One of the great strengths of Marple Hall School is the sense of community that surrounds us. Parents, staff, and students all play their part in making this a place where young people can achieve, belong, and thrive. Today, I’m delighted to share some news that strengthens that community even further.

We are welcoming three new governors to our governing board:

• Anthony Woodings and Emma Williamson, who join us as Parent Governors
• Jen Mather, who joins as our new Staff Governor

Governors are an essential part of school life, even if their work often happens behind the scenes. They don’t run the school day-to-day, but they do provide vital oversight and support. They help set the strategic direction, hold leaders to account, and make sure resources are used wisely. In short, they are critical friends: people who care deeply about the school and want the very best for every student.

Why does this matter? Because good governance makes a good school even better. Governors bring different perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and ensure that decisions are made in the interests of all pupils. For me and my team, it means having a sounding board and a source of challenge that helps us stay focused on what really matters. For governors themselves, it’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people.

Anthony, Emma, and Jen – as well as existing governors Sarah, Richard, Tam, Heather, Hersha and Pamela – thank you for stepping forward. Your commitment is hugely appreciated, and I know you’ll help us continue to build a school where every child can flourish.

Best wishes,

Joe Barker

The first of a number of head-student takeovers this week. Today’s blog comes courtesy of the fantastic Tilda Francis.

Best wishes,

Joe Barker

Dear Parents/Carers,

My name is Tilda and I’m a student leader here at Marple Hall. I’m writing this week’s blog to follow up on the assemblies the Head Students have delivered this week on the theme of kindness.

Kindness has a profound impact on our lives and has the power to be more transformative than we realise. We live in a world that moves fast and it is easy to become absorbed in our own schedules and routines. As parents, I am sure you juggle many demands including those of family, home and work. Everyone else we meet is carrying their own burdens too, which are often unseen. That is precisely why kindness matters so much; it can bridge the gaps between people and allow for opportunities to connect with others.

Kindness does not have to involve grand or costly gestures. In fact, it is often found in the quiet acts that sometimes we may take for granted. The beauty of kindness lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It costs nothing, yet its value can be immeasurable. In addition to benefitting those around us, kindness can also have personal rewards. Research has shown that frequently performing acts of kindness can boost moods, minimise stress and enhance our overall sense of wellbeing. By being kind to those around us, we are rewarded with a sense of fulfilment.

Of course, we all know that kindness can be challenging sometimes. It’s often difficult to be empathetic and compassionate when we are faced with rudeness or disrespect. However, kindness is not about who deserves it, it is about who needs it the most. A simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling.

To celebrate World Kindness Week, students have been asked to send a postcard to someone who is an important part of their lives to show their kindness and gratitude. Furthermore, our form ambassadors will be collecting donations on Monday and Tuesday of this coming week of non-perishable tinned food to donate to a local food bank. Everyone is encouraged to participate and donate anything they are able to so that we can spread Marple Hall’s kindness message to our local community. If you can, then please help.

Imagine the collective impact we could have if everyone made the decision to be just a little kinder. Our community would feel safer, more supportive and more inclusive. Everyone would feel seen and heard, and our relationships would be strengthened. In short, we would create a better, more compassionate environment for everyone. 

Have a great weekend,

Tilda

As we move deeper into this term, I’ve been reflecting on what makes Marple Hall a great place to work. For me, three things stand out time and again: the value of hard work, the respect we show for one another, and the pride we take in being part of this community.

Working hard isn’t always glamorous, but it’s the foundation of success. Whether it’s students tackling challenging topics in lessons, staff going the extra mile to support learning and wellbeing, or families encouraging good habits at home, effort really does make the difference. Every small step adds up, and together we create an environment where great things are possible.

Alongside effort sits respect. Respect for each other’s ideas, backgrounds, and ambitions is what makes our school feel safe and welcoming. In a world that can sometimes feel divided – increasingly so at the moment – I’m proud that Marple Hall stands for tolerance and understanding. Not everyone gets this right all the time, but the overwhelming majority of us do and we’ll defend it to the core.

Finally, community pride. We are more than a school; we are part of something bigger. When we support each other, celebrate successes, and face challenges together, we show what it means to belong. Friday evening is a perfect example of this spirit in action: the Oliver’s Dragons Fire Walk at 7pm at Marple Sports Club. It promises to be an inspiring event, raising funds and awareness for a fantastic cause. If you can, come along and be part of something truly special. As long as the weather doesn’t put the fire out….

Thank you for everything you do to make Marple Hall the vibrant, caring community it is.

Take care,
Joe Barker

I hope that everyone managed to enjoy the week last week and that students are back and ready for the term ahead. It’s been lovely to see the school full again, and I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen taking place in lessons each day. Before we finished for the half term I didn’t get chance to congratulate our Year 11 and Year 9 MFL cohorts on their effort and conduct during the trial exams. We ran a fairly intense trial exam window, with Yr11s having exams in all three core subjects of English, Maths and Science as well as Year 9 taking on either French or Spanish. We have come to expect perfect behaviour in exams at MHS, and the week before half term was no exception. It is great to see so many young people taking their own future so seriously.

As you know, over the break we made a big switch from SIMS to Bromcom. SIMS has been the beating heart of the school for over 20 years, the software package that stores literally every piece of data needed to keep a large comprehensive school operating. However, all good things must come to an end and it was time to embrace the future with Bromcom. We’re aware that the switch over has thrown up some glitches…not least with dinner money at the start of the week…but thanks to a lot of time and effort from many colleagues were are getting there. Thank you for your patience, and if you’re not on the app yet then I recommend you look into it.

Finally, as we broke up for half term I flagged up a consultation to alter the admissions policy at MHS with effect from September 2027. I’m aware that many people have an opinion on the planned changes, but I’m also aware that some of this concern is based on inaccurate information. We have therefore pulled together a rationale and FAQ document that can be seen here.

I hope that this helps,

Best wishes

Joe