Dear Parents and Carers,

As we reach the end of our first half term of the academic year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been an exceptionally successful start to 2026-27.

Over the last eight weeks, our students have embraced our value of Citizenship, demonstrating what it means to contribute positively to our community, support one another and take responsibility for their actions and choices. Whether through acts of kindness, participation in school life, representing the academy in sport, engaging with enrichment opportunities or simply showing respect and consideration for others every day, our students have shown the very best of MEA Central.

This half term has been full of opportunity and achievement. Our Year 7 students have successfully completed their first half term of secondary school and have settled incredibly well. Across all year groups, students have taken part in student leadership elections, benchmark and baseline assessments, careers activities, college assemblies, educational visits, enrichment programmes and a wide range of sporting, cultural and community events.

We have celebrated European Day of Languages, launched our annual House Art Competition, marked Black History Month, held Belonging Week, Praise Week and Gratitude Week, and continued to develop students' understanding of citizenship, autonomy, inclusion and mutual respect through assemblies, tutor programmes and enrichment.

This half term will also forever be remembered as the time we received our Ofsted report following our inspection in July. To be recognised as Strong in all four areas of the framework, with Inclusion and Leadership and Management identified as Exceptional, is an achievement of which our entire community can be immensely proud.

Alongside this success, there has been a strong focus on scholarship and academic excellence. Students have completed reading assessments, benchmark tests, revision programmes, PASS surveys and subject-specific assessments, all of which help us better understand their strengths and identify the support needed to ensure every student succeeds. Our Class of 2027 have begun the important journey towards their GCSE examinations with maturity, determination and ambition.

I have been particularly proud of the way students have embraced our expectations around attendance, punctuality, conduct and participation. Every half term gives us opportunities to improve further, but the overwhelming picture is one of students who are ambitious, hardworking and committed to making the most

As we look ahead to Autumn 2, there is much to look forward to. Students will continue to develop their sense of identity, belonging and citizenship through events such as Identity Day, House Charity Week, Disability History Month and Anti-Bullying Week. There will be further opportunities for leadership, enrichment and community engagement, alongside performances, educational visits, careers events and charitable activities that help bring learning to life beyond the classroom.

For our older students, important milestones lie ahead, including Year 11 Progress Exams, Parents' Evening and the next stage of preparation for GCSE success. Across the school, students will undertake revision programmes, assessments and high-quality curriculum experiences designed to secure excellent progress and achievement.

Following such a successful start to the year and the recognition received through our Ofsted report, we enter Autumn 2 with confidence, ambition and a determination to keep getting better. There is a great deal to celebrate, but even more to strive for.

Thank you for your continued support. The partnership between home and school is one of our greatest strengths, and it plays a vital role in helping our students thrive.

I wish all students, families and staff a restful and enjoyable half-term break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting and successful half term.

Kind regards,

Emily Reynard
Principal
MEA Central

 

Road Safety

Please take a moment to remind your child about the importance of road safety when arriving at and leaving school. Lytham Road is an extremely busy one-way street, particularly in the mornings, with many younger children and families travelling to Birchfields Primary School.

Recently, we have seen incidents where students have stepped into the road without looking or have come into contact with moving vehicles. These incidents are extremely serious, and we need everyone's support to keep our children and wider community safe.

Please remind your child to cross roads carefully, remain on pavements, be aware of moving vehicles and always wear a helmet when cycling to school. Students should never cross the road while looking at or using their mobile phones or wearing headphones, earphones or AirPods, as these can prevent them from seeing or hearing approaching traffic.

Our value of Citizenship extends beyond the school gates. We expect all students to demonstrate care and consideration for younger children, families, local residents and our neighbours on Lytham Road and surrounding areas. This includes respecting driveways, keeping pavements clear and being courteous to others using the road.

 

Metro Link Works – 19 October for 2 Weeks

This is a reminder about the major Metrolink works starting on the 19 October for two weeks.

The first week of these works is likely to clash with the final week of school before half term. Any staff, parents/carers and pupils that travel to school using the tram could be affected during this closure period.

We have attached a detailed stakeholder pack to support your communications, and we would be grateful if you can share the relevant information with your staff, parents/carers and pupils. For ease we have also extracted a poster from the pack and attaching that separately.

During this works period:

• No trams will operate on the Altrincham, Trafford Centre and Eccles lines
• Services operating on the East Didsbury/Manchester Airport lines will terminate at Firswood. From Firswood you will then need to board a replacement bus service to continue your journey into the city centre.
• Services operating on the Rochdale line will terminate at Exchange Square.
• Tram services will resume on these lines from start of service on Monday 2 November.

We know closures are disruptive and we’re genuinely sorry for the impact on journeys. Alternative services including express shuttle buses will be in place but please check specific arrangements for each stop in advance.

