Newsletter

Summer 2026

April/May 26

Message from the Headteacher

Firstly, a thank you to all parents who took the time to respond to our parent survey and provide feedback and ideas for school improvement. Almost all areas show improvement from last year, and I am delighted that 88% of students feel happy and safe and the same number of families feel able to recommend the school to others. 

In terms of improvements, it is a point well made on communications. Information can sometimes be difficult to find and these newsletters are not the mechanism to help families to plan. This will be the last newsletter in this format. We will be introducing a fortnightly newsletter from after May half term that is a single page that is focused upon practical matters such as calendar dates, trip payment dates and upcoming events. We are also asking staff to increase clarity around homework setting and using Google Classroom and Sparx more consistently. We are seeking to grow the extra-curricular offer, but we may need to charge for some of the additional sessions since they will be facilitated by external providers. Additional offers in the creative arts and football coaching are being communicated out by the respective departmental leads.

I would like to finish by commending Year 11 and 13 students who are undertaking their public exams at the moment. They have conducted themselves in exemplary manner and are as well prepared as they can be, with many having taken advantage of the after-school revision sessions this year, the HfL education led sessions and the pre-exam warm ups that we have offered Year 11. I wish your sons and daughters well for the remainder of the exams season.

Our attention then turns to the new Year 7 and 12, with induction sessions for those transferring from primary and into Sixth Form just around the corner. We are also updating our prospectus and making a new school film this term. We are seeking parents to make short video testimonials, please contact admin@verulam.aetrust.uk to register your interest.

Fergal Moane
Headteacher

Verulam Update

Mr Pettitt Selected for Prestigious Google & GSV Ed Leader Fellowship

We are incredibly proud to announce that Mr J. Pettitt has been selected as part of the UK K-12 Google & GSV Education Leader Fellowship! Mr Pettitt is honoured to join an extraordinary cohort of digital directors, school leaders and Multi-Academy Trust executives, representing the Ambition Education Trust and Verulam School on a global stage. These Fellows are driving structural innovation across the UK’s unique education landscape in order to scale success for every learner. By exploring crucial themes like pedagogy first implementation, A.I. driven personalisation, digital equity and administrative efficiency, these Fellows are working to reclaim invaluable human connection for both teachers and students. Their efforts are set to redefine what is possible in classrooms across the UK, ensuring every young person has a future ready foundation to thrive. Congratulations, Mr Pettitt!

Verulam School

 

Curriculum News

Celebrating Digital Excellence in Year 7: Google Workspace Skills Gold Award

We are immensely proud to uphold our status as a Google Reference School, a distinction that reflects our commitment to integrating technology into our curriculum. Since September, our Year 7 students have been honing their digital fluency through bespoke Google Workspace Skills training. During weekly form time, students engage in interactive simulations to master the essentials of Google Classroom, Docs, Drive, Slides and Gmail. This structured approach ensures every student can confidently navigate our digital learning environment - whether they are organising their schoolwork in Drive or collaborating on a project in Docs.

Beyond the core curriculum, many students rose to the challenge by optionally completing advanced tutorials in Sheets, Forms, Calendar, Keep and Meet. We are thrilled to announce that several students have successfully achieved "Google Guru" status, earning their prestigious Google Workspace Gold Award Certification. This is a fantastic achievement that demonstrates high level independence and technical skill. A huge well done to: Thomas N, Adam B, Alexander D, Arthur N, Bradley S, Brandon I, Callum L, Charlie W, Ethan C, Hunter D, Krish S, Max K, Michael B, Noah H, Rowan M and Theo A!

Mr J Pettitt

Computing Achievements

Year 7 Computing – Cyber Security

Last half term, Year 7 students learnt about Cyber Security by completing a series of online challenges and activities created by the UK Government. This platform has been quality assured by SCQF (the Scottish Qualifications Authority).
Congratulations to the following Year 7 students for exceeding the Cyber Explorers minimum requirements completing the full Cyber Explorers course and got awarded their SQCF Level 4 certificate.
Alfie M, Isaac A, Jacob T and Bradley S.

