Dear Families

It's hard to believe that almost an entire year has passed since I joined The Wells Academy. The end of the year provides us with an opportunity to reflect and I am sure you will have read my recent letter about all the amazing things we have achieved since January 2023. At the end of the letter, I shared information about our Family Survey which provides you with the opportunity to give your feedback. If you haven't already, please take a moment to complete our short survey by following the link here.

Sporting success
Once again, it's been a fantastic term for our sports teams. Students have represented the academy in a variety of events and have excelled, particularly in cross-country and basketball. Our girls got into the city finals for basketball and our boys achieved a remarkable victory in winning the city championships! These opportunities are only possible because of our teachers going above and beyond to support our students, so I extend my thanks to our staff!

Student Ambassadors
The launch of our Student Ambassador Programme has been a highlight this term, recognising students who demonstrate leadership qualities as well as our values of integrity, resilience and ambition. In a notable event, our Student Ambassadors had the privilege of welcoming the former High Sheriff of Nottingham, Nick Ebbs, who came to visit the academy to observe all the improvements we are making. We have plans to further expand student leadership opportunities across all school levels in the new year.


Site upgrades
As part of our continual programme of site upgrades, we were excited to install our new state-of-the-art retractable seating, enhancing our facilities for school productions, concerts, lectures, assemblies and staff training. It has been great to witness our students in assemblies making use of this fantastic new resource!


Trip to Nottingham Playhouse
I personally enjoyed accompanying students in Year 10 and 11 on a trip to Nottingham Playhouse to watch a production of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' as part of their GCSE English Literature studies. As a drama teacher, it was delightful to witness students so engaged in the performances and I am determined to introduce more culturally enriching experiences and trips moving forwards.


Year 11 Mocks
This term has been another pivotal one for students in Year 11 as they continue to work towards their GCSE examinations. It was fantastic to see so many of our Year 11s showing focus and commitment while they revised and prepared for their mock examinations.

Following the mock exams, it was fantastic to see so many families join us for our Year 11 Parents' Evening. We have planned a Year 11 Revision Evening on Thursday 18th January 2024. We hope to see as many families as possible as we explain the bespoke revision plans we have developed for every single student in the year group. More information about this will follow in the new year.

Ideagen Partnership
We were thrilled to form a new partnership with the Nottingham based tech company, Ideagen. Ideagen invited Wells students to visit their Head Office and learn more about careers within the company. We hope to see students from Wells apply for the Ideagen apprenticeship programme and intend to support any interested students with their applications. 


Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was formally launched this term and has now been opened up to students in both Year 9 and Year 10. It was heartening to see families engaged in the Duke of Edinburgh's informational event and we look forward to seeing our students getting out and about as they plan their first expedition! 

Student rewards
We're very keen to recognise and reward our students. Over 150 students were awarded prizes as part of our 'Zero to Hero' celebration which recognises students that meet our Learning Habits. Following this, I was honoured to have been part of a special Christmas rewards lunch, recognising students for exceptional effort and attitude.


Wells on social media
Many of you have told me how much you have enjoyed engaging with our stories on social media. If you don't already, I invite you to follow our social media accounts @TheWellsAcademy on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on the academy's daily activities.

Return to academy arrangements
We look forward to welcoming students back on January 8th 2024. As always, the gates open at 08:20 and students must be in their line-up by 08:30 to be considered on time. To support your child, please ensure they are wearing Perfect Uniform, including their academy tie, blazer and a pair of smart black shoes.

I am very much looking forward to what 2024 will bring, and so, on behalf of everyone from The Wells Academy, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Best wishes

Mr G Coles
Principal