11/09/2026
Please see the letter below which has been sent to all families today from Mr Hanson, Headteacher:
Dear Parent/Carer,
As we reach the end of our first full week of the new academic year, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to share some reflections on the start of term.
It has been wonderful to welcome students back to Beckfoot Thornton and to see the school full of energy, ambition and purpose. Across the week, we have seen many examples of students engaging positively in lessons, showing kindness to one another and demonstrating a commitment to their learning.
We have made a strong start to the year, and our focus remains clear: ensuring that every student attends well, behaves well, works hard and achieves their very best. High expectations are at the heart of everything we do. We want every classroom to be calm and purposeful, every lesson to be disruption free, and every student to feel safe, supported and challenged to succeed.
I have been particularly pleased with the way many students have settled back into routines and approached their learning with focus and determination. Our new Year 7 students deserve special recognition for the way they have embraced life at secondary school. They have shown resilience, confidence and enthusiasm throughout their first full week and are already becoming valued members of our school community.
Last night, we welcomed Year 11 students and their families to our Preparing for Success Evening. As our oldest students begin this important final year, we discussed the vital role that students, families and staff all play in helping young people achieve their goals. Success in Year 11 requires commitment, consistency and teamwork, and the messages shared last night are just as important for students in every year group. When schools and families work together, students are far more likely to thrive.
While there have been many positives this week, we know that not every student has met our expectations every day. We will continue to be relentless in promoting the highest standards of behaviour, attendance, punctuality and effort. These expectations are not about making school difficult; they are about creating the conditions in which every student can be successful.
Attendance is a particular area where we need the support of all families. Every day in school matters. Students who attend regularly make stronger academic progress, develop better relationships and are better prepared for the future. We ask for your support in ensuring that your child attends school every day, arrives on time and is ready to learn. By working together, we can give every young person the very best chance of success.
As we move forward through the year, we will continue to celebrate achievement, recognise effort and support students to overcome challenges. At the same time, we will maintain the high standards that our community deserves and that our students need to achieve their ambitions.
There is much to be encouraged by after this first full week. Thank you for the trust and support you continue to show our school. Together, we can ensure that every child at Beckfoot Thornton is able to thrive both academically and personally.
I hope you and your family have a restful weekend, and I look forward to welcoming students back on Monday ready for another successful week.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Hanson
Headteacher
Beckfoot Thornton
