Headteacher's Letter 02.10.2026
Dear families,
It has been a busy and productive start to the academic year. Students have settled into their timetables, and there is a purposeful atmosphere around the school as our young people engage with their learning. Thank you for your continued support.
The second half of the autumn term will be particularly important for Year 11 as students take their mock examinations. We encourage them to use the two-week half-term break to revise regularly, complete the work set by their teachers and identify any areas where they need further support. A manageable revision routine, balanced with rest, will help students return feeling prepared.
Black History Month
Throughout October, we celebrate Black History Month and recognise the contributions of Black people to Britain’s past, present and future. This year’s national theme, “Honouring Our Communities,” encourages us to recognise the people whose everyday contributions support and strengthen our communities, including those working in education, public service, the arts, business and faith organisations.
Here at Stepney All Saints, we are proud of the rich diversity of our East London school community. Building on our previous focus on allyship, we continue to encourage students to challenge racism, question prejudice and stand alongside those who experience discrimination. Our commitment to an inclusive and anti-racist school extends throughout the year, with Black history recognised as an integral part of Britain’s shared story.
Our values of faith, love and unity guide us in creating a school where every child feels valued, supported and able to thrive. Thank you for working with us to put equality, respect and fairness into practice every day.
Turing Scheme – Visit to The Gambia
We are delighted to have secured Turing Scheme funding again this academic year. The Turing Scheme is a UK government programme that supports international education opportunities, helping students experience different cultures, develop new skills and broaden their horizons.
This funding will enable us to take a group of students to The Gambia in West Africa. In the coming weeks, students will be invited to register their interest in participating. You may wish to discuss this opportunity with your child.
Places will be allocated using a range of criteria, including excellent behaviour, high attendance and a positive commitment to school life and learning. Further details about the visit, eligibility and the application process will be shared before the end of this half term.
Monitoring Student Laptop Use with Senso
As part of our commitment to keeping students safe and focused when using technology for learning, we have introduced Senso, a monitoring system for school laptops. Senso allows us to monitor activity on student devices during lessons and when they are used at home, helping staff to support responsible use and respond to concerns.
This system provides an additional layer of protection and guidance, alongside the important conversations we encourage you to have with your child about staying safe online. We want students to develop confidence in using technology appropriately and responsibly, supported by clear expectations and safeguards.
Attendance and requests for leave during term time
Regular attendance is essential to students’ progress. Missing school means missing teaching, discussion and opportunities to practise new skills, and catching up can be difficult.
Parents do not have an automatic right to take their child out of school for a holiday during term time. Leave of absence can only be authorised where the headteacher considers that there are exceptional circumstances. Holidays are generally not considered exceptional circumstances.
Any request for leave must be submitted in writing to the headteacher in advance, explaining the circumstances. Please do not book flights or make other travel arrangements before receiving a decision.
Taking your child out of school without authorisation may result in a penalty notice or other legal action. Thank you for supporting our efforts to maintain high standards of attendance and achievement. If your child is experiencing difficulties attending school, please contact us so that we can work together to offer support.
Key dates this term
School closes for the two-week half-term break on Friday 16 October 2026, with lessons resuming on Monday 2 November 2026.
Please also note the following dates:
- Year 7 Parents’ Settling In Meeting: Thursday 8th October
- Year 11 mock examinations: Start Wednesday 4th November
- Year 13 Parents’ Evening: Wednesday 18th + Thursday 19th November
- Year 11 Parents’ Evening: Wednesday 9th + Thursday 10th December
- Year 7 Carol Service: Tuesday 15th December
- End of the autumn term: Friday 18th December
The full term dates for the academic year are available on our key dates webpage.
I will write again in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please check our website and social media feeds for updates on life at Stepney All Saints. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@stepneyallsaints.school.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Siaw
Headteacher
