Well, that’s the end of another term! Thank you for all your support over the past 11 school weeks since New Year, as always it is greatly appreciated.

Today’s blog is one of those functional ones, this time focusing on the term dates for 2026-2027 and therefore shared with as much notice as I could manage.

The term dates for 2026-2027 academic year are as follows. Whilst academies can differ from the dates set by local authorities and set their own term dates, at Helix we try to match local authority dates as much as possible. The 2026-2027 term dates therefore match the dates published on the Stockport Council website (see here). The term dates are also visible on the MHS website (see here).

Schools must then allocate training days, known as INSET days (IN–SErvice Training), within the term dates agreed. Due to the unusual nature of the term dates for 2026-2027, caused by a very late August Bank holiday and by the spring term continuing right up to Good Friday, three INSET days have had to be taken in late July in order to ensure school finishes at the usual time for the summer break. The last day of the summer term for students will be Friday 16^th July 2027. Staff will complete the necessary training on a number of evenings spread across the year, and so in effect school will be closed Monday 19^th to Wednesday 21^st July.

Non academy schools must set five INSET days, whereas academies can set additional days if required. Given the shape of the school year next year there is a need for additional INSET days, and in total MHS there will be 7 INSET days at Marple Hall School 2026-2027. This is essential in order to enable staff to prepare for the school year and to work together on projects such as responding to the coming changes to SEND provision and reviewing our response to proposed curriculum and qualification changes.

The INSET days for the 2026-2027 academic year will therefore be as follows:

Tuesday 1^st September 2026 (staff in school, students not in school)

Wednesday 2^nd September 2026 (staff in school, students not in school)

Friday 4^th December 2026 (staff in school, students not in school)

Friday 25^th June 2027 (staff in school, students not in school)

Monday 19^th July 2027 (Training completed by staff in advance, school closed to all)

Tuesday 20^th July 2027 (Training completed by staff in advance, school closed to all)

Wednesday 21^st July 2027 (Training completed by staff in advance, school closed to all)

I hope that this is all clear, and have a great Easter bank holiday weekend when it comes,

Best wishes,

Joe Barker

Last night marked the opening of the 2026 Marple Scouts and Guides Gang Show, and I couldn’t let the moment pass without a huge well done to every young person and adult involved. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the performance. The Gang Show tradition is something special in our community. A blend of creativity, teamwork, courage and sheer joy, and once again our students have stepped up magnificently. Whether performing under the lights or supporting friends from the audience, their positivity and commitment shone through.

A particular thank you goes to the volunteers, leaders and parents who give up countless evenings and weekends to make the show possible. Like the scouting movement itself, community projects like this don’t just happen, they are built on goodwill, graft and a shared belief in young people. Many Gang Shows have fallen by the wayside and so hats off to the volunteers who keep the Marple gang on the road. To everyone contributing to yesterday’s opening performance: you should be incredibly proud. You make Marple a richer, kinder, more vibrant place.

A gentle reminder about emails

A quick word on communication with school via email. We always want to be as responsive as possible when parents and carers get in touch, but it’s worth remembering that teachers and non teaching staff are not usually sat at their desks during the school day. They may be teaching, supporting students, dealing with safeguarding matters, on duty, in meetings, leading activities, preparing equipment etc. This means that replies to emails are not always immediate. Please bear with us and allow staff the time they need to respond thoughtfully. Polite patience from parents and carers really does help, and it means we can give each query the attention it deserves. If an issue is urgent then by all means call reception and we’ll help as soon as we can. Thanks, as always, for your understanding.

Have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

One of the great joys of school life is seeing students discover the power of a good book. Reading isn’t just an academic exercise. It opens doors, builds empathy, expands vocabulary, and deepens young people’s understanding of the world around them. Research consistently shows that students who read regularly achieve more highly across the curriculum, not just in English but also in subjects such as science and maths. Reading is fun, relaxing and transformative… what’s not to love?

At Marple Hall School, we’ve long believed that World Book Day should be about stories themselves. As highlighted in at least one previous blog over the years, instead of asking staff to dress up, we dedicate time in the day to reading a short story aloud in class. This time saw each English lessons for years 7-9 covering ‘The Lottery’ whilst older classes discussed the benefits of reading. Alongside this, students are invited to take part in quizzes and competitions that celebrate reading in a fun and engaging way. The competitions are still open, as is the challenge to take part in the ‘Readathon’ where money can be raised for a great cause (and for MHS too) all through the power of reading. Check out the links below for all the information you might need and more.

As always, the most important partnership is between school and home. A few minutes of reading each day can spark conversations, strengthen wellbeing and help every young person achieve, belong and thrive. Remember if you are a parent, carer, grandparent or anyone else with a responsibility for a student, and you want help encouraging that young person to read, you might find some suggestions in the links below. If not, and you would like more help, please get in touch!

World Book day newsletter link

Recommended reading link

,https://readathon.my.salesforce-sites.com/sponsor

Happy reading!

Best wishes

Joe Barker

Every week I’m reminded how powerful our school values are. Not just for students, but for all of us who make up the Marple Hall community. The Marple Hall Spirit isn’t a set of rules; it’s a way of thinking and behaving that helps young people and adults alike thrive.

Determination

Life rarely moves in straight lines. Whether you’re a Year 7 working out a new subject or a member of staff tackling a busy term, determination is what carries us through. It’s the quiet, steady belief that effort pays off. When students see adults persevering, or when adults see students giving things a go despite setbacks, it strengthens the culture we’re all part of.

Honesty

Honesty builds trust, and trust is what turns a school into a community. For students, this means owning mistakes and being open when things aren’t going well. For adults, it means modelling that same courage: saying when we got it wrong, when we’re learning, and when we can do better. Honesty is doing what is right, not what is easy.

Readiness

Being ready is about showing up prepared, willing and focused. Students show readiness in the way they approach lessons; staff show it in the calm, consistent routines that make learning possible. Whatever our age, readiness shows respect for ourselves and for others.

Respect

Respect is the thread that holds everything together. It’s seen in the small things like listening, helping, thanking, understanding, and in bigger ones, like accepting differences and treating everyone with kindness. Respect shown by adults is mirrored by students, and vice versa. It’s a value we shape together. In these uncertain times the world would be a better place with more mutual respect.

Spark

Every member of our school brings something unique. Spark is the curiosity, creativity or enthusiasm that makes our community vibrant. It’s the moment a student asks a brilliant question, or a colleague introduces a new idea that transforms a lesson or a day – like our wonderful Elements students visiting Romiley Primary School yesterday to support younger children with their reading. Spark reminds us that learning is joyful, whatever our age.

The Marple Hall Spirit isn’t something students grow out of or staff grow into, it’s shared. It’s what makes this school special, and what helps every one of us take the next step with confidence and pride.

Have a great weekend,

Joe Barker