Principal’s Message for Week B, wb 5th January 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Happy New Year! I hope you and your children have enjoyed a well-deserved rest over the holiday period.
We are excited to welcome all students back to school on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, at the usual time. Please find below all the key information you need for the start of the new term, along with some highlights from the very busy weeks at the end of Autumn 2.
Thank you to all staff, students, and families for making the last term such a memorable time through your citizenship and participation. We look forward to another successful and rewarding term ahead!
I would like to also extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Linda Jones, CEO of the Prospere Learning Trust, who is retiring. Linda’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the success of our Trust, and we are deeply grateful for her contribution. Below is a piece of artwork that was presented to Linda at her retirement celebration. It beautifully captures the strong professional network that she has created and that we have as a multi-academy-trust.
Return to school information
Students return on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, and full attendance is expected. This term is crucial for learning, with all year groups preparing for their next set of assessments.
We are proud of Year 11’s excellent attendance, regularly reaching 98%. However, attendance in Year 7 and Year 8 is currently lower than usual, and this is a concern. We ask all parents and carers to help ensure that absences are kept to an absolute minimum and only occur when truly necessary.
Recently, we have received requests to authorise absences for various events. Government guidance is clear: in most cases, these cannot be authorised. Low attendance has a significant impact on progress. When your child is absent from school they fall behind academically and socially, making it harder to achieve their full potential.
School is not just about lessons. As shown in the parent calendar below, there are many enriching activities that help students develop character, build friendships, and strengthen future college and employment applications. Every day matters. When your child is absent, they miss learning and these valuable opportunities.
How you can support good attendance:
Establish routines: Ensure your child has a consistent bedtime and morning routine so they are ready for school each day.
Plan ahead: Schedule appointments outside school hours wherever possible.
Communicate early: If your child is unwell or facing challenges that may affect attendance, contact us promptly so we can offer support.
Promote the values of school: Talk to your child about why attendance matters. It is not just for learning, but for friendships and future opportunities, and achieving a Fantastic Future for All. Reinforce the value of achievement and the importance of working hard every day to reach their full potential.
Perfect uniform for a new half term
As we move into the Spring term, we would like to remind families of the importance we place on perfect uniform. At MEA Central, we take pride in our appearance because it matters. Our uniform reflects our shared values and shows our commitment to a culture of success. We ask for your continued support in ensuring that students arrive at school each day in perfect uniform, ready to learn.
Key reminders for families
Piercings: Jewellery is not permitted in school. This includes all ear and nose piercings, as well as bracelets, necklaces and rings. Plastic retainers or plasters are not allowed. We strongly advise that students do not get new piercings, as they will be required to remove them for school.
Footwear: Students must wear smart black business shoes. Trainers are not permitted, even if they are black.
Shirts and ties: White shirts must be worn tucked in, with the top button fastened. School ties must be worn correctly, with a minimum of five stripes visible.
Outerwear: Hoodies are not allowed. Students may wear a sensible outdoor coat outside only which should be removed as they enter the building.
We understand that maintaining uniform can sometimes be challenging, and we are committed to supporting our families. If there is a financial barrier to meeting uniform expectations, please contact your child’s pastoral manager, who will be happy to help. We also welcome donations of good-quality second-hand uniform, which can be handed in at reception.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping all our students feel proud to belong to MEA Central.
Mobile Phones and Devices
We are aware that some students may have received a mobile phone over the holiday period. We would like to remind parents and students of our mobile phone policy:
Mobile phones must be switched off and kept in bags during the school day.
If a phone is seen or heard, it will be confiscated for one week and must be collected by an adult.
If your child has a mobile phone, tablet, computer/laptop, or gaming console, you may find the following website useful for guidance on how to keep them safe online:
https://www.internetmatters.org
Project Central and Academic Reading
As usual we have set our scholars an enriching task to complete over the holidays, due on Wednesday 7th January. We had some brilliant submissions last time around with some very worthy prize winners. One entry in each year group won a tablet computer! The tasks are detailed below and parents can find links to the full project briefs here: CLICK HERE FOR PARENT SHAREPOINT BRIEFS
Year 7: Create a home for the future.
Year 8: Create a rainforest.
Year 9: Jayne Eyre reading task.
Year 10: Alfred Nobel reading task.
Enrichment
Our broad and engaging enrichment programme continues in the Spring term with some small updates to the teachers running these sessions. In Manchester there is a lot of competition for sixth form places, and it has been wonderful to see the range of experiences that our Year 11 students are able include on their college applications. It really sets their applications apart and we aspire for every student at MEA Central to access as many enrichment opportunities as possible.
The full enrichment timetable is available on our website and to book via Arbor.
