Abbey Gate College is rich in the diversity of its activities and, despite the media focus on political issues of late, our start of term has proved as busy as ever and arguably much more interesting!

As Year 11 and Sixth Form embark on study leave I wish them every success in their examinations. Teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure that final preparations have been thorough and now of course it is in the students’ hands. Meanwhile J6 and J3 – J5 Aldford pupils enjoyed their fantastic trips to Glaramara developing those non examinable skills that are so important, namely – teamwork, self reliance, courage and self confidence. There are no GCSE or formal qualifications in these qualities but they are just as important!

The under 14 footballers have superbly retained their ISA League title; we have seen a splendid Gym Display already (see sports section for a report and photographs); second place for the Junior Equestrian team at the Southview Arena and some astounding Music Examination Results. With all this success it is not surprising that our ISI Inspection Report judged Abbey Gate College as outstanding overall with our pupils and staff highly commended in many areas. Please refer to the ISI website to read the full report for yourselves.

The NGS and Garden Fete saw many visitors to Saighton Grange with the latter day blessed with good weather and raising funds for our worthy house charity Save the Family. With 120 sporting children descending on Aldford for the inaugural invitation Tag Rugby tournament organised by Mr Barton it is clear that nothing stands still at the senior or junior sites! We aim to teach, entertain, challenge and engage all ages and interests and this term is no different.

There is more to come of course as the term progresses including productions of The Tempest, Bugsy Malone, the Gala Concert and Art Exhibition…good luck to all involved! We don’t need a General Election or coalition to keep us on our toes and we would not want it any other way!

Dear Parents

After such a busy and rewarding term I hope that you will all have the opportunity to enjoy some family time together over the Easter holidays.

This term the wonderful drama successes of the AS and A2 assessments, ‘Oh What a Lovely War’ and the Chester Festival have entertained; we have also enjoyed success in a wide range of sporting competitions and many other challenging activities.  In the midst of intense activity in class and beyond we survived a full Inspection (two separate visits over four weeks) and I hope to receive the report shortly! All parents will receive a paper copy by post and although I cannot record their findings beforehand, I can confirm that it was a very positive outcome.
Our pupils were exemplary and I know that all the Inspectors were impressed by the warmth, sincerity and positive qualities shown by all members of the College. I look forward to sending you the full report as soon as it has been completed by ISI.

At Abbey Gate College we are always seeking to find ways to improve and ensure that the educational experience for all our pupils is unique, happy and successful. As part of this regular cycle of review and evaluation we have re-structured our Leadership and Management teams from September. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Gavin Allmand to the new additional post of Deputy Head (Communication and Marketing). Many of you will know
Mr Allmand through his great success as Head of Sixth Form; his new role will be wide ranging but will also include particular involvement at Aldford.

I am also pleased to inform you that continuity will not be compromised for our Sixth Formers as
Mr Marc Cavallini (Head of Mathematics) has been appointed as the new Head of Sixth Form.
With the arrival of a new Business Manager next term (replacing our long serving Bursar, Mr Osmond, who is retiring this summer) it is clearly a period of rejuvenation and consolidation at Abbey Gate College; a very positive time for us all.

As parents you know that we have the best interests of the pupils at heart and ensuring that the College, from Foundation Stage through to the Upper Sixth can run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, is vital. We are confident that this re-defined structure and our new appointments will help take Abbey Gate College boldly over the next five years at least. I know you will join me in wishing Mr Allmand and Mr Cavallini well in their new posts.
I would like to record my thanks to all the staff for their exceptional hard work this term and also to wish Miss Fitzpatrick all the best on her forthcoming nuptials!
Well done to the pupils on their achievements and ambition this term and thanks to you as parents for your continuing support.

Happy Easter.

Mrs L M Horner
Headmistress