TSAT - Holcombe Grammar School

Last week, Year 9 students received a pack to help them as they start their GCSE’s in September. This pack includes a GCSE preparation guide, personalised learning checklist for subjects, flash cards, A3 & A4 paper and lined paper to support students with the transition from year 9 to year 10.

Students, visit us in Miss Tanti’s office if you need to top up your pack with more paper or flashcards.

In a spirited homage to Act 3, Scene 4 of Macbeth, students transformed the school classroom into a sumptuous banquet hall, revelling in both the opulence and underlying tension of Shakespeare’s infamous feast. Draped in luxurious tablecloths, together with Macbeth’s tartan and illuminated by flickering (battery) candlelight, the setting evoked an atmosphere of regal splendour, through which laughter and animated conversation flowed, yet, echoing the dramatic irony of the scene itself, moments of theatrical unease punctuated the merriment, as selected students embodied Macbeth’s unsettling descent into guilt and paranoia. This imaginative re-enactment not only demonstrated a keen appreciation for Shakespeare’s intricate characterisation but also allowed students to immerse themselves in the lavish, yet haunting, world of the play, where celebration and conscience collide with chilling effect. They especially liked their personalised name place settings!

On Friday 19th June, a group of 31 Holcombe students visited the home of Kent cricket, the St Lawrence ground in Canterbury, to watch Day 1 of the County Championship match between Kent and Middlesex men’s 1st XI.

Throughout the day the students got to witness elite level cricket as well as engage in a variety of activities & challenges, including an assault course, speed gun challenge and disability cricket games. The students also got the opportunity to go on to the pitch during the lunch interval to show off their own cricketing skills.

Despite the searing temperature all the students who attended the trip were a credit to the school and we look forward to at least one of them being selected for the England cricket team in the very near future!

Notice: Sixth Form Taster Day
23rd and 24th June

Due to the amber weather warning for extreme heat, we’ve made a few important changes to our Sixth Form Taster Days this week.

Dress code:
Students can wear plain T-shirts, shorts and trainers (no open-toed footwear for safety).

Finish time:
Students will now finish at 1:20pm on both days.

Activities:
Outdoor activities have been removed, but indoor sessions will still go ahead.

Thank you for your understanding as we prioritise everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing.

On Friday 12th June, Year 10 and Year 12 GCSE and A-level Media Studies students visited the Sky Academy Studios at the Sky Headquarters in Isleworth. The Sky Academy experience takes students on a tour of behind the scenes at Sky with an overview of the roles, jobs and opportunities that are available and the skills that are required.

Students were then challenged to work on a project within Sky’s bespoke TV studios which helps to develop their confidence and build key digital skills with a focus on the essential skills of creativity, communication and collaboration.

📣 A reminder that Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 18th June.
Please make sure you book your appointment by 11pm on Tuesday 16th June.

🌟 Celebrating Success at KS3 Prizegiving 2026 🌟

On Thursday 11th June, we were proud to host our Key Stage 3 Prizegiving Ceremony – a wonderful evening that truly reflected the very best of Holcombe.

We extend our congratulations to all of our Year 7, 8 and 9 students who were recognised for their academic success, whether through mastery or endeavour, as well as those celebrated as Community Champions. Your dedication, resilience and commitment to your learning are what make our school such a special place.

A special mention to our headline award winners:
🏆 KS3 Sportsperson of the Year – Idris A
🎭 KS3 Performing Arts Student of the Year – Eddie H
🎶 KS3 Musicians of the Year – Nikki N, Alex D and Freddy T
(A full list of awards and winners will be shared in our school magazine, Holcombe Highlights, in our final edition of the year later this term)

This evening was a powerful reminder that success comes in many forms – from academic excellence to creativity, perseverance and contribution to our community. Every student recognised embodies the values we are so proud to celebrate.

A huge thank you to our staff, parents, students and the PTA for your continued support and for helping to make the evening such a success. Together, you created an event full of pride, positivity and shared celebration.

🌟 This was Holcombe at its very best: a community united in celebrating success in all its forms. 🌟

Our club list gets updated termly, please see attached our clubs list for Term 6.

https://www.holcombegrammar.org.uk/blog-articles/clubs-list-june-2026/

On Tuesday 9th June, the music department took 30 students to the Royal Albert Hall to see the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform classic rock music including hits Bohemian Rhapsody, Living on a Prayer, Stairway to heaven and Sweet Child O Mine to name a few. Students enjoyed the performance and were outstanding representatives of the school.

"I felt like I was in a whole different world! The views were amazing from where I was sat and I loved the music." - Joseph 7Gu

Join us as we count down to our Literature Festival on Friday 3rd July.

This week's featured Literature of the Week is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. We have 15 copies in the Holcombe Library, come and ask if you would like to borrow a copy.