Headteacher's Letter 06.02.2026
Dear families,
I hope this letter finds you well as we move towards the end of this half term. With the periods of Lent and Ramadan fast approaching, we will soon enter a significant time of reflection, prayer and community for many of our students and families. In addition, we are in the midst of Year 11 mock examinations and a range of activities, including trips to Denmark and The Gambia. We will keep you informed about these and all other events via our website and social media.
British Council International School Award
We are delighted to share that Stepney All Saints School has been awarded the British Council International School Award, in recognition of our commitment to bringing global learning into the classroom. The award celebrates schools that embed an international dimension across the curriculum and help students develop the knowledge, skills and cultural understanding needed in today’s world.
The award was formally collected by Mr Jones, Assistant Headteacher, who visited the Houses of Parliament on behalf of the school, and was presented by the MP for Stratford and Bow, Uma Kumaran.
Our international work includes partnerships with schools overseas, curriculum-linked global projects and international visits, enabling students to engage meaningfully with global issues and perspectives. This award recognises the dedication of our staff and students and our continued commitment to preparing young people to be confident, informed global citizens.
Visit from Minister Alex Davies-Jones and the Children’s Commissioner
We were pleased to recently welcome Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, and Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, to Stepney All Saints School this week.
During the visit, students learned about the Victims’ Code Consultation, which is now live, and took part in discussions about the importance of student voice, rights and participation in shaping public policy. The visit offered a valuable real-world learning experience linked to citizenship and personal development, giving students the chance to engage directly with national leaders and see how young people can influence change through democratic processes.
Our students spoke eloquently and with real passion, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their views with confidence. They made a very positive impression on our visitors, clearly demonstrating the maturity, insight and commitment of our young people to issues that matter to them and their communities.
Year 11 Mock Examinations
The next set of Year 11 mock examinations will soon be underway and will take place between 9 February and 25 February 2026. The examination timetable has been shared with students and is also available on the school website.
If you have a child in Year 11, please encourage them to plan a revision timetable and begin their revision in good time. Revision guidance can be found on the school website - www.stepneyallsaints.school/Public-Examination-Timetables-Revision-Guidance/
We are mindful that this can be a pressurised time for students. Alongside academic support, pastoral staff are available to offer guidance and reassurance, and students are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if they are feeling overwhelmed.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week takes place from 9–15 February. It is widely recognised that young people have faced significant challenges over the past few years, and for many this has had an impact on their mental health.
At Stepney All Saints, we support our students in a range of ways, including access to school counsellors and support with referrals to external agencies. In preparation for Children’s Mental Health Week, a number of organisations and charities have developed activities, resources and information to raise awareness and offer support. You can access these resources via the link below:
https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/families/
If your child is experiencing difficulties with their mental health, please do let us know so that we can support them in whatever way we are able.
Protecting against illness
Recently, there has been an increase in students experiencing colds and flu-like symptoms. To help reduce the spread of illness, we kindly ask for your support in reinforcing good hygiene habits with your children.
We encourage students to:
- Wash their hands frequently with soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow
- Avoid sharing personal items such as water bottles
By working together and following these preventative measures, we can help keep our school community healthy and safe.
We would also like to thank families for their continued support with attendance and punctuality, particularly during this busy period of the term. Where students are unwell, we ask that they remain at home to recover fully; however, when well, regular attendance and punctual arrival at school are essential to ensure students can access learning and make the most of this important time, especially for those preparing for examinations.
Key Dates and Events
As we move through the term, please note the following key dates:
- Year 11 Mock Examinations: Monday 9 February – Wednesday 25 February
- Half Term: Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February
- Academic Review Day: Friday 13 March
The full set of term dates for the academic year are available on our website here - www.stepneyallsaints.school/Term-Dates/
To stay up to date with school news and events, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram (@StepneyAS), where we regularly share content from students and staff.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if there is any aspect of our provision you would like to discuss.
Warm regards,
Ben Siaw
Headteacher
