Following the success of our pop-up second-hand uniform and equipment shop in August 2022, we are hoping to reopen it in July 2023.

Every child at National has a voice and during the year we listen to what students feel we are getting right and also what they would like to see.

A year ago our students told us that they wanted better toilet facilities, and so we added new toilets to our Science block and upgraded others. Our students also said they wanted more outdoor shelter, and so we invested £100,000 in a new outdoor area and seating for 300 which opens today.

We express our deepest sympathies for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Following two successful staff training days, it is our pleasure to welcome back students following what we hope was a restful summer holiday.

On Friday 2nd September 2022 we welcome back to our main site Year 7 only and at HSFC Year 12 only. Both year groups will be supported by an induction programme.

Year 7 should arrive by 8.40am for an 8.45am start. Please be aware that parents/guardians will not be able to gain entry to our site with a vehicle to drop children off. Students should enter through the main entrance and colleagues and members of the leadership team will greet and direct them to where they need to go.

We advise all year 7 to bring a drink and snack for break if they wish. There will be some lunch available in Archie’s canteen but this will be limited for the first day only. You may wish to send your child with a packed lunch on their first day.

Students will have their fingerprint taken during the course of the morning on Friday, which will enable them to use our cashless catering service in Archie’s. Students will receive a letter to take home so parents/guardians can register the sQuid account online and add funds to the account.

The day will finish at 3.10pm.

All other year groups will return on Monday 5th September 2022 by 8.40am with the same support and expectations in place. 8T and 10C band have PE on Monday and so should arrive in their correct PE kit. All student timetables are already available via insight.

On returning, all students will have periods 1, 2 and tutor time as an extended tutor time to establish routines. Lessons will begin from period 3.

All students are expected to attend in the correct uniform. I would also like to draw attention to our policy on jewellery and request your support to ensure that no acrylic nails, rings or nose studs are worn as these are not permitted. Can we remind parents and guardians that hairstyles must not attract undue attention and must only be natural colours e.g. no additional colours such as blue, red and green.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to another successful year at National Church of England Academy.

Yours sincerely

Mr M Brailsford
Head Teacher

Students at the National Church of England Academy in Hucknall, part of the Minster Trust for Education (MITRE), were celebrating this morning as they received their A Level results, with a positive overall picture highlighted with individual successes for many students. Their resilience through these challenging times has culminated in an excellent set of outcomes, with 22% of students gaining A*- A grades, 44% gaining A*- B grades, and 70% receiving A* - C. 68% of students who applied to university were accepted to their first choice.

Headteacher Martin Brailsford was present to share in the celebrations and said “What has been most pleasing is just how many of our fantastic students have managed to go to their planned destinations. The hard work and dedication of so many has meant students may move towards a bright future of their choosing. From a performance perspective, it is encouraging that so many key measures have shown improvement for us since 2019. Now students should take the time to reflect on the difficult journey they have had getting to this point and just how well they have done over the last few years. We wish all of our students the very best of luck for the future”.

There have been a number of notable successes from students – top performing students at the academy were Amelia Dobson, who achieved an impressive Distinction* (Law), A* (Psychology), and an A (history), Amelia will be going to study Law at the University of Nottingham and Grace Conidi who also achieved an impressive A* (maths), A (biology) and B (chemistry).

The most improved student was Ishana Melia with A (psychology), A (geography) and B (biology). Her superb progress means that she will be now going to study environmental science at the University of Leicester.

Other great individual successes include Daniel Leonhardt, Daniel Gudgeon and Ben Michael who will now go on to study sport and exercise science, mechanical engineering and drama and English respectively.

Kelly Wall, Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for sixth form, said, “I am incredibly proud of all our students and what they have achieved.  They have shown such resilience during the last few years, proving themselves to be hard working, dedicated and valued members of our school community.  I wish them all the best in their future careers”

Ms Cliffman, head of Hucknall Sixth Form Centre, added, "This year’s Year 13 students have contended with two years of adversity and disruption. Their dedication to their studies and in supporting each other as a learning community throughout this time has been incredible and heart-warming.  It is testament to these talented students that they have been able to achieve such good grades and will now move on to the next exciting phase in their lives.”

Student numbers at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre are growing year-on-year, with the centre having an excellent reputation in the Hucknall community and beyond. Mrs Wall added “We are attracting students from all over Nottinghamshire because of the high standards of teaching, the quality outcomes for all students and our wide range of courses. There is still some limited availability for individuals to join us from September, and hope that these results show how the centre can enable all students to meet their aspirations.”

Chair of Governors, Kirsty Cowley commented “After the difficulties of the past few years these results are a credit to the determination and resilience of our young people and the dedication of our staff. I hope our students are as proud of themselves and their results as we are. We wish them well with all future endeavours and look forward to hearing about the great things that we know they will achieve”.