Friday 10th October
Co-headteachers’ welcome
As we move into the seventh week of the autumn term, amidst the tensions and uncertainties we see in wider society, I’ve found myself reflecting on one of the fundamental purposes of our school: to provide a genuine sense of belonging. Schools are not only places of learning; they are communities where young people feel known, valued, and connected. That feeling of belonging is what underpins confidence, curiosity, and the willingness to take on new challenges.
Our recent Year 9 Battlefields Trip is a powerful example. While it is one thing to teach the First World War in school, it is another entirely to walk the battlefields, stand in the trenches, and see the photographs, artefacts and personal stories at the Passchendaele and Flanders museums. Visiting Tyne Cot, Essex Farm and Langemark offers moments for reflection, and the wreath-laying ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres is profoundly moving, something I hope will stay with our students for years to come. We have a Trips Committee that works carefully to plan a balanced programme across year groups, ensuring the right blend of educational value and enrichment. Please do visit our website to see the wide range of trips taking place across our all-through school: Trips and Visits – Simon Balle School.
That same sense of belonging and shared experience can be seen every afternoon on our playing fields and in our sports hall. On one night alone, we’ve seen Year 11 boys showing teamwork and composure on the football pitch (including a memorable penalty!), girls’ teams excelling in the Year 8 and 9 national cup, and others practising their technique with great focus on the astro. The teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship, both in victory and defeat, are wonderful to see. Sport plays a vital role in developing confidence, promoting health and fitness, and building friendships across year groups. It is also a reminder of the strength of our all-through community, with teachers collaborating across phases and younger pupils already developing a love of physical activity. Our youngest students in the Larch are thoroughly enjoying dodgeball, tag rugby, football and netball, all made possible by our fantastic new sports centre, which is already making a real impact.
Just as we want our students to feel a sense of belonging within school, we also want them to feel connected to the wider community of Hertford. On Monday, our Larch students will attend All Saints Church for our annual Harvest Festival. In keeping with tradition, students and staff have generously donated food items which will be distributed to three local food banks, supporting families within our community. Any final donations will be gratefully received. Events like this remind our young people that belonging extends beyond the school gates, it’s about contributing, showing kindness, and recognising our place in the wider world.
Finally, we are concluding our tours for prospective families, and it is our students who continue to be the best ambassadors for Simon Balle. There is nothing more powerful than seeing young people who hold doors open for others, say “please” and “thank you” naturally, and move calmly through quiet, purposeful corridors. These daily moments, in classrooms, on trips, on the sports field, music events, drama and art reflect a community where students feel they truly belong.
Applications for Sixth Form – Sept 2026
Our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 8th October was a fantastic success, with a great buzz across the school as prospective students and their families explored life at Simon Balle Sixth Form. The evening began with talks in the hall, giving visitors an insight into what life in our Sixth Form is really like, followed by the opportunity to visit subject areas, meet teachers, and discuss the next steps in their educational journey.
This year, we were thrilled to showcase our new subjects: Criminology, Music Production and Performance, and Early Childhood Development, providing even more choice and exciting pathways for our students.
We continue to champion our core values and why Simon Balle Sixth Form is the right choice for your child. Here are three reasons you should consider Simon Balle Sixth Form:
- Academic Success
Outstanding teaching and learning is at the heart of our success. Students are challenged throughout their Sixth Form journey, supported by experienced subject specialists across all areas—a standard that is becoming increasingly rare. Our passionate staff care deeply about every student’s individual journey, helping them reach their full potential. - Personal Development
At Simon Balle Sixth Form, we aim to develop the whole child. Students benefit from our enrichment programme and a wide range of opportunities to grow as well-rounded individuals. Your child’s Sixth Form journey is about More Than Just Great A Levels, preparing them for life beyond school. - Destinations
Following two years of lessons, homework, exams, and even our colour runs, our students go on to secure places with top universities and employers across the country, demonstrating the value of a Simon Balle Sixth Form education.
