Dear Families,

Effort has been the focus of our week here at Turner Free School, with our Year 11 students firmly focused on preparing for their upcoming PPE examinations.

I have been particularly impressed by the commitment they are showing. Students have been attending intervention sessions before school, at break and lunchtime, and after school, putting in the extra work needed to give themselves the very best chance of success.

They are setting a fantastic example to our younger students and demonstrating exactly what we mean when we say Effort = Success. Success is rarely accidental; it comes from preparation, determination and a willingness to keep working when things are difficult. I am incredibly proud of the attitude our Year 11 students are showing.

A fantastic achievement for Elijah

I also want to celebrate an extraordinary achievement by one of our students, Elijah Hazelwood. After three days of demanding assessments at Blyton Park this week, Elijah has been named the winner of the 2027 Ginetta Junior Scholarship.

This is a hugely significant achievement within British motorsport. As the scholarship winner, Elijah will receive a fully funded season competing in the 2027 Ginetta Junior Championship.

The scholarship has previously provided an important stepping stone for some of the biggest names in motorsport, making Elijah’s achievement even more remarkable. It is an incredible opportunity and one that reflects his talent, determination and commitment. On top this, he has achieved all of this whilst preparing diligently for his GCSEs in the summer.

We are enormously proud of him and cannot wait to follow his progress. Congratulations, Elijah!

Coffee with the Head

Finally, one of the things I feel most strongly about as a Head is the importance of schools and families working in genuine partnership.

With that in mind, I would like to invite parents and carers to an informal Coffee with the Head morning. This will be an opportunity to meet with me in a relaxed setting, hear a little more about what is happening across the school, ask questions, share your experiences and give feedback about how we can continue to improve.

I hope this can be a springboard for an even stronger partnership between the school and our families. We will begin with one session, with places available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is strong demand, I will be very happy to arrange further sessions so that as many families as possible have the opportunity to take part.

Details of the first session and how to book a place can be found below.

Coffee Morning Invitation

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the school.

Harvey Ovenden

Head of School