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February 2026

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'Headteacher Foreword

It has been another very busy Spring Term, filled with achievement, creativity and community spirit. As you read through this edition, you will see just how much our students and staff have accomplished across an extraordinary range of activities.

We celebrate standout individual successes, including Dan’s visit to Downing Street, Bobby's impressive swimming achievements, and Thomas' continued excellence in cycling. Our students have also been engaging in rich learning beyond the classroom—most notably through the imaginative ‘medieval churches’ games project, which brought history to life in a unique and memorable way. We are also delighted to celebrate Mrs Hayley Goymer, who has been awarded the CIT Values Award. Her dedication, compassion and unwavering support for our students and staff exemplify the values at the heart of the school and Trust, and we are proud to see this as having been recognised.

There has been great energy in our academic and extra-curricular pursuits too. Our pupils represented us superbly in the debating competition at Sir Robert Pattinson School, with the Year 12s taking first place, and the enthusiasm shown in the Maths Challenge is captured in this term’s write-up. The community spirit of our students shines through initiatives such as the Namibia cake sale, raising funds with purpose and positivity. We also recognised Children’s Mental Health Week, with activities that encouraged reflection, connection, and emotional wellbeing across our schools.

A particular highlight this term is the recognition we have received nationally for our excellent attendance. This achievement reflects the combined commitment of our students, families and staff, all working tirelessly to create an environment in which young people feel motivated and proud to attend every day.

Thank you to every member of our community for contributing to such a positive and successful term. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and sharing in the achievements of our young people. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the new term.

Mr Law
Headteacher

 

Useful Dates

Year 10 & 11 Berlin History Trip
All Day
from 27 Feb until 02 Mar
27
February
Year 11 Geography Snipedales Fieldwork 1
All Day
03
March
GCSE Science Live!
All Day
03
March
Toledo Trip Meeting
6:00pm – 7:00pm
05
March
Year 11 Geography Snipedales Fieldwork 2
All Day
06
March
Year 10 Internal Examinations
All Day
from 09 Mar until 13 Mar
09
March
Year 7 Stay Safe Day
All Day
10
March
Year 7 Parents Consultation Evening
5:00pm – 7:30pm
12
March
Year 10 Internal Examinations
All Day
from 16 Mar until 20 Mar
16
March
Year 9 Stay Safe Day
All Day
17
March

Further Dates For Your Diary

Thursday 26 February – Year 11 Parents' Evening 

Wednesday 18 March – Year 8 Parents' Evening

Friday 27 March to Tuesday 31 March – Trip to Toledo and Madrid

Monday 30 March - Year 9 Dual Vaccinations - Mop Up Session

Wednesday 22 April – PTA Bingo Night – more details in due course


Mobile Phones in Schools

You may have seen the recently released government guidance on mobile phones in schools. Considering this, we are currently reviewing our approach across both schools. While the final policy will be shared once the review is complete, it is likely that students in Years 7–11 will continue to be permitted to bring mobile phones onto the school site, but they must always remain out of sight and out of hearing whilst on the school site.

As part of the review, we are also considering a small number of exceptional circumstances, such as medical needs, where the use of a device may be appropriate. The policy for the Sixth Form is likely to remain unchanged.

Thank you for your support as we work to ensure a calm, focused learning environment.


News from C.I.T.

The Code of Conduct – Parent & Carer has been reviewed and republished to the website.

You can view it here: Policies – CIT Academies

 (https://citacademies.co.uk/cit-policies/


Mrs Goymer Receives a Values Award from CIT

Mrs Goymer was nominated and won a Values Award and a retail voucher.

Staff can be nominated for 'living the CIT values'–which are: honesty, integrity, aspiration, professionalism, and inclusivity.

Well done Mrs Goymer – great achievement!



Carre's Grammar School PTA Update

Carre's PTA continues to work hard to raise funds, selling refreshments at parents' evenings and finding other ways of supporting our students and bringing cash into the coffers for their benefit.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated board games and chess sets for 'wet breaks'. More would still be welcome, especially chess sets, but any games suitable for 11–18 years would be appreciated. Please drop them in at the school office, or bring them along to your parents' evening.

Grant applications have been submitted and sponsorships from local businesses have been promised. A big thank you to Pennells Garden Centre, the first to sign up their support for the planned sensory garden.

The Parents Lottery is still open for new ticket purchases – a chance to win up to £25,000 could be yours one of these Friday evenings... Please see https://www.theparentslottery.org/school/carres-grammar-school1763127972

to sign up or use the QR code on the poster below.

