Newsletters

South Axholme Academy - Summer Term Newsletter July 2026

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NEWSLETTER SUMMER EDITION

JULY 2026

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Stephanie Hamilton

Principal

Sarah Sprack

CEO of Isle Education Trust

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As I look back on my first year as Principal of South Axholme Academy, I do so with an overwhelming sense of pride.

It has been a year of getting to know our wonderful students, dedicated staff and supportive families, while building on the strong foundations that already existed.

What has stood out most to me is the pride people have in this school and the genuine sense of belonging that exists here.

Thank you for the warm welcome you have given me; from the very beginning, you have made me feel as though I have always been part of the 'Isle.'

This newsletter celebrates just some of the many highlights from the year, from outstanding academic, sporting and creative achievements to the countless enrichment opportunities that make South Axholme Academy such a special place.

I hope you enjoy reflecting on another fantastic year with us, and I wish all of our families a safe, restful and enjoyable summer break.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another exciting year ahead.

Mrs S Hamilton

Principal

South Axholme Academy

As another academic year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting not on statistics, results or headlines, but on something far more powerful: the collective spirit of Isle Education Trust.

Across our academies, every school has its own character, strengths and story. That individuality is something we celebrate. Yet what unites us is a shared belief that education is about more than achievement alone. It is about creating communities where people belong, where potential is recognised, and where kindness, ambition and integrity are lived every day.

This year, I have seen countless examples of our values in action: students supporting one another, staff going the extra mile, families working alongside schools, and leaders collaborating across the Trust for the benefit of all children. These moments rarely make the headlines, but they are the foundations on which exceptional schools are built.

We are strongest not because our schools are the same, but because they are different. Together, they form a Trust that is richer, more resilient and more innovative than any one academy could be alone.

Thank you to every student, colleague, governor, trustee and family for playing your part in that shared endeavour. I hope you enjoy a well-deserved summer break and return refreshed for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Sarah Sprack

CEO

Isle Education Trust

Attendance

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Personal Development and Careers

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Teaching and Learning 

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Data and Assessment

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Assessment

Now the exam season has ended, we can reflect on how well students have conducted themselves wherever the assessment took place.

I would like to take a moment to reflect on how our students have conducted themselves during this critical time. I am thrilled to share that our Year 11 students were exemplary during their final exams, demonstrating remarkable focus and determination, alongside exceptional attendance.

The Year 10 end of year exams took place amid the recent heatwave, and I must commend them for handling the situation with resilience. The shift to air-conditioned rooms in the afternoons was a necessary adjustment to ensure their comfort, and our students reacted excellently.

A huge thank you goes to Mrs Lowry, Examinations Officer and her team of invigilators for managing the Key Stage 4 exams so smoothly—it truly made a positive difference for everyone involved. Additionally, our Key Stage 3 students completed their assessments in classrooms, showing an outstanding attitude throughout this process as well.

We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work and dedication. Thank you for your continued support in fostering an environment where they can thrive.

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Reporting

I am pleased to share some exciting news about how we will be reporting on student progress in the future. Moving forward, we will be introducing a new system for reporting internal assessment results. This new approach will allow you to see the percentage achieved in each assessment, along with the average for both the year group and students of similar ability. This change aims to provide clearer information about the progress of your child, as we transition away from the existing Key Stage 3 Scan reports, which only displayed a single word from a choice of five.

Please note that the Attitude to Learning section will remain unchanged, ensuring that you continue to receive insights into your child's engagement and attitude towards learning.

Further details regarding these changes will be communicated to you next year and will be available on our Academy Website, so please keep an eye out for updates!

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House System Launch

House System 

We are reintroducing the House  System at South Axholme Academy; every student will be allocated to one of our seven houses when they join the Academy from September 2026.  They will become part of a form group within that house. Throughout the year, students compete, collaborate and celebrate together, creating a strong sense of belonging and pride. 

