Principal's Blog

August – Next step Longley Park  

This is my first week as Principal and my first Principal’s blog. Welcome. I'm very excited to be joining Longley Park Sixth Form and the Brigantia Learning Trust. I'm Looking forward to meeting the entire college team next Tuesday when most return from their Summer break. This week is about getting ready for enrolment and welcoming all our new students. 

First, I want to congratulate all those students who received results in August. Across all levels, there were some brilliant outcomes that reflected the hard work and determination that our students had put into their studies. Every one of you should be so proud of your achievements, especially in the face of these unique times. For those students moving on, I wish you all the best, be it further studies elsewhere, higher education or employment. For those students returning in September, I hope you're ready to be challenged on your new courses and are ready to start learning.   

This year was a very different year for those working in education and we also need to recognise the efforts behind the grades from the teaching and support teams. The professionalism and dedication shown to ensure grades were fair and recognised the hard work all students had made, illustrates what an amazing team we have here at Longley Park Sixth Form.  

Although there have been many changes to the COVID controls over the last few months, we still need to be aware of these. Each one of us can help to keep our community safe. Two of the most important things we can be doing is taking part in the vaccination programme and continue to use Lateral Flow Tests regularly to prevent the spread of the virus. The Covid-19 vaccination gives you the best protection against COVID-19. I strongly encourage you to consider getting the vaccination as soon as possible. This will keep you, our Sixth Form community and the wider community safer.   

We appear to be approaching the 'new normal' and I truly hope that this year sees a return to a full and undisrupted programme of education for all. Things have changed; I have no doubt, more changes are still to come. Together, we need to think about our skills, attitudes and approaches to learning. Things will need to be different. We need to work together to bridge any gaps in learning and skills. As students, all I ask is that you come prepared to work hard, tell us where you need help, and be honest with your teachers and pastoral staff so that we can support you proactively. 

Joining Longley is not just about taking on a set of subjects. It's the start of Project You. A time for you to focus on you and how you can develop. Take advantage of all the opportunities open to you: enrichment, trips, activities, groups and more. If there's something that you think should be a part of our college's offering, let us know. Make every day count. You have the potential to be brilliant at Longley Park.  

Whether you're a new student coming to Longley Park for the first time, or a returning student, do come and say hello when you see me around through enrolment or over your first weeks. Good luck in your studies, start strong and make good choices.  

Next step Longley Park! See you in September.