Year 12 Computer Science – Code going to space!

Our Year 12 Computer Scientist’s code is going to space! The team lead by Ioan entered into the Astro Pi Challenge to get their code sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to run on a dedicated Astro Pi computer. The code has to meet the stringent requirements needed to keep the ISS still in space after running it! We received confirmation that their code has met these criteria and will be run on the ISS later this year. The team were Ioan L (Team Leader), Matthew C, Max D, Hudson N and Jacky P.

Year 11 Final Scripted Exam

On Wednesday 22nd April the Year 11 GCSE Drama group presented their scenes from the acclaimed play 'Posh' by Laura Wade, to the OCR external examiner.

They all did very well, and they looked fantastic in their costumes.

Mr N Moseley

Enrichment

 ‘My Money Matters’ – Course Completion Deadline

This is a gentle reminder to the parents and carers of Year 10 and 12 students who signed up in the Autumn term to participate in the digital ‘My Money Matters’ financial literacy course offered by the educational charity Young Enterprise. The course takes approximately six hours in total to finish and must be completed by the end of this 2025/26 academic year.

In order to facilitate the successful completion of the course and issue a copy of the certificate in a timely manner, we are setting a deadline to have completed the course by Friday 19th June.

Well done to those students who have already completed the course and for those students who are still working their way through the course, there is enough time left to complete it and good luck with finishing it. After the Friday 19th June deadline, all students who have completed the course will receive their certificate.

If your son/daughter requires any help with completing the course or has lost their log-in details, then they should seek support from Mr Engel who is based in the Business Block.

Mr T Engel 

my money matters full flyer mr t engel.pdf

Personal Development

 

Year 9 Scholars’ Programme

In the Spring term selected Year 9 students took part in our annual Scholars’ Programme, organised by Brilliant Club. During the course, the boys met with their tutor who guided them through the course using a seminar approach to the sessions. The course is different every year and is based on the specialism of the visiting University tutor. This year’s course was called: 

This culminated in the boys having to independently write a 2,000 word response to this question: How can art utilise documentary techniques not just to present reality but to question and reframe it?

This is a challenging task and unlike anything the boys have done in school. They rose to the challenge and produced some excellent work with 3 of the boys achieving top grades for their work. 

On 12th May I had the great pleasure of accompanying the students who completed the essay on a trip to Balliol College, Oxford University where they learnt a little about university life, the ‘College’ system at Oxford and Cambridge and had a chance to reflect on their experience on the Scholars' Programme course.  At lunchtime, we sat in the dining hall at Balliol College and admired the splendour of our surroundings whilst having lunch. In the afternoon, students from 20 different schools came together in the beautiful Town Hall in Oxford for the Graduation Ceremony. It was a memorable day and an occasion for us to be proud of our school and our students.

(photos in Verulam Pictures/newsletter/April May folder)

Mrs Avery

 

Verulam KS3 Essay Competition

This term we announced the winners of the KS3 Verulam Essay Competition. The challenge was for students to bring together their English, Maths and Science strengths to write an essay to persuade me that they had created the design for the ‘perfect flower’. The winners were:

Year 9: Samuel B

Year 8: Nilesh P S and Ollie S

Year 7: Harry S, Krish S and Rio C-C

The winners all received the prestigious GOLD STAG Scholars’ badge.

Below is a short extract from some of the essays to give you a flavour of the quality of their writing:

“The name of my flower is ‘Altissimus Flora’ originating from Latin, interpreted as ' tall flower’ in English. It grows 4.14 meters. A meter of the flower is underground serving the purpose of roots. There is only 3.14 meters of the flower above the ground. The flower has 314 leaves and petals in total which equals Pi multiplied by one-hundred.” Nilesh P S, Year 8.