Look out for news of our new EasyFundraising account, coming shortly.

And a date for your diaries, please, the PTA's first 'big' event, a bingo night, is being planned for after Easter, on Wednesday 22 April, in school. More details to follow.

Debbie Scott

On behalf of the Carre's PTA.


Namibia 2026

Students travelling to Namibia this July launch a fund raising appeal.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/provide-blankets-and-mattresses-to-3-namibian-schools

cakes

Funds raised so far towards Namibia:

£300 from the Carre's bake sale

£1500 from the Carre's non-uniform day

Thank you for all the donations!


Well done to Fred Brook, who recently passed his Grade 5 drums with Distinction, and to Dylan Taylor, who achieved a Merit in his Grade 5 piano.

Fantastic achivement - well done.


Students in Miss Mill's Year 8 Class took part in a practical session about the importance of churches in medieval times.

students making paper based board games

 

students making paper based board games

 

students making paper based board games


U18 Basketball Secures Gritty Win

The U18 basketball squad took to the court this week for a friendly fixture against Boston Grammar School, proving that teamwork and conditioning positively affect the ability of the team to perform at its best. In a matchup defined by mutual respect and athleticism, Carre's edged out a narrow victory in a contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

While the scoreboard was the primary focus, the fixture served a dual purpose. Both schools utilised the game to capture vital video evidence for GCSE and A-level PE practical assessments.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to demonstrate their skills under pressure, competing against an opponent that shares our core values of sportsmanship and competitive integrity.

Some key highlights include offensive fluidity, where Carre’s displayed excellent ball movement. By consistently finding the extra pass, the team dictated the tempo and forced the defence into constant rotation. The team showed depth & endurance against a talented Boston squad of six players, with the Carre’s team utilising its larger bench to their advantage. The ability to share the workload allowed our starters to stay fresh, ensuring the team finished the fourth quarter with the same intensity they brought to the opening tip-off.

This wasn't just a win; it was a testament to the "shared responsibility" model this team has embraced. Every player who stepped onto the court contributed to a performance that was as disciplined as it was exciting.

Excellent win - well done Team


Intermediate UK Maths Challenge 

Recently, 155 students from Years 9 to 11 took part in the Intermediate UK Maths Challenge at Carre’s Grammar School, a nationally recognised competition designed to stretch mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The challenge encouraged pupils to apply logic, creativity and perseverance as they tackled a range of multiple-choice questions, many of which required deeper reasoning rather than straightforward calculation. Students demonstrated excellent focus and determination throughout the paper, approaching the problems with enthusiasm and resilience.

We are delighted to celebrate some outstanding individual achievements following the release of results.
One Year 11 student, Joe Clark, progressed to the Pink Kangaroo round, alongside four Year 10 students: Adam Smith, Dylan Taylor, Sam Cox and George Flannery. In addition, two Year 9 students, Harry Cragg and George Newton, progressed to the Grey Kangaroo round, which is a fantastic achievement.

The next round will take place on Wednesday 19 March, and we wish all students the very best of luck as they continue in the competition.

Congratulations to all who took part.

Mrs Thompson, Teacher of Maths


Head Boy Dan Receives an Invitation to Downing Street

On Thursday 22 January 2026, as an Ambassador of the Holocaust Educational Trust, I was honoured to be invited to Downing Street by Lady Victoria Starmer. Not only was this to mark the importance of the upcoming Holocaust Memorial Day, but as an opportunity for like-minded Ambassadors to share our experiences.

My journey with the Holocaust Educational Trust began in 2024, when I was fortunate enough to be invited by the Carre’s History Department to join the Lessons from Auschwitz programme. Having the opportunity to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and develop my knowledge of the subject was an extremely educational opportunity – such as developing my understanding of complex ideas such as responsibility in the Holocaust. I followed this by teaching Year 9 students about my experiences, a work experience placement at The National Holocaust Centre and a 9-week course on ‘Understanding Antisemitism in the UK’ with the Holocaust Educational Trust.

