Good Schools Guide
Friday 30th January 2026
Welcome to the Barrow Hills Bulletin, your weekly newsletter with a snapshot of life at School.
Message From the Head
Dear Parents,
I’m sure many of you will have read, with interest, the letter this week from the Treasurer of the Royal Bridewell Foundation outlining our future plans. For those who may have missed the Q&A webinar on Thursday, please do speak with me if you have any questions.
Notable this week was Year 4 and their very successful science expedition to Winchester. Eyewitness accounts spoke of the focus, energy and outstanding manners of the BHS crew. A welcome break in the weather also allowed fixtures to go ahead, with netball and hockey played on Wednesday. Overall, our teams have been absolutely undeterred by everything the January weather has thrown at them. These really are ‘free-range’ children, showing resilience and strong team spirit.
Playing hard and working hard, Year 8 will be sitting a set of mock examinations next week. These are an important opportunity to practise study skills and to build confidence over time. The preceding two cohorts have raised the bar on our academic record, and I know the current group will be aiming equally high.
On the theme of working hard, we have just completed another of our routine deep dives into pupil perceptions and views, covering areas from learning disposition to health and relationships. Overall, these are very happy children. We did note that some pupils report a lack of sleep and feelings of tiredness. In many cases, this appears to coincide with pupils telling tutors that they are gaming or using technology into the evenings. A gentle reminder, therefore, of the value of switching off at night, perhaps in favour of a good book.
Finally, on the theme of happy children, my thanks again to Year 3 for the wonderful assembly they presented on Thursday – Seven Ways of Gratitude. It was just lovely to hear such thoughtful and considered kindness.
Warm regards,
Mr Towers, Head