“Whilst having familiar green leaves for photosynthesis to ensure the flower has enough food to grow using sunlight, the flower would attract many pollinators due to its superior and distinctive petal arrangement. My petals are inspired by the tube-shaped petals of the hibiscus, attracting hummingbirds who would use their long bills to drink nectar within the flower which would not be possible with other potential pollinators.” Samuel B, Year 9.

Mrs Avery

 

Super Curriculum

Another way to get a Gold Stag Scholars’ badge is by completing 20 of the tasks on our Super Curriculum (found on the school website). Students in Years 7, 8, 9 and Sixth Form have a huge range of subject-specific Super Curriculum tasks they can explore in their own time.  When they complete a task they submit their work using the ‘submit’ button and save their evidence in their Unifrog ‘locker’ which they know how to access.  I am delighted to say that our first Year 7 Gold Stag badge has been awarded this month to Bradley S, 7H. Well done, Bradley!

Mrs Avery

 

ECO Council

Our Eco Council members in Year 8 have been inspired by the Big Bird Watch which we took part in last term and have been thinking about how to look after garden birds in the Spring and Summer:

‘From May onwards the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) has asked that households stop putting out nuts and seeds for birds. They are asking that between 1st May and 31st October householders take down seeds from birdfeeders. The RSPB are also suggesting that birdbaths water is changed at least twice a day. This is due to the rise in diseases in bird populations, due to many birds all gathering together in one place (e.g. birdbaths and feeders) . Thriconomosis the disease that has caused this statement to be put out has killed many birds (E.g. bullfinches and chaffinches).’ Written by Alex H and Naoki M, Year 8.

Straight after half term, students from the Eco Council will present assemblies to further awareness of all things Eco and the good work students have accomplished in this area so far this year.

Mrs Avery

The Great Gardening Club, Tuesdays at 1:30pm, in A3

With the help of Mr Ivers, a member of our site team, we have ambitions to grow fruit and vegetables on our site. So far, members of the club have been given a tomato plant each to grow at home. Each week we will compare and discuss progress!

We have also potted up some beans (currently hardening off on the windowsills in Art – thank you art team for the loan of the space). When we feel that it is safe to put them out in the grounds (when there isn’t a likelihood of a frost) we will give them a set of canes to grow up and we will see how many bean types we can grow. We also intend to plant rhubarb, strawberries and raspberries. There is plenty for everyone to do, everyone is welcome – if students would like to join us they can come along to a meeting on the next Tuesday. 

Mrs Avery

Instrumental lessons

Are you looking for a new challenge or have always wanted to learn an instrument? 
Verulam is partnered with Herts Music Service and have a group of highly skillful peripatetic teachers who have a wide range of musical experiences in playing instruments. If you wish to know more, or are keen to try Violin or Viola lessons please speak to Ms Way. Alternatively you can sign up directly to Herts Music Service.

Ms A Way

 

Events

 Celebration Evening (Years 7, 8, 9 and 10)

Nominations for the end of term awards are coming in thick and fast. Parents/carers will be invited in the coming weeks should your son receive an award nomination.
Year 9&10 Celebration Evening takes place on Tuesday 23rd June.
Year 7&8 Celebration Evening takes place on Tuesday 7th July.
More details to follow!

Mrs L Askem

Sustainability in the Spotlight: April in the Library

This April, we celebrated Earth Day with the theme: Our Power, Our Planet.
Students spent the month deepening their understanding of global challenges and explored ways to make a positive impact through different challenges and activities in the library.
The library hosted a series of events including the Changing Planet Reading Challenge and the 'Escape the Climate Crisis' interactive escape room. We also hosted an innovative 'Trash to Treasure' creative project.

Well done to everyone who took part, especially Adam B. for his ingenious upcycling; he repurposed a milk carton into a miniature Verulam Garden and transformed a ketchup bottle into a functional bird feeder, incredible!

