At Etone College, we place a very strong emphasis on teaching pupils about wellbeing and how to stay mentally healthy. Not only do pupils receive planned lessons as part of their curriculum entitlement but we embed many opportunities throughout the year to promote positive wellbeing and good mental health, We also encourage empathy for others in our students and take conscious steps to remove any stigma surrounding mental health. Whether it is through assemblies, pop up stands at break, form time activities, drop-in sessions, extracurricular clubs or external speakers, we take every opportunity to educate our learners about mental health. We teach them practical strategies to use, signpost support in lessons and around school and also ensure that we regularly remind them of and promote our top tips.  Check out our website to find out more information about where pupils can access support for mental health.

Personal Development

Well what an amazing year it has been for our Class of 25! Back in 2020 they came into “big school” during perhaps the most difficult time of our lives.

With the pandemic taking over our lives, imagine having to start fresh in a very different world to the norm. However, what these individuals have done since is truly astonishing.

Throughout this entire year Class of 25 have conducted themselves with pride and maturity during the busy Year 11 push. In each intervention session, lesson and mock exam pupils have shown the resilience and self belief that is true of all Etone Learners.

With the hard work done it was time to celebrate at the Class of 25’s Prom!

To begin with the entrances were bold and brave just like our pupils. With luxury cars, limousines and maybe one to many loud sportsters. Whatever they came in, pupils were treated like royalty as they walked the red carpet and had their picture took by the “paps”.

Once inside pupils got to reminisce and catch up over their fruity mocktails as they awaited the Prom Start Proper, then the curtain is pulled back and… Prom 25 can begin.

Pupils flooded to their seats but not for long as Class of 25 made it a record time to get to the dance floor! With the food, entertainment and of course their friends, spirits were high and they had an amazing time singing their hearts out with thier peers.

Additionally we were once again proud to see the high volume of staff who always turn up to support our learners. Even after a busy and long day, these members are dedicated to supporting our pupils throughout their time at Etone, non-stop.

A BIG thank-you to all for their support - Goodbye Class of 25 - You’re gonna be missed!

On Wednesday we welcomed our Year 11 back for the final in school goodbye, the Year 11 leavers assembly has become a cornerstone in the end of year celebrations as pupils come around to bask in their successes of a completed exam series.

Whilst there were a few tears, we were overwhelmed by the smiles, thank you cards and show of support from pupils for members of staff. There was laughter and joy in the assembly itself as pupils reflected on their time here at Etone with some amazing videos that supported pupils in reminiscing down memory lane.

In addition to the good vibes there was the biggest amount of donations ever as pupils bought in PE kit, uniform and revision guides – We are very grateful and appreciative of this support. A big thankyou and goodbye to Class of 25!

June 24^th saw Etone welcome 13 new staff and 3 trainees for their induction conference.   The day started with a welcome from the Matrix Central Team who shared the wide range of staff benefits, training and development opportunities that all Matrix employees are entitled to. 

After introductions to admin and support staff, whose hard work underpins the efficient processes that make our school run efficiently, our new starters were welcomed by Mr Smith (Headteacher) and Mr Bowley (Deputy Headteacher).  They outlined what it means to be an Etone Learner and the learning principles that underpin our curriculum and pedagogical practice.  We finished the morning by watching examples of these principles in practice by visiting a range of lessons, looking at books and speaking to our pupils. 

Break time saw many existing staff members join our new starters to answer any subject based questions and to extend a warm welcome from their departmental teams.  Break was followed by department time looking at the essentials of curriculum and classes, ready for September. 

After a delicious lunch, more of the Leadership Team introduced themselves and their roles sharing essential tips to support preparation for the new school year.  This included an introduction to our Teaching and Learning library and website, as well as to the vast range of extra-curricular opportunities that our new starters can become involved in supporting. 

We finished the day with introductions from our pastoral team who shared what it means to be a form tutor and the centrality of the pastoral system in giving Etone the family feel that make us such a supportive and caring environment. 

We are really excited to welcome our new staff and trainees to Etone – see you in September! 

