Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 4

Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s been another incredibly productive and inspiring week at York High School. I want to take a moment to reflect on some recent highlights and look ahead to important upcoming events.

Celebrating our Open Evening success

I’d like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who made our Open Evening last night such a resounding success. It was wonderful to open our doors and welcome so many prospective parents and students to see the school. The atmosphere was vibrant, and I was immensely proud of how our students and staff showcased the very best of our community. We hope all of our visitors left feeling excited about the future possibilities here at York High School.

Year 11: Steps to Success Evening

We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Year 11 students and their parents/carers to our Steps to Success Evening on Wednesday 8 October. This is a crucial event where we will offer specific advice and guidance to families to help ensure Year 11 is a successful year. Our goal is to make certain every student feels supported and equipped to reach their full potential as they approach their final exams. Please mark this important date in your calendar.

Enrichment Programme: Round two

I want to thank our students for their excellent attendance and participation in the first round of our Enrichment Programme. The commitment shown to these clubs and activities is fantastic and vital for their holistic development.

As a reminder, we have a minimum expectation that all students attend at least one club or activity per week. The second round of our enrichment activities is due to start shortly, offering a fresh selection of exciting opportunities. Please ensure that your child has signed up for this next round so they can continue to broaden their horizons and develop new skills. Details on the sign-up process have been shared with students.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Have a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Enrichment: round two

Thank you for your support in getting your child signed up to enrichment round two activities.

Emails have been sent to students’ school email addresses which have the following structure – Y7 Jane Doe would be: 25jdoe@pupil.yorkhigh.elt.org.uk.

Careers Fair and Mock Interviews

In January 2026, we are holding our annual careers fair on 12 January and our Year 11 mock interviews on 23 January.

If you’re able to support with either, or both, of these events, please complete this form. Many thanks in advance!

Portakabin – Year 9/10 visit

On Thursday, Year 9 and 10 students visited Portakabin at Monks Cross to get an experience of the world of work. They had a tour, spoke to employees in various roles, and then planned the construction of their own classrooms before enjoying a fantastic lunch spread!

Battlefields trip

Please can slips, where possible, be returned ahead of the 30 September deadline. If your child is going on the trip but has not given you a medical information form, please contact main reception and one will be emailed to you.

Racing to school

On 10 October, 30 Year 8 pupils will get the opportunity to visit York Races, as part of a structured learning experience. We’ll be selecting students based on their Attitude to Learning scores – look out for more information next week.

York College Year 11 Taster Days

Bookings for York College’s Year 11 Taster Days on 13 and 15 January 2026 are now open.

These days provide a fantastic opportunity for Year 11 students to try some of the subjects they are interested in, as well as get a feel for College life. Students should choose one of the days to attend.

Further information about Open Events and Taster Days can be found here and bookings should be made using the links below:

• Tuesday 13 January 2026
• Thursday 15 January 2026

Before booking a Taster Day, please read all the supporting information about what is on offer, and how to book which is all detailed on the booking web pages.

Whilst bookings can be made on any device, we would recommend using a tablet or computer to view the booking screens more clearly.

Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and the deadline for all bookings is Sunday 23 November. It is not possible to book after this date.

Excellence Every Day Awards – September

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.