Friday 7th November
Laurel Education Trust (LET) CEOs’ welcome
We do hope that all families, staff, governors and trustees had a restful half term. After an incredibly busy eight weeks in Autumn 1, it was certainly time to connect with loved ones and begin to adjust to the changing seasons, clocks and light / darkness.
As CEOs, it has been a great privilege to welcome Mill Mead to join in partnership with Simon Balle as the newly founded Laurel Education Trust. Last half term, our partnership was focussed on staff training, with our inaugural INSET day, and plans are already in place for our continued connection between staff bodies: the benefits related to our outward facing leadership, always ready to learn; the sharing of best practice; and cost efficiencies too. We make no apologies for always putting the students at the centre of all we do, and therefore the main focus of Autumn 1 was teaching and learning: both the Larch and Mill Mead benefitting from subject specialists from our secondary phase teaching Spanish, French, PE and music. Learning walks in both primary schools were a joy as children were seen to be building relationships with new staff and simultaneously being challenged with ambitious and relevant curricular that are progressive and sequential, building all the way to Year 13!
During Autumn 2, we are delighted that the schools within our Trust will connect for a number of important events:
- In music, 37% of Mill Mead Primary School are now learning an instrument, a great increase on last year. A huge thank you to Mill Mead parents for embracing some new teachers joining the brilliant instrumental team, and for engaging with consistent systems including Involve. Our Trust choirs (Years 4 – 6 choir at Simon Balle) are working towards Young Voices in January 2026 (a magnificent performance at the O2), and this half term sees both choirs combining with older musicians for a LET recording of ‘When I grow up’ – we will look forward to sharing with all.
- Our remembrance ceremony is always important and poignant at Simon Balle, and this year will be no exception as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE day. On Tuesday 11th November, Mill Mead and the Larch will gather together first; followed by the secondary phase; all with readings, music, and the traditions of laying poppy wreaths and silent reflection, with explicit links to our Trust value of respect.
- Year 4 and Year 12 have enjoyed collaborating year on year in an important charitable event raising money for Herts Young Homeless in a festive Santa Dash! We look forward to Mill Mead joining us this year, with an educational workshop in November, followed by a new route being planned for our sixth formers across Hertford, and festive fancy dress and hot chocolates to be shared.
We know that the day to day education at both schools will not have changed significantly since the LET launch, and this is quite deliberate as our Trust leaders recognise and value the great strengths and individuality of both Mill Mead and Simon Balle. That said, we believe passionately in our partnership and we look forward to the half term ahead!
‘BusEc’ Students in New York
Another incredible trip to the Big Apple for Simon Balle Business and Economics students — and another trip of a lifetime success for the school!
Fifty Year 13 students experienced first-hand why the USA is the world’s largest economy — and why New York State alone would rank as the eighth richest country in the world if it stood on its own. New York City is a bustling, vibrant hub of global trade and commerce, and it was easy to see how valuable this experience was for our Business and Economics students.
They explored the towering landmarks of this financial powerhouse, including the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, and learned how visionary founders built and expanded this great city into a global centre of finance. Students also discovered how the development of the railroads and national infrastructure helped connect a growing nation, fuelling America’s rise to economic dominance. However, they also reflected on how this same financial heart was targeted in the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 — a sobering reminder of the city’s global significance.
The Simon Balle Business and Economics Department is committed to preparing our young people for the future, and this trip perfectly supports that mission. It gave students the opportunity to see both sides of modern finance, technology, and progress — the inspiring and the challenging. One thought-provoking example came from a billboard they spotted in Times Square reading, “Stop hiring humans — AI employees are here.” This controversial campaign by AI company Artisan sparked lively discussion among the students about ethics, employment, and the future of work.
The trip wasn’t all serious reflection, though! Students had a fantastic time exploring the city, with three celebrating their 18th birthdays while abroad. As always, they were excellent ambassadors for Simon Balle — polite, enthusiastic, and impeccably behaved. The New York team couldn’t have been prouder, and their conduct is a testament to the dedication of every member of staff who helps shape them into kind, caring, and confident young adults.
SEND
If you would like to speak to a member of the SEND team you can book a virtual appointment of up to 15 minutes with a member of the SEND team, using the following booking link: Booking link.
