Dear Parents, Carers and Families,
GCSE and A Level exams will have already started by the time this update is published, but the first ‘big’ exam, known within schools as a full cohort exam, or rather, one that everyone sits, is on Monday. With this looming deadline, it has been a real pleasure to see the positive way in which our students are approaching the weeks ahead. Classrooms are purposeful, students are working hard, and there has been a real sense of focus as exams draw closer. Around the margins of this, we also see the signs of stress and tension that play out every year amongst young people, some of it driven by the exams themselves of course, but some of it also caused by students realising that this stage in their life is very nearly over and, as with all transitions, they feel nervous about that.
As ever, attendance plays a particularly important role in helping tackle all of this.
The final stretch before exams is not about cramming as much as possible, but about steady, thoughtful preparation. In lessons, teachers are helping students to revisit key ideas, practise applying their knowledge, and build the confidence that comes from feeling well prepared. Being present for this really does make a difference – not just to what students know, but to how ready they feel on an emotional level. Just as importantly, being in school provides routine, reassurance, and actual human connection. Spending time with teachers and friends, asking questions, and working through things together can ease some of the pressure that naturally comes at this point in the year. They’re also reminded that they’re not the only people who are feeling this way. Students are not expected to manage this on their own; we are here to support them every step of the way.
We do understand that, from time to time, absence cannot be avoided, particularly through illness. When this happens, we are always grateful for clear communication so that we can offer the right support and help students stay on track.
More generally, though, these next few weeks are an important opportunity for all students, especially those students sitting formal exams. Every day in school is a chance to strengthen understanding, to build confidence, and to feel more secure when they step into the exam hall.
As a school, we will continue to support students by:
- Providing calm, focused revision lessons that make the most of their remaining time.
- Offering guidance, reassurance, and encouragement.
- Continuing to monitor attendance and offering support if needed.
- Recognising the effort and commitment students are showing.
You can help by encouraging your child to attend each day, arrive on time, and keep going – even on the days when it feels a little more challenging. Those small, consistent steps make a real difference over time.
We are proud of our students and the way they are approaching this important stage. With the right support, good routines, and strong attendance, all of them are placing themselves in a very good position to succeed and take charge of their own futures.
Many thanks as always to you all for your continued support of the school; I hope you all have a good weekend.
Michael Wright
Headteacher
Please find this week's key messages below.
Food in School
The Department for Education is currently consulting on proposed changes to the School Food Standards, including relatively short implementation timelines. We would strongly encourage all parents and carers to take a few minutes to respond, as these proposals will directly affect children’s daily experience of food in school. While we fully support the promotion of healthy lifestyles, we believe it is essential that any changes are realistic, properly phased, and reflect the realities of family life. Schools cannot address these challenges in isolation, and there is a risk that, without wider support and sufficient time to adapt, some students may simply choose to access food elsewhere. Your voice is therefore crucial in ensuring that any future policy works for children, families, and schools alike. You can take part in the consultation here: https://consult.education.gov.uk/school-food-policy-team/school-food-standards-updating-the-leg-framework/
Alongside this, we will continue to take practical, balanced steps in school to support healthier eating, including introducing 50/50 bread across our menus. This blend of white and wholegrain flour increases fibre, while maintaining a taste that pupils are familiar with, helping to encourage healthier choices in a realistic and sustainable way.
Sixth Form Update
We are now in the thick of what is undoubtedly our busiest part of the academic year, with lots going on for students in both Year 12 and Year 13.
Year 12 students successfully completed their work experience placements last week, joining a wide range of organisations. We are extremely proud of the professionalism, enthusiasm and resilience they demonstrated whilst representing the school. It has been lovely to receive so much positive feedback about individual students.
We also commend Year 12 for their excellent participation in this week's Post-18 Conference in school. Students engaged thoughtfully with a range of sessions and speakers, gaining valuable insights into their next steps, whether that be university, apprenticeships or employment. Their mature approach to planning for the future was evident throughout.
A sincere thank you also to all parents and carers who attended our Post-18 Information Evening. Your support plays a vital role in helping students navigate their next steps, and we greatly appreciate the time you took to engage with the information shared.