Ms G Pettitt

May in the Library: The Get Caught Reading Takeover

As part of our commitment to the National Year of Reading, we launched the 'Get Caught Reading' whole-school initiative to keep our students inspired and maintain reading momentum during the summer term. The response was phenomenal with over 260 students being caught from Years 7-12 and a massive 550+ house points awarded. The top 10 readers will receive special prizes, and our top 3 champions will be honoured with trophies for their dedication.

The library has also been the place to be for fans of everything from lightsabres to magnifying glasses. From Star Wars and Harry Potter Day to Sherlock Holmes Day and Mental Health Awareness Week, there was something for everyone. We explored the connection between wellbeing and wit with our 'Humour x Mental Health' Reading Challenge and hosted a thrilling, student-made murder mystery: The Case of the Library Labyrinth.

Thank you and well done to our Library Supervisors and helpers for your continued commitment and dedication to making the library a vibrant space. Special student shout outs: Jacob W. for his incredible creativity in designing and launching the very popular detective mission. Finn J. and Adam B. for their fantastic Star Wars creations that brought our displays to life.

Reading Challenges Leaderboard

Churchill stays strong in first with Hamilton in second. Brampton and York are neck-and-neck in third place!

Coming up next month

48 nations.
16 cities.
1 library.
Something massive is kicking off in June.
Is it finally 'coming home'?
Join us in the library to find out…

Join Us for Verulam School’s Summer Book Fair!
From Monday 1st until Friday 5th June there will be a Scholastic summer book fair in the library. Students can explore the book fair during break and lunch, and parents and carers are invited to the afterschool bookfair Thursday 4th June from 3:30pm – 6pm where you can purchase books, stationery, and gifts at discounted prices. Every purchase also helps the school library expand its collection of titles.
Books can be purchased with cash or cashless options via QR code or directly at https://bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/pay. Gift vouchers are also available for convenient use at the fair- https://bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/gift-vouchers.

Ms G Pettitt

Fortnightly Focus and upcoming dates for the diary:

Fortnightly Focus and upcoming dates for the diary:

1 Jun - Term starts
2 Jun - Yr 12 NYC Parents Info Evening 6pm
4 Jun - Yr 12 Post 18 Options 6-7pm
6 Jun - Yr 12 Post 18 Options 10-11am
8 Jun - Yr 9 Exams and Yr 12 Threshold Exams (ALL WEEK)
9 Jun - Yr 9 Junior Maths Challenge
9 Jun - Yr 10 Kew Gardens Art Trip
9 Jun - New Yr 7 Transition Evening 6pm and 7pm
10 Jun - Future Ready Fund Trip
11 Jun - Yr 8 Maths Challenge
11 Jun - District Sports

Mrs L Askem

 

Community News

Woodstout 3 is back! Please support this amazing community event in honour of Mick Stout. Mick was the Director of Music at St Albans School. It takes place on Sunday 7th June at the Lower Red Lion Pub and all proceeds will go directly to The Hospice of St Francis. All ages welcome!

