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

Last week I shared information about Oliver’s Dragon’s, the excellent local charity set up to support local young people and those closely affected by cancer. I mentioned that they are having a big fundraising event whereby the brave and the daft have the chance to take part in a fire walk to raise money. The details of the event at Marple Sports Club are copied again at the end of this blog.

It dawned on me over the weekend that I couldn’t just advertise this event, and should in fact take part myself. So, wisely or otherwise, I have signed up to join in the challenge. I would dearly like to raise a good amount of money for the charity and so if anyone has a spare pound or two, and wants to put it to very good use, then you can do so safe in the knowledge that Mr Barker is literally going to walk over hot coals for it. Details of how to donate are here

Aside from that excitement, immediately after half term we are moving to a new whole school MIS (management information system). It’s an exciting change as we move from SIMS to Bromcom. We are sure there will be some teething issues in the early weeks as this is a complicated process, but when all is settled we’re confident that Bromcom will provide a much better service for parents, families, staff and students. Please be patient if things are not perfect straight away!

Finally, Marple Hall School are proposing to make some changes to our admissions policy and the the ‘over-subscribed’ criteria. The Local Authority are managing the process on behalf of all schools, and details can be found here.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week next week, and thank you for all your support over another successful half term.

Best wishes,

Joe Barker

This week, I want to celebrate two things that show the strength of our school community.

On Friday 14th November 2025, Marple Sports Club will host a Firewalk for Oliver’s Dragons. Oliver’s Dragons is a charity set up in memory of Oliver Buchanan, supporting young people by funding leisure and recreational facilities for children in our area and secondly, providing grants to families where a child is closely impacted by cancer. Many Marple Hall students are leaders in this charity, working hard to raise awareness and funds – we are so proud of them.

The Firewalk is a bold challenge: Do you dare conquer the coals? Entry is £30 plus a £100 fundraising pledge. Sign up details are on the poster below.

Even if you don’t fancy warming your feet for free, please support this amazing cause and the incredible young people behind it. Further details on the charity can be found here General 5 — Olivers Site

Speaking of fire…

On Tuesday, we carried out both a lockdown drill and a fire drill, followed by an unexpected fire evacuation on Wednesday. These drills are essential for safety and our students responded brilliantly. Their calm, sensible behaviour and respect for the process were outstanding. It’s reassuring to know that they take these events seriously, and we are very proud of them. I’d like to thank all my colleagues too who handled a complex situation on Wednesday with great skill and positivity.

I hope you all have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

One of the things I love most about walking the corridors of Marple Hall is the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed. A student holding the door open for someone else. A kind word exchanged between peers. A smile and a ‘thanks Miss’ offered to a member of staff. These moments might seem insignificant, but they’re not. They’re the heartbeat of a respectful, thriving school.

At Marple Hall, we talk a lot about our five core values; Determination, Honesty, Readiness, Respect, and Spark. Each one plays a vital role in shaping the kind of school we want to be. But following on from last week’s blog, I want to focus on Respect, and how within it kindness is one of the most powerful attributes of all.

Kindness isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always come with applause or recognition. But it matters. It matters when someone is having a tough day and a friend checks in. It matters when a student helps another without being asked. It matters when we speak to each other with patience, even when we’re under pressure. Kindness is also sometime brave, stepping in to help someone when others can’t or won’t. Respect isn’t just about following rules or being polite — it’s about recognising the value in every person around us. And kindness is how we show that recognition. It’s how we say, “You matter, and I care.”

In assemblies this week, Miss Gregory has been talking about the kind of culture we want to build — one where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. That starts with kindness. It starts with choosing to be generous with our words, our time, and our attention. So here’s my challenge to all of us, students, staff, and families alike: Let’s make kindness our default. Let’s look for opportunities to lift each other up, even in small ways. Let’s remember that every act of kindness counts.

After all, when kindness becomes the culture, anything is possible.

Have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

I don’t know who first said these words, but they seem really apt today. I’m writing this blog after reading news of the attack on people outside of a Synagogue in Manchester today. That such a thing can happen within our wider Greater Manchester community is shocking to say the least, and my thoughts are with all those affected whether directly or indirectly. I am also very aware that there a people from many different backgrounds and faiths who are feeling anxious at the moment, for a variety of reasons, and my thoughts are with them too.

If you or your child/ward are concerned about this event, or indeed any of the other troubling events in the world at the moment, and you would like guidance on how to speak to them then the Local Authority have produced a helpful guide. It is called ‘Supporting children in an uncertain world‘ and can be found near the bottom of the page here.

I do not share my political views in school and rightly so. My job, and that of our staff, is to educate young people so that they can make up their own minds, free from undue influence in school. But that doesn’t mean we cannot try to instil in people the good values of tolerance and respect – and to promote the most powerful quality of all – being kind.

Take care,

Joe Barker

A blog that isn’t just about attendance or reading for once!