Following on from Open morning the SEND team have been running ‘talk and tour’ visits for students where there are additional needs. Visiting school during the day has provided parents and potential students with an insight into how secondary schools look when lessons are taking place and ask specific questions ahead of making an application.
Services for Young People are running a number of sessions for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Details can be found on the attached flyer Broxbourne SEND projects September 2025.pptx.pdf
A local group has been set up specialising in supporting girls and women to live well with ADHD. They meet regularly for creativity, connection, walks etc. For further information please see the attached flyer Sparksquadflyer.pdf
English Literature Students in Stratford upon Avon
‘Not for an age, but all time’
14 Year 13 English Literature students were fortunate to visit the birthplace of English Literature’s most iconic name: William Shakespeare. The two day visit afforded them the opportunity to see the sights of the place where Shakespeare’s life began and ended, his birthplace and his tomb with its enigmatic inscription.
They also had the privilege of two bespoke study sessions led by an erudite and entertaining professor at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The sessions focused on the A level set text , ‘Othello’, but raised many questions about the nature of the tragic genre and prompted discussion of Shakespeare’s choices and their relevance to our society. Our students’ contributions were highly impressive, showcasing their knowledge and critical thinking.
A highlight of the trip was a visit to the RSC for a production of ‘Measure for Measure’ which is classified as a comedy, but shares many dark undertones of our set text. The production highlighted the relevance of Shakespeare’s themes today, starting with a montage of powerful men who have been accused of corruption. The set in which the action played out was contemporary and corporate, emphasising the theme of private and public faces. The ambiguity of the ending provided fodder for a lively discussion for the long walk back to the Youth Hostel.
Travel to school
We would like to remind parents and carers that students should not be driven to the school site. There have been several incidents in the last half term whereby students are being dropped in Mangrove Road, either right outside the gates, or on sections of the road where there is no footpath. This creates a hazardous situation for all road users, and causes delays for those with a legitimate reason for driving to the school site. The White Lodge gate is a one-way road, and is designated as exit only: driving in through this gate or parking here is dangerous. We would also encourage pedestrians to use the designated footpaths and crossings when moving through the school site. Finally, we must point out that the disabled bays in front of the Larch are reserved for students with the most severe mobility issues, and you will be asked to move if you occupy these spaces.
The Old London Road car park is an ideal site for dropping and collecting students. It is only an 11 minute walk from the school, and parking there significantly reduces congestion on Mangrove Road. Old London Road is also far more accessible than Mangrove Road, making it better for those parents that need to drive.
For younger students that need escorting to school East Herts District Council operate a scheme whereby you can extend the 30 mins free parking to an hour, giving parents plenty of time to walk up to school and then back to the car. If you would be interested in applying for one of these permits, please speak to Mrs Harding in the Larch office.
Poppy Appeal
Poppies are available to purchase at both school offices and the student services desk. Donations can be cash or via a QR code. We will be holding our annual remembrance day service on Tuesday 11th November. Break time will be slightly later than normal for our secondary students, so please make sure they have eaten breakfast in the morning, and that they have a coat in case of bad weather.
Musical News!
Please read our Musical News 2 here! There are plenty of upcoming events to suit a variety of musical preferences and so many students to celebrate!
2nd December – Larch Bring a Bottle Day
Larch families are invited to make a bottle donation on Tuesday 2nd December, to support the Frost Fair. In exchange, children may wear ONE festive accessory with their uniform. This may be a hair accessory, festive hat, jumper, socks. Please note, this is NOT a non uniform day. Accessories only please. Bottles (alcoholic, soft drinks, beauty products and more) may be dropped off at collection points in the playground and by the Larch office. Please ensure donations are in date and sealed.
Train to Teach at Simon Balle All-through School
Simon Balle is proud to be a placement school for Initial Teacher Training at Alban TSH who offer flexible, highly-personalised, school-based routes into teacher training. This includes: tuition fee paying, assessment only and Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship for a wide range of secondary courses as well as primary (5-11 and 3-7). There is also the opportunity to gain PGCE status in addition to QTS. Alban TSH is an experienced provider of teacher training and has established partnerships with many outstanding schools in the region. Get in touch with the team teaching@albantsh.co.uk to find out more or contact Mr Finch at Simon Balle for further information.
