Dear Parents and Carers
It has been a successful end to the school year. Our first ‘Pillars Week’ was a resounding success, with pupils from across the school completing community and passion projects. You will find a highlights video of the wide range of activities in our ‘Spotlight’ newsletter to parents later this week. Our Sports Day last week was another highlight, with our ‘Trips Day’ and our annual ‘Community Walk’ taking place this week. We had a very successful transition day for Year 6 pupils and are very much looking forward to welcoming them to our school in September. I am sure you will join me in thanking staff across the school who have planned and organised these events.
Exam year groups have worked well and have shown dedication throughout the exam season, they have enjoyed special leavers events, and are now eagerly awaiting their results later this summer. Younger year groups have completed baseline tests and subject assessments, with nearly all working hard, showing commitment and resilience. It has been a delight to celebrate the academic achievements of so many pupils with Headteacher Letters of Commendations, and Headteacher Award Assemblies, recognising the hard work, endeavour, and excellence of so many of our pupils.
As the end of the school year now approaches, I confirm below our arrangements for the end of term, results days, and the start of the new academic year.
Our school year ends on Friday 18 July 2025 at 2.55pm.
Over the summer break we will hold two results days:
Thursday 14 August 2025 – A/AS level Results (9am to 11am in the Main Hall)
Thursday 21 August 2025 – GCSE Results (Year 11 9am to 11am / Year 10 10am to 11am in the Main Hall)
In readiness for the new school year, please note:
Monday 1 September 2025 – INSET Day (Staff only)
Tuesday 2 September 2025 – all pupils return to school at 8.30am for the first day of the school year
Wednesday 3 September 2025 - school photos will be taken for Years 7, 10 and 12
I will write to you early in the new school year and include important dates such as Parents Evenings, INSET Days, and our School Development Plan priorities for 2025-2026.
School uniform
I have written to you during this academic year to confirm our school uniform from September. Pupils may choose to wear as their ‘grey cover’ either the school blazer, the school jumper, or the new school quarter zip top. All are available from TSS along with the school ties. All other uniform items can be purchased from any retailer but please ensure school uniform complies with our policy which is on our school website. We will be insisting on the highest standards of uniform in September with all pupils and seek your support in ensuring this.
I would urge anyone who believes their child may qualify for free school meals to complete an application form so that your child can have a free meal each day as well as receive additional funding towards uniform and equipment. The Welsh Government grant, known as the Schools Essentials Grant, is for pupils who qualify for a free school meal and is additional financial support for uniform, sports kit and equipment. For new Year 7 pupils this year the grant is worth £200, and for Year 8-11 pupils the grant is £125. Details of how to apply are in our latest Spotlight newsletter.
If you have good quality uniform items at home that your child has grown out of, we will welcome these as donations to the school for us to share with those in need. Thank you in advance for your donations. Please deliver any freshly laundered items to our school reception. Preloved uniform is available in G1.
Attendance and punctuality
If your child has an attendance of 95% or better, thank you for your support. Improving attendance and punctuality of all pupils will remain be a key focus for our school from the first day in September onwards. Please note all students are expected to be in school in good time for the start of the school day. The first bell rings at 8.30am and all students should be on site in readiness for assemblies and form time at 8.25am without fail. We will continue to monitor attendance closely.
Caerphilly Council buses
If your child is currently in Years 7-12 and qualifies for a school bus, you should receive a bus pass from CCBC. We understand bus passes for new pupils will be sent out over the summer holidays. Please note all pupils are expected to travel on the bus that is designated to them by CCBC. Please contact CCBC if you have any queries about school buses or taxis, or if your child requires a replacement bus pass.
Staff changes
Mr Hughes (WRU Rugby Officer) is leaving at the end of this term and we wish him every success. Mrs Jennings (Head of Computer Science) and Mrs Nisbett (School Counsellor) are retiring at the end of this term. We wish them both a happy and healthy retirement and thank them for their many years of dedicated service to our school and pupils.
We will welcome four teachers, joining us in September: Mr Kenvyn (Head of Computer Science), Mrs Jones (English and Media Teacher), Miss Williams (English Teacher) and Mrs Short (PE Teacher).
On behalf of everyone at St Cenydd, I would like to thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and kindness.
I wish you and your family an enjoyable and happy summer.
With thanks
Miss Collins
Headteacher
