Dear Families,
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in good health. I am writing this on Sunday evening, two days after the last student left the building, and the school is completely still — which is, I think, the only vantage point from which you can properly take in a year like the one we have just had. I held this final update back rather than sending it on Friday, partly because the last day of term is always busy, and partly because I wanted the chance to look back properly rather than in passing. Friday also brought farewells to colleagues who are moving on, and there is always a particular sadness to that, compounded by knowing our community will not gather again until September.
And what a year to look back on. Year 11 Textiles students whose work led to a letter from Kensington Palace. Three teams in the national final of the Big Bang Challenge. A production of Matilda Jr. that people are still talking about. City Sports podium finishes in fifteen events. Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, a Geography residential in South Wales, mock interviews that had employers writing to tell us they were the best they had been involved in. And, in the final fortnight, external confirmation of what our staff do every day: the retention of our Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence status, alongside our Careers Mark. Neither of those is given lightly, and neither is really about paperwork — they are about the experience your children have here.
Start and end of term
You will be aware that school ended 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.
Post 16 Update
Year 12: The latest progress reports have been sent home which include mock results and current predicted grades. We encourage families to discuss these at home. The grades, which will be used as forecast grades on UCAS applications, are available on Unifrog. The summer holidays are an important opportunity for students to rest and also prepare for Year 13. Students have received summer work for each subject to consolidate their Year 12 learning. Alongside this we encourage them to research Post 18 options and work on their personal statement draft which is due in September.
A Level Results Day, Thursday 13th August: We will be open in the morning from 8:00am for Year 13s to collect results. Families are very welcome to attend, please note we can only give results directly to students. It is important students attend so we can celebrate achievements, offer support, and record their destination for September. The Sixth Form Team will be available to support with clearing (where universities list courses which have places available). We recommend students look at possible courses here ahead of results day and that they arrive promptly so calls can be made quickly when results have been received.
If students cannot attend due to exceptional circumstances, please email exams@derbymoorspencer.org.uk in advance and then on Results Day email Mrs Gardiner to confirm the university course, apprenticeship or job they will be starting in September.
Sixth Form Admissions: We are looking forward to having our new Year 12 cohort begin in September. After collecting their results on Thursday 20th August, students will meet with the Sixth Form Team to accept their offer and enrol. They should bring their offer letter, GCSE results, and, ideally, a parent or carer. If they would like to change a course, they may request this. As this is an important decision, please consider any changes carefully in advance and be prepared to explain your reasons for wishing to study the course. All requests will be reviewed, and any revised offers will be subject to meeting entry requirements, course availability, and timetabling constraints. You will receive confirmation of possible course changes by Monday 24th August. If students are away over results day you will need to email sixthform@derbymoorspencer.org.uk to accept their place, please let us know in advance if they intend to do this.
Year 10 Update
Year 10 – NHS Virtual Work Experience Opportunity: An information email has been shared with Year 10 students promoting the NHS Allied Healthcare Virtual Work Experience Programme taking place on Sunday 2nd August.
The virtual programme offers students interested in healthcare careers the opportunity to explore a range of NHS professions, develop their understanding of patient care and multidisciplinary working, and gain valuable insight to support future college, university and apprenticeship applications. Students who participate will also receive a certificate of attendance.
This is an excellent opportunity for students considering careers in healthcare, medicine, or the wider NHS to broaden their experience over the summer holidays.
Key Stage 3 Update
As we come to the end of another successful academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued commitment to your child’s education throughout Years 7 and 8. Your support, encouragement and partnership with the school have played a vital role in helping our students grow academically, socially and personally. We greatly appreciate the positive impact that your involvement has on your child’s progress and wellbeing and we’re proud of all that our students have achieved this year.
We look forward to welcoming students into Year 8 and 9 on Monday 7th September 2026.