Our Year 13 students also deserve high praise for the focus and determination they have shown as they approach their final weeks in school; they have really been – as they like to say – "locking in"! Our Art and Sport students have already completed exams, and as the rest of the A level and BTEC exams get underway next week, we have no doubt that students will continue with their excellent attendance and diligent approach to final revision.
We were delighted to celebrate together at this week's Year 13 Celebration Day, which was a truly special occasion marking their time in the Sixth Form. It was a joy to reflect on their achievements and the memories made over the past two years, and to wish them well as they prepare for the next stage of their lives. We are also looking forward to celebrating at their Leavers' Ball at the Ramside when all of the exams are over.
Some of our Year 12 students have also had exams this week, and these continue for some of them next week. We wish each and every student in both year groups, and those in Year 11 completing their GCSEs, the very best of luck. This is an important time, and we are confident that their hard work will pay off.
Finally this week, we have also commemorated the life of a former student, Oliver Clark, who sadly passed away in 2012. Oliver was an incredibly bright, funny and engaging young man and a vibrant member of the Framwellgate School and Sixth Form community; he gave his time generously to charity and always took part enthusiastically in 'Bow Tie Thursday'. On the first Thursday in May each year, we wear our bow ties in Sixth Form in his honour.
Mrs King, Head of Sixth Form & PSHE Lead
Year 11 Leavers Assembly
This will take place on Friday 22nd May, the last day of this half term. Students should be in school at the normal time and will attend tutor and P1 and P2. Students who have an exam will be sent to the sports hall. The exam will finish at approximately 10.15am and those students will then return to lesson. At 11.00am students will go to the main hall for a Leaver's Assembly until 12.00pm. Students will then have lunch in Einsteins before being dismissed at 12.30pm.
Students should be in their normal uniform until 11.00am, when those students who have brought in a signing shirt will be able to wear them. Please note that JCQ regulations require students to sit all their GCSE exams in the school uniform and this is not a negotiable area.
Year 11 GCSE Exam Plan
This information has been shared with students directly but please see below for details.
GCSE Exam Plan
Year 11 students are in school until May half term. They will be in an exam, in a lesson (doing work/revision for that subject) or revising in Einstein’s.
If students have an afternoon exam, they can revise in Einstein’s P3 and P4, have an early lunch at 12.45pm, and then go to Quick Tips.
Quick Tips
Morning exam – QTs 8.30am until 8.45am. Exam starts at 9.00am.
Afternoon exam – Lunch at 12.45pm. QTs 1.00pm until 1.15pm. Exam starts at 1.30pm.
A Quick Tips session is a 15-minute period directly before each exam that allows for the following:
- Registration to take place so we know everyone is in school, safe and in attendance for their exams
- Student wellbeing to be checked
- Students to get into the correct mindset
- Motivation and confidence to be built before the exam
- Equipment to be checked
- Key subject-specific messages to be delivered
- A reminder of exam technique.
After Half Term – Study Leave
Students are only in school if they have an exam, or they are going to a gradebuster session arranged by departments (see list of opportunities below).
Registration takes place during Quick Tips sessions, so it is essential students attend.
Students to leave school after they have sat their exam. If staying between exams they can go to Einstein’s. If students wish to come into school rather than study at home, please let the Year 11 pastoral team know.
Gradebuster Sessions
Revision sessions the day before an exam. Even though students are on study leave, they are welcome to come into school/stay in school after a morning exam, to work with a teacher during these sessions and prepare for their next exam.
