The Romero Catholic Academy

☀️📖 The Summer 2026 Romero Newsletter is here!

This edition is packed with inspiring stories and celebrations from across the Romero Catholic Academy family, including:

🏆 Oscar Romero Awards 2026 celebrating pupils who embody our Child Charter values
🏊 Cardinal Wiseman's outstanding success at the Catholic Swimming Gala
🌍 Oracy Earth Day and the Young Changemakers' Summit, inspiring future environmental leaders
⚽ Cardinal Wiseman's Coventry Telegraph Cup victory and exciting plans for a new 3G Sports Hub
🎨 Monster Makers, helping pupils build confidence through creativity
🙏 May Procession celebrations across our schools
🎭 Highly Sprung Physical Fellowship at the Belgrade Theatre
👏 Recognition of our dedicated staff, governors, retirees and Star Employees

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to another fantastic year of achievement, service and community across Romero. 💙

📅 Important for parents and staff: Training days for the 2026-2027 academic year are listed on the final page of the newsletter. Please take a moment to check these dates and add them to your calendars.

Please note that only Year 7 and Year 12 return to school on Wednesday 2 September 2026 with Year 8,9,10,11,13 returning on Thursday 3 September 2026.

📘 Read the full newsletter here and discover the incredible stories from across our schools.

Online Flipbook Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

🙌🏼Well done to all involved in the project!

SS Peter and Paul, Coventry
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic Secondary School

Creative kids build confidence at award-winning sculptor’s workshops Pupils from St Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School and Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School took part in a five-week sculpture workshop led by acclaimed artist Faith Bebbington

🏖️Big Summer Takeover 🏖️

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/events/event/8999/action-zone-big-summer-takeover

Join us in Coventry city centre this August to enjoy free family events as part of our Big Summer Takeover!
From BMX stunts and street theatre to outdoor cinema, seaside-themed entertainment and an thrilling zipwire ride, there's something different to enjoy each weekend.
Take a look at what's on via the link and plan your perfect summer day out.

What's on
🏖️City seaside
https://www.coventry.gov.uk/events/event/8999/action-zone-big-summer-takeover
📽️Movies in the ruins
https://www.coventry.gov.uk/events/event/8997/movies-in-the-ruins
🏅Sports Fest
https://www.coventry.gov.uk/events/event/8998/sports-fest-big-summer-takeover
🤼‍♀️Action Zone
https://www.coventry.gov.uk/events/event/8999/action-zone-big-summer-takeover

Go well go safely Mrs Chitty, the Lord be ever with you!

Rita Chitty received a musical retirement send-off from staff and pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, part of the Romero Catholic Academy in Coventry, after almost 30 years of service

☀️ Summer Savings for Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

💷 The Chancellor announced the Great British Summer Savings Scheme.

📅 From 25 June to 1 September 2026, the Government is temporarily reducing VAT from 20% to 5% on:

🍔 Children's meals in restaurants
🎬 Children and family tickets to cinemas
🎭 Theatres
🎵 Concerts
🖼️ Exhibitions
🎡 Admission to a wide range of family attractions

🚌 Free bus travel will also be available throughout August for children aged 5 to 15 in England, helping families save even more during the summer holidays. 🌞💚

Congratulations to the cast from SS Peter and Paul for a superb performance. 🎭

Congratulations to the cast of Snow White- it looks wonderful!

Free School Meals automatic enrolment
What is automatic enrolment for Free School Meals?
The Benefits Service currently awards Free School Meals (FSM) where families apply through their Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support claim. However, our records show that some children who are entitled to FSM are not registered and may be missing out.
We regularly compare information we already hold for families receiving Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support to identify children who may be eligible for FSM but are not receiving them.
If we believe your child may qualify, we will write to you.
Since this approach was introduced in 2024, more than 1,100 children have been enrolled onto Free School Meals.
I'm happy for my child to be automatically enrolled
If your child is eligible, we will automatically enrol them for FSM unless you tell us otherwise. You do not need to do anything. We will process the application, notify the school and write to confirm when enrolment is complete.
I do not want my child to be automatically enrolled
The letter explains how to opt out of the automatic enrolment process. You only need to contact us if you have received a letter and wish to opt out.
Frequently asked questions
My child already gets free school meals. Why have I received a letter?
Children in Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2) receive Universal Infant Free School Meals regardless of family income. However, registering eligible children for income-related FSM ensures schools receive the correct funding.
For children in Year 3 and above, FSM eligibility depends on household income and certain benefits. Schools receive additional government funding for pupils registered for income-related FSM, helping to support their education.
How does this help my child?
Your child can receive a healthy school meal each day, potentially saving you more than £400 per child per year. Registration also provides extra government funding to help support your child's education.
What if I prefer to provide a packed lunch?
Your child does not have to take a school meal. However, registering for FSM still enables the school to receive additional funding to support your child.
What will you do with my data?
We use personal information to assess FSM eligibility, including information already held for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support claims. If you do not object, we may use this information to enrol your child automatically.
We use your surname, National Insurance number and date of birth to check eligibility through the government's FSM checking service, which provides a simple YES or NO result.
We process this information to carry out our public duties under legislation including the Education Act 1996 and the Localism Act 2011.
Your information is kept secure and handled in accordance with UK data protection law.