4 May, 2026
Letter from the Headteacher (2025-26) 5
Trust and confidence
In the Christian tradition, Eastertide is a joyful time of renewal and hope. For many of our pupils, the examination season is fast approaching - and can feel anything but joyful! Notwithstanding natural feelings of pressure and worry, the Easter season should encourage us to celebrate growth, effort and resilience. The hard work of the past few months and years is now coming to fruition and there is much to give thanks for!
As a community of learning and formation, we hold onto the delight that comes from supporting one another - staff, students and families working together with purpose. Our pupils are not defined by their outcomes. They are valued for who they are, each made perfectly and with purpose.
I pray that every young person might approach this season in their lives with trust and confidence in the Father who made them, and knows them by name, and loves them without limit.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Annual parent survey
Each year, I ask parents and carers to provide me with important feedback that helps to set the agenda for the year ahead. I need to know from you what is working and what could be better, what we should celebrate and what needs changing. Please take some time to complete the survey - it is a little lengthy but your voice is important and I want to hear from you!
Year 9 Guided Learning Pathways
We have begun the work with Year 9 to consider their curriculum for Key Stage 4. This involves presentations during worship, alongside guidance meetings for those who are unsure. Parents and Carers are invited to be part of this journey - begin by visiting our Learning Pathways page and reading the important contents with your child. There is plenty of time to make choices (and no advantage to rushing)! So please do soak in the information and contact me directly with any questions you may have.
Citywide recruitment of Teaching Assistants
Cardiff is embarking on a significant expansion of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision. To support this growth, the Council has launched a recruitment campaign to attract specialist teachers and teaching assistants who can help us deliver high‑quality support for learners with additional needs. If you are interested in becoming a Teaching Assistant, please do reach out so that you can be connected with the council's recruitment team.
Post-16 school travel
I know that many parents and carers are concerned about proposed changes to the transport entitlement for post-16 learners, withdrawing paid places on school buses. If you have not yet shared your views with the local authority, who manage school transport services, please do make your voice heard. You may contact me directly as I make representations to the council on your behalf.
External examinations
External examinations begin this week for Years 10, 11, 12 and 13. This assessment season can feel incredibly pressured for young people, and we must all do everything we can to help maintain a calm and focused environment for revision. Parents and carers should remind themselves of the arrangements for examinations and the methods by which children can best prepare.
Communication
I wrote to you in February to update you about a change in our Management of Information System (MIS). I am pleased to report that all essential school systems have transferred without difficulty. We now begin the work to capitalise on the opportunities our new MIS presents, starting with improving communications. This means exploring how the school website, SMS text messages, emails and push notifications can play their part in an ecology of communication that helps you remain connected with the school. If you would like to volunteer for a small parent working group, please do let me know.
Keeping in touch
Please do stay in regular contact with us. The principal points of contact are:
- Year 7, Mr Evans (r.evans@stteilos.com)
- Year 8, Mr Townsend (a.townsend@stteilos.com)
- Year 9, Mrs Phillips (j.phillips@stteilos.com)
- Year 10, Mr Smith (n.smith@stteilos.com)
- Year 11, Miss Hallett (k.hallett@stteilos.com)
- Sixth Form, Mrs Owen (e.owen@stteilos.com)
You are also invited to contact me directly by emailing headteacher@stteilos.com. Remember that staff are unlikely to be available without notice in person or by telephone (they are busy working with children); email is by far the most effective way to contact us or you may contact us online below.
With every blessing this Eastertide,
Canon I Loynd, Headteacher