On the day, we gathered at Downing Street, and we made our way to the ‘White Room’ where we were seated with Annick – a Holocaust survivor. Hearing her first-hand experiences made me reflect on the importance of survivors' voices: as time passes, they become even more important to share in remembering the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by Nazi Germany and its collaborators from 1933 to 1945.  Following this, Lady Starmer entered and we began our discussion. I was keen to hear other Ambassadors share their own experiences of our responsibility in ensuring the Holocaust is never forgotten. Lady Starmer, who herself visited Auschwitz in 2025, shared her own thoughts, and we were all grateful to talk with Karen Pollock CBE – the head of the Trust. Our discussions were both thoughtful and explored how each of us has worked alongside the Trust in our own communities. I found the most important takeaway was each of us held different emotions as we reflected on our own visits to Auschwitz. Our discussion then concluded. We were excited to be given a tour by Lady Starmer around Downing Street, from William Pitt the Younger’s Desk to the Cabinet Room.

I am incredibly grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I was given – the Carre’s History Department and The Holocaust Educational Trust have both offered immense support and fulfilling opportunities such as this. I hope to follow this in my application as a Regional Ambassador with the Trust, and continue my responsibility as an Ambassador in ensuring the Holocaust is never forgotten.

Student outside Number 10 Downing Street

Well done Dan – we are very proud of you!


Sixth Form Update

Navigating the Future: Success in Apprenticeships

As National Apprenticeship Week drew to a close, our Sixth Form students were immersed in discovering the diverse and prestigious pathways available through degree-level apprenticeships.

Insights from Ex-Carrensians

The highlight of the week was welcoming back three ex-Carrensians (albeit virtually) who once sat in the very same seats as our current Year 12s. Their firsthand accounts provided a powerful bridge between school life and the professional world. Edward shared the rigours of securing a Level 7 apprenticeship with Collins Aerospace, pulling back the curtain on the intense application process and the challenges of the assessment centre. Hari offered a "day-in-the-life" perspective of his first year as an Audit Associate with Grant Thornton, balancing professional responsibilities with his Level 7 studies. Conor rounded off the session by showcasing where this path could lead. Having fully concluded his apprenticeship with KPMG, he now serves as a Manager in Deal Advisory Tax.

This session was the culmination of weeks of targeted guidance. Students have explored everything from finding vacancies to understanding the "directed learning" model, where university study is integrated directly into employment.

Celebrating Success in Year 13

Whilst the Year 12 students are beginning their exploration, our Year 13 students are already seeing their hard work pay off. We are delighted to hear that several students are now receiving apprenticeship offers from employers. Their perseverance through the demanding recruitment cycles is a testament to their ambition.

A Legacy of Excellence

Last year, we were incredibly proud to be identified by Amazing Apprenticeships as one of the top 50 post-18 providers in the country for apprenticeship support. Seeing our current students follow in the footsteps of successful alumni like Edward, Hari, and Conor reinforces that our commitment to diverse career aspirations continues to yield fantastic results. We encourage all students to continue exploring the opportunities available. Whether their interest lies in engineering, finance, or beyond, the apprenticeship route offers a unique head start in the professional world.

Mr Smith, Head of Sixth Form


Policy Debate Challenge

On 6 February 2026, two debating teams from Carre’s took part in Dr Caroline Johnson MP’s Policy Debate Challenge at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy in North Hykeham. There were 11 teams in total split into 2 groups – Year 12 and Year 10.

The Year 10 team from Carre’s: Henry, Harry, Jamie and Samuel, proposed the policy of banning social media for under 16s and argued very convincingly that this policy would benefit all of our young people. They answered questions from the judges really confidently and enjoyed listening to the other teams.

The Year 12 team: Ryan, Charlie, Jake and Archie, supported by Tom, argued that training for doctors, nurses and teachers should be free and gave a very clear account of how this could be funded. They answered their questions very effectively and received praise from the judges and fellow participants for their argument.

Other policies proposed by teams included a ban on conversion therapy, keeping trial by jury, a law to prevent the criminalisation of young people involved with drugs, a period poverty reduction act and a policy to introduce a corporation tax for environmental issues.

All the teams spoke really well and enjoyed the experience of a formal debate. The winners of the Year 10 competition were St George’s Academy, Sleaford and the winners of the Year 12 competition were the Carre’s team.

Well done to everyone who took part.

Mrs Wilson, Assistant Headteacher 

Students holding up their Certificates

Year 12 team who won the senior competition

Students taking part in the debate competition

The teams from Carre’s and KSHS.


Martial Arts Event

On Friday 30 January, Seb and Alex, both from Year 7, supported a martial art seminar delivered by Sleaford Korean Martial Arts Club to over 80 primary school children. The event was organised by Carre's Outreach and held at Nocton Leisure Centre. It was attended mostly by school children from primary schools across the local area. It was the fourth time the club has supported the event. 

