As we enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather over the Bank Holiday weekend, we are also looking ahead to what promises to be an exciting and memorable end to the academic year at school. The final half-term is always one of the busiest and most rewarding periods of the year, with so many opportunities for students to celebrate success, create memories and look forward to the next stage of their journey with us at Mountbatten.
Firstly, we would like to congratulate our Year 11 students who are about halfway through their GCSE examinations. They have shown resilience, maturity and determination throughout the exam season, and we are incredibly proud of the way they have conducted themselves. We now look forward to celebrating with them at the Year 11 Prom later this term: always a wonderful evening and a fitting way to mark the end of their time with us.
Soon after Year 11 leave, we are excited to welcome our new intake of students and families during our Year 6 New Intake Evening. This is an important milestone as we begin preparing our newest students for a successful start in September.
Across the school there are many celebration events planned towards the end of the term, including Celebration Days for Years 7, 8 and 9, the Year 10 reward trip to Paultons Park, Founders Day for Year 7 and our Year 10 Prefects, and college taster days for Year 10 students as they begin considering their future pathways. In addition, many students in Years 9 and 10 will be taking part in Duke of Edinburgh Award weekends, building teamwork, resilience and independence.
With the addition of Sports Day and our end-of-year celebration assemblies and awards ceremonies, the final weeks of term provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise achievement, effort and contribution across our whole school community. We look forward to sharing these moments with our students and celebrating another successful year together.
Reminder: Smartphone-free Environment, September 2026
A reminder that from September 2026, the school will become a smartphone-free environment in line with new national guidance requiring schools to be mobile phone free.
The policy is intended to improve learning, wellbeing and safety, with research showing that reducing smartphone use can lead to better concentration, behaviour and social interaction among students. Smartphones, smartwatches and all internet-enabled devices will be banned from the school site and treated as prohibited items, although students may bring one of the approved non-internet-enabled “brick phones” for travel arrangements. These brick phones must remain switched off and stored securely in school bags during the school day. More information can be found on our website and updates will be sent next half-term.
Click here to see what's on after half-term:
Monday 1 June
Nothing advised
Tuesday 2 June
Nothing advised
Wednesday 3 June
Nothing advised
Thursday 4 June
Nothing advised
Friday 5 June
Nothing advised
INSET Days for 2025/26
Thursday 2 July 2026
Every effort is made to ensure these dates are accurate. There are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.
Year 11 Cashless Catering Balances
If your Year 11 child has any positive balances on their cashless catering account, the balance will be transferred to any sibling still in school as early as possible in July.
If there are no siblings, the balance will be refunded to you by Aspens (the school’s caterers), back to the card that the payment was made on, by the end of the first week in August.
We are excited to be hosting a forthcoming charity event in support of two incredible local organisations: Youth in Romsey and Romsey Young Carers. Both charities work closely with many of our students and families, providing vital support, guidance and opportunities for young people within our school and the wider community.
To help make the event a success, we are kindly asking for support from our school community. We would be extremely grateful for any donations of raffle prizes — large or small — such as gift vouchers, hampers, experiences, unopened gifts, or items suitable for family prizes.
For those who may prefer, financial donations are also warmly welcomed. Every contribution will go directly towards supporting the valuable work these organisations continue to provide for young people in Romsey.
If you are able to donate a raffle prize or make a financial contribution, please contact The Finance Office via finance@mountbatten.school, or send donations in with your child by Wednesday 10 June.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support of our local community. Together, we can make a real difference to the lives of young people who rely on these important services.
Direct4Logos Closure - Bank Holiday Weekend
The Romsey Direct4Logos Shop will be closed from Friday 22 May at 2.00pm and will reopen on Tuesday 26 May at 9.30am.
Have Your Say on School Food Standards
The Government is consulting on proposed updates to the School Food Standards — the rules that govern what your child is served at school — and is inviting parents to share their views.
The proposed changes include reducing sugary desserts, snacks and drinks, increasing fibre through more wholegrains, vegetables, and pulses. For secondary schools, many of these changes would be phased in gradually between September 2027 and September 2028, recognising the realities of grab-and-go culture in secondary settings.
If implemented, your child could see changes such as more wholemeal bread and pasta, vegetables accompanying all main meals, and a more restricted drinks menu.
The consultation is open until 12 June 2026 and is your opportunity to influence how these standards are shaped. To respond, visit the DfE consultations page on GOV.UK or by clicking the button below.
Congratulations to Peter B 10PSN, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Congratulations to Milly M 10HMS/NKY who has been selected as 'Chef of the Week'!
Music Department
Music Festival and Music Festival Final
An enormous congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s festival! It was incredible to see so many new musicians and bands stepping forward and showcasing their talent. Seeing people come together to make music, create memories, and support one another was truly a pleasure and a real reminder of what this festival is all about.
A special thank you to Stuart Marchant for adjudicating this year’s festival final. His task was certainly not an easy one, having to choose winners in each category from such an outstanding standard of performances throughout.
And of course, a huge congratulations to all of this year’s festival winners, whose hard work and dedication to practising has truly paid off and earned them a well-deserved achievement to be proud of.
The following students have passed Percussion Academy Drum Kit exams –
Evan T 11JFR Grade 4 with Distinction
Edward V 10TLS Grade 8 with Distinction
Click the drop-down menus below to find out more about updates in the Careers Department and different careers opportunities coming up for our students.
Year 10 & 11 British Army: ‘Breaking down the Army assessment
Preparing for the Army Assessment Centre can feel daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. Join our free online event where we break down the Army Assessment Centre step by step, explain what really happens on the day, and show you how to prepare with confidence.