Staff, parents and pupils are encouraged to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website or app for the latest service information:

Bee Network – TfGM

 

 

Attendance and Punctuality                                 

We enjoyed another strong week of attendance as we reached the end of Autumn 1.  A huge congratulations to Ms Smith and Auxilium House, who have secured the House Attendance Trophy for the half term, beating Civitas by just 0.1%! Every school day really does count.

After half term, the form groups with the best attendance to date will receive a special treat during form time.  We look forward to celebrating their fantastic commitment to being in school every day.

Year Group	Attendance this week	Best Form Attendance in Autumn 1
7	96.9%	7 Morrison
8	92.6%	8 Morrison
9	94.9%	9 Heaney
10	94.4%	10 Eliot
11	95.6%	11 Morrison

 

We have identified a small number of students who are repeatedly arriving late to school. Being on time is essential to ensuring students benefit from our full curriculum, including the important learning, messages and celebrations that take place during form time.

 

In Autumn 2, we will be strengthening our approach to repeated lateness. Where patterns of lateness continue, incidents will be escalated to Year Teams so that we can intervene early, work closely with students to understand the root causes, and put appropriate support in place. Our priority is always to remove barriers while maintaining high expectations. We want every student to arrive on time, feel a sense of belonging, and be ready for a successful day of learning.

 

We look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday 2nd November. A reminder that our school gates close at 8.40am. Please support your child in arriving on time, ready for a positive start to Autumn 2.

 

 

Introducing our 2026-27 Head Student Team

Dear parents and carers,

We are delighted to announce our Head Student Team for 2026-27:

• Head Boy: Haseeb
• Head Girls: Charly and Soha
• Deputy Head Boy: Miracle
• Deputy Head Girl: Fatima

Eight students put themselves forward this year. Each submitted an application and, once shortlisted, created a manifesto and recorded a video shared with students during form time. They then delivered speeches to staff and parents.

We have made the considered decision to appoint two Head Girls this year. Charly and Soha will lead together, each bringing commitment and vision to the role, and we are confident this partnership will serve our students wonderfully.

To every student who stood - thank you. It takes real courage to speak publicly and ask for your peers’ trust, and each of you has strengthened student voice at MEA Central. We are proud of you all!

In our tenth anniversary year, the team’s focus is Student Voice: hearing what students want to improve in our school. They have already supported Open Evening and the elections, and chairing Student Council meetings will be one of their next big challenges. We wish them every success.

Mr Awan, Student Leadership and Participation Lead

 

 

Head of Year Messages 

Year 7 – Mr Guest

What a fantastic way to finish the first half term for Year 7!

As our newest students, Year 7 have now successfully completed their first half term at MEA Central. We are incredibly proud of how well they have settled into secondary school life, embracing new routines, building positive relationships and rising to the challenge of higher expectations.

This week, students took part in Gratitude Week, reflecting on the importance of appreciating those who support them and recognising the positive difference that others make in their lives. They also participated in our Student Leadership Elections, completed a numeracy-focused form time and joined us for our Rewards Assembly, where we celebrated achievement and launched Project Central.

As we look back on the last eight weeks, there has been so much to celebrate. Scholars have embraced new opportunities, formed friendships, learned their way around a much larger school and shown increasing confidence and independence. Starting secondary school is a significant milestone, and Year 7 should be proud of all they have achieved already!

Thank you for your continued support. We wish all Year 7 families a restful and enjoyable break.

Mr Guest, Mx Eastwood

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Year 8 – Ms Park

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a great week for Year 8!

We finished the half term with plenty to celebrate in Year 8.

Our students embraced Gratitude Week, taking the opportunity to recognise the people who support them and thinking about the importance of saying thank you and showing appreciation.

Students also engaged with our Student Leadership Elections, completed a numeracy-focused form time and came together for our Rewards Assembly, where we celebrated achievement and launched Project Central.

Our final Year 8 assembly focused on Speaking Kindly Online, reminding students of the importance of respectful and positive communication online.

We also celebrated our fantastic Year 8 football team, who secured a brilliant win against Wright Robinson Secondary School. Well done to everyone who represented Year 8, and thank you to Mr Wilson for his continued commitment to Wednesday morning training. ⚽

We ended the week with a simple thought: Who can you thank for making a positive difference to your day? 

Thank you for all your support and we wish you all a restful break.

Mrs Park, Mrs Costello & Mr Chowdury

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Year 9 – Mr Roper  

This week, Year 9 students have taken part in a series of Reflect sessions led by Ms Kilty. These focused sessions have provided students with the opportunity to carefully review their performance in their recent Big Tests and reflect on their first set of Scholarly Habits grades for this term. The sessions have encouraged students to celebrate their successes, identify areas for improvement and consider the steps they can take to continue making strong progress throughout the year.

