Headteacher’s Message

Reflecting on this academic year, there have been so many moments where our young people have shown their talent, commitment, and resilience, giving their very best both in and out of the classroom, and in every corner of our school community.

Our students have embraced learning far beyond the classroom walls. Year 10 Science students took part in a University of Cambridge escape room event, working collaboratively to solve a series of challenging puzzles and crack an overarching mystery. Our Year 12 students spent a day at Reuters Global newsroom, attending career seminars, guided experiences led by journalists and editors, giving them valuable insight into journalism, media literacy and the global news industry. Meanwhile, our Key Stage 3 students explored art and ideas at the National Portrait Gallery and through a thought-provoking visit from the London Buddhist Centre, and our Year 7s took part in a wonderful cooking workshop with the Prept Foundation.

Creativity and expression have also been at the heart of this year. Our school production of We Will Rock You, in addition to the Peter Pan Tech Team production, was a fantastic achievement, brought to life by our talented students. Our Community Evening events once again celebrated the rich cultural diversity of Stokey bringing families, staff, and students together for a truly special occasion. And through sessions like The Riot Act, our Year 9 students explored important issues around peer pressure as part of our ongoing commitment to personal development and wellbeing.

We are enormously proud of how our young people continue to flourish in the classroom and far beyond it. All of this is helping to shape confident, capable young people, ready to take on an ever-changing world.

Our magazine, Spotlight, is now available to view using this link! The Summer Edition celebrates our amazing events and news stories from a busy term.

Staff Farewells

At this time of year, we sadly say goodbye to staff leaving us for pastures new and give our heartfelt gratitude for their services to the School.

First and foremost, I want to pay tribute to Jai Patel, teacher of Maths, who will be retiring after an extraordinary 32 years of service at SNS. Jai has been a constant and much-loved presence throughout that time, having taught, mentored, and inspired generation after generation of our students. Her expertise as a mathematician has been matched only by her compassion as a teacher, and she has touched countless lives, not just of the students she has taught, but of their families too.

Over three decades, Jai has seen the school change and grow, and through it all she has remained a steady, dedicated, and deeply valued member of our community.

We are enormously grateful for everything Jai has given to SNS over the years, and while her presence will be greatly missed by staff, students, and families alike, we wish her a very happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.

Our dedicated SENCo, Alex Bell, will be leaving us to take up a new position after three and a half years with the school. During this time, Alex has played a vital role in championing the needs of our young people with SEND, ensuring they receive the tailored support and encouragement needed to succeed. We are incredibly grateful for the difference Alex has made to students and families, and we wish them every success as they begin this new chapter.

We thank them and all our staff who are leaving SNS this year for their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to our young people. We wish them all the best in their next chapter.

A Level Results Day Thursday 13th August and GCSE Results Day Thursday 20th August

We look forward to celebrating the successes of our Year 11 and 13 students this summer. If students are unable to collect their results on the day, and would prefer a designated person to collect, please complete the online form using this link by Monday 10th August. This form can only be completed using your child’s school account.

The designated person collecting results will be asked to show a valid passport or driving licence. Results will not be emailed.

Support During Holiday Period

We understand it that there may be financial strains during the holiday period which can impact on families & young people’s mental health. Do know that there are points of support in the community such as Hackney Foodbank. Please be aware that there are helplines that will still be available throughout the Christmas period such as:

  • Mind
  • Samaritans – 116 123
  • Kooth
  • Grief Encounter – 0808 802 0111
  • Hopeline – 0800 068 4141

Mental Health Support Team (MHST) and Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools Team (WAMHS)

As we draw this year to an end, our wellbeing team is already planning for next year. To do this we ask for your feedback on the support you may benefit from. Please take the time to complete the parent questionnaire by using this link regarding the different workshops you may find helpful delivered by our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) and Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools Team (WAMHS).

Donation of Pre-Loved Items

As we approach the end of the academic year, we would be very grateful for any donations of good quality, unwanted school uniform, scientific calculators and revision guides. These items are enormously helpful in supporting families across our school community, particularly as pupils prepare for the transition into new year groups or begin study for examinations. If you have any items your child has outgrown or no longer requires, please drop them at reception, which is open during the Summer break. Your generosity makes a real difference to other families at SNS.

Summer Reading

2026 is the National Year of Reading. For many young people, reading for pleasure drops off when they get to secondary school. The National Year of Reading (NYR) aims to help by reconnecting young people to reading through their interests and everyday lives. You can find lots of advice, support, resources and events on their website using this link.

Hackney Libraries are running an exciting programme of events over the summer holidays to promote Reading for Pleasure. The Great Hackney Libraries Quest will run from 18th July to 12th September. Sign up is available at any Hackney Library for young people to pick up a booklet and start collecting stamps for reading books and taking part in activities. You can find further information using this link.

If you are looking for inspiration about how to get your child engaging in ready, the reading charity Book Trust has recommendations for all age groups which you can find using this link.

And finally, you can find some recommended reads from our own Year 7 Reading Ambassadors using this link.

Key Dates

You can find a reminder of our term dates for 2026-27 using this link and School Calendar using this link.

Finally, as another school year draws to a close, I want to pause and celebrate the achievements of our students. The resilience, curiosity, and determination this year has been nothing short of remarkable. For many who have faced challenges and risen high above these, we commend you.

To our wonderful staff, both teaching and support colleagues, thank you for everything you give, day in and day out. Your dedication and care shape the experience of every young person who walks through our doors.

To our parents and carers, thank you for standing alongside us this year. Your partnership makes such a difference to the outcomes we're able to achieve together.

I hope you all have a restful summer, with precious moments and memories made.

With best wishes,

Zehra Jaffer