As we approach the festive break, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredible start to the 2025–26 academic year. Our students have shown remarkable enthusiasm, creativity, and perseverance.

This term has been filled with achievements and memorable experiences. In just the past two weeks, we have seen…

• Guys & Dolls
  Our talented performers brought the stage to life with a dynamic and unforgettable production of Guys & Dolls. Visiting Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from nearby primary schools, along with residents from local care homes, enjoyed a special matinee performance, followed by two evening shows for students and their families. Congratulations to everyone involved for delivering such a professional and spirited performance!
• Intercultural Harmony Award
  We are delighted to announce that our school has been named the recipient of this year’s Intercultural Harmony Award in recognition of our outstanding work in building connections through Arabic language and culture. This achievement reflects the innovative curriculum led by our Modern Languages team and our commitment to fostering global understanding.
• Year 11 Futures Week
  Our Year 11 students had the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways during Futures Week. A diverse group of guest speakers from fields including medicine, investment banking, theatre, STEM, pharmaceuticals, property, law, and construction shared their insights and experiences. Their energy and expertise inspired students to think deeply about their ambitions and future goals.

As we look forward to the new year, we remain committed to providing exceptional opportunities for every student to thrive. Thank you to our staff, families, and community partners for your continued support. Wishing you all a joyful holiday and a Happy New Year!

- Matt Sadler, Head

Term Arrangements

Last day of term – Friday 19th December

Students have a staggered dismissal from 11:40–12:20

First day of term – Monday 5th January

All students (apart from select Year 12 students) should arrive by 11:00.

Year 12 students with exams in A-Level Chemistry, A-Level Geography & GCSE English are expected to arrive from 08:40 for a 9am start time.

Whole School Notices

Further Uniform Consultation for Parents/Carers

Thank you to the 400+ people who responded to our initial survey on future school uniform options. Over 70% of respondents felt that keeping a school uniform supports our ethos, promotes a sense of belonging, and sets an appropriate tone for learning. We are now seeking further views to ensure any updated uniform reflects our school and community values. Below are some common questions raised in the feedback, with brief responses. 

Why is the school introducing a new uniform now? Over the past 18 months, we have worked with students, parents and staff to develop a new logo that better reflects our creativity, diversity and inclusive ethos. Refreshing the uniform—and later the website—is the natural next step in aligning our school’s identity. 

Isn’t this an expensive thing to do when budgets are stretched? No. There is no cost to the school for developing a new uniform, as manufacturers provide design work for free when bidding to become future suppliers. The proposals also aim to reduce long-term costs by limiting branded items and removing the most expensive garments. 

When will the new uniform be introduced? The proposal is for the new uniform to be compulsory only for Year 7 from September 2026, with all other students able to continue wearing their current uniform until they outgrow it, helping avoid unnecessary expense. 

The opinions of parents/carers are valuable to us, and we would greatly appreciate your feedback as we continue to refine our uniform policy. Please complete the below survey by 3pm on Monday 5th January 2026.

Click here to complete the additional uniform survey

Do You Know Someone Choosing a Secondary School? Help Us Spread the Word: Open Mornings Start in January!

Do you have friends who are starting to think about secondary school for their child? Let them know we’re hosting monthly Open Mornings starting in January—a perfect chance to explore what makes our school special.

Click here for more information or to book.

Attendance Matters - Even with Medical Appointments

We understand medical appointments can’t always be scheduled outside school hours. Please ensure your child attends school before and after their appointment. Missing a whole day for a short appointment affects learning and progress

Why It’s Important

• Every lesson counts.
• Attendance supports learning, friendships, and routines.
• Even small gaps make it harder to achieve good results.

Healthy Habits = Fewer Absences

• Wash hands regularly
• Eat well
• Get enough sleep!

Together, we can keep students healthy and learning.

Is My Child Ill Enough to Miss School?

Most minor illnesses (such as a runny nose, mild cough, or slight tiredness) do not require a day off school. Children should stay home only if they are:

• Too unwell to participate in lessons
• Contagious with conditions like vomiting, diarrhoea, or a fever

Regular attendance is vital for learning and wellbeing.

If you’re unsure, please contact the school office for advice.

Camden Winter Holiday Activities and Food Programme

The HAF Programme offers free enriching activities and food to children and young people from Reception to Year 11, who are eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals or otherwise vulnerable and live/attend school in Camden.  

There is a wide range of exciting activities to choose from across Camden, including arts, cooking, sports and more. Each day includes a free nutritious meal and is usually 4 hours long. Over the Winter holidays, each child can attend up to 4 days of activities.

Click here for more information

Looking for things to do over the break? Check out our external opportunities page for inspiration!

Click here for the external opportunities for students page

Subject Spotlight!

One method across three key stages in Maths

At Hampstead School, students have learnt how to use the grid method to build a deeper understanding of multiplication and algebra. From number × number to number × algebraic term, expanding binomials, factorising quadratics, and even tackling polynomial division, this single approach has been embedded throughout our curriculum from years 7 to 13.

Why does this matter? The recent Coordinating Maths Success report highlights that embedding a common approach, like the grid method, throughout a seven-year curriculum promotes conceptual understanding, reduces reliance on rote shortcuts, and supports progression from arithmetic to algebra. It’s not just about getting the answer – it’s about seeing why it works.

Our students have embraced this approach, and their work (see photos!) shows growing confidence and accuracy. The grid method nurtures fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills – key pillars of mathematical success. Together, we’re building strong foundations for future learning.

GCSE Year 11 Drama – Donmar Warehouse Partnership Continues

In December, our GCSE Year 11 Drama students continued their exciting partnership with the Donmar Warehouse with a visit to see The Maids.

In this bold new version of Jean Genet’s play, two maids role-play their darkest fantasies as they act out the murder of their mistress. As the performance unfolds, the boundaries between fantasy and reality begin to blur. This striking interpretation offers a compelling parable of modern identity and our obsession with social media.

One student, Reenkay, reflected on the experience, saying, “The play was beautiful and the use of live feed projection were very clever’

Year Group Updates

Year 11

Year Group Email: 11@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Head of Year: Ms Dewhirst

Sixth Form

Reports for Year 13 students were sent to parents/carers and students on the 11th of December.

Year Group Email: sixthform@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Head of Year 12: Mr Lowery

Head of Year 13: Ms Mellish

Progress Conversation Evening: Wednesday 28 January 2026

School Calendar

Please log into your EduLink One account to see the school calendar and upcoming events.

Term Dates 2025-26

Key Contacts

Reception

If you need to contact the school please call Reception on 020 7794 8133 or email enquiries@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Year Group Leadership

Year 7 — 7@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Year 8 — 8@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Year 9 — 9@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Year 10 — 10@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Year 11 — 11@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Sixth Form — sixthform@hampsteadschool.org.uk

Absences

To report your child absent, please visit www.studybugs.com.

To request a Leave of Absence during term time click HERE