Enrichment Timetable - CLICK HERE
Music Month - January
January is Music Month at MEA Central. We recognise that January can be a challenging time for motivation and wellbeing, so Music Month is about letting the light in, using music as a powerful way to build connection, lift mood and remind students that how they feel matters just as much as what they learn.
This year’s theme is “Who are you?”, exploring identity and the role music and popular culture play in shaping who we are and who we become. Throughout the month, students will take part in activities that encourage reflection and self-expression. Staff will also be sharing music linked to their own identity across January!
Across January, students will have opportunities to engage in a range of exciting workshops and events, including a Year 7 percussion workshop and a KS3 singing workshop both led by the Hallé. Alongside this, music will be embedded across form time, assemblies and lessons. There will be a a strong focus on celebrating creativity, effort and growth and making meaningful links so Music Month is felt across the whole school, not just in Music lessons.
Music Month is a collective opportunity to celebrate our shared loved for music and start the year with warmth, creativity and connection. If your child is interested in taking part in any of the events or activities, please encourage them to speak to a member of the Performing Arts team.
Autumn 2 Term Highlights
Year 11 Progress Exams (Weeks 1 & 2)
Our Year 11 scholars completed two intensive weeks of progress exams, demonstrating resilience and determination. Practical mocks later allowed them to showcase their hands-on skills in subjects like Hospitality & Catering and Art. It’s a busy time ahead for Year 11 as they embark on their FINAL full term at MEA Central. Staff and students are showing commitment to ensuring excellent academic outcomes for the Class of 2026.
Year 11 Parents’ Evening
A strong turnout from families created valuable opportunities for collaboration between home and school. Teachers shared progress updates and strategies for continued success. Thank you for your participation and partnership.
Year 8 Big Test Week
Year 8 faced their first major assessment of the year, and their preparation and effort were evident in the results. Staff praised their maturity and focus throughout the week! A huge well done to Year 8!
Disability History Month
Throughout the month, scholars engaged in assemblies and tutor activities that promoted awareness and empathy. These discussions helped foster a culture of respect and understanding across the school.
Year 10 Nando’s Trip
Eleven scholars enjoyed a well-earned reward for their hard work and positive attitude. It was a great chance to celebrate achievements outside the classroom.
Remembrance Day
A solemn whole-school tribute honoring those who served. A service was led by the History department and students participated - demonstrating maturity and respect during this important occasion.
College Applications
Year 11 scholars received guidance on post-16 pathways, including college applications and career planning. This session helped them feel prepared for the next stage of their education.
Anti-Bullying Week
Activities across school reinforced kindness and respect as core values. Scholars participated in discussions and creative projects to promote a positive culture. We loved seeing students in their odd socks during the week!
“It made me think about how small actions can make a big difference.” – Imran, Year 9
Identity Day
A celebration of diversity and individuality, with creative displays and discussions. Scholars shared aspects of their heritage and identity, making the day truly inspiring. It was so powerful to hear students tell their own stories!
INSET Day
Staff collaborated on curriculum planning and assessment strategies, ensuring high-quality learning experiences for the upcoming term. We also shared our practice across the Prospere Trust, showing off how great the teaching, learning and care here is at MEA Central.
Year 9 Textile Artist Workshop
Scholars explored creative techniques with a visiting artist, sparking inspiration and broadening their understanding of textile design.
Year 10 Art Trip to Manchester Museum
A cultural experience that enriched scholars’ artistic perspectives and provided real-world context for their coursework.
Child Development Trip to RHS Garden Bridgewater
Year 11 scholars explored practical applications of their coursework in a stunning setting, linking theory to real-life experiences.
Year 11 Cinema Trip
A celebratory outing recognizing hard work and commitment during a demanding term.
12 Days of Christmas Attendance Challenge
A festive initiative boosting engagement and punctuality, with rewards and activities to keep spirits high.
Winter Showcase: Performing Arts
A dazzling display of talent and creativity from our scholars, featuring music, drama, and dance.
“Performing in front of everyone was scary but exciting!” – AB, Year 8
Christmas Celebration Trips & Dinner Day
Joyful events marking the end of term, fostering community spirit and giving scholars a chance to relax and celebrate together.
House Charity and House Poetry
We were delighted to see our recent House charity week bring our school community together in such a positive and joyful way. Across the week, students led an impressive range of activities including bake sales, sponsored silences, sports challenges, performances, craft stalls and creative fundraising events. The energy, teamwork and enthusiasm shown by our students were exceptional, and they should be very proud of themselves.
Each house supported a chosen charity on their allocated day:
Auxilium supported UNICEF and raised £481.36
Civitas supported The Society for Abandoned Animals and raised £338.69
Simul supported Maggie’s (Cancer Care) and raised an incredible £797.54
Congratulations to Simul house!