Students displaying their Korean martial art skills

Seb and Alex, both first degree black belts at the club, led training sessions for the children on hand striking and weapons training and then took part in a demonstration. They performed a weapon form with a staff, performed wrist locks and throws, and broke wooden boards with a sidekick and flying sidekick. More photos of the event are included on Carre's Outreach and Sleaford Korean Martial Art's Facebook pages. 

Sleaford Korean Martial Arts Club train every Sunday at Northgate Sports Hall.

 https://sleafordkoreanmartialarts.co.uk

What super ambassadors for both the club and the school!


Dave Chambers from Lincolnshire Music Service – Taiko Drumming Workshop

Fantastic drumming workshop - thank you Mr Chambers! 


Children's Mental Health Week

 

Thank you to all the students who took part in board games, rock painting, meditation, origami, jigsaw puzzling, Drop Everything and Read and the staff who arranged the activities.

 


Swimming Success 

At a recent Awards Evening, Bobby excelled, securing first place in all strokes for his age group and returning home with multiple trophies. 

Fantastic – well done!

Student with his trophies

 

student with his trophies


Thomas finishes off a great National Cyclo-Cross season 

Student cycling

Thomas, who has been riding with Clancy Briggs Youth Academy for over a year, has just finished a breakthrough season as an under 16 in the 2025-26 British Cycling Lloyds National Cyclo-cross Trophy Series.  Competing as a second year under 16, placing 3rd overall in the National Trophy Series, he won three podium places and the rest within the top ten across the six rounds in the 2025-26 season.  In the Cyclo-Cross National Championships at South Shields in January, he placed 6th in his age group.  He finishes the season ranked 5th in the country for his age group. 

His highlight of the 2025-26 season was being presented with the ‘In the Spirit of Charlie Craig Trophy’ after competing in the Inter-Regional Championships Round 5 at Bradford. This brings together teams from all over the United Kingdom to compete all weekend.  The trophy was voted for by all the Inter-Regional team managers and was presented by Sarah and Nick Craig Mutiple National Champion in Cyclo-Cross and MTB. 

Thomas also won the East Midlands Cyclo-Cross Under 16 Championship at Scunthorpe where Lincolnshire, Leicester and Notts and Derby riders competed for the overall Champions for the region and came second under 16 in the Notts and Derby Cyclo-Cross League. 

Well done Thomas – top effort!

Student cycling and with his trophy

Student cycling


Alumni

Ex Carre's student Jamie Chatterton has recently heard that he will play the part of Warner on the UK tour of the musical Legally Blonde. He stars alongside Amber Davies (runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing 2025).

Jamie recently completed his run in The Sound of Music.

Well done on your continued success!

Legally Blonde The Musical full tour casting announced to join Amber Davies, including Hannah Lowther | West End Theatre

https://www.westendtheatre.com/329810/news/legally-blonde-the-musical-full-tour-casting-announced-to-join-amber-davies-including-hannah-lowther/


Free School Meals

If you receive any benefits, you should tell your school as they can get extra funding called the Pupil Premium grant. This includes:

Universal Credit – your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The guaranteed element of the state Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more £16,190)

The Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

Children who get paid these benefits directly can also get free school meals.

If your family is facing hardship, please see www.lincolnshire.gov.uk or www.gov.uk  


Pre-Loved Shop

We have the following items for sale in our pre-loved shop.  If you would like to view/purchase any of these, please call the office to arrange an appointment during school hours.  (We do not have all sizes in all items).

Blazers £5

Trousers £3

Shirts £2

Polo Shirts £2

Rugby Tops £3

Socks £1

Shorts £2




 


Free Drop In Event


News Stories


12 Feb 2026
Year 10 Examinations – March 2026
Year 10 Examinations – March 2026 Now Available
Read more
10 Feb 2026
January Update from Sixth Form
Message from Russell Smith, Head of Sixth Form at Carre's: As we close the door on January, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been an exceptionally productive and inspiring month for our Sixth Form community. It’s been a whirlwind of academic planning, future-focused ambi...
Read more
09 Feb 2026
Top 10% Nationally for Attendance
We’re proud to announce that Carre's Grammar School has been recognised once again in the top 10% of all FFT schools nationally for attendance (2025–26).
Read more
06 Feb 2026
Headteacher's Commendation
Well done to Jack, Steven, Jimmy, Arminas, Oliver, Ieuan and Reuben, who received a Headteacher's Commendation.
Read more