Announcement

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please read this information carefully and keep it ready for the beginning of next term. This letter will also be on the school website, where it can be translated into different languages.

Re: End of Term arrangements

Arrangements for the last day of term: Friday 19th December 2025: Students should come to school at the normal time in uniform. Students will leave at 12.10pm.

Re: Start of term – Monday 5 th January 2026

Week B Monday 5th January 2026 is the first day of term. Please note it is a Week B. Everyone should be through the school gates and on the school site at 8.20am. They will go into lessons at 8.25am for a prompt start to teaching in Lesson 1 at 8.30am.

School Newsletter - The latest version of the school newsletter will be emailed to all Parents and Carers and can also be found on the website. There are lots of inspirational stories about the staff and students at our wonderful school. I am always delighted to see the wonderful achievements of our children and young people. Please take a moment to read it.

Please be reminded that our new MOBILE PHONE Policy starts in January. There is full information on the school website. In short year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students will only be allowed a BASIC phone. All Smart phones will be confiscated. Please ensure your child is compliant with the new policy. Please also see overleaf for further information for families about punctuality, uniform, Parent Pay and the school Behaviour for Learning Policy.

Please also note that Year 12 Parents Evening is on 15th January 2026.

Please be aware that the school is closed for the holiday from 1pm on Friday 19th December 2025 until 8am on Monday 5th January 2026. This means that the telephone will not be answered, staff will not respond to TEAMs messages and staff will not reply to emails until term starts again. Safeguarding information is available on the school website.

And finally … We say goodbye to Mr Pike (PCC), Ms Hurst (SPS), Ms Regisford (Safeguarding) and Ms Bhutta (Business & IT Department). We wish our colleagues all the very best in their new ventures and futures and thank them for their commitment and hard work for the children at Caterham High.

This term has been busy and focused on learning. Our students have been fantastic as always, and our staff show their commitment and dedication every day in their hard work and diligence.

Thank you, as always, to all the parents and carers who are supportive of the school, the ethos and values, expectations, and aspirations that we have for all the students at Caterham High.

I wish you all the best for a peaceful Christmas holiday.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Chapple

Headteacher

 

Important additional information for families: 

Punctuality to school:

The vast majority of our students are on time for school and lessons. As such they form a wonderful positive student body that engages in leaning and are part of a rich and harmonious community. Well done to you all!

However, a small group of children are frequently late to school. I would urge all parents and carers to support their children to be on time to school, every day, so they do not miss teaching which cannot be repeated. Please consider these points below to ensure your child’s good punctuality and attendance:

• Travel arrangements: Please ensure that over the holiday you check travel arrangements, especially buses, and ensure you and your child plan for busy bus times. Please consider if it is sometimes quicker to walk for part of a journey. Students should be through the gates and on the site at 8.20am. Students must not be late for school as they will miss teaching during the first lesson.

• Punctuality to school: Both sets of gates will close at 8.25am promptly. Students who arrive after 8.25am will be deemed to be late to school and will need to report to the Caterham Avenue gate. This enables us to start learning promptly at 8.30am. Please remind your children that punctuality to school is very important. Lateness is sanctioned by the school.

• Breakfast club: Every student can attend Breakfast Club, so setting off in good time and arriving at school before 8.20am is not a problem. There is a free toasted bagel for every child in the morning. This means that no child has a reason to arrive after 8.20am. Breakfast club runs from 7.45am until 8.15am. Students must enter by the side car park gate in Heathcote Avenue and walk to the Youth Centre. Entry is via the ramp to the Youth Centre. Students will stay in the Youth Centre under the supervision of staff unless they are participating in a staffed club.

• 6th Form students can access morning study sessions in the Lower Study Area by arrangement with the 6th Form staff. If not attending the 6th Form early morning facility, all other 6th Form students must arrive to school as normal, ensuring that they are present at 8:20am, ready for classes to begin at 8:25am.

• The end of the day: Lessons finish at 3pm (except Week B Friday where school ends at 2.10pm). Students can leave by either gate. If you are picking up your child, please ensure you know which gate they will use to exit the school.

Detentions start at 3pm. These 30 minute detentions are “no notice detentions” and finish after 30 minutes of compliance. Parents are not notified of same day detentions. Please do not call the school to query this. Parents and carers are notified of other longer detentions, that finish later than 3.30pm. 

Ready to Learn! Getting organised over the winter!

Please ensure that your child has the correct uniform and equipment for school. Uniform and equipment rules and guidance are on the website. If a family is facing financial hardship, then they should contact the Head of Year on welcome@ecaterham.net and we will see if we are able to help.

We have high expectations of our students with regard to uniform. Please note in particular that only one religious bracelet or bangle is allowed, and this should be small and plain. All other jewellery will be confiscated. 6th Form students are expected to wear Business Dress – 6th Form leaders will discuss infringements with students and offer remedies as appropriate.

Please read the Behaviour Policy (on the website) over the winter break so that you and your child are aware of, and are clear about, our high standards and possible sanctions. In particular please be reminded about the rules and sanction with regard to mobile phones. 

If you have a Parent Pay account, please top this up ready for January. If you have any issues with Parent Pay, please contact Ms Curpen who will be happy to help you: r.curpen@ecaterham.net