In total, a fantastic amount was raised for three very worthy causes. The week was a wonderful example of students taking the lead, working collaboratively and showing compassion for others, with activities running throughout the school day and after school.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to parents and carers for your support, whether through donations, encouragement, or helping students prepare for and participate in events. Your support plays a vital role in making opportunities like this such a success.
Well done to all our students and staff who helped make House charity week such a memorable and meaningful experience. Here are some snippets of the events!
Next half term, students will be taking part in our House Poetry Competition, an exciting literacy-focused initiative that celebrates creativity, confidence and performance. During form time, each form will explore and rehearse a poem by the poet their form is named after, working collaboratively to prepare a performance. The competition will culminate in a final showcase on Tuesday 10th February at 3.15pm, and parents and carers are warmly invited to attend. Awards will be presented for group, individual and creative performances, and we are very much looking forward to seeing students perform with confidence in front of a live audience.
Trip Highlights
The whole school rewards trip was a wonderful way to end the term, celebrating the achievements of our pupils. All five year groups thoroughly enjoyed their day out, whether visiting the cinema, the trampoline park, or bowling at the Trafford Centre.
Our pupils behaved as true scholars throughout the day, representing the school with grace and allowing our values to shine through. We are incredibly proud of them.
Experiences such as these play a vital role in our pupils’ personal development. Educational visits and co-curricular opportunities help young people to build confidence, resilience, independence and strong social skills. They encourage teamwork, responsibility and positive behaviour beyond the classroom, allowing pupils to apply our values in real-world settings. These shared experiences strengthen relationships, broaden horizons and support pupils’ wellbeing, contributing to their growth as well-rounded individuals.
We would like to thank you, as parents and carers, for your continued support in helping us to make this fantastic day possible and to end the term on such a high. We know that experiences like these create lasting memories for our pupils, and we feel honoured and grateful to be part of them
Celebration Assemblies
As we reach the end of the term, we are delighted to share the success of our Autumn Term Celebration Assemblies. All five year groups took part in an extended celebration assembly as part of our co-curricular offer, providing an opportunity to recognise and share the achievements of our pupils throughout the term.
Each assembly was a celebratory yet formal occasion, hosted by Heads of Year alongside members of the Senior Leadership Team. Pupils were presented with certificates recognising their allocated CAPs, scholarly habits, subject-specific awards, and a wide range of other achievements that reflect their hard work and commitment.
We were also honoured to enjoy two live musical performances from our own incredibly talented musicians, who were truly extraordinary to watch. A special shout-out goes to Torin, Sophie, Minnie, Winifred and Flora for their outstanding performances.
In addition, Heads of Year presented their Head of Year Award to pupils who have been exceptional role models throughout the term:
Year 7: Zosia
Year 8: Adam
Year 9: Aameerah
Year 10: Tanya
Year 11: Aroush Z
A huge well done to all of our certificate and prize winners. We hope you will join us in feeling incredibly proud of our pupils and their wonderful efforts this term.
Skyline and Safeguarding Support
If your child has additional needs or is accessing an intervention in school, they are supported by the Skyline Team. For more information, please read our SEN Information Report, which is in the Key Information section of our website: SEND-Information-Report-2025-26.pdf
There will be lots of opportunities to meet the team in the new year; we attend all key parent events, so please come and say hello!
Please contact the Skyline team directly if you have any questions, or would like to book a meeting with Ms. Earle, the SENCo: skylineadmin@meacentral.org.uk
If you require help and support for your child over the winter break, please access Manchester’s Local Offer website: Manchester Local Offer
The website features a ‘Family Friend booklet’ which is a free resource providing vital local support, activities, and advice for families, covering things like childcare, school uniform help, health tips, food vouchers, crisis support, and free school meals/transport: Family Friend booklet | Manchester City Council
Safeguarding Support pages
Visit our safeguarding and support pages for advice, guidance and support:
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Head of Year Messages |
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Year 7 – Ms. S Bryan
The first week of January is Revision Week for Year 7 as they approach their first set of Big Tests starting on Monday 12th January. There will be an online presentation on Wednesday 7th January at 4pm which will answer any questions that you may have. A link will be sent out nearer the time. Each subject area has set specific revision to be complete, all of which can be found here: Year 7 Big Test 1 - CLICK HERE
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Year 8 – Ms. C Gates
I want to start this week by saying what a fantastic end to the autumn term. Year 8 have worked hard right until the end and finished strong. We had such a wonderful time at the cinema and it was a great way to celebrate all the hard work this term. Well done to all the students who won prizes during the 12 Days of Attendance challenge. Having 100% attendance at the end of autumn term is a fantastic achievement. Looking ahead to January, please help us start strong by ensuring all students have a black and red pen and are in school on Tuesday 6th January. We also have Year 8 Parents’ Evening on Tuesday 13th January, which is a fantastic opportunity to discuss progress and celebrate achievements. Over the holiday, students can also complete Project Central, which this time is all about creating a rainforest model in a box. I can’t wait to see the creativity and ideas they bring to this challenge! I hope everyone has a wonderful and restful break, and I look forward to seeing our scholars in the new year. Ms Gates and Mr Chowdhury
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Year 9 – Mx Umpierrez Just like that, we have finished the first term of 2025-2026; what a journey it has been!
