Principal’s Message for Week A, wb 15^th June 2026

Enrichment

This week we are showcasing some of the wonderful enrichment opportunities that our students can take part in during lunchtime. We recognise that some students have other commitments after school, so we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to take part in a voluntary enrichment activity in the Summer 2 term.

 

 

 

Medication and Health Needs

To help us maintain a safe environment for all students, we kindly ask that students do not carry any medication with them in school, including over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines, paracetamol, or ibuprofen.

While these medications may seem harmless, carrying or sharing them can present a risk to the health and wellbeing of other students. Our procedures are in place to ensure that all medications are administered and stored safely and appropriately.

 

If your child needs medication during the school day, please bring it to Reception, where it can be signed in by a parent or carer. We will ask for details of the medication, the required dosage, and any administration instructions so that it can be stored securely and given correctly.

 

Please also keep us informed if your child is undergoing any medical or health assessments, or if there are any emerging health needs that may affect them in school. Sharing this information allows us to work with you to ensure your child receives the appropriate support and that any reasonable adjustments can be considered to help them access their education safely and successfully.

 

We know that for a small number of students, reasonable adjustments to our uniform expectations may be needed due to medical or health needs or SEND. These adjustments help ensure that students can attend school comfortably while continuing to feel part of our school community.

 

Examples of agreed adjustments may include:

• Wearing the school P.E. kit on P.E. days.
• Wearing plain black, unbranded pumps or plimsolls instead of standard school shoes. Please note that trainers and branded sports footwear are not permitted.

For all students, wearing our school uniform with pride remains an important part of our shared identity and high expectations. Where a medical or SEND-related adjustment may be required, parents and carers can discuss this with their child's Head of Year, who will consider the individual circumstances and advise on the next steps.

 

 

Free School Meals (FSM) – Important Changes from September 2026

The Government has announced changes to Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility from September 2026, meaning more families in receipt of Universal Credit may now qualify.

 

If you receive Universal Credit, we encourage you to complete the online FSM Eligibility Checker to determine whether your child is entitled to Free School Meals from September 2026.

 

Families whose children are currently receiving Free School Meals will also be required to complete an eligibility check. In line with Department for Education requirements, schools must carry out eligibility checks and rechecks to ensure pupils continue to receive their entitlement.

 

FSM Eligibility Checker Website Link:  https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims

 

Even if your child brings a packed lunch or does not usually take a school meal, registering for FSM may provide access to additional support and funding for your child and the school.

Further information, including details of the eligibility checking process, will be sent to parents next week.

 

 

 

 

MEA Central Skyline Team

 

 

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

Our team attends 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, 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

Exam Access Arrangements

If you think your child requires additional support to access exams, please contact the Skyline team. JCQ guidance for parents and carers: JCQ-Parent-guidance-information-sheet-2025_26.pdf

Manchester Neuro Developmental Navigators Offer: Parent/Carer Online Workshop - Understanding Sensory Differences

Friday 19 June
9:30am – 12:30pm
Online via Eventbrite: Understanding Sensory Differences (Online parent/carer workshop) Tickets, Friday 19 June  9:30 AM - 12:30 PM GMT+1 | Eventbrite

 

Parents and carers are invited to join this informative online workshop to develop a better understanding of sensory differences and how they can impact a child or young person's everyday experiences. The session offers practical strategies and guidance to support children (aged 5 – 18) at home and in the community.

 

The Manchester Neurodevelopmental (ND) Needs-Led Offer Padlet contains a wide range of helpful information, resources, and details of upcoming Parent/Carer Workshops. Simply scroll across the Padlet to explore the available support and find booking information here: Mcr ND needs-led offer - Scroll to the right to find out more

 

You are welcome to book a place on any of the upcoming parent/carer workshops. More information and booking details can be accessed through the Parent Carer Workshops section of the Mcr ND needs-led offer Padlet: Parent Carer Workshops

 

 

 

 

 

Year 9 Weekly update

Well done to all of our Year 9 students for another wonderful week in school! We are really impressed with how hard they are working in their lessons and with the maturity they are showing every day. 

 

This week we launched our end of year trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach with all students in Year 9, which is taking place on the 16^th of July, which all of our students are really excited about. We will share more information about this closer to the date, but for now, all we are asking students is to continue to act like scholars and do the right thing in school every day. 

 

We wanted to take this opportunity to share the final list of students who have put their names forward and step up to becoming Prefects before the official shortlisting takes place in Year 10. A huge thank you and well done to: Aryana, Sahasra, Abdallah, Raifah, Hussein, Fezal, Aahil, Hannah, Ibrahim (9A), Ibrahim (9S), Lhavel, Laith, Amina Adam, Charana, Sana (9H), Raha, Zakaria (9N), Kuljeet, Moeez, Etta, Alia, Sameena, Aameerah and Abdullah (9M) for offering to become student leaders this year. It was great to see you meeting with some of the current Year 10 Prefects on Thursday and discussing what the next in your leadership journey are. 

 

Some more celebrations coming to finish this week’s message, as the PE team wanted to share some celebrations with all of the following students: 

 

Etta - for demonstrating excellent leadership during lessons and team activities and supporting peers to improve and develop confidence.

Semhar - for consistently demonstrating Grade 1 scholarly habits in PE and showing a strong commitment to improving performance.

Zain (9N) - for leading by example through effort, attitude, and behaviour.

Naseem – for working effectively with others and contributing positively to team success.