The Open Evening highlighted why Simon Balle Sixth Form continues to be a destination of choice for students seeking academic excellence, personal growth, and strong future opportunities.
We are delighted to say that applications are now open (If you are currently a student at Simon Balle All-through School, you do not need to submit a formal application. Pathway meetings will be arranged in school with a member of the Sixth Form team to discuss your next steps. If you are a prospective student interested in joining Simon Balle Sixth Form in September 2026, please register your interest by entering your details via Applicaa.)
You can read more about our Sixth Form here.
World Mental Health Day 2025
“Mental health is just as important as physical health.”
This week, we joined people around the world in marking World Mental Health Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the importance of mental well-being.
The global theme, “Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” was explored through assemblies focused on finding calm in chaos. Students reflected on how to stay grounded and resilient even during challenging times.
Throughout the week, we reminded students of practical ways to support their mental health, as well as the range of support available both within school and in the wider community.
More information and resources can be found on our website:
Wellbeing and Mental Health at Simon Balle
In addition, students from Years 5–13 have been completing wellbeing surveys via our BounceTogether platform. These surveys help our pastoral teams gain valuable insights into students’ wellbeing, allowing us to provide tailored support or interventions where needed.
Together, we continue to build a school community that values kindness, resilience, and positive mental health for all.
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 using this Booking link.
Library News
The Great European Bake Off
Well done to the following people who baked cakes for the Great European Bake Off on Friday 26th September in the secondary school library. We were very impressed with all of the entries! There were 32 entries altogether.
Laura, Stephanie and Vanessa, Tegan, Lily, Clara, Robson, Jude, Summer, Chloe, Noah, Freya and Isabelle, Dorothea, Alba and Bella, Emily and Ava, Maisie, Joshua, Oscar, Darcey, Hannah and Grace, Lusio, Albert, Aaron, Maisy and Belle, Felix, Emily and Isabelle, Rory and Alex, Daisy, Darcey, Brody and Emilio, Flori and Natalia, Sofia, Giorgio, Amy and Remy-Olive, and Miss Tridgell.
Well done especially to those who wrote their recipes in foreign languages!
Thank you to everyone who came to vote! We had a total of 248 votes!
Congratulations to the secondary winners!
- The cake that best linked to the European Day of Languages theme: Number 26 – Emily (7R) and Isabelle (7R)
- The tastiest looking cake: Number 28 – Daisy (7M), Darcey (7L), Brody (7M) and Emilio (7N)
- The best decorated/best presented cake: Number 9 – Summer (10N)
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- 26
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- 9
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- 28
Well done to everyone who baked cakes for the Great European Bake Off in the Larch library on Wednesday 1st October. We were very impressed with all of the 44 entries!
Congratulations to the Larch winners!
- Best link to the European Day of Languages theme: Entry 31 – Harrison
- Tastiest looking cake: Entry 32 – Willow
- The best decorated/best presented cake: Entry 14 – Felix
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- 14
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- 31
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- 32
Poetry Mash-up and Poetry Writing Competition
The author Alice Hemming kindly visited the secondary school library on Tuesday 7th October to do a poetry mash-up and to launch the poetry writing competition. This year’s theme is ‘play’.
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- $CoMmEntÚ
The poetry writing competition is open to students in years 3-13.
Tuesday Chess club
After the very successful taster session last week, the new Tuesday Chess club is officially starting in the secondary school library on Tuesday 14th October.
Generation Hertford Careers Event
On Tuesday 7th October, we were delighted to take all our Year 10 students and 35 of our Year 13 students to the Generation Hertford careers fair at the Beam Theatre, organised by the Careers Enterprise Company. The event aimed to inspire students as they explore potential career paths and consider their future options.
The fair featured over 30 employers and education providers, including local businesses, colleges, universities, and vocational training organisations. This provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to speak directly with representatives from a wide range of industries, ask questions, and gather first-hand insights into the skills and qualifications needed for their chosen pathways.