As mentioned last week, we had our Open Evening on the 18th September and the school was full of excitement and hopes for the future. For many Year 6 (and 5) children, one of the key questions is what clubs and activities are on offer beyond the classroom. The answer is LOADS! We have a strong and growing extra curricular offer at MHS, and the uptake so far in the first three weeks of the year has been really encouraging. To date over 350 different students have taken part in one activity or another, and we’re always keen to see new faces. The current offer is available here: Clubs – Marple Hall School and includes something for everyone.

Not only that, but we also have activities for those who cannot stay after school or who want to extend their extra curricular experience even further. Our digital discoveries programme is pretty unique, but enables students and the whole family to try something new from the comfort of their own homes. Go on…check it out – you might be surprised by what you learn! Digital Discoveries – Home

Of course one of the biggest extra curricular things events is the full school production, a chance for creative and artistic students to come together to put on a fantastic show. This time around it is ‘Sister Act’, with performances on Wed 10th to Fri 12th December. There are still some tickets left so please have a look. I promise you, the standard is amazing! Tickets available via 🎭 Sister Act Tickets: Book here

As the old saying goes, ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’. I’m hoping to see even more students getting stuck in this year than ever before.

Best wishes

Joe Barker

It’s Thursday night and this year’s Open Evening is starting to wind down. It’s been a fantastic evening, with a huge turnout of families and prospective new students in attendance. Once upon a time we didn’t fill the hall for the two talks that I gave, and now we were full for all three speeches – and standing room only for the second and third. It’s wonderful to know that people are keen to learn more about the education we offer here, and that is something that I will never take for granted.

Big thanks to all my colleagues for their planning, preparation and their energy this evening. It’s been a long day in school but your smiles and enthusiasm said it all. Huge thanks too to the 200 or so students who came in to help show off their school, I love that you are as proud of MHS as I am. Special thanks to Miss Cook for pulling the event together, and of course to Martha and Evan – Head Girl and Head Boy – who delivered wonderfully assured speeches. You were great!

I hope that everyone who attended enjoyed the evening and that it’s helped you make up your mind about your secondary school of choice, whether that is here or somewhere else.

For now though, it’s home time!

Best wishes

Joe Barker

You wait a few years for the chance to invest in the school site and buildings, and then three things come along at once…

Money is tight in education these days, and especially so at a poorly funded school like Marple Hall. I make no apology for referencing this fact on a regular basis, as the inequality in school funding really does matter and shouldn’t be swept under the carpet – which is what successive governments of different colours have always tried to do.

However, despite this, we’ve managed to keep investing in the physical spaces at MHS at regular intervals. The last ‘big’ project was the £400K refurb of the 3G pitch back in 2021, something that has pretty much already paid for itself with the increase in bookings from local sports clubs. Now, in 2025, we’re seeing the result of two major pieces of work.

Firstly, as an academy, we have been successful in securing around £1.1 million to replace the decrepit roofs in Bradshaw building along with upgrading all the internal and external doors in Isherwood. This is investment that wouldn’t ever have been possible before academisation.

Secondly, working closely with the Local Authority, we are in the final three months of a £3 million project to build a new building on site for the first time in almost 20 years. The new building will accommodate our Elements resource unit, along with small group rooms, two new changing rooms for PE and a modern new toilet facility for students. All these spaces are much needed and we are excited about getting the keys around January 2026. Not long now!

The building works are ongoing across the site at the moment, and I have been very impressed with how the students have listened to instructions and are ignoring the works completely. I expected nothing less from our very mature and sensible student body.

I am of course grateful that money exists for capital projects such as these…but I would also love for proper funding for the ‘day to day’ stuff too.

More pictures of the new build to follow when it’s finished,

Have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

And there we are, back to school. And what a pleasure it’s been too. I have the privilege as Headteacher of speaking to all 1550 students at the start of the year across five assemblies – Years 7 and 11 on Tuesday and Years 8,9 and 10 on Wednesday. I have to say that I absolutely loved it. I’m not ignorant of the fact that for many teenagers in the hall, the absolute last thing they wanted to be doing was to be up before 8am and sitting in a hall listening to me at 9am…but they masked that well and were a delight. It was great welcoming the new Year 7s, encouraging the Year 8s to lead by example, challenging the Year 9s to earn the right to choose whatever options they want for next year, praise the Year 10s for spectacular Spanish, French, Sports or Art results in the summer and set the bar high for Year 11 as they enter their final year. They have the chance to be the most successful cohort in the history of MHS and I’m excited about the prospect of working alongside them.

One key ingredient is of course turning up to school, and arriving on time. The link between attendance and learning is absolutely nailed on. Apologies for the slightly blurry quality of the graph below, but this is national data showing how average attendance directly impacts average ‘Progress 8’ – which is the measure of how much a child has developed from Year 6 to Year 11 in their best 8 subjects. Attendance is across the bottom and progress up the side, the higher the better, where zero is average. I’m only a history teacher but even I can tell that higher attendance leads to better results. So, as I shared in the article from the BBC in my previous blog, I urge everyone to do all they can to maximise a child’s attendance and help them achieve their potential. If you need help with this then don’t hesitate to get in touch. We know that getting kids to school can be a challenge and we have strategies to help, so as soon as you spot an issue then please reach out.

Best wishes

Joe Barker