Balcarras School

***Sixth Form 2026 admissions update: applications have now closed, thank you so much to those that have applied. If you missed the deadline but would still like to apply, please contact [email protected]. We will be in touch shortly with information on consultation meetings***

House Languages made a comeback last week! Over 80 students took part representing their house and merged their drama and language skills.

Each house was given a theme and had to create a performance based on this. The themes were: at the airport, in the tourist information office, at the café, and at the hospital.

Ottewell, our new House Languages champions, took us on a journey through the eyes of a doctor in the hospital. The Ottewell team performed several scenes, including a surgery, a broken arm, a concerning eye test and the importance of EpiPens all whilst using a range of languages.

Everyone involved did a fantastic job, and it was very difficult to choose just one winner. These performances were the product of several rehearsals over the past few weeks, which were overseen by pupils in year 12.

I would like to express my thanks to our sixth formers who helped create these performances and to Toby Bentley 10F2 and Joseph Bricknell 10G1 for their work on the lighting on the performance day. This was a great opportunity for all involved to use any language that they are learning or speak and was also, in my view, a celebration of the diversity that we have at Balcarras.

Mr Foakes

Year 9 pupils had a brilliant time on the RE trip today visiting Masjid E Noor Mosque and Gloucester Cathedral.

National Apprenticeship Week | 9–15 February 2026:

National Apprenticeship Week is a celebration of apprenticeships and the opportunities they create for young people to develop real skills, gain qualifications, and earn while they learn.

Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting how apprenticeships work, the wide range of industries they cover, and how they can provide a valuable alternative pathway to university or employment. Apprenticeships combine practical, hands-on experience with structured learning, helping students build confidence, skills, and career prospects.

Find out more about apprenticeship pathways, levels, employers, and how to apply on our Careers pages:

https://balcarras.fireflycloud.net/careers/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-week-2026

https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1410

***Balcarras Sixth Form: Application deadline Friday 6th February*** Thank you to those that have already submitted their Sixth Form application. Please note the deadline is Friday 6th February at midnight. Please visit our website​​ for the application form and further information on subject choices and the application process. We wish you all the best of luck with your application!

Year 9 pupils took part in an exciting trip on Friday to teach French, Spanish and Russian to children in Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 at Parton Manor Primary School. They showcased their fantastic linguistic and cultural knowledge and excellent teaching skills!

Last Friday Balcarras staff were encouraged to take part in 'Empty Car Park' Day

A huge survey of 1,600 schools in England has just been completed by Eco Schools and Tidy Britain titled "Towards Net Zero: Measuring the Carbon Impact of Schools in England’. In this it was found that on average staff commuting makes up 12% of the carbon footprint of schools. Under the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, schools are tasked with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

To try and meet this target we hold a regular 'Empty Car Park' day where we encourage staff to walk, run, cycle or car share. The aim is to encourage a behaviour shift in staff to consider different ways to get to our school. "The school staff bike shed is regularly full" said Mr Constance.

On the day there were over a dozen staff who changed their way of coming in to school. The schools Eco club then took a random sample of these teachers and they were given the prize of some fair trade chocolate. The winners were Mrs Grogan who regularly walks and car shares, Mr Constance a keen cyclist and car sharer, Mrs Spring Wallis who is a keen cyclist and Mrs Kelly who walked in.

While the car park wasn't totally empty it was great to see fewer cars in the car park. Along with our 5 electric charging stations, it is great to see so many staff thinking about their impact when it comes to getting to school.

Don't forget to purchase tickets for the PTFA quiz this Friday:

https://www.balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1387

Big Space Cancer Appeal:

One of our parents has set up a just giving page in memory of his son Zac (former pupil of Balcarras) and is planning a fund raising long hike of up to 600 miles for the hospital Big Space Cancer Appeal. Some of the hike will be with Alfie (his son and Balcarras pupil) - Cape Wrath Trail North to South for 2 weeks during the school easter holidays.

The final day will be Sat 9th May 2026 from the radio masts at Cleeve Hill via Cotswolds Way past Dunkertons to Leckhampton Hill to descend to Cheltenham General Hospital. If anyone would like to join them, all are welcome.

A 600 mile wilderness and trail hike from Cape Wrath NW Scotland to Cheltenham for The Big Space Cancer Appeal Help Ian Cameron raise money to support Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity

Please note the venue change to Balcarras and increased capacity at Max Wilkinson’s online safety evening:

Online Safety Evening - invitation from Max Wilkinson I’m delighted to invite you to an Online Safety Evening on Thursday, 22 January, at Balcarras School, East End Road, Cheltenham, GL53 8QE. Doors will open at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.