Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back and a very Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a restful and enjoyable Christmas break with your families. It has been wonderful to see our students returning to school this week with such energy and focus, ready to tackle the new term.
The spring term is a pivotal time for our Year 9 cohort as they begin the exciting process of choosing their GCSE Pathway options. This is a significant milestone in their educational journey, marking the first time that they begin to shape their own future academic and career profiles.
Please ensure you take the time to sit down with your child to discuss the initial information regarding possible options that was emailed to all Year 9 families earlier this week. Our goal is to ensure every student feels supported in making informed decisions that play to their strengths and aspirations. If you require any further information regarding the event or the Year 9 pathway process, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Mr Graveson (Progress Leader for Year 9) or Mrs Taberner by emailing pathways@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk.
I am delighted to announce that we have started the new year by welcoming three exceptional colleagues to the Senior Leadership Team at York High School:
Louise Scaum, Vice Principal
Focus area: Deep Support (Pastoral & Wellbeing)
Nicola Taberner, Vice Principal
Focus area: Deep Experience (Curriculum & Enrichment)
Tim Godfrey, Assistant Principal
Focus area: SENCO (Inclusion & SEND)
These leaders join us with extensive knowledge and proven track records in education. They are already deeply engaged with our school community and are looking forward to making significant contributions to the future success and growth of York High School.
As always, thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide the very best for our young people.
Warmly,
Gavin Kumar
Principal
Wednesday 11 February
School closes for half-term break
Monday 23 February
School reopens after half-term break
Next week is our annual Aspire Week, an opportunity to look at a range of careers and opportunities. It also encompasses our Year 11 Taster Days, where students are visiting post-16 providers including York College, Askham Bryan College, and All Saints, Huntington and Fulford Sixth Forms.
On Monday 12 January, all students will visit our Careers Fair, where we have apprenticeship providers, employers, and post-16 and -18 providers attending. There will be a range of other activities across the week – if your child is involved, you will receive a separate email.
This is a great opportunity to have conversations at home about students’ aspirations for the future. We’re looking to get every student into a workplace they are considering for the future.
If you have any questions, or would like to share some information about your child’s aspirations, please contact v.bettney@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk
We would like to welcome all parents of Year 8 students attending the Liverpool trip to a meeting on Wednesday 14 January at 6pm in the main hall, this was postponed from this week. A copy of the presentation will be emailed out on Thursday 15 January.
York College is currently advertising a number of apprenticeship vacancies which can be seen on the attached pdf. Each vacancy has a hyperlink to the Apprenticeship Service website, where you will find full job details and where you can submit your application.
A note on closing dates: vacancies often close earlier than the stated date, so if you are interested, please make sure you apply as soon as you can.
You can also read the attached guidance on how to write a strong application to ensure the best chance of success.
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.
This is the official York High School (UK) Facebook Page - LIKE this page to stay up to date
🍔Free School Meals are Changing🍕
From September 2026 more families will qualify for Free School Meals.
If your household is in receipt of:
🔘Universal Credit
🔘Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
🔘Support under Part 6 of the immigration and Asylum Act 1999
🔘Guaranteed element of Pension Credit
your child will be entitled to free school meals, but it's not automatic - you MUST apply for them.
Visit: www.northyorks.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals to start your application
(When completing the form, make sure you change the 'Local Authority' to York)
For further information see the letter from Mr Kumar on our website:
www.yorkhighschool.co.uk/2026/07/changes-to-free-school-meals/
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🎤Prizes Galore🎤
What an Unmissable day we have had...
This morning we started the day with our fantastic end of term Blue & Platinum Ticket draws - handing out vouchers for H&M, Playstation & Amazon for the lucky Blue Ticket winners, and the big one, a £250 Amazon Voucher to our Platinum winner, Daenerys!
Mr Kumar then celebrated with our RAS Achievers, Andrea & Carter, both nominated by members of SLT.
And we cannot ignore the fantastic 'SINGO BINGO' which has been absolutely amazing.
Have a fantastic Summer - We will see you all in September!
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⚽Is it Coming Home?⚽
Tonight England take on Argentina in the World Cup Semi-Finals.
Will they win, and join Spain in the Final?
Is Football Coming Home?
We are looking forward to seeing you all in the morning, for those gate chats on how the game went!
Win, Lose or Draw, we can share our thoughts tomorrow.
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