they’ve been tackling challenging new topics, collaborating with their peers, or participating in our new enrichment programme, our students’ commitment to York High School is truly inspiring.

I’d also like to give a special shout-out to our new Year 7 students. They’ve made a seamless transition into our school community and have already shown incredible maturity and a willingness to get involved. I am so impressed with how they’ve settled in and their positive attitude.

Keep up the great work, everyone. Let’s continue to make this a successful and rewarding year.

Warm regards

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Exciting Enrichment Programme

We have had a wonderful start to our enrichment programme, with a huge range of students participating in clubs in our first week. It has been fantastic to see students engaging with a wide range of cultural opportunities outside of the taught curriculum, from baking Swiss rolls in Cake Club to developing their own business in Enterprise Business Club. Below you can see some pictures of our Sewing Club.

Music medals

Congratulations to Arabella, Olivia, Jules and Lyra for achieving their Copper Music Medals on Clarinet.

School show

It was lovely to see so many students at show rehearsals on Tuesday.

Letters have been sent home with details of further rehearsals which will take place every Tuesday until we perform in March 2026 (not every four weeks like the enrichment timetable) and will be until 4:30pm. Students have been given the first half-term’s timetable which details who is needed for which rehearsal.

Audition sign ups will be via Google Forms accessed on the Show Google Classroom. You do not need to audition for a part to be part of the show as everyone is welcome in the chorus.

Duke of Edinburgh

We are delighted at the number of students who have signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Payments were set up on ParentPay before the summer holidays – this is a gentle reminder that the deposit is now due please.

On Thursday 18 September from 3.00-4.00pm all students doing DofE need to come to PA1 so we can enrol them online. This is an essential meeting led by the Operations Officer York, Rachel Baker. Students should come with an idea of what they are doing for their Skills, Physical and Volunteering section. Any queries can be directed to Mrs Lancaster.

York College Open Events 2025-26

York College is hosting a number of Open Events during the 2025-26 academic year, as follows:

• Tuesday 7 October 2025, 5.30pm – 8.00pm
• Saturday 8 November 2025, 10.00am – 12.30pm
• Thursday 20 November 2025, 5.30pm – 8.00pm
• Thursday 12 February 2026, 5.30pm – 8.00pm
• Wednesday 29 April 2026, 5.30pm – 7.30pm

For more information, please visit the York College website.

More information on taster days will be available in due course.

Exciting Opportunity: Become a Committee Member for Inspire Alternative Provision

Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and making a difference in their education? Excel Learning Trust’s alternative provision, Inspire Academy, is looking for dedicated and committed individuals to join its first-ever academy committee (a sub-committee of the trust board).

Further details about this opportunity and how to apply, can be found here.

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.