We have indeed finished strong with a beautiful week at MEA Central, with my personal highlights being the Christmas Dinner on Wednesday, where all year 9 scholars were excellent and very grateful to the kitchen staff, and our fantastic trip to Flip Out, where everyone let off that end-of-term-steam on the trampolines.
As we move onto the Spring term, the focus of the term will be on Achievement, on ‘Working Hard’ in all their lessons and showing resilience when things get more challenging. The Spring Term is crucial for all year 9 scholars, as they will be choosing their KS4 options; attendance at school and working hard in lessons will, more than ever before, become crucial for your child. In order to do so, we want all Year 9 scholars to have a strong start to the new term (and 2026!) so we kindly ask you to ensure that:
A final reminder to all parents/carers that we have released our next Project Central Academic Reading task on Jane Eyre, which they have been working on in their English lessons over the course of this half term. All scholars in Year 9 should have received these by now and should be completing them during their Winter Break. These are due on 7th January 2025.
That’s it from me; hope you all have a wonderful Winter Break, a Merry Christmas if you are celebrating and a Happy New Year!
All the best, Mx Umpierrez and Mx Eastwood Year 9 Team
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Year 10 – Mr C Blackburn January is Revision Month for Year 10 as we look ahead to their first set of KS4 Progress Exams at the end of January. During the Autumn term they have been taught how to use the Leitner System with flashcards. This is a method which helps knowledge to stick in the long-term memory. All of Year 10 have been provided with a revision pack containing flashcards, highlighters and plastic wallets to support their revision. Links to the electronic versions of revision can be found here: Year 10 Progress Exam 1
As we come to the end of this half term, it has been wonderful to reflect on the incredible experiences, achievements, and moments of growth our students have shared. This term has been filled with opportunities for our Year 10 scholars to demonstrate resilience, maturity and commitment both inside and outside the classroom. From Praise Week, where students showcased excellent scholarly habits, to House Charity events led by Simul, Civitas and Auxilium, our students have consistently embodied the school’s CAP values. From henna designing and baking to sponge‑the‑teacher events, their enthusiasm has been inspiring. Students have also engaged in a wide range of celebratory and enriching experiences throughout the final week of term. They enjoyed a Rewards Assembly, where we recognised all scholars who received certificates. There were countless standouts across subjects, forms, attendance champions, CAP champions, and those achieving Grade 1 scholarly habits. We are incredibly proud of every student who has worked hard to earn recognition. This week students have also shared a festive Christmas Dinner, bringing the community together, and they rounded off the term with an exciting trip to Jump Heaven, a fantastic way to celebrate their efforts and finish the term on a high. Looking ahead, exams begin on 26th January 2026. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of 100% attendance next term. Every lesson matters, not just for success in exams, but also for strengthening college applications and building strong habits for the future. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and enjoyable two‑week holiday. We truly appreciate all the support you give us throughout the year, and we look forward to welcoming students back in January for another successful term. All the best, |
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Year 11 – Mr J Roper
As part of our support to ensure Year 11 achieve the best possible grades in their final GCSE examinations all students will attend Period 6 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Spring term. On Mondays they will attend one of their option subjects, on Wednesdays they will attend Maths and on Thursdays they will attend Science in Week A and English in Week B. These lessons have been designed by teachers to maximise the grades and to ensure exam confidence.
We’ve had a fantastic end to the term, marked by our Celebration Assembly and an exciting Trip Day to the Trafford Centre. It was wonderful to celebrate the achievements of our students and spend time together as a year group. I know I speak on behalf of both me and Ms Renshaw when I say how proud we are of the students and the journey they have been on over the past few years.
A huge well done to all our pupils who worked tirelessly to meet the college application deadline. It’s inspiring to hear about so many students already being invited to interviews and I am busy completing references from colleges across Manchester —the students hard work and determination is definitely paying off!
The holidays are a perfect time to rest and recharge, but they also offer an opportunity to build on the feedback received at Parents’ Evening. We encourage students to start implementing that feedback and begin some focused revision to set themselves up for success in the new term. We look forward to welcoming back the students after the Christmas holidays on Tuesday 6th January.
Wishing those who celebrate a Merry Christmas and have a fantastic holiday with friends and family.
Mr Roper & Ms Renshaw
Parent Calendar – Spring 1 2026
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