Dear Parents and Carers,
Reminder: School Open Today for Year 11 and Year 13 Students Only – Wednesday 7th January
This is a reminder regarding today’s partial opening of Goodwin Academy due to the ongoing heating issues.
Our heating system has been running continuously and is gradually warming the school building. Engineers visited again and have optimised the system. They are confident that, following a full additional day of heating, the building will reach a comfortable temperature for all students to return tomorrow, Thursday 8th January.
To support today’s partial opening, we have purchased additional electric heaters and hired further units. These have been placed in selected rooms, which are now at a suitable temperature for learning. However, it has not been possible to heat all classrooms sufficiently for a full school opening today.
Therefore, the school is open today to Year 11 and Year 13 students only, as these year groups have priority due to their upcoming examinations.
Year 12 external examinations
Year 12 students completing external exams in Sport, Business, Psychology, Applied Science, and Health & Social Care should also attend today. Additional heating has been placed in all exam spaces to ensure a suitable temperature. Students should arrive 30 minutes before their exam and report to Reception on arrival. A heated study room will be available for Year 12 students between exams. Year 12 students should assemble in the Sixth Form Common Room at 8:35am, where Mrs Mercer, Head of Sixth Form, will explain the plan for the day.
Remote learning
For students in Years 7–10 and Year 12 students without exams, work will be set via Microsoft Teams, and teachers will monitor completion.
Arrangements for students attending today
Free School Meals
All students in Years 7–13 who are in receipt of free school meals may attend between 12:30pm and 1:00pm to collect a warm takeaway lunch.
Please complete the form below to confirm if a meal is required and to select your choice:
[Wednesday 7th January - Free school meal form – Fill in form].
We will provide further updates during the school day today. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience as we work to resolve this issue.
Kind regards,
Mr P. Jones
Headteacher
Sixth Form students are role models for the rest of the school. Our Sixth Form Dress Code is geared towards a smart, formal and business-like appearance.
Sixth Form students will be issued with a student ID card and lanyard which they are expected to wear at all times whilst on site.
Plain or modestly patterned and designed for formal wear. It must have sleeves and must not be low cut; it should cover shoulders and midriffs. A plain fine knit jumper or cardigan can be worn.
Not permitted: T-shirts; sheer or see-through fabrics including lace; hoodies and sweatshirts, no large logos.

Trousers should be full length; skirts must be mid-thigh length as a minimum.
Not permitted: Leather or imitation leather; denim; leggings or similar; jeans or jeans style trousers
Smart dresses can be worn must be mid-thigh length as a minimum.
Not permitted: Sheer or see-through fabrics including lace; denim; leather or imitation leather.
Smart leather or leather-look shoes and boots appropriate for a formal environment.
Not permitted: Stiletto heels; Ugg style boots; trainers/plimsolls or similar; flip-flops/mules, sandals.
Coats and outdoor clothing, including scarves and gloves and hats or similar must not be worn in school.
Make up, nail varnish and jewellery should be discreet and appropriate for a formal environment. Ears should have no more than one small piercing in each lobe.
Hair should be of natural colour and appearance and kept well groomed.
Headwear and hats should not be worn in school (except for parentally confirmed religious or medical reasons).
Not permitted: Facial piercings, eye-brow studs, ear stretchers. Body art, such as tattoos, must not be visible. No acrylic nails or nail extensions.
Remember you represent our school and are role models to the lower year groups
We ask that adherence to the dress code does not present an issue and does not result in conflict between staff and students. Our priority and focus within school is student wellbeing and academic progress.
Failure to follow our Dress Code will result in sanctions being issued.
The Academy reserves the right to decide what is considered appropriate