We hope our house system is a key part of Academy life and will provide opportunities for students of all ages to work together, support one another and develop friendships that last well beyond their time at school. Through house events, traditions and celebrations, students build a positive identity while contributing to the wider Academy community. 

Students can earn House Points in a variety of ways. Every ACHIEVED point they receive for demonstrating our SAX Mindset values of being Ready, Resilient and Respectful contributes towards their house total. Students can also earn additional House Points by taking part in the wide range of house competitions and events that run throughout the year, including activities such as the annual Art Competition, Sports Day and many other academic, creative and charitable challenges. 

House Point totals are updated and shared weekly, creating friendly competition throughout the year. At the end of the academic year, the house with the highest total is crowned House Champions and is presented with the prestigious House Trophy. 

Our house system helps foster a strong sense of community, encourages positive behaviour, increases student engagement and participation, and provides opportunities for leadership, teamwork and personal development. Rather than simply being one of over a thousand students, every young person belongs to a close-knit house community where they can represent their peers, celebrate success and make a meaningful contribution to Academy life. 

At South Axholme Academy, our seven houses are named after inspirational figures with strong connections to Lincolnshire, celebrating individuals who have made a significant contribution to history, culture, science and society. Each house is led by a House Captain from our Senior Student Leadership Team, who plays a key role in promoting house spirit, organising events and encouraging participation throughout the year. 

The seven houses and linked colours are as follows: 

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Senior Student Leadership Team

A massive well done to Joey, Poppy, Evie and Xanthia, who have been appointed as Senior Student Leaders, for 2026–2027.

This year saw many applications, and the standard of candidates was exceptionally high making the selection process a very difficult one.  

As Head Boy and Head Girls, they will play an important role in supporting the academy, representing the student body, assisting at parents' evenings and helping with a range of key events and responsibilities throughout the year.  We are incredibly proud of their achievement and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their roles.  

Picture below: Senior Student Leadership Team and Principal

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SCHOOL MINIBUS

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Trips and Visits

We have seen more trips and visits this term, including college visits, Sicily, an Art Trip to the Lake District and the Year 8 Low Mill outward bounds visit and more! It is great to see the enthusiasm and excitement of our students on these trips, which play an important part of their learning and development.

Thank you for your continued support to the staff and for parent/carer commitment in allowing  students to attend these trips, where they gain such enriching educational opportunities and experiences.

In the autumn term we have further theatre trips planned and various overseas visits for 2027.

Pictures: Summer Term Trips Highlights

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Sports Days at South Axholme Academy

The PE Department would like to thank all students and staff for their involvement in what was a hugely successful Sports Day. As our first year using the new format, we were delighted with how well the event was received. It was fantastic to see such high levels of enthusiasm, participation and team spirit throughout the day.

Sports Day provided an opportunity for students to engage in a wide range of activities, promoting not only sport and physical exercise but also wellbeing, resilience and healthy competition. The positive atmosphere created by both students and staff made the day a memorable success, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making it such an enjoyable event.

We look forward to building on this success and making next year's Sports Day even bigger and better. Thank you once again for your support and participation.

The PE Department

Below (Overall results and pictures)

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Expressive and Performing Arts

Performing Arts Department – End of Term Highlights

As always, it's been a very busy and exciting term in the Performing Arts department. Our students have shown incredible dedication and creativity, and we are proud to share some of the highlights from this term.

A Blonde-tastic Triumph!

Our recent production of Legally Blonde Jr. was an outstanding success and a shining example of the talent, commitment and enthusiasm of our students. From the opening number to the final curtain call, the cast lit up the stage with energy and humour delighting audiences throughout.

At the centre of the show, Poppy Brook delivered a truly outstanding performance as Elle Woods. Commanding the stage with confidence, charm and infectious energy, she captured Elle’s journey from underestimated sorority girl to accomplished law student with remarkable maturity and warmth. Her spectacular singing voice shone throughout the production, tackling every musical number with power, clarity and emotion, while her acting and stage presence kept the audience captivated from beginning to end. It was a star performance that anchored the entire show.