Sunday 10th May: English Literature Paper 1, 5-6pm with ASM. ONLINE
Wednesday 13th May: Maths Paper 1, 3-4pm with various Maths teachers IN SCHOOL (B18, B19, B21, B23, B24, B25, B26)
Monday 18th May: English Literature paper 2, 5-6pm with ASM. ONLINE
Wednesday 20th May: English Language Paper 1, 5-6pm with ASM. ONLINE
Monday 1st June: Physics, periods 2-3 with ITI, SBA, JEC. IN SCHOOL (Science Dept)
Monday 1st June: French, periods 3-4 with GOL. IN SCHOOL (B9)
Tuesday 2nd June: Geography Paper 2, Lunchtime & P5 with TGO & BKN. IN SCHOOL (D3/D7)
Tuesday 2nd June: Maths Paper 2, Periods 3 & 4 with MRO, EWE, JEV, JGR & PRI (+ JDI, JWA and PDI joining period 4) IN SCHOOL (B18, D14, B26, B24, B25)
Tuesday 2nd June: Health and Social Care, P5 with LBO. IN SCHOOL (SPHC)
Thursday 4th June: English Language Paper 2, 5-6pm with ASM. ONLINE
Friday 5th June: Biology, periods 3-4 with SWR, JEC, KBA, JCO. IN SCHOOL (Science Dept)
Tuesday 9th June: Maths Paper 3, Periods 3 & 4 with MRO, EWE, JEV, JGR & PRI (+ JDI, JWA and PDI joining period 4) IN SCHOOL (B18, D14, B26, B24, B25)
Wednesday 10th June: Geography Paper 3, Lunchtime & P5 with KSC & DHO. IN SCHOOL (D1/D2)
Thursday 11th June: Chemistry, periods 3-4 with JSU, SSM, SAT. IN SCHOOL (Science Dept)
Friday 12th June: Physics, periods 3-4 with ITI, SBA, JEC. IN SCHOOL (Science Dept)
Miss Lutynski, Assistant Headteacher
Ski trip 2027
Just before the Easter holidays, 48 students and 6 staff travelled to Bormio, Italy to learn to ski, or to further develop their skills. By the end of the trip, everyone was able to confidently ski from the top of the mountain to the village at the bottom – a vertical descent of around 2000m. In addition to their physical skills, students demonstrated high levels of resilience, teamwork and enthusiasm. Overall, it was a rewarding experience for all and the students who took part should be very proud of their achievements.
We are ready to launch the 2027 ski trip which will see us return to the same resort. Look out for a letter which will be sent out to all students and parents in Years 7 to 9 via Class Charts.
Mrs Forrest
Fram in the News
Thanks to the students and staff who helped us appear in this article in the Northern Echo earlier this week. Framwellgate School in Durham rebuild takes shape | The Northern Echo
Exam Stress
As we move into exam season, stress for students becomes more prevalent. If you’re worried about how your child is coping with the stress and worries of upcoming exams and revision, please see the links below which you may find helpful.
Exam Time & Exam Stress | Parents Guide To Support | YoungMinds
Help your child beat exam stress - NHS
Mentally Healthy Schools’ Anna Freud also shares some practical advice and resources for young people with their mental health and wellbeing through independent self-care. The link below may help students create their own self-care plan my-self-care-plan-secondary.pdf and support them emotionally and socially.
Mrs Osborne, Director of Safeguarding
Year 6 Parents
If you have a child starting with us in Year 7 in September, a reminder to visit this section of our website: Transition | Framwellgate School Durham
Upcoming Assessment Dates
KS3 Assessment Week will take place during lesson time, in the week beginning Monday 1st June.
Summer 2026 Exams – Contingency Day
All students taking GCSE, AS, or A‑Level examinations in summer 2026 must be available up to and including Wednesday 24th June 2026.
This date is known as the contingency day. It is set nationally by the exam boards and the Department for Education as a safeguard.
The contingency day is only used if there is a major disruption that prevents an examination from taking place as scheduled. This could include events such as:
- severe weather
- widespread transport disruption
- a national emergency
If such a disruption occurs, affected examinations may be rescheduled to this contingency date.
Students should therefore avoid making travel or other commitments that would prevent them from being available on this date.
Mrs Mersh-Roberts, Deputy Headteacher
What is my child learning?
A reminder that you can find curriculum details about what your child is studying here on our website: Curriculum Overview | Framwellgate School Durham
How to help support your child at home?
Students can use the link below to access resources that will help them study independently at home, such as:
- Knowledge organisers
- Revision checklists
- Past exam papers
- ‘How to Revise’ instructional videos
Students have been shown how to access this SharePoint site and a 'how to' sheet has been sent to you via ClassCharts. As parents and carers, you won’t be able to access this, but the link will work for all students. Students learning how to use this excellent resource early in their time here will be very beneficial to them later as they approach their GCSE studies. All GCSE students should be making regular use of it as a matter of course.