The CyberFirst Schools initiative recognises schools across the country that demonstrate excellence in cyber security education and embed digital learning across both curriculum and enrichment. At Beckfoot, we are proud that this commitment runs through everything we do; from classroom teaching to competitions and clubs that stretch and inspire.
One particularly exciting highlight is that our CyberFirst Girls team will be visiting Leeds in March 2026 to compete against schools from across Yorkshire and Humber. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills, collaborate with peers, and represent Beckfoot with pride. We wish them every success and know they will be outstanding ambassadors for our school.
Achievements such as this remind us of what is possible when high-quality teaching meets student curiosity and determination. We are immensely proud of our staff, led by Miss Iqbal, and students for making this award possible, and we look forward to building on this success in the months ahead.
Leadership in Action: Our Students Shine at Primary Netball Tournament
Last week, we were delighted to support a netball tournament hosted by Myrtle Park Primary School, where a group of our young leaders volunteered to officiate matches and gain valuable experience as umpires.
The tournament, involving a number of local primary schools, was run across a full afternoon with games being played across four netball courts.
Our Year 9 and 10 students officiated more than fourteen games, demonstrating confidence, composure, and excellent knowledge of the game, even with some very enthusiastic onlookers cheering from the sidelines. They were calm, fair, and decisive in their calls, showing maturity well beyond their years.
What really impressed those involved in organising the event was the way they supported the younger pupils. They did not simply umpire; they encouraged, explained rules, and helped primary students to understand and enjoy the game. They embodied everything we hope our young leaders will be: supportive, responsible, and positive role models.
The feedback we received was exceptional. It was not only our view that they were fantastic; staff from other schools commented repeatedly on their professionalism, attitude, and the way they represented Beckfoot School.
Opportunities like this allow our students to grow not only as athletes, but as leaders. We are immensely proud of the way they embraced the responsibility and represented our school with such distinction.
A Visit to the Parsonage: Literature Brought to Life
Just prior to half term, we took 27 of our Year 12 and Year 13 students to the Brontë Parsonage to deepen their understanding of Wuthering Heights, and what an unforgettable experience it proved to be.
The day began with two lectures on the text, and we could not have been prouder of the way our students engaged. They spoke with remarkable confidence and precision, quoting specific passages from memory and thoughtfully referencing critics studied in class. Their contributions reflected not only careful study, but genuine intellectual curiosity.
As they explored the Parsonage itself, their maturity and reverence for the setting were striking and was a powerful reminder of how transformative it can be to encounter literature in the place it was created.
What stood out most throughout the visit was not simply their academic strength, but their respect, thoughtfulness, and genuine enthusiasm. They represented our school impeccably and embraced the opportunity to bring classroom learning vividly to life.
Experiences like this remind us why literature matters. It connects us across time, invites us into different worlds, and inspires young people to think deeply and feel profoundly.
From Phonics to Publication: A Proud Moment for 8Y5
Just before Christmas, Mrs Waddington entered a group of students from 8Y5 into a national creative writing competition. The challenge was simple but demanding: write a compelling 100-word short story inspired by the theme “Stranger Saga.”
Today, we received the wonderful news five of their entries have been selected for publication.
This is an incredible achievement in its own right. To craft an engaging narrative in just 100 words requires precision, imagination, and confidence with language. To have not one, but five pieces recognised is something really special.
What makes this success even more meaningful is the journey behind it. This is a class that has worked exceptionally hard, including participating in extensive phonics intervention to strengthen their literacy foundations. Their progress has been built on resilience, determination, and a refusal to give up.
To now see their creativity celebrated in print is a powerful reminder that with the right support, encouragement and belief, our students can achieve remarkable things.
We are so proud of every single one of them; not only for the five stories being published, but for the courage it takes to put pen to paper and share their imagination with the world.
Another wonderfully successful Ski trip
Over half term, our students enjoyed a phenomenally successful ski trip to Andorra, and what an unforgettable experience it was.
From the moment they arrived in the mountains, there was a real sense of excitement and anticipation. For many of our students, this was their first time skiing and watching them progress from tentative first steps to confidently navigating the slopes was a genuine joy.
Each day brought new challenges. The determination shown by our students was outstanding. They supported one another, celebrated each other’s progress, and demonstrated real courage in pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Beyond the slopes, the trip was filled with laughter, teamwork, and memorable shared experiences. The evenings provided many opportunities for the group to come together and engage in a range of après ski activities which our students enjoyed equally as much.
Most importantly, our students represented the school impeccably. Their behaviour, maturity and gratitude were commented on repeatedly by instructors and hotel staff alike. They were a credit to themselves, their families, and our wider school community.
School trips like this offer so much more than the activity itself. They build confidence, foster friendships, and create lifelong memories. I am incredibly grateful to the staff who gave their time and energy to make the trip possible, and enormously proud of the students who embraced every moment.
Andorra was spectacular, but it was our students who truly shone.
Year 7 Parents’ Evening
A huge thank you to our Year 7 parents and carers for their attendance and enthusiasm throughout parental consultation evening last night. It was an incredible evening with loads of successes being shared and celebrated through individual meetings and feedback. 270 of 271 families (99.6%) attended marking it as our most successful evening ever. Thank you to everyone who made the evening so special. It is hugely appreciated.
Take Care
Simon Wade – Headteacher