Year 8 Employability Day: Last Friday, our Year 8 students took part in an exciting Employability Day delivered in partnership with Tilbury Douglas. A total of 100 students participated in a range of engaging, hands-on activities designed to develop key employability skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity and problem-solving. The day included immersive experiences using VR headsets, interactive digital frogs and digital LEGO technology, as well as a Dragon’s Den-style challenge. In this final activity, students worked collaboratively to design a costume made entirely from recycled newspaper before pitching their ideas to a panel, demonstrating their innovation, confidence and presentation skills. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore the world of work while developing valuable skills for their future careers. We would like to thank Tilbury Douglas for delivering such an inspiring and memorable day.
Arbor Update
Please be reminded that our school operates primarily on a cashless basis, with Arbor as our main platform for transactions. Items such as ties, lanyards, planners, trips and other school-related purchases should be made via Arbor. If you do not yet have an account set up, please contact the Finance Office for assistance.
Computing Update
This academic year has been an exceptionally bright and inspiring one for the Computing Department. A definitive highlight was our collaboration with the financial and business advisory firm Cooper Parry. They visited our department to lead dynamic, empowering sessions specifically designed to encourage girls in tech. Focusing on the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence, these sessions provided our students with crucial industry insights, shattered stereotypes, and ignited a passion for future careers in technology.
Our focus on future pathways was further enriched by a wonderful visit from our alumni students, who returned to raise awareness about the vast array of careers available in computing across all spheres. Hearing first-hand from former students provided incredible inspiration. One returning alumna shared her journey of coding professionally and her exciting next step of joining Imperial College London to further her computing studies. Another successful alumnus shared valuable insights from their career working with the global data and information services company, Experian. Together, they perfectly demonstrated where a foundation in computing can lead.
In addition to exploring these career pathways, students actively bridged the gap between the classroom and the professional world through diverse employability projects. Budding developers and designers took on real-world briefs, successfully mastering website design and mobile app development. These practical experiences not only sharpened their technical skill sets but also built the teamwork, project management, and problem-solving abilities that will give them a distinct edge in their future careers.
Our commitment to digital citizenship was also at the forefront this year during our Internet Safety Day initiatives. The department led vital, engaging campus-wide conversations and activities centred on navigating the digital landscape securely and responsibly. By empowering students with the knowledge to protect their data and wellbeing online, the department reinforced its mission to nurture not just skilled technologists, but thoughtful and safe digital citizens.
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 that 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 Rewards Trip
On Monday 20th July, a group of our students enjoyed a fantastic rewards trip to Alton Towers. This trip recognised those students who have consistently demonstrated the high expectations we set at Derby Moor Spencer Academy through their excellent behaviour and attitude throughout the year.
The day was a great success, with students representing the Academy exceptionally well and enjoying a well-deserved day celebrating their achievements. We look forward to offering more reward opportunities like this in the future as we continue to recognise and celebrate students at Derby Moor Spencer Academy.
Mobile Phones
From September 2026, we will be a phone-free Academy. Any phone brought onto the Academy site must be switched off and locked away in the student’s own locker, from arrival until the end of the day. Our preference is that students do not bring a phone to the Academy at all. However, we recognise that some students travel long distances, so we are providing a brand new, secure personal locker for those who need to bring one. See the announcement on Classcharts for more information and a letter with some FAQs that will be shared later in the summer break.
Derby Promise Summer Festival
Derby Promise Game Changers is a free summer festival for young people aged 14-18, combining sport, creativity, skills development and career exploration in an exciting programme of activities. Young people will have the chance to try activities, build confidence, develop teamwork and take part in workshops. It runs from10-14 August at the Rolls-Royce Pavilion, Moor Lane, Allenton. Further details and how to book can be found here.
Drop-offs and Pick-up from September
We will be making some updates to our turning circle this summer to help with the flow of traffic in the mornings and evenings. In effect, there will now be a dedicated ‘drop-off’ lane and a ‘no stopping’ lane around the turning circle. This is to allow families to safely drop students off and make a quick departure. The arrangements will be clearly signed with the right-hand lane being the ‘no stopping’ lane. As with all approaches to traffic management, this will rely on families following the instructions to keep the right-hand lane clear at all times. It also relies on car users not parking on Moorway Lane – this is the single biggest cause of traffic in the area as it reduces the road down to a single lane and causes an increased hazard for all of our children.