 

And a special shout out to our Cricket Team who have gone through to the Semi Finals after beating Eden Boys' Leadership Academy where they will be facing Cedar Mount.

 

It’s always a pleasure to see our students work hard in their PE lessons and sports clubs. We wanted to take this opportunity to please ask parents/carers to ensure their child brings their PE kit on days when they have PE. A reminder that all students who do not bring the appropriate kit, receive an overtime after school on the day. This is black, unbranded, or MEA Central sports clothes and trainers.  

 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

 

Year 9 Team

Mx Umpierrez and Mx Eastwood

 

 

 

Head of Year Messages
Year 7 – Ms. S Bryan/Mrs.K Park   I am pleased to share that Year 7 students have completed the remainder of their assessments this week in a focused and scholarly manner. They have demonstrated resilience and a positive attitude throughout, and we are very proud of their efforts.   We have, however, seen a decline in attendance this week. This is disappointing, as students have shown they are capable of strong attendance and resilience. Every lesson matters, not just assessment week, and absence can quickly create gaps in knowledge and slow progress. If your child has a minor illness, please encourage them to attend where possible to support their learning and build resilience.   We were also excited to launch our Joy and Belonging trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which will take place on 16th July. We are very much looking forward to sharing this experience with the year group. For further details, please refer to the letter sent via Arbor. Strong attendance, punctuality and positive behaviour will be key in ensuring all students can take part.   Thank you for your continued support.
Year 8 – Ms. C Gates   This week we have been focusing on the message turn up, join in, stand out, and it has been fantastic to see Year 8 scholars really embodying the value of participation across the school. I would like to praise everyone who got involved in the House competition preparation session this week as it was brilliant to see forms working together to bring their performances to life, showing confidence, teamwork and strong oracy skills.    We are also celebrating South Asian Heritage Month this term, and this week students completed a form session on challenging stereotypes, thinking carefully about respect, identity and how we create an inclusive school community. Well done to everyone who completed Project Central this half term. I would like to give a special shoutout to Florence Perry for an incredible recipe book, and to 8Eliot and 8Heaney who tied for the most entries per form.   As we now begin to think about the transition into Year 9, this is a key moment for students to step up and continue developing their independence, confidence and maturity. Attendance plays a crucial role in this, ensuring that all scholars are in school, on time, and making the most of every learning opportunity.   There are also lots of exciting events coming up to look forward to, including the Formby Beach trips, House Extravaganza, Alton Towers trip and Track and Field Day. These are fantastic opportunities for students to get involved, build memories, and finish the year strong.   Ms Gates and Mr Chowdhury
Year 10 – Mr C Blackburn Dear Parents and Carers,   Firstly, a huge well done to Year 10 this week in their mission of proving what is possible. Their focus, maturity and determination have been excellent, and they continue to show they are ready to step up as the oldest year group in the school.   As the most senior students in the school, it is vital that Year 10 act as positive role models, moving around the building calmly, with purpose and confidence, and continuing to contribute to a strong and positive school culture.   Progress Exams – 15th June   A key focus is the upcoming Progress Exams, beginning the week commencing 15th June. These exams play an important role in preparing students for Year 11.   Students will receive their exam timetables, which include key information such as exam times and seat numbers. It is essential that these are kept safe and brought to each exam. A range of support sessions have been carefully planned to help students prepare and perform at their best.   Miss Shabaz will be running drop in sessions every day from 3:00pm.   Key JCQ Exam Expectations To ensure exams run smoothly, students must follow these key guidelines: Arrive early and fully prepared with all required equipment Enter the exam hall in silence and follow all instructions from invigilators Remain silent and focused throughout the exam to support all learners   Attendance – Every Day Counts Attendance continues to be a key priority as we approach the final weeks of Year 10. Students with strong attendance achieve higher grades due to consistent access to teaching and support Missing just a small amount of school quickly adds up to significant lost learning time Attendance and punctuality form part of the information shared with colleges   We strongly encourage all students to aim for 100% attendance—every lesson now is vital preparation for Year 11 and future success. Healthy Routines – Sleep & Exercise As exams approach, developing healthy routines is essential: Regular sleep improves focus, memory and concentration Exercise helps reduce stress and boost wellbeing A balanced routine of revision and rest supports the best performance   Thank you for your continued support as we help Year 10 prepare for a strong finish to the year and a successful transition into Year 11. Best wishes, Mr Blackburn and Miss Shabaz
Year 11 – Mr J Roper As we come to the end of the students school journey,  we would like to take a moment to extend our  heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support over the last five years. It has truly been a privilege to work with you and your children and we are incredibly grateful for the encouragement, guidance and partnership you have provided along the way.   Our students have worked exceptionally hard throughout this period, particularly during their recent GCSE examinations. They have shown resilience, determination and maturity and have been a real credit to themselves, their families and the school. We are immensely proud of what they have achieved!   We are very much looking forward to celebrating their time with us at the Leavers’ Assembly, which will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their journey and recognise their many successes. This will be followed by the Prom on 2nd July, which promises to be a fantastic evening and a fitting way to mark the end of their school career. A letter containing full details about the Prom, including payment contributions and arrangements, has been shared via Arbor. Please do take the time to review this information carefully.   Finally, I would like to leave you with a sincere message from both myself and Ms Renshaw: It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to lead this year group. Watching these young people grow into the individuals they are today has been a truly rewarding experience. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them and have every confidence that they will go on to achieve great things.   We wish them every happiness and success in their futures — they will always remain a valued part of our school community.   Mr Roper & Ms Renshaw