Mrs L Askem

Eid-Al-Fitr Lunch

Sixth Form

 A Fond Farewell: Celebrating the Class of 2026

May marked a significant milestone in our school calendar as we bid a "final" farewell to our Year 13 students before they embark on their public examinations. The corridors were a little more colorful (and perhaps a little more surreal) than usual, as the year group upheld the long-standing tradition of fancy dress to mark their last day of formal lessons.
From creative ensembles to questionable wigs, the atmosphere was a perfect reflection of this cohort: vibrant, energetic, and remarkably unified.
Two Years of Togetherness
Looking back over the past two years, this year group has defined itself through a genuine sense of togetherness. They have navigated the challenges of Sixth Form with a positive spirit that has been felt across the whole school. It hasn’t just been about the academics; it’s been about the culture they’ve built together.
A Legacy of "Firsts"
The Class of 2026 leaves behind a trail of impressive achievements that have set new benchmarks for the school:
Sporting Pioneers: We are incredibly proud of our first-ever girls’ netball and athletics teams, who have paved the way for future generations.
The Verulympics: For the first time, we saw full participation in the Verulympics sports festival, showcasing the competitive yet collaborative heart of this year group.
Sustainability Leaders: The Eco Council has gone from strength to strength, driving meaningful change in our school’s environmental footprint.
Student Leadership: Our Head Students and School Captain have served as exceptional role models, representing the student body with a level of pride and passion that will be hard to match.
Looking Ahead
To our Year 13s: You have been a genuine joy to teach. While the upcoming exam season is undoubtedly a period of hard work and focus, we will remember how much you have already accomplished. We have every confidence in your futures and wish you the very best of luck.
To the parents and carers: thank you. Your support throughout this educational journey has been the backbone of your children’s success. You have every reason to be incredibly proud of the young adults they have become.
Save the Date: Celebration Event
The journey isn't quite over yet! We are looking forward to coming together one last time to celebrate this fantastic year group properly.
Date: 19th June
Event: Year 13 Celebration Event
We look forward to seeing you there to raise a glass to the Class of 2026!

Mr S Base

Sporting Update

 Sporting Update

 

A very busy summer term for the PE Department, with excellent performances in both the District and County Athletics tournaments, as well as the County Doubles tournaments.

Our cricket teams have been highly competitive, narrowly losing two matches on the final ball. The Year 7 team progressed through to the next round of the District Cup with some excellent performances.

In the County Futsal tournaments, both teams reached the finals, with one losing narrowly and the other suffering heartbreak in a penalty shootout. Well done to all pupils involved for their fantastic effort and commitment throughout the term.

Mr Errington 

Trips, Visits and Workshops

 Residential Reminders

Upcoming residential trip reminders:
7 Jun - Yr 12 Valencia Trip departs
9 Jun - Yr 10 Valencia Trip departs
12 Jun - Yr 7 Lakes Trip departs - Group 1*
13 Jun - Valencia Trip returns
16 Jun - Yr 7 Lakes Trip departs - Group 2*
16 Jun - Yr 7 Lakes Trip returns - Group 1
20 Jun - Yr 7 Lakes Trip returns - Group 2

Further ahead:
28 Jun - Yr 8 PGL Trip*
29 Jun - Yr 12 New York* Sociology Trip
29 Jun - Yr 8 Barcelona Football
5 Jul - Yr 9 North Wales Trip*
12 Jul - Yr 10 DofE Bronze Expedition

* some payments are still outstanding. If you have outstanding payments please get in touch with the Trips Administrator.

Miss L Askem

Wellbeing and Mental Health

 Breaking the Silence for Mental Health Awareness Week

As a Mental Health Mentor, I am incredibly proud of the entire school’s efforts during our recent Mental Health Awareness Week. With the leadership of our Mental Health Lead Practitioner, Mr. Holding, the Mental Health Team and I set out to create awareness on the stigma behind well-being in an all-boys environment. On Thursday, Verulam had a fantastic school wide ‘Wear it Green’ non-uniform day and a massive bake sale, proudly supported by our dedicated House Captains up and down the school. We raised £750! Every penny is being donated directly to Youth Talk, a vital charity in St Albans and Hertfordshire, providing crucial counselling to young people. Beyond fundraising, this week was about education. During the week, Youth Talk and the University of Greenwich worked together to conduct workshops with our pupils for a project called ‘Breaking the Silence’. As research subjects, we provided some first-hand experiences and knowledge on the best ways to address young men’s mental health. Verulam’s solution was clear… to eradicate the stigma of men and boys’ mental health, and the pressures of masculinity. This is what myself, Evan, and Josh (Year 12) spoke about in front of the wider Verulam community, Youth Talk, and the University. Thank you so much to everyone who donated, baked, wore green, or spoke up. At Verulam, we ensure everyone, whether in Year 7, starting secondary life, or in Year 11, taking their GCSE or A Level exams, is provided with the support they need to thrive.

Jago A, Mental Health Mentor