Llanishen High School

Five years ago, many of you joined us wondering what secondary school was going to be like.

Today you're collecting your GCSE results. That's quite a milestone when you think about it. Celebrate whatever was in the envelope and the journey along the way.

Whatever comes next, you don't need all the answers right away. Take a moment to recognise everything you've achieved - the hard work, the determination and the friendships.

Congratulations to all our GCSE students. And a big thank you to the families and friends that have helped get you here.

Soak up the day - we're so proud 🫶

📸 David Mertens

ITV Wales
BBC Cymru Wales
BBC Radio Cymru
WalesOnline

We're not here to panic anyone, but the return to school is getting closer.

LATEST DATES

🗓 1 Sept INSET DAY
🗓 2 Sept INSET DAY
🗓 3 Sept Years 7, 9, 12 & individual interviews for Year 13
🗓 4 Sept Everyone Returns
📸 4 Sept School Photo Day Years 7, 10 & 12

Feels like the summer holidays have flown by doesn't it?

Don't worry, Mrs Parry has shared a few practical ways to help the start of term go smoother for your children. Whether they're part of our new Year 7 intake or getting ready for exams – we're all in this together 👇

Early alarms, lesson prep, mock exams, deadlines, moments of self-doubt and the decision to keep going.

That's what got you all here.

Some of you may be celebrating. Others will just be relieved. And some will already be talking through different options and next steps.

We're here for all of it 💙💛

Congratulations to all our students picking up A Level, AS Level and BTEC results today. And not forgetting your families who have encouraged (and endured) - you're a big part of their success. Take your moment.

We're proud of you all 🫶

📸 David Mertens

Planning to party like it’s 1999?

If you’re going to watch the partial solar eclipse, here’s what you need to know:

🌒 it’s the most significant solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999
🌒 in Cardiff, around 93% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon
🌒 the eclipse begins around 18:16 and reaches its maximum at 19:13

❗️Never look directly at the Sun ❗️

Enjoy the eclipse, but please stay safe 👇

Visit the BBC website for advice on how to watch:
https://pulse.ly/fnwq7ajrkn

Last month was Plastic Free July.

So we went green 💚

We'll be honest, looking back at these photos we're still left scratching our heads at the speed of the costume changes. Especially given it takes until midday to get out of our pyjamas during the holidays.

A brilliant reminder of how magic that school stage is when the curtain goes up. An ogre-sized high-five to everyone involved in this year's summer production 👏👏👏

What could possibly top that?

📸 David Mertens

The next fortnight will be about results for many of you.

🗓️ Thurs 13 Aug - A Level, AS Level & BTEC Results
🗓️ Thurs 20 Aug - GCSE Results

For our Sixth Formers, next week will mean decisions about university, apprenticeships, employment or other pathways.

A week later, many of our Year 11s will be collecting their GCSE results and thinking about Sixth Form enrolment, subject choices and what's next.

On both days, school will be open from 8:00 AM and your teachers will be here until 1:00 PM to offer advice, guidance and to pat you on the back:

🎓 University and Clearing Support
📚 Sixth Form Enrolment & Subject Advice
💼 Careers Wales Support from Mr Lock

The summer holidays can feel long when you're waiting for results. But we also understand they can be difficult for some for many other reasons. If you are struggling, feel isolated or need support, please remember help is available.

We'll see many of you next week. Until then enjoy the sunshine ☀️

Mrs Parry is picking up the pace.

She's already clocking 287 KM+ and raised over £300 for Llamau. Still a way to go but thank you to everyone who has donated so far.

And to those of you who have been sharing their training tips and techniques - it's been a big help.

If you've set yourself a fitness target for next term where better to get the inside track than from Olympic superstar and LHS Alumni Jeremiah Azu:

💧 Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water - hydrate regularly
💤 Your recovery is as important as your training - schedule rest days
🎯 Focus on your next session, not the finish line.

Thanks, Jeremiah, for taking time out of your Commonwealth Games Judo Glasgow 2026 training. Great advice.

There's still time to sponsor Mrs Parry - but we're not reminding her it's only 63 days until the race 👇
https://pulse.ly/iocxixqwt9

Having a relaxing summer?

We'd best check-in with Mr Hurford who's been keeping our ponds clean and polytunnels green.

It's been a bumper year in our garden spaces. Our green-fingered volunteers have started the groundwork for a lot of exciting projects and are already reaping the rewards:

🌳 Established a tree nursery with funding for the Tree Council and Coed Caerdydd
🐸 Created a new pond for local wildlife
🍕 Harvesting veg from our polytunnels including tomatoes for pasta and pizza recipes
🍽️ Catering for our VIPs with pre-show canapés from our gardens.

Thinking of getting involved next term? Mr Hurford is always looking for extra hands. Or perhaps you've signed up for our Reservoir Rangers, working with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water to encourage and protect birds and bugs at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoir.

If you're in the garden over the holidays: what are you growing? 💬

One minute you're competing against each other. The next you're cheering each other on.

That's the fun (and the drama) of Sports Day. And for us, that's what stood out most 📸

Sure, the races, competition and times are important. But so is how you cheer from the sidelines and help each other across the finish line... sometimes literally.

It's been great seeing all our year groups support each other this term through lessons, productions and our Enrichment Programme.

And if Sports Day has you inspired to be more active next year, there's plenty for you to get involved in through our Enrichment Programme, whether it's Paddle Boarding, Darts, Golf, Jiu Jitsu, HYROX, Skateboarding, Strength & Conditioning or Fitness Fun 💪

A sport doesn't need to be on the curriculum for you to find your fit(ness).