Alongside her, Mikey Unwin-Berry gave a heartfelt performance as Emmett Forrest, while Leo Bolonowski perfectly captured the charm and confidence of Warner Huntington III. Evie Fairbank impressed as the sophisticated Vivienne Kensington, Gracie Cocker stole countless laughs as the lovable Paulette, and Katelyn Featherstone delivered a commanding portrayal of Professor Callahan.

The Delta Nu trio of Meredith Jackson (Margot), Victoria Jones (Serena) and Eleanor Rowley (Pilar) were absolutely brilliant, bringing infectious enthusiasm, impeccable timing and outstanding vocals to every scene they appeared in. Their chemistry and energy provided the perfect support for Elle and helped create many of the show’s most memorable musical moments.

The supporting cast was equally exceptional. Ayla Esat sparkled as Brooke Wyndham, Annabelle Fairbank was delightfully dramatic as Chutney Wyndham, and Harvey Boston entertained audiences in his dual roles as Hair Stylist and Guard. Caitlin Clarke shone as both Grand Master Chad and Enid Hoopes, while Emily Gregory embraced the role of Sundeep Agrawal Padamadan with confidence and flair.

A special mention must go to Riley Douglas, whose hilarious portrayal of Kyle had audiences in stitches. His unforgettable entrance as “the postman” and impeccable comic timing earned some of the biggest laughs of the evening, making his performance a real crowd favourite. Riley also served as one of our Assistant Directors, helping to support rehearsals and encourage fellow cast members throughout the production.

Equally deserving of recognition is Ciaran Curtis, who not only delivered an engaging performance as Dewey and Stylist but also took on the role of Assistant Director. His leadership, reliability and willingness to help behind the scenes made a significant contribution to the smooth running and success of the show.

Our fabulous ensemble created an infectious buzz throughout the production. Congratulations to Mollie Shepherd, Martha Bloomfield, Phoebe Benson, Ramona Connell, Evie Crooks, Lillia Davidson, Alana Haythornethwaite, Darcie Hogarth, Eva Lawty, Lacey Mills, Frankie Peck, Imogen Sheehan, Poppy Snell, India Whittaker, and Martha Willens, all of whom seamlessly took on multiple roles and helped bring every scene to life with enthusiasm and professionalism.

Every cast member demonstrated incredible dedication through weeks of rehearsals, learning lines, choreography and songs while supporting one another as a team. Their confidence, resilience and joy on stage reflected the true spirit of our school community.

We are immensely proud of every student involved in Legally Blonde Jr. The standing ovations and glowing audience feedback were thoroughly deserved. Bravo to our remarkable cast and everyone behind the scenes who made this unforgettable production possible!

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Andy Malsom for his invaluable support with the lighting and the production programmes. His expertise, generosity and willingness to help behind the scenes played an important part in making Legally Blonde Jr. such a polished and memorable production.

As we celebrate the success of Legally Blonde Jr., we are already looking ahead to our next exciting productions for the academic year 2026/2027: Chicago: Teen Edition with our Key Stage 4 students and Bugsy Malone with our Key Stage 3 cast.

We are keen to build partnerships with local businesses and would love to hear from anyone interested in sponsoring these productions. Sponsorship can help us provide costumes, set pieces, technical equipment and performance opportunities for our young people while offering businesses valuable recognition within our programmes and publicity materials. If you or your organisation would like to support the performing arts in our school community, please get in touch.

Mrs Brook, Subject Leader – EPA

Pictures: (Legally Blonde)

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Low Mill Outdoor Activities Visit

Each June for a number of years, South Axholme Academy has organised an outdoor activities visit to Low Mill Young People’s Centre, located in Askrigg, Wensleydale. This residential outdoor pursuit centre has consistently proven to be a popular and enriching experience for our students.