Library News
Uniform reminder
As we head further into autumn and winter can we remind you to make sure that students come to school wearing appropriate clothing. A coat is an essential item once the colder, wetter weather sets in. Please remember to clearly label items so that they can be reunited with their owners when they are inevitably misplaced around the site. It might also be worth taking the time to check that students are still in possession of all the equipment they started the year with, and that shoes and uniform are in good condition.
Funded Courses for Parents
Park Run
We’re thrilled to announce that our school is joining the Parkrun Primary School community! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to get active, have fun, and develop a lifelong love for running and fitness.
Junior parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families and friends of all ages, every Sunday morning at 9:00 at Hartham Common. Junior parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along!
You can register for parkrun for free here – www.parkrun.org.uk/register/
Hertfordshire County Council Admissions Consultation
Hertfordshire County Council is running a consultation on the proposed admissions arrangements for the school year 2027/28 and is seeking responses from parent/carers, schools and community groups.
The proposed changes are:
- Retain the remainder of the county council’s existing admission arrangements for 2027/28, including PANs, Relevant Areas and schemes of coordination.
The consultation period runs until 7 December 2025. Please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions2027 for more information and to respond online.
If you have any queries, please email admissions.consultation@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call 01992 555876 (Kellie Gilbertson-Hoy) or 01992 555840 (Rebecca Pendry).
Parent Staff Association
Joules Outlet Sale – 7th November
On Friday 7th November, the Joules Outlet team will set up a pop up shop at Simon Balle. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your Christmas shopping, all at bargain prices with up to 70% off high street prices. Sale preview tickets are £8 and will allow early entry at 6pm into the sale room. General sale tickets are just £6, doors open at 6.30pm.
Tickets available now. Please share with friends and family, we need to sell 150 tickets in order for this event to be successful.
6th December – Frost Fair
Frost Fair 25 will take place on Saturday 6th December with a new time of 1.30-5.30pm.
We hope to share some exciting news with you soon so watch this space!
In the meantime, please take a look at the volunteer sign up link and help us to fill the slots! To help with planning, we can share the timings for the Larch dance and choir performances as follows: Dance 2pm and 3.30pm. Choir 2.30pm and 4pm
After having to cancel some of the areas last year due to not having enough volunteers, we are making a plea for help. We really need your help this year to make it a successful and enjoyable event for all.
Thank you in advance, we appreciate each and every offer of support. Please share this link with classes/forms/friends…
Winter Raffle
Our raffles are highly anticipated but sourcing donations is becoming increasingly difficult.
Can you gift a Star Prize? If you are able to donate anything, from spa days to gift sets, we would love to hear from you. Please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/ataYNKzwx228nbVm8
20 raffle tickets will be sent home to all students in November. Tickets can be bought in advance via our website now, please check in regularly to view the updated prize list.
https://pta.events/winterraffle
W/C 1st December – Year 7 House Hampers
To support the Frost Fair, Year 7 are invited to bring in items in their House colour to make up a hamper during form time, to represent their form. These will then be entered into our fabulous Winter Raffle.
There is a form prize for best hamper.
6th December – Frost Fair
Frost Fair 25 will take place on Saturday 6th December with a new time of 1.30-5.30pm.
We hope to share some exciting news with you soon so watch this space!
In the meantime, please take a look at the volunteer sign up link and help us to fill the slots! To help with planning, we can share the timings for the Larch dance and choir performances as follows: Dance 2pm and 3.30pm. Y2/3 choir 2.30pm and Y4-6 4pm
After having to cancel some of the areas last year due to not having enough volunteers, we are making a plea for help. We really need your help this year to make it a successful and enjoyable event for all.
Thank you in advance, we appreciate each and every offer of support. Please share this link with classes/forms/friends…
Dates for your diary
A full calendar of events can be viewed on the school website.
- Mon 10th Nov: Y9 assessment week
- Mon 10th Nov: Y13 Science trip
- Mon 10th Nov: Y12 mock interview week
- Tues 11th Nov: All-through Remembrance service
- Thurs 13th Nov: Y13 English trip
- Mon 17th Nov: Y7 assessment week
- Wed 19th Nov: Sixth Form Experience Day
- Fri 28th Nov and Mon 1st Dec: Occasional days – school closed
- Tues 2nd Nov: Y11 mock exams
- Wed 3rd to Fri 5th Dec: Y12 Geography trip
- Sat 6th Dec: Frost Fair
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead
Mrs Rachel Kirk and Mr Michael Moss (Co-headteachers)
