End of term update - 19/12/2025

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Firstly, I must of course wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

With the Autumn term now over it is a good time to reflect on the many successes at Sewell Park Academy.

This term is always a long one, but the endeavours of our students continue to be impressive. We had a fantastic prizegiving evening, celebrating the Class of 2025, as well as students across all years who have excelled in their efforts and their studies. Students have been actively representing the school in clubs and on trips, with our Year 11s showing fantastic character and status as role models throughout their PPEs (Pre-Public Examinations). We have also been hosts to many of the teacher training providers in Norfolk, who have visited Sewell Park to see what we do, as they start their journeys into the profession.

On our return, there are lots of things in store, including Year 10 beginning their Pre-Public Examinations and the Art trip to York during the second week of January. We will keep you updated on all upcoming events as we move through the term.

St Clements Hill parking & students leaving site

The increase in student numbers at the school has led to an increase in traffic on the St Clements Hill side of the school. To help matters, may I ask that whenever possible, parents and carers park a short distance from the gates, or on other side roads to alleviate some of the congestion. We are also asking students to move on from the school as soon as they exit through the external gates. If they wish to wait for friends, they must do this from inside the school grounds where their presence does not pose a hazard. The gate will then be locked from 10 minutes after the end of the school day, students leaving later are required to leave through the Constitution Hill gate.

Uniform & Hairstyles

As ever, our students look incredibly smart in the local community and there is an intrinsic link between the pride they show and educational outcomes. We also know that in the majority of workplaces, there are dress codes which are required to be adhered too. All students are expected to return to school on the first day in January in full school uniform - the uniform code can be viewed here.

Please note, students are only permitted to have natural hair colours and they must not have lines shaved into their hair or eyebrows. False nails and lashes of an extreme length or volume are not permitted. Students may have one nose stud (no rings or other facial piercings are allowed) and one pair of discrete earrings. Headwear, such as caps, are also not allowed. If you are unsure about any aspects, please contact us prior to any appointments.

We have also noticed an increase in the number of students who are not regularly bringing in their PE kit for lessons. Students are not permitted to wear their school trousers and must ensure they bring in a pair of tracksuit bottoms or shorts that are suitable for physical activity.

Punctuality & Attendance

We have mentioned before the direct link between good attendance and good exam results. Students who attend school regularly have a far higher chance of achieving their potential. It is great that as a school we have improved our attendance so far again this year, and we need this trajectory to continue.

We also recognise that punctuality is an essential life skill that underpins success in school and in the wider-world. From January there will be some changes to how we challenge poor punctuality:

1. Students must still arrive at school by 08:30 to avoid sanctions.

2. Our St Clements Hill gate (via the Nursery) will stay open until 08:45 and any student arriving after 08:30 will receive a "late to school before 08:50". Three of these in a seven day period will result in a lunchtime ‘learning catch-up’ detention. No student (without prior arrangement) will be allowed in school through reception before 08:45.

3. Any student arriving after 08:45 will need to enter school via reception. If this is before 08:50 they will receive a "late to school before 08:50" and three of these in a seven day period will result in a ‘lunchtime learning catch-up’ detention.

4. Any student arriving after 08:50 will receive an automatic lunchtime detention.

5. Repeated poor punctuality will result in a parental meeting being required to explore the reasons for poor punctuality, with further sanctions being considered.

Please do not hesitate to contact the attendance or pastoral team if there are any issues relating to punctuality or attendance.

Big Norfolk Holiday Fun

The Big Norfolk Holiday Fun activity programme provides holiday activities for children and young people aged 5-16 (or 4 if your child is slightly younger but in school) throughout the holidays.

Those who claim means-tested free school meals can claim free spaces on the activities, whilst paid spots are available on many activities for those who don't. Find out more on the difference between universal infant school meals and means-tested free school meals.

For more programme information, such as FAQs, case studies, safeguarding, and key contacts, please refer to Active Norfolk's webpage on the programme.

To be eligible for Big Norfolk Holiday Fun activities you must be registered on the Norfolk County Council's database for means-tested free school meals.

With activities taking place over 6 days from 22 December to 5 January (excluding weekends and bank holidays). Explore and book local activities for your child via our Every Move activity finder.

Please have a well deserved break and Christmas celebration together and we look forward to welcoming back our students on Monday 5th January.

Best wishes

David Day

Headteacher