Here at Etone College, we have 6 pupils who are now published poets following their successful entries into the Young Writers, Poetry Escape competition.

Well done to Olaf, Autmn, Grace, George, Sharifa & Pranita. Come along and take a few minutes to read their amazing poems, which can be found in the Poetry Escape book located in the Library.

Etone College proudly celebrated the outstanding commitment and conduct of its Year 8 pupils with an exciting rewards trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park. The special outing recognised students who achieved an excellent attendance record of over 97% and demonstrated exemplary behaviour throughout the qualifying period. 

The sun shone as pupils enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun, laughter, and adventure. From adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters to scenic rides and animal encounters at the zoo, the trip offered something for everyone. Staff at the park, and our coach drivers praised the pupils for how well they represented the college, demonstrating outstanding manners and behaviour.  

This trip was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our students’ resilience, dedication and positive attitude. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and how they consistently uphold our Etone values. 

Etone College continues to encourage high standards in both attendance and behaviour, and this rewards trip serves as a reminder that effort and excellence truly do pay off. 

We are very proud to be able to share the strategies that we have used to promote a positive culture of reading at Etone more widely through a training session on behalf of Staffordshire Research School. Here is the QR code to the training if any of you are interested in logging on or who have friends in other schools who are literacy leads.

We are also very proud to be able to share the strategies that we have used to promote disciplinary literacy at Etone more widely, again through another training session for SRS. Please find the QR code below and share widely if you know literacy leads in other schools. DOLS – this may be a useful one to hop on as part of your PM or DOL action plan.

This would not be possible without the support of all staff in promoting the wonderful work that we do for reading and literacy at Etone so many thanks for your support

Our Year 12 Football Academy students recently visited Weddington Primary School to coach and referee a Year 5 football tournament. They delivered excellent coaching from the sidelines, motivating young players and encouraging great teamwork and competitiveness. Alongside officiating the matches, the Academy also led a variety of engaging football drills. A big well done to our Football Academy students, and thank you to Weddington Primary for welcoming us and allowing us to be part of a fantastic afternoon of sport.

Middlemarch, Wembrook and Queens Primary Schools recently joined us for an enchanting morning of Harry Potter-themed science experiments, focusing on the fascinating world of separating mixtures. The young wizards-in-training were treated to a spectacle of magical proportions as they delved into the realm where science and magic intertwine.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the creation of "Elephant's Toothpaste," a spectacular chemical reaction that erupted with such force it reached the ceiling, leaving our young scientists wide-eyed with wonder. This impressive demonstration showcased the power of catalysts and decomposition reactions in a visually stunning way.
Our aspiring witches and wizards also had the opportunity to craft their very own magic wands, complete with different colored flames. This activity not only sparked creativity but also introduced the concept of flame tests and the unique emission spectra of various elements.
The success of the event was greatly enhanced by the participation of ten Year 9 lead learners, who demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and scientific knowledge. These older students provided invaluable support to their younger counterparts.
This magical morning of science was more than just fun and games; it served as an excellent introduction to key scientific concepts for our primary school visitors. By blending the beloved world of Harry Potter with hands-on experiments, we were able to ignite a passion for science in these young minds.
We are thrilled with the success of this event and look forward to hosting more primary schools in the future. These taster science lessons provide an excellent opportunity for younger students to experience the wonders of science in a secondary school setting, easing the transition between primary and secondary education.
As we continue to bridge the gap between primary and secondary science education, we remain committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists through engaging, interactive, and magical experiences. Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations and events that will bring the magic of science to life for our local primary schools.

On Monday 16^th June, School Councillors met with our Headteacher, Mr Smith, as part of the pupil You Said We Did (YSWD) process. In the build up to the meeting, School Councillors were asked to speak to their tutor groups about positive ideas for changes and improvements at Etone College. It was then up to the School Councillors to create a list of priorities to bring to the meeting with Mr Smith, who discussed with the Council the feasibility of their proposals and what the next steps would be to achieve them. It was great to hear a variety of ideas in the meeting, from new water fountains to new extra-curricular clubs for breaktimes.