Our ref: JF/GD
23 July 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
I would like to wish all the Mercia community the very best over the summer period. It has been another excellent year, with
pupils’ hard work coming to the forefront for our GCSE examinations and inaugural A Level results. We are rooting for all pupils
and scholars waiting for their results.
Reward Trips and School Sport
Pupils have represented us at many sporting, STEM and university visits. A special mention goes to our U15 Girls’ Cricket team
becoming Yorkshire Champions and 2nd in Northern England overall. We have had a brilliant year! I would like to thank you for
your support in all of our endeavours.
This week we had seaside visits for the whole school, and it was just wonderful to see pupils enjoying themselves and
appreciating such a great reward after a year of hard work. Pupil conduct was excellent, and we had many compliments about
pupils throughout the day. Pupils have also taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Sports Day. We will kick off the new
academic year with Rewards Assemblies for all year groups.
Working at Home
Holiday Homework is set and aims to ensure pupils stay on top of their studies. The homework is fairly ‘light touch’ as we want
pupils to enjoy their summer. I have been pleased to see the appetite from our pupils for work to complete over the summer,
especially Year 10 and Year 12 who are preparing for their 2026 examinations.
Please also push for at least 30 minutes of reading before bed - this will pay pupils back in the future. The holiday period is a
good time to revisit previous booklets and try again to master the knowledge that has been taught. Pupils who work hard do
well. Over summer, keep to some routines that will really benefit your child next year.
Family Dining Debt
Please can I take this opportunity to remind you to settle any Family Dining money owing on ParentPay, as we will be in contact
with those who have an outstanding balance. It is important we close financial matters at the end of the year.
Attendance
Attendance is the single most important driver towards success at our school. If children miss days, they miss lessons, which
means they miss marks on exam papers. It is essential that pupil attendance is 98% or better. September provides an
opportunity for a fresh start for some pupils. The vast majority of pupils have excellent attendance, and I am grateful to
parents/carers for their ongoing support here. If pupils are in front of our excellent teachers, they will do well.
Staff Leavers
We are saying goodbye to a small number of teachers this summer. I wish all of them well in their new roles and thank them for
their contribution. As many of you will know, Mr Drury is leaving us to take up a new position as National Languages Lead at
Astrea Trust. Mr Drury is a founding member of Mercia School and deserves special mention. He has been influential in
supporting us to achieve some of the best French results in the country. We wish him all the best in his new role.
In addition, I wanted to update you on some exciting appointments within school:
Mr D Ridler - Assistant Headteacher
Mr M Timms - Head of English
Mr C Smith - (Acting) Head of Science
Mr J Doherty - Head of French
I am completely confident that we have appointed some exceptional people to important roles in school. We are ready to
continue our school's success in 2025-26.
Uniform Expectations
I want to reiterate that our uniform expectations are non-negotiable. We will insist on exceptional presentation for all pupils
with all rules set out in the Family Handbook 2025-26. Please read the Handbook closely and ensure a positive start for your
child(ren) in September. Some things to watch out for as we return:
1. No lines cut into eyebrows or haircuts
2. Make-up/jewellery is not permitted, except for a small gold/silver stud in the lower ear
3. School shoes must be smart black shoes with laces. No velcro/trainers/hybrids.
Key Dates
The start of the new academic year is as follows:
Incoming Year 7 - Tuesday 2 September
Years 8, 9 and 10 - Monday 8 September
Year 11- Monday 8 September after completion of their work experience
Year 12- Inauguration – Thursday 4 September
Results Day
A Level results will be issued on Thursday 14 August. Scholars should arrive at 08:00am.
GCSE results are issued on Thursday 21 August. Pupils should arrive at 10:00am.
We obviously wish all our scholars/pupils well in the run up to this important day. We are excited to celebrate.
On a personal note, I would like to thank you all for the support you have offered me and the wider staff throughout this year. It
has been a transitional year, and I am extremely proud of the school’s resilience. The support of pupils, staff and families has
been essential in managing this period of change. The school is in an excellent position.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer and look forward to welcoming pupils back in September.
Yours faithfully
Mr Joshua G. Fisher
Headteacher
