Dear Families
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in good health. With just one week of term remaining after this, we have reached the point in the year where the calendar becomes a blur of sports days, residentials, rewards trips and celebrations — and this week delivered all of them. We held a Sports Day that will take some beating, with more than 1,300 students out on the field; our Year 12 geographers returned from four days of fieldwork on the South Wales coast; and we hosted the assessor for our Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence review. It is at this end of the year, when the pressure of examinations lifts and the true character of a school reveals itself, that I find myself most proud to be part of this community. There is a great deal to share, so let us begin.
Inclusion Quality Mark
Last week we hosted a visit from our Inclusion Quality Mark assessor as part of the assessment process for our Centre of Excellence status. I’m delighted to share with you that we have retained our status and received glowing verbal feedback about the provision we have in place to meet the needs of our students. Two of my favourite excerpts from the day are below:
“During the learning walk at Derby Moor Spencer Academy, a strong sense of consistency, clarity, and high expectations was evident across the school. The academy’s motto, ‘Together We Succeed,’ is not only visible in displays but deeply embedded in the culture, routines, and relationships observed throughout the visit. This ethos permeates every aspect of school life, creating a cohesive and inclusive environment where all pupils are supported to thrive.”
“The school’s culture of belonging is powerfully symbolised by a sign that I encountered as I arrived and is visible across the school; ‘Remember you are always a Derby Moor Student.’ This simple yet profound message encapsulates the academy’s ethos of lifelong connection, care, and community. It is a daily reminder to staff, pupils, and visitors that Derby Moor is more than a school; it is a place where every individual is valued, supported, and celebrated.”
It is lovely to hear an external audience recognise what our team here do, day in day out, to help our young people, your children, to develop into well-rounded, confident, successful young adults. I’m proud of everyone involved and grateful to the IQM team for taking the time to visit our provision again.
PEEA Update
Sports day 2026: What an incredible Sports Day we had! Over 1,300 students took part throughout the day, showcasing their talents, teamwork, and determination across a wide range of sports and events.
It was wonderful to see so many students actively participating and celebrating each other’s achievements. The day finished on a high with the Staff & Sixth Form relay, which was enjoyed by everyone and brought the community together in great spirit. A new addition this year was the staff fancy dress race, which was enjoyed by all.
A huge well done to all students who took part, tried their best, and represented their houses and year groups so brilliantly. You made us all very proud.
Thank you to the PE department, all staff, and Sixth Form Sports Leaders for making the day run smoothly, and to everyone who came to support and cheer on our students.
It was an amazing collective effort and one of my most memorable days at the academy.
Post 16 Update
Geography Residential: Our Year 12 Geography students recently returned from a fantastic 4-day, 3-night residential visit to Port Eynon in South Wales, where they completed essential fieldwork for their NEA coursework. Blessed with glorious sunshine throughout the trip, students investigated a range of coastal processes and management strategies, focusing on coastal landforms, sand dune succession, and coastal management. Fieldwork took place at the stunning Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay, providing excellent opportunities to collect high-quality data in spectacular surroundings. We stayed in a hostel overlooking Port Eynon Bay, with uninterrupted views across the Bristol Channel, making it the perfect base for both work and relaxation. Evenings were equally memorable, with traditional fish and chips by the sea, breathtaking sunsets, watching the Spain vs France football match together, and enjoying hundreds of board games. The residential was an invaluable academic experience that also allowed students to build friendships, develop independence, and create lasting memories.
Year 12: Students recently took part in a dedicated UCAS and Post-18 Destinations Day. Throughout the day, students explored a wide range of pathways, including university and apprenticeships. Students received expert guidance on researching university courses, beginning their UCAS applications and developing their personal statements. We would encourage parents and carers to continue these conversations at home by exploring the UCAS Parent Guide and visiting university open days over the coming months. These experiences can play a valuable role in helping students make confident and informed choices about their future.
Year 13: We look forward to seeing our Year 13 students on Thursday 13th August to collect results. We strongly encourage students to collect results in person to celebrate together and receive support with next steps. School will be open in the morning at 8am. We encourage students to arrive promptly if they are looking to use clearing to gain university offers. Further information has been emailed to student school emails about how to access results and support if students are away.
Year 10 Update
As we reach the end of another busy academic year, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on what has been a fantastic year for our Year 10 cohort — one of significant growth, challenge and achievement, both academically and personally, as they prepare for the important year ahead.
A major milestone this term was the completion of the Year 10 mock examinations. I have been incredibly impressed by the maturity shown by the vast majority of students throughout the examination period. They approached the process with resilience and determination, gaining invaluable experience of formal GCSE examinations, and have continued to engage positively with intervention sessions, revision opportunities and independent study — placing them in a strong position as they move into Year 11.
Attendance, punctuality and attitudes to learning have remained key priorities throughout the year, and it has been encouraging to see so many students respond positively to the high expectations we continue to set. Alongside academic progress, Year 10 students have contributed richly to the wider life of the school — representing Derby Moor through sport, performing in our production of Matilda Jr., supporting charity events, mentoring younger students, and consistently demonstrating kindness and respect. Excitement is already building, too, following the announcement of the We Will Rock You cast, which features an impressive number of Year 10 students in leading and ensemble roles.
This has been a year of hard work, perseverance and personal growth. Year 10 have embraced new challenges, overcome setbacks, and matured into a cohort ready to take on the demands of their final year. I wish them all a safe, restful and well-deserved summer, and we look forward to welcoming them back in September as our new Year 11s, ready for the final stage of their GCSE journey.
