Newsletters

Witheridge Weekly Newsletter - 30/01/2026



Witheridge

Church of England

Academy


Encourage One Another And Build Each Other Up


Perseverance: Keeping Going, Whatever the Weather

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Over the past few weeks, the weather has certainly tested us! Grey skies, rain, cold mornings and muddy playgrounds can sometimes make everything feel a little harder. Yet, as a school community, we have continued to show something truly special: perseverance.

Perseverance is about keeping going, even when things are difficult or uncomfortable. It’s about turning up, trying again, and giving our best—even when we’d rather stay warm and dry. Whether it’s pupils concentrating in lessons on a gloomy afternoon, staff supporting learning with energy and care, or families helping children arrive each day ready to learn despite the weather, perseverance has been all around us.

At Witheridge C of E Academy, perseverance sits at the heart of our Christian vision to Encourage One Another and Build Each Other Up. When the days feel long or challenging, encouragement matters more than ever. A kind word, a smile, a helping hand, or simply noticing someone else’s effort can make all the difference. By lifting each other up, we give one another the strength to keep going.

We remind our children that perseverance doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means asking for help when needed, supporting friends who are struggling, and celebrating effort as much as success. Together, we are stronger—and together, we can face whatever comes our way, rain or shine.

As we move through the rest of the term, let us continue to model perseverance for our children: showing resilience, optimism, and care for one another. Even when the weather is grim, our school community shines brightly.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and encouragement. I hope you have a lovely weekend. 

All the best, 

Miss Ratcliffe

Head of School

Life, Love and Learning to the Full


School Attendance


This week's whole school attendance percentage is:

89.0%

At Witheridge C of E Academy, we believe that regular and punctual attendance is key to helping children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Further Information

School Calendar


Class 4 Swimming Lessons
1:00pm – 2:30pm
02
February
Outdoor Learning GREEN Group
1:30pm – 3:30pm
from 26 Jan and on Monday each week until 13 Feb
02
February
Reception PE
2:00pm – 3:30pm
from 02 Feb and on Monday each week until 09 Feb
02
February
TLC Theatre Club & Dance Club
3:30pm – 4:30pm
from 19 Jan and on Monday each week until 13 Feb
02
February
Year 5 London Residential
9:00am – 3:30pm
from 03 Feb until 06 Feb
03
February
Farm School Group EYFS/KS1 Group 1 - Parents Emailed
1:30pm – 3:30pm
from 20 Jan and on Tuesday every 2 weeks until 10 Feb
03
February
Teacher Led Club - Small World & Role Play
3:30pm – 4:30pm
from 20 Jan and on Tuesday each week until 10 Feb
03
February
TLC Timetable Club
3:30pm – 4:00pm
from 20 Jan and on Tuesday each week until 10 Feb
03
February
Outdoor Learning Class 3 Group 2
1:30pm – 3:30pm
from 21 Jan and on Wednesday each week until 11 Feb
04
February
Class 3 PE
1:30pm – 3:30pm
from 28 Jan and on Wednesday each week until 11 Feb
04
February
TLC Gardening Club
3:30pm – 4:30pm
from 21 Jan and on Wednesday each week until 11 Feb
04
February
Outdoor Learning BLUE group
1:30pm – 3:30pm
from 22 Jan and on Thursday each week until 13 Feb
05
February
Class 2 PE
2:00pm – 3:30pm
from 22 Jan and on Thursday each week until 12 Feb
05
February
TLC SAT's Club
3:30pm – 4:30pm
from 22 Jan and on Thursday each week until 12 Feb
05
February
NSPCC Number Day 2026
9:00am – 3:30pm
06
February
View school calendar
View school term dates

School Lunch Menu


The cost of a school lunch is currently Nursery £2.00 per meal, Reception & KS1 Children – Universal Infant Free School Meals & KS2 £2.58 per meal.

Payment is via your Arbor account.

PLEASE NOTE

School Lunch Price Increase from 1st February 26

KS2 (Y3 - Y6) - £2.61 per day 

Nursery - £2.05 per day


Latest News


29 Jan 2026
Outdoor Learning
This week's outdoor learning is focused on introducing all children to the program using team-building games and activities to encourage confidence, communication and trust.
Read more
28 Jan 2026
🥾 Exmoor Challenge Training Begins for Year 6
Year 6 completed their first Exmoor Challenge training walk
Read more
27 Jan 2026
Essebeare Farm KS2
The KS2 Essebeare Farm School group had a fantastic time meeting the calves and Bilbo the Bull.
Read more

Celebration of Achievements


Class Awards
Nursery  Thomas or settling well into nursery.
Reception Oliver S – Excellent use of mathematical vocabulary.
Class 1 Maeve for being such a kind friend and looking after her friends.
Class 2 Reuben for his enthusiasm in all areas of learning.
Class 3 Linden for being an excellent learning partner.
Class 4  Olly for making a great start on the Year 6 homework.
Writer of the Week
Class 1 Jayden-Lee for writing sentences independently, accurately & speedily.
Class 2 Jasper for his beautiful handwriting.
Class 3 Libby – excellent story written about Leaf the polar bear.
Class 4  Lola for using a mix of handwriting, typing & dictation to write an adventurous narrative.
20 Merits Award
Class 1 Harvey
Class 2 Chester, Wren & Barney
Class 3 Theo
House Points
Discovery 18 Endeavour 24
Enterprise 17 Voyager 15
Forest & Sophie's Lunchtime Award
Phoebe for trying new foods at lunchtimes.

TEAM Multi-Academy Trust Vacancies


Further Information and Apply Here


Important Notices


 

 


Witheridge CofE Academy PTFA

We are really looking forward to welcoming you to our Scholastic Book Fair on Monday 23rd February, from 3:30pm–4:30pm in the school hall.

There will be lots of fantastic titles available to browse and order, and £1 World Book Day vouchers can be used towards purchases at the fair.

Alongside this, we are also hoping to run a stall selling good-quality second-hand books, games, puzzles, and World Book Day costumes. If you have any donations, we would be very grateful if these could be brought into school and handed to the school office between now and 23rd February.

Thank you in advance for your support—we hope to see you there!

Kind regards,

The Witheridge PTFA


Community News


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May be an image of martial arts and text that says "Join Witheridge Taekwondo Club KWON-DO TAE ??????? KWON SOUTH DO SOUTH TAE AF IH WEST GREAT BRITAIN WITHERIDGE 8yrs and above (no upper limit) ALL abilities welcome from complete beginners to experienced martial artists. -Qualified Instructors -certified by Britosh Tae Kwon-D Council. •Build confidence, strength & discipline while learning this dynamic martial art. Witheridge Village Hall 6pm- 7pm Thursdays Pop in and see us, find us on Facebook, Or call Andrew on 07966982889"

Any articles which appear in the school newsletter that have not been organised by or on behalf of the school, have not been verified by TEAM Multi-Academy Trust as to the suitability for children.  The news items are for parent information only!