Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 23

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we head into another busy week at York High, I want to start by expressing my sincere gratitude for your continued engagement with our school community.   

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent Parent Surveys. We have received a wealth of insight, and we are committed to acting on your feedback. This invaluable feedback helps us navigate and improve, and this week has been a fantastic example of that partnership in action. If you have not already completed the Parent Survey please find the link HERE.

To discuss the findings and our next steps, I would like to invite you to a follow-up meeting. This is a great opportunity to hear directly about the impact of your suggestions and ask any further questions.

• Date: Tuesday 10 March
• Time: 4:30–5:30pm

A huge thank you to those who returned the Poverty Proofing Survey. Our official Poverty Proofing Audit takes place next week. This is a vital exercise for York High; it allows us to look objectively at our school day to ensure that every student has equal access to opportunities, regardless of financial background. Your honesty in these surveys ensures our “offer” remains inclusive and supportive for every family in our community.

Finally, a quick reminder for our Year 10 families – our Parents’ Evening is scheduled for next week. As students move further into their GCSE journey, this is a crucial time to touch base with subject teachers regarding progress and targets.

• Date: Wednesday 11 March
• Time: 3:30–6:30pm

Thank you for your ongoing support of York High School. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming meetings.

Warmly,

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Duke of Edinburgh training weekend

Noughts & Crosses

On Wednesday, 42 students travelled to see the stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s book ‘Noughts & Crosses’. This play is our set text for GCSE Drama and this was a fantastic opportunity to see the play in full and take note of everything from set, staging, lighting design and costume to help in the written GCSE exam.

Year 7 & 8 Junior Student Leaders

Year 10 Battlefields Trip

U16 Netball

What a fantastic performance from our U16 girls yesterday evening, securing an impressive 22-4 victory against Vale of York Academy.

From the first whistle, the team showed great composure and control, moving the ball smoothly through the court with sharp, accurate passing and strong decision-making. Their attacking play was confident and creative, while the defensive unit applied consistent pressure, forcing turnovers and limiting the opposition’s scoring opportunities.

The players demonstrated excellent communication and support for one another throughout the game. Their teamwork was a real highlight, with seamless transitions from defence to attack and unselfish play in the shooting circle. It was wonderful to see such positive encouragement between teammates and respectful sportsmanship towards their opponents.

Player of the Match: Lucy
Lucy delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing exceptional vision and precision ball placement. She read the game superbly, anticipating play, creating space, and setting up scoring opportunities with intelligence and composure. Her awareness and decision-making were instrumental in driving the team forward and maintaining momentum throughout the match.

A brilliant all-round team effort and a well-deserved win – congratulations girls!

Inter-Schools Rugby League Tournament – match report

We were proud to welcome eight schools to our site this week for an exciting and highly competitive rugby league tournament. The standard of play was excellent throughout, and our boys delivered a fantastic performance, demonstrating impressive skill, teamwork, and outstanding sportsmanship across all fixtures.

Match results

• YHS vs All Saints: Won 5–1
• YHS vs King James:  Lost 3–2
• YHS vs Sherburn: Won 5–3
• YHS vs Fulford: Drew 3–3

The team started strongly with a commanding 5–1 victory over All Saints, setting the tone for the evening. A narrow 3–2 defeat against King James followed in a closely contested match. The boys responded brilliantly with a well-earned 5–3 win against Sherburn before finishing the tournament with a hard-fought 3–3 draw against Fulford.

Moment of the Tournament
A standout highlight came from Eddie Gibson, who produced an outstanding solo effort with a powerful run from the halfway line. Showing superb agility and determination, he beat multiple defenders to score a brilliant try that lifted the team and spectators alike.

Man of the Match 
Henry Dobbs was named Man of the Match for his consistently strong performances throughout the tournament. He was solid in defence with crucial tackles, contributed important tries in attack, and played a key role in organising and motivating the team across all games.

Overall, it was a fantastic evening of rugby league. The boys represented the school with pride, resilience, and teamwork, and should be extremely proud of their efforts. Well done to everyone involved!

Year 8 Football

York High produced a strong team performance to earn an impressive 3–1 victory over Bootham School.

The match began at a lively pace, with both sides looking to attack early. York High struck first when Preston N found the breakthrough, finishing confidently to give York High a deserved lead. Reggie G got on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal, capitalising on a defensive error putting York High firmly in control at 2–0.

Bootham responded in the second half and managed to pull a goal back. However, York High remained composed and continued to create chances. Their persistence paid off when Reuben C made it 3-0 to secure the victory, finishing well to restore the two-goal cushion and seal the victory.

Man of the Match: Archie C, who delivered an outstanding performance with excellent skill, composure, and leadership throughout the game. Well done boys!

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.