Friday 25th September 2026
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It has been quite a week at Harrow Way with lots to celebrate!
Following the publication of our Ofsted report earlier this week, I want to take a moment to reflect once again on what it says about our school. The inspection team recognised the excellent culture, calm and purposeful learning environment, exemplary behaviour and positive relationships that are such an important part of daily life at Harrow Way. They also praised our strong provision for personal development and wellbeing, our enrichment opportunities and the ambition and commitment of our staff. Most importantly, they recognised something that matters so much to us: a strong sense of belonging, a school where every child is known.
There is, of course, more for us to do. The report identifies the importance of continuing to embed strong teaching practice consistently and ensuring that all students attend regularly. We are already working on these areas.
Thank you once again to the wonderful students, staff and families for everything you contribute to making Harrow Way the school it is. The report will be available on the Ofsted Website shortly.
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It was particularly lovely, therefore, to welcome more than 200 prospective families to our Open Mornings this week.
Rather than giving visitors a polished version of Harrow Way, we wanted them to see the school as it really is: students learning, teachers teaching, busy corridors and the ordinary business of a successful school day taking place.
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There is no better way to understand a school than to hear from its students, and our Year 10 students who acted as tour guides certainly rose to the occasion! They were outstanding. They showed families around the school confidently, answered questions and spoke with genuine pride about their experiences at Harrow Way. We received some wonderful feedback about them. They were a great reflection of the young people we are so proud to work with every day.
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Building on this success, we have something exciting to look forward to this autumn!
Our PTFA (Parent, Teacher and Family Association) is organising a Fireworks Display on Wednesday 4 November - the first time we have held an event of this kind at Harrow Way.
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This is a huge undertaking for the PTFA, and we are enormously grateful to them for the time, energy and enthusiasm they continue to give to our school. The PTFA is an independent organisation, but their support makes such a difference to our students. Their fundraising provides additional opportunities and resources that enrich the experience of young people at Harrow Way.
The fireworks evening promises to be a great night out for families – and, importantly, an opportunity to raise funds for the school at the same time.
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Tickets go on sale on Monday 28 September and can be purchased from school reception between 3.00 - 4.00pm and are also available from the SPAR shop, Shakespeare Avenue.
After a week of celebrating what makes Harrow Way special, it seems very fitting to finish with an opportunity for our whole school community to come together.
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I wish you all an enjoyable weekend.
Mrs Dawn German
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Harrow Way are grateful to the following local businesses for their sponsorship:
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| Thursday 1st October 2026 |
Open Evening - school closes at 12.30pm |
| w/c 12th October 2026 |
Year 8 Manor Adventure Trip (France) |
| Tuesday 13th October 2026 |
Year 11 - GCSE English Language Exam Walkthrough |
| Tuesday 13th October 2026 |
Year 8 Bayeux Tapestry Trip |
| Thursday 15th October 2026 |
Year 11 Andover Careers Fair - JHS |
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Assembly - Respectful Digital Communication
This week, Mr Carter led an assembly on the importance of effective and respectful communication online. Students explored responsible use of email, Google Classroom, social media and messaging apps, including the potential impact of inappropriate online behaviour.
Students were reminded to use the T.H.I.N.K. approach before sending messages: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind?
The assembly reinforced the importance of respect, empathy and online safety in creating a positive digital community.
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School Photographs
Your child should have brought home a slip with an alphanumeric code to enable you to view and purchase school photographs if you wish. The photographs should be available to view shortly.
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Instructions to view and order:
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Trips and Educational Visits
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Places are still available on these trips. Please pay via Scopay to secure your child’s place:
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Kew Gardens – 16 November 2026: GCSE Art and Photography students are reminded to secure their places.
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Year 7 Bletchley Park – 8 December 2026: Only 5 places left.
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| Year 9 Harold Hillier Gardens Christmas Light Trail – 10 December 2026: 36 places left. |
| Year 11 A Christmas Carol – 15 December 2026: 52 places left. |
| Year 7 Christmas pantomime – 16 December 2026: 44 places left. |
| Year 10 - Blood Brothers - 21st January 2027 |
| New York trip: The payment deadline for allocated places is Friday 25 September. If payment is not received by then, places will be offered to students on the waiting list. |
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Zanzibar Trip - July 2027
If anyone would like to contribute to the GoFundMe page we have set up to help us raise money to take important items out there to help our partner school get some essential supplies, please click on this LINK, every penny is appreciated!