Key Stage 3 Update
Reflecting on a Successful Year: As we come to the end of the academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents and carers for the support you have provided throughout the year. Your partnership has played a vital role in helping our students achieve success both in and out of the classroom.
This year has been filled with many memorable experiences and achievements across Key Stage 3. Students have embraced a wide range of opportunities, demonstrated resilience in their learning and consistently represented Derby Moor with pride. Whether through lessons, enrichment activities, educational visits or school events, it has been fantastic to see our young people grow in confidence, maturity and independence.
We are incredibly proud of everything our students have accomplished this year and would like to thank them for their hard work, positive attitudes and commitment to our school values.
Reading Update
As we come to the end of our NGRT (New Group Reading Test) assessments, I would like to say a huge well done to all of our students for the mature and positive way they have approached the process. They have shown excellent resilience and effort throughout the assessment period.
The NGRT assessments provide us with valuable information about each student’s reading strengths and areas for development, helping us to ensure that every student receives the right support to continue making progress.
As we head into the summer holidays, we would like to encourage all students to keep reading regularly. Sparx Reader will remain available throughout the summer, providing an excellent opportunity to continue developing reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary while earning points and rewards.
Just 15–20 minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference, and we hope students will take advantage of Sparx Reader alongside enjoying books, magazines or newspapers of their own choice.
Year 10 Hospitality & Catering
This week, Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students completed their first three hour practical mock exam. Students were given a scenario and had to plan, cook and present two dishes that considered the nutritional needs of different groups, including toddlers, 10 – year old children on a residential trip, winners of sporting events and accompanying adults. The students did exceptionally well, made all components from scratch and created high quality dishes to be proud of! The Technology Department would like to thank parents for providing students with their ingredients.
Uniform
A reminder that you can find our uniform requirements on our website to help you prepare your child for a positive start in September. You can find details about our uniform suppliers here. I would encourage you to take a copy of our webpage with you to ensure that trousers, skirts and shoes fit the requirements stated on the website. These tend to be the items require the most attention when purchasing new, as we understand that students’ interpretation of what is acceptable and what is not may deviate somewhat from what is outlined on our website.
Alton Towers
Information regarding the Alton Towers trip on Monday 20th July, along with student expectations, have been sent out via ClassCharts. Please do check for this if your child is due to travel.
Library Update
Please remind you child that if they have any outstanding library books, these should be returned before the end of term. The library is being refurbished over the holidays and Ms Jones is starting to pack everything away in preparation. There are around 50 books still to be returned.
Safe & Sound
Safe & Sound are currently recruiting parents, grandparents and carers to become EPEC (Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities) Group Leaders. This is a free training opportunity for those who would like to support other local families while developing new skills, building confidence and making a positive contribution to their community.
No previous experience is required. Successful applicants will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from our EPEC team before co-delivering evidence-based parenting programmes alongside experienced practitioners.
The next training programme begins on Wednesday 23rd September, further details can be found here
Start and end of term
You will be aware that school ends on Friday 24th July with a slightly earlier finish than normal. September starts with two staff training days and then a staggered introduction for students. Effectively, Years 7, 11, 12 and 13 will begin on Friday 4th September, followed by Years 8, 9 and 10 who start on the Monday 7th. The day will begin as normal with doors opening at 8.30 and students in form time for 8.40. You can find the letter for families here. Students will use the entrances they have been using over the last few weeks of this term.
For parents of new Year 7, is quite normal for them to be a little anxious in the final few days before they start with us. Please rest assured that the first few days are geared around settling them in and building up their confidence. They will be tired but I’m sure they will have a positive start to the next chapter in their personal development.
Holiday Activities & Food (HAF)
Have you booked your child a place at one of the FREE holiday clubs for the summer holidays yet? If your child receives benefits-related free school meals, they are entitled to attend this summer break. Follow the instructions in your email from HolidayActivities.com to book before it’s too late! Further details can be found at: www.derby.gov.uk/derbyHAF. Providers who still have spaces can be found here.
Careers Update
This week’s job of the week is a “Wind Turbine Technician”
Derby Moor Dispatch: The Dispatch is emailed to the students’ school email address, so it is important that they check this regularly. You can also view the Dispatch via the Careers page of the Derby Moor website. Please take a look at the website as there is a wealth of useful information including a specific page for parents.
Luminate Careers: Our independent and impartial Careers Advisers from Luminate Careers have an excellent website with a wealth of useful information Please have a look at these links designed for parents/carers about careers conversation starters and Post 16 Options.
Final notes
Of everything contained in this week’s update, it is the Inclusion Quality Mark report I keep returning to. Not because external validation is what drives us — it isn’t — but because of one line the assessor chose to single out: the sign, visible across our school, that reads “Remember you are always a Derby Moor student.” The assessor described it as a message of “lifelong connection, care, and community,” and I think they understood something important about who we are.
Because that sentence is not aspirational marketing. It is a statement of fact, and one that this fortnight has demonstrated more clearly than any report could. It is why our Year 13 students, who finished their examinations weeks ago, will still be welcomed back through our doors on results day in August and further forward as alumni. It is why our new Year 7 students, who have spent just three days with us, already belong. It is why more than 1,300 young people spent a hot Thursday cheering each other on rather than simply competing. A school is not a set of results or a building or even a curriculum. It is a community of people who have decided that they belong to one another — and an external assessor walking our corridors for a day felt that clearly enough to write it down.
Next week is our last of the year, and it will be no less full for being the final one. For now, thank you — to our staff, whose care the IQM assessor saw so plainly, and to you, our families, for the partnership that makes it all possible.
A brief practical note: we will be continuing with relaxed uniform for the remainder of this week, and I will confirm the details separately.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Scott Doyle
Principal