Activities

During the visit, students participated in a wide range of exciting and challenging activities, including:

  • Nature walk
  • Abseiling from a viaduct
  • Caving
  • Orienteering
  • Canoeing
  • Gorge walking

Pictures: (Year 8 students participating in activities at Low Mill, including abseiling, gorge walking and kayaking)

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Home Learning - Satchel One

At South Axholme Academy, home learning is an essential part of school life as it supports the curriculum, subject interests and develops core skills such as organisation and independent learning.  

Research from the Education Endowment Foundation shows that ‘the impact of homework on learning is consistently positive leading to on average five months’ additional progress.’ 

To help support students, all home learning at South Axholme is set on a platform called Satchel One.  We have successfully used this platform for a number of years , and ithas proved to be very successful, allowing parents/carers to keep track of their child's homework.  As we embrace an increasingly digital approach to work, this provides an up-to-date way of working for all of our community.

Please encourage your child to download the Satchel One app onto their devices.  Students can also access Satchel One via any computer if they are unable to download the app.  

If you have not yet got your parent information to enable you to access Satchel One to support your child at home, please contact the academy.

We thank parents and students for their cooperation with this.

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For a reminder about how parents and students can log into satchel one, please see the link to the website here.

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If your child is on the SEND register, there will be an opportunity to review their support plan at your child's parents' evening. If you would like an additional review meeting with the SENCO, please contact our admin team who will be able to arrange this for you. 

If you have any queries or concerns relating to SEND, please contact the SEND team in school.  You can do this using our dedicated email address:

 send@southaxholme-iet.co.uk

Please note that we currently have a waiting list for submitting new referrals for neurodiversity assessment.  This process typically takes at least a full academic term to gather sufficient evidence in order to submit a robust referral.

Fidget tools:

If your child has an identified need for a fidget tool on their SEND support plan, please note that the only ones allowed in school are the silicone pebbles.  All other fidgets toys will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sensory-Fidget-Toys-Textured-Classroom/dp/B0DJVPQ1D4/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=170OWT0W68RR3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Pc8SDWlCA2gbUsFj_3uuWhclgXlNZO5v_gr1Xexj98yVnOVr2o5xwkMuNWh6-9f8a7CuidKaSxSoiikRAjQSqVfNn2BO0ckahutNiX0RNeSC2IFP-HXbNcFGZnEsu_V51LXUbcz4RjpsM5pueDqHxElj-2-HJCAzwiQdGN10RI927Vo6QYLorqBEzDroVdBUD17KE3FtezxDWkZ3Llvv0CxYMqMKbnOXPMvZWD6FltBBFwiVeE8dLTk5Y_B4vmuJIAbplA08dhuOwhstUa_mMyh_ABub43U57gZG6auCQ0c.uPiqk3CkW4qoS-gE0IJFUysBThLlIsRHRgZ9d9ywI4Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=worry%2Bpebbles&qid=1743088429&sprefix=worry%2Bpebbles%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) update

Students in Year 10 successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition to the Peak District on 2 and 3 July 2026.

Students went to Castleton where they began their first of two walks. On Monday night, students pitched tents at a campsite in Edale after walking just over 12km, which included reaching the summit of Mam Tor. The following day they walked 10km back to Castleton.  

The students did have time for a quick refuelling stop at the cafes, ice cream parlour and chip shop. 

Well done to you all.

Mr Jones, Miss Witty and Mr Barnes 

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Student Services

Student Lockers - A reminder that students can keep their personal items safe

We still have student lockers available to rent.  Please follow the link to our website for further information about how to request one here.

 

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Uniform

If you have any football boots that don't fit, bring them to us, and we will ensure that they are loved again on the right sized feet!

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Get organised and sort out your academy uniform! See our website (here) for full details.

Don’t forget if you have any old uniform / text books that you would like to donate, please bring them into the academy and leave at student reception. This will go a long way to support members of our community.