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Hockey Triumph
We are delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievement of George, who has been selected as a goalkeeper for the Hampshire Hockey Boys U13 squad for the 2026/27 season. George was originally nominated by Andover Hockey Club to attend the Hampshire Hockey Pathway in May and has since been training with Hampshire’s goalkeeper coaches. After progressing through to the final stage of assessments this month, George received the exciting news this week that he had been selected for the squad.
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What a fantastic achievement, George! We are very proud of you and wish you every success for the season ahead!
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Ways Forward - our weekly newsletter for Careers, Apprenticeship, College, Work and Work Experience.
In Ways Forward this week, it’s a special post-16 options edition! Following the Year 11 Information Evening last Thursday, we wanted to bring you further information to help you explore all your post-16 options further, and learn more about the different pathways available.
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Families with students in Year 11 will find this information especially useful but Year 10 might also like to get ahead of the game by exploring the many options available.
If you attended last week's Year 11 information evening, please can you give us some feedback on the event here?
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LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE
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I regularly buy new books for the LRC Library, often in response to student suggestions. This week, the Library has gained another 13 football hero books - this genre has been very popular! There are also other new books across a range of genres and ages. Photos below.
In order to keep buying new books and running the digital platform free of charge, loans need to be returned and in good condition. Our policy should loans not be returned is here .
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Year 7 Football
On Tuesday 22nd September the new Year 7 Harrow Way football team took to the pitch in the first outing of their district league campaign, at home against Wellington. After only a few training sessions, the squad was still very new to one another and took a little time to begin playing with some fluidity.
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However, after one or two false starts, the game sprang into life when Aleksander Greszta smashed home the first of his four (eventual) goals. Jake Dickerson produced pivotal passing play at the back, controlling the game in both defence and attack. He launched angled balls toward the front-line players throughout the match while sweeping most of the trouble away from the Harrow Way goal in defence.
Harrow Way players stepped up to produce performances all over the pitch, with particular composure coming from Luca Willcox, who played in an unfamiliar position, as well as Patrick Brayshay, who was calm throughout in goal. A tiring Wellington side opened up time and again in the second half, with further goals from Jerry Baidoo and Zach Jasper securing a comfortable 7-0 win by the full-time whistle.
Netball - Harrow Way 9B 16 - 5 John Hanson 9D
The 9B team made a solid start to their season with a convincing win over John Hanson on Wednesday. After a slow first quarter the team found their rhythm, dominating the play with accurate, short, sharp passing. Scarlett and Jess in GA and GS respectively gave an excellent shooting display, working confidently together in the goal circle.
Sophia and Olivia played well in their debut for the team, working well in the defensive positions, making numerous interceptions. Their next game is in a couple of weeks against Winton where the team look to build upon a fantastic start.
Player of the match - Scarlett.
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Changes in Family Circumstances
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We understand that family circumstances can change and that even temporary changes at home can sometimes have an impact on a young person. If there is a significant change in your family circumstances — for example, a parent having an operation, illness, bereavement, separation or another change at home — please consider letting your child’s tutor know. You do not need to share more information than you are comfortable with, but making us aware allows staff to discreetly check in with your child, offer additional support where needed and better understand any changes we may notice in their behaviour, emotions or engagement at school.
Keeping Us Updated
If you are going away and your child will be staying at home or being cared for by another family member or trusted adult, please let the school know. We ask that you provide the name and contact details of the adult responsible for your child while you are away. This ensures that, should an emergency arise, we have the correct information and can quickly contact the appropriate person. Thank you for helping us keep our records up to date and our students safe.
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External Clubs and Events
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For local community events and information, please click the button below:
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Copyright © 2026, Harrow Way Community School, All rights reserved.
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Harrow Way Community School,
Harrow Way,
Andover,
Hampshire.
SP10 3RH
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