It was fantastic to see so many of our students actively engaging with the exhibitors. Many of the employers commented on how impressed they were by the students’ curiosity, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm.
We hope that this experience has given our students a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to them and will help inform their decisions as they plan for the future
Please click here for our latest Careers Opportunities blog.
Bitesize Difficult Conversations online workshop
Parent Staff Association
Win £50 for your class or form!
Kings Group is sponsoring our Frost Fair but we need your help.
They will pay £10 for every address that agrees to display a board, subject to a minimum of 25 sign ups. Sign up by 1st November and the class or form with the most uptake receives £50 for the class/form teacher to spend on their class/form. This applies to classes and forms across the all-through.
If you have multiple children at the school, why not as a friend or family member to also take a board. For more information or to sign up, see Kings Google Form
Joules Outlet Sale – 7th November
Save the date! 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 £5, doors open at 6.30pm. Book your tickets today!
Sign up to help with the event and receive free entry!
John Williams Candlelight Concert – 18th October
Join us at All Saints Church, Hertford, on Saturday 18th October for an enchanting candlelit evening of John Williams favourites, performed by a string trio. Music includes: Jurassic Park movie theme, hits from Star Wars including Cantina Band and Imperial March, E.T theme, Indiana Jones theme and more!
1st Sitting: Doors open at 4.15pm, concert starts at 5pm. 2nd Sitting: Doors open at 6.30pm, concert starts at 7pm.
Book via our link and £2 of each ticket sale will generate us commission.
Volunteer Register and Class/Yeargroup Reps
Simon Balle PSA can not function without a good number of helpers from both phases of the school, to support our all-through events. Please consider registering to be an occasional volunteer and we will reach out when help is needed.
We value each and every volunteer and are always grateful for any help.
We are looking for a number of people to help us share information with classes and yeargroups. This role is suitable to all, but especially to those who wish to offer support but can not necessarily commit to volunteering at events.
If you are interested in becoming a Representative, we would love to hear from you.
Visit our Reps sign up link and we will be in touch.
Simon Balle School Autumn Disco
We’re delighted to announce that our Autumn Discos will be taking place on Friday 24th October! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate the season with music, dancing, and plenty of fun with friends.
Timings:
Years 1–3: 4:15 – 5:30 pm
Years 4–6: 5:45 – 7:15 pm
Year 7: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Book your tickets here.
Drop-off: All primary students should be dropped off at the main Larch Hall doors.
Collection: Years 1, 2, 4 & 5: From the main hall doors. Years 3 & 6: From the back of Larch Hall, near the Trim Trail.
Year 7: Drop-off and collection will take place at the main Secondary Hall, next door to the Café.
All funds raised from the event will go towards enriching your child’s education, helping to provide activities and resources beyond the standard education budget.
We look forward to an evening filled with fun, community spirit, and plenty of autumn sparkle! Fancy Dress is optional.
Hertford library
Meet the Author Event at Hertford Library on Saturday 1st November at 2pm. Suitable for ages 5+.
Dates for your diary
A full calendar of events can be viewed on the school website.
- Thurs 2nd – Fri 3rd Oct: Y9 Battlefields trip (ABL)
- Sat 4th Oct: Circus
- Tues 7th Oct: Y13 Geography trip information meeting (1800-1830)
- Wed 8th Oct: Sixth Form Open Evening (1730-1930)
- Thurs 9th – Fri 10th Oct: Y9 Battlefields trip (MNR)
- Mon 13th Oct: Larch Harvest Festival
- Mon 13th-Tues 14th Oct: Y13 English trip
- Tues 14th and Wed 15th Oct: Larch student consultation evening (face to face)
- Wed 15th Oct: Y10 student consultation evening (virtual – booking via Involve, details to follow)
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead
Mrs Rachel Kirk and Mr Michael Moss (Co-headteachers)