PEEA Update
PE Uniform Expectations: We would like to take this opportunity to remind families of the uniform expectations for PE – full details can be found on our website.
Compulsory items for both girls & boys:
- Collared black polo shirt with house-colour panel and school logo or plain black, unbranded T-shirt for indoor lessons.
- Black long-sleeve shirt with house-colour panel and school logo or plain black, unbranded T-shirt for outdoor lessons.
- Plain black football socks.
- Training shoes with non-marking soles – Canvas trainers/pumps are not allowed
- Plain black tracksuit bottoms.
- Sports Leggings are acceptable – These must be sport and not cotton.
- Not permitted: Cycling shorts and hoodies, Flared Leggings
Optional items:
- Plain black tracksuit with school logo.
- Plain black shorts.
- Shin pads.
Expressive Arts – A Fantastic Year of Creativity: As another successful year comes to a close, we’d like to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students across the Expressive Arts Faculty.
Looking Back…
This year has been filled with creativity, talent and memorable experiences. Highlights have included:
- Our spectacular production of Matilda Jr. showcasing the outstanding talent, dedication and teamwork of our cast, crew and production team.
- The Expressive Arts Student Showcase, where students from Drama, Dance and Music performed to family, friends and the wider school community.
- Rewards Trips, celebrating the commitment, effort and success of students who consistently demonstrated our school values.
- Curriculum Theatre Visits, giving students the opportunity to experience professional live performances and deepen their understanding of the performing arts.
Looking Ahead to Next Year…
We’re already excited about another fantastic year packed with opportunities, including:
- Our whole-school production of We Will Rock You, with rehearsals beginning this autumn ahead of performances in December.
- The return of our Expressive Arts Student Showcase, celebrating the exceptional talents of our young performers.
- An Overseas Music Tour, providing our musicians with the exciting opportunity to perform internationally, experience new cultures and create unforgettable memories.
- More Rewards Trips to recognise students who demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievement.
- A programme of Curriculum Theatre Visits, giving students the chance to experience inspiring live performances and further enrich their learning.
We look forward to seeing even more students taking up the opportunities Expressive Arts has to offer next year.
Careers Update
This week’s job of the week is an “Aquarist”
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
There is a temptation, at the end of a year, to reach for the highlights. I have done exactly that above, and I make no apology for it — those achievements deserve naming. But if I am honest, what stays with me from this year is not just the things that made the newsletter. It is also the smaller stuff. The Year 7 who arrived in September barely able to look up who finished the year running a stall at Inspiration Day. The student leaders who set up and took down the same room four times in two days for our leavers events, and did not once complain. The colleagues who kept 1,300 young people hydrated, cheerful and safe through 30-degree heat without anyone outside the building noticing the effort involved.
A school year is not really finished at the end of July. It is handed on. The Year 10s who left on Friday come back in September as Year 11s carrying everything they learned this year. Our new Year 7s, who spent three days with us in transition, arrive already halfway to belonging. And our Year 11 and Year 13 students, who have technically left us, will walk back through our doors in August to collect results — because that is what happens here, and because, as the IQM assessor noted, they are always Derby Moor students.
Results days. A Level results are on Thursday 13th August from 8am, and GCSE results on Thursday 20th August from 9am. Full details are in the sections above. I would strongly encourage students to attend in person — not only for the practical support available, but because these mornings are worth sharing.
A note on the summer. Whilst we hope the break offers a chance for rest and time together, we recognise that the summer holidays can be a difficult stretch for some children, young people and families. A number of organisations offer advice, emotional support and counselling should you or your child need it, and you can find a selection of those services here.
Thank you — for your partnership, your patience, and your trust. Enjoy the summer, all of you. We will see you in September.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful summer,
Scott Doyle
Principal