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A reminder about equipment and uniform for September

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Stay in Touch via Facebook or Instagram and remember that you can view our website for the following information:

  • Uniform details

  • Calendar dates

  • Trips and visits

  • Policies

  • Curriculum

  • Letters from the Principal

  • Latest news

  • Menu choices

Follow us on: - 

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Contact Information and Permissions

During inclement weather or an emergency, should we have to make a decision to close the academy, we will email parents.  Information will also be posted on our website (where possible).  Please visit our Policies and Documents section for further details here.  Also, ensure that you have ticked the 'consent' section in Arbor that you agree to your child's emergency plan should we need to send your child home.

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Arbor - Thank you

We now have 100% of our parents/carers registered or signed into their account at least once!

Don't miss out! 

To our new parents: -

If you have not activated your account, please contact the academy and we will send you the information that you will need to register.

This is an excellent way to view your child's dashboard which includes attendance data and achievements.

In addition, you can update your personal information without needing to contact the academy.  Please see the link below to access your account.

https://login.arbor.sc/

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We Welcome Our New Cohort

We hope that our Year 6 students enjoyed their transition visits on 29, 30 June and 1  2026.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the academy as our new Year 7 students on Wednesday 2 September 2026!
 

We say goodbye and good luck to our Year 11 leavers.

As the end of the school year approaches, we want to take a moment to bid a fond farewell to our Year 11 leavers. We are immensely proud of all that they have achieved during their time with us and are excited to see them move on to the next chapter of their lives.

We look forward to seeing them on results day – Thursday 20 August 2026

and

Wednesday 18 November 2026 

GCSE Presentation Evening 

 

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Events for your Diary

Summer Holidays
8:40am – 3:10pm
from 20 Jul until 31 Aug
20
July
GCSE Results Day
9:00am – 11:00am
20
August
Staff Training Day
8:40am – 3:10pm
01
September
Year 7 and 11 Only Return to the Academy
8:40am – 3:10pm
02
September
Year 8, 9 and 10 Return to the Academy alongside Year 7 and 11
8:40am – 3:10pm
03
September
Year 6 Open Evening
5:30pm – 8:00pm
24
September
Whole Academy Sponsored Walk
12:00pm – 3:10pm
25
September
Year 11 Parents/Carers Evening
4:30pm – 7:30pm
01
October
Year 7 and 11 Photographs
11:15am – 3:10pm
16
October
Performing Arts Halloween Showcase
6:00pm – 7:30pm
22
October
Last day before half term
8:40am – 3:10pm
23
October
Half Term
8:40am – 3:10pm
from 26 Oct until 30 Oct
26
October
Staff and Students Return to the Academy
8:40am – 3:10pm
02
November
Green Careers Week
8:40am – 3:10pm
02
November
Spanish Speaking Mocks
8:40am – 3:10pm
from 03 Nov until 05 Nov
03
November
Dr Van Der Spoel Speaker - Year 11
8:40am – 3:10pm
04
November
Year 7 Parent/Carer Evening
4:30pm – 7:30pm
12
November
GCSE Presentation Evening
6:00pm – 7:30pm
18
November
Children in Need Day
8:40am – 3:10pm
20
November
Mindset Day 1
8:40am – 3:10pm
25
November
Staff Training Day - Students not in school
8:40am – 3:10pm
27
November
Pantomime Trip (time tbc)
8:40am – 3:10pm
11
December
Year 7 & 8 Carol Service at Wesley Methodist Church
8:40am – 3:10pm
15
December
Community Carol Service at Wesley Methodist Church
6:00pm – 7:00pm
16
December
Last Day Before Half Term
8:40am – 3:10pm
18
December
Christmas Holidays
8:40am – 3:10pm
from 21 Dec until 01 Jan
21
December
Staff and Students Return to the Academy
8:40am – 3:10pm
04
January
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South Axholme Academy

Burnham Road 

Epworth

Doncaster

DN9 1BY

admin@southaxholme-iet.co.uk

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