20 February, 2026
Ramadan Kareem
From the Headteacher
As our Christian pupils have entered the solemn season of Lent so, too, have our Muslim pupils begun the fasting, prayer and reflection of the holiest of months. Like Lent, Ramadan is not just a physical discipline; it is primarily a spiritual discipline. Times of obedience deepen our relationship with - and renew our devotion to - God. Experiencing the hardships of fasting is a reminder of the suffering of others: the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless, the displaced, those treated unjustly.
I offer my heartfelt prayers during this time of spiritual renewal to all our pupils. I pray for unity at St Teilo's, for understanding and respect, as we learn from one another and build bridges of compassion. I pray for children's spiritual growth as we share the hope that our acts of kindness will help us draw closer to God. Prayer is universal, it has no boundaries. May our prayers at St Teilo's reach across all cultures and faiths, as we use this special time to bring faith, hope and charity to all.
“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Prayer
The main hall is available daily for prayer during break times. Likewise, the library is available for those wishing to sit in a quieter space, perhaps using lunchtimes to revise, read or work. It is expected that Dhuhr prayers take place during second break (between 1.25-2.00pm) and not during timetabled lessons. School prayer mats are available for use. Our open plan sinks may be used for ablution and we ask that pupils are mindful of water spillages which may cause a slip hazard. A number of accessible toilets are available in the main corridor for those wishing to wash alone in private. Pupils are welcome to remain in school after 3.00pm for 'Asr prayer if they wish.
Evening activities
The school recognises that, during Ramadan, the evenings can be a very busy period for Muslim families. We have planned carefully to minimise after school activities as far as possible over the next few weeks. All revision workshops finish by 4.15pm.
Fasting and physical education
As pupils observe Ramadan, it is important they can be as fit and healthy as possible. However, fasting presents a challenge for children in school, especially when it comes to physical education. Parents and carers are encouraged to continue to educate their children about the importance of adequate sleep quantity and quality, diet and hydration.
We expect that pupils will continue to participate in PE lessons during Ramadan but our teachers will sensitively lower activity levels and monitor the wellbeing children. If a fasting pupil wishes to take some time out from activity, or take a break, they simply need to let their teacher know. Everybody responds differently to fasting, so we’ll take a person-centred approach to providing support.
Examinations during Ramadan
Every effort has been made to ensure that non-examined assessments take place either side of Ramadan. There are a small number of assessments which cannot be rescheduled (as dates are set externally). Staff will be particularly attuned to fasting children in such cases and provide as much comfort and support as possible.
School Iftar
The annual school Iftar will take place on 4 March 2026. Details can be found here.
Religious observance and school attendance
St Teilo's rejoices in its commitment to ecumenism and inter-faith understanding. As we seek to grow closer to people of all faiths and none through worship and service to the community, we thank God for the special gifts we have to offer one another.
The school will consider all applications made by parents or carers for their child to receive an authorised absence of one school day for religious observance. Requests will be treated with sensitivity and considered carefully and fairly.
Absences will only be authorised for a date 'exclusively set apart by a religious body' and time will not be authorised in lieu should such a date fall on a weekend or during a school holiday.
The school recognises that within some religious traditions, observance varies between different denominations and communities. Our decision making will be as person-centred as possible as and it will be our assumption that requests are genuine and reasonable.
For Muslims, in particular, the school accepts that families may rely on different authorities for the announcement of the start and end of Ramadan. Likewise, it is acknowledged that the moon-sighting preceding Eid means that families will only be able to request leave at short notice. If you wish to request a day of leave to celebrate Eid ul Fitr 2026, please do so by completing our online form in the usual way.
Oh, you who believe! Fasting was prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous.
Further information
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do reach out to me directly. Finally, may the God of mercy and love help us to walk the path of goodness and compassion, this Ramadan and always.
Canon I Loynd, Headteacher