This reflective process forms an important part of the preparation for the upcoming Year 9 Parents' Evening on Tuesday 3 November. Parents' Evening provides an excellent opportunity to discuss academic progress, attainment and next steps with your child's subject teachers. In addition, both Ms Renshaw and I will be available throughout the evening to discuss any attendance, behaviour or wider pastoral concerns.

To ensure you can make the most of the evening, please use the Arbor App to book appointments with your child's class teachers as soon as possible. We look forward to working in partnership with you to support every student in achieving their very best this year.

Finally, Thank you so much for all your engagement and support within this first term in supporting your child to make the most of opportunities offered at MEA Central.

Mr Roper & Ms Renshaw

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Year 10 – Ms Bradbury

As we reach the end of a very successful half term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Year 10 students and their families for their hard work, commitment and support throughout the first half of the autumn term. Year 10 have made an excellent start to Key Stage 4, consistently demonstrating the scholarly habits, resilience and ambition that underpin success at MEA Central. I have been incredibly proud of the way students have embraced the opportunities and challenges that this important year brings.

This week, we were delighted to celebrate the achievements of our students during our Rewards Assembly. It was fantastic to recognise and reward students who have consistently demonstrated our school values and expectations. We celebrated our CAP Champions - students who have earned the highest number of CAPs this half term through their excellent effort, attitude and commitment to learning. We also recognised students with Enrichment Awards for their outstanding attendance and engagement in enrichment activities throughout the half term, alongside a number of Pastoral Awards for students who have made a particularly positive contribution to our school community. Congratulations to all of our award winners. Their achievements reflect the hard work, dedication and positive choices they make each day and should be a source of pride for both themselves and their families.

As we look ahead, I would also like to remind parents and carers about Work Experience. Students have now received their work experience information letter, and we ask that parents and carers complete the consent form by scanning the QR code provided on the letter. Students have also been given a second letter for their prospective placement provider, which should be shared with employers once a placement has been secured. We strongly encourage students to begin actively seeking placements if they have not already done so. Work experience is a valuable opportunity to develop employability skills, gain workplace experience and explore future career interests.

Please note that the deadline for securing a work experience placement is Friday 27th November 2026. Information, guidance and support can be found on the school website, and we would greatly appreciate your support in discussing potential opportunities with your child over the half-term break.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout this half term. I hope all Year 10 students and their families have a restful and enjoyable break, and I look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready for another successful half term.

Ms Bradbury, Mx Umpierrez

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Year 11 – Mr Blackburn

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of another fantastic half term, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Year 11 on what has been an excellent start to the academic year. Students have shown maturity, determination and a positive attitude throughout, and they should be incredibly proud of all they have achieved so far.

One of the highlights of the half term was undoubtedly our Rewards Assembly, where we had the opportunity to celebrate the hard work, commitment and achievements of so many students. It was fantastic to see scholars recognised for their efforts, and the assembly served as a reminder of just how much talent, resilience and dedication exists within the year group.

College Applications & Personal Statements

Our focus remains firmly on college applications and personal statements. Students should continue researching colleges, attending open days and ensuring that all sections of their applications are completed to a high standard. The work being completed in CAP lessons is designed to support students in writing strong personal statements that showcase their strengths, achievements and aspirations.

The time and effort students invest now will make a significant difference when applications are submitted and colleges begin reviewing candidates.

Progress Exams

Preparation for the upcoming Progress Exams, which begin on the first Monday back after half term, is a key priority. The Year Team and all teaching staff have consistently encouraged students to be organised, prepared and proactive.

Students who begin revising early, follow a structured revision timetable and make use of the revision strategies taught in school will place themselves in the strongest possible position for success. We encourage students to use the half-term break wisely by balancing revision with rest and relaxation.

 

Attendance & Punctuality

A reminder that attendance and punctuality remain essential. Every lesson matters in Year 11, and the learning, feedback and support students receive now will have a direct impact on their GCSE outcomes next summer.

We ask that students return after the break refreshed, focused and ready to continue building on the excellent foundations established this half term.

 

Winmarleigh Residential – Secure Your Place

A reminder to all families about the exciting Winmarleigh Residential taking place later this year. We would love to see as many Year 11 students attend as possible, as it promises to be a fantastic experience and an opportunity to create lasting memories with friends and staff.

To secure your child's place, please click Confirm. The school has some funding available to support this trip, and we are keen to ensure that as many students as possible can take part. If you would like your child to attend, please complete the confirmation as soon as possible so that we can begin finalising arrangements.

Finally, I would like to thank all parents and carers for your continued support. Working together has helped make this such a successful start to Year 11.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, restful and well-deserved half-term break. We look forward to welcoming students back for another exciting and important half term.

Best wishes,
Mr Blackburn and Mrs Shahbaz