Year 10 & 11 Insight into University of Oxford admissions process
For students who were unable to attend the recent information session, a webinar has been organised for Thursday 18 June, 4.00pm - 4.45pm. The talk will also focus on university in general and how to make informed decisions about the future.
Year 10 & 11 Lloyds Banking: virtual work experience
Lloyds Banking Group is one of the largest banks in the UK and offers so many fantastic opportunities to students across the UK. This hands-on experience is designed to help students build the skills employers are looking for within the industry. Date: 29 May, 1.00pm - 3.45pm. To register, please click here.
Year 11 Paragon Apprenticeship Provider – Open Day
Tour our fully equipped multi-functioning workshops ✅ Meet industry-experienced personal tutors ✅ Explore hands-on training programmes ✅ Chat with past and present apprentices as well as some of our employer partners about what apprenticeships mean to their businesses ✅ Discover job pathways and apprenticeships
Our Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) programme is delivered by form tutors who know their students well, creating a safe and supportive environment for exploring sensitive topics. This familiar relationship enables open dialogue and builds trust, allowing students to engage more confidently with challenging subject matter.
At the heart of our programme is an oracy-based methodology that prioritises discussion, debate and collaborative exploration. Rather than simply receiving information, students are encouraged to express their thoughts and questions in a supportive environment while listening respectfully to diverse viewpoints and experiences. They engage in meaningful dialogue with peers and their form tutor, developing confidence in articulating their ideas and concerns whilst practising essential communication skills that will serve them throughout life.
Our approach fosters critical thinking skills by encouraging students to question assumptions and examine different perspectives. They learn to analyse information from multiple sources and viewpoints, considering the complexity of real-world situations and relationships. Students develop skills in evaluating the consequences of different choices and behaviours while reflecting thoughtfully on their own values and beliefs.
Through structured discussions and collaborative activities, students develop respect for diversity in all its forms, including different backgrounds, beliefs and lifestyles. Students learn to disagree respectfully while maintaining positive relationships and become aware of their own biases, recognising the importance of remaining open-minded.
Our five-year programme follows a progressive and spiral curriculum structure from Year 7 to Year 11, with topics revisited at increasing levels of complexity and maturity. This approach ensures that students build upon prior learning while developing deeper understanding as they mature.
This comprehensive approach ensures our students develop not only knowledge and understanding, but also the communication skills, emotional intelligence and respect for others that will serve them well as they navigate their relationships and make important life decisions.
RSHE Summer Term Dates
Year 7
This term Year 7 will be exploring what living in a diverse society means and celebrating differences, whether those differences are cultural, ethnic, religious, or personal. They will learn that positive relationships are based on respect, communication, empathy, and support, and they help us build a sense of community. We will explore how to challenge prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination and consider that the media often presents stereotypes that can shape our perceptions, but we can actively challenge and question these portrayals to promote a more inclusive society. Relationships and safety are about building healthy connections with others, making responsible decisions, and taking care of yourself and others. In relationships, it's important to demonstrate respect, communication, and empathy. Year 7 end the term looking at the management of their own and others’ safety, both in real life and online, considering how to make informed choices, recognise risks, and knowing when to seek help.
Year 8
Year 8 will consider the different types of friendships and relationships, including romantic relationships. It's important to learn about contraception and safe practices in an age-appropriate setting, as well as how to form and maintain healthy relationships based on respect and mutual care. Year 8 will explore how to manage emotions, develop self-worth, and identify positive social norms to help build confidence and navigate the challenges of adolescence. Towards the end of the term, Year 8 will develop their understanding of how drugs can affect their health and wellbeing. Whether it’s understanding the risks of alcohol, tobacco, or e-cigarettes, or learning how to manage peer pressure, they will learn how to make informed and healthy decisions. They will explore how substances like energy drinks and medication can impact your physical and mental health. By developing a sense of self-awareness and understanding, they can make choices that promote a healthy lifestyle, respect for others, and a positive approach to wellbeing.
Year 9
In Year 9, students will learn about the risks of addiction and dependence related to substances like drugs, vaping, and gambling. Understanding the legal and health consequences of these behaviours is essential for making informed choices. They will also explore and consider the risk of developing unhealthy habits and how to manage influences, both online and offline. By developing positive social norms and attitudes, they can make healthier decisions for themselves and support others in doing the same. They will finish the term by exploring the dangers of gang involvement, knife crime, and the concept of ‘groupthink.’ Understanding how group pressures can influence decisions, and how to assess risks in different situations, is key to staying safe. They will learn about the legal and physical consequences of carrying a knife, the risks of getting involved with gangs, and how to resist negative influences.
Year 10
Year 10 will consider the influence of role models and the impact of the media on perceptions of gangs and risky behaviours. They will understand how to evaluate the impact of role models, manage peer pressure, and make independent decisions in increasingly complex social situations. They will look at how to recognise and respond to pressure, coercion, and exploitation, and how to access appropriate support when needed. Students will go on to explore the complexities of healthy relationships, including understanding and challenging assumptions and misconceptions about sex and relationships. They will learn how to navigate media influences, understand the importance of consent, and develop strategies to handle unwanted attention or harassment. Communication skills, including assertiveness, setting boundaries, and managing relationships online, will be key focus areas. This knowledge will help students build healthy, respectful, and mutually fulfilling relationships based on clear communication and shared values.
Year 11
Students complete their RSHE program this term ahead of their exams after they spend some time reflecting on their RSHE journey throughout their time at Mountbatten from Year 7 to Year 11. They will discuss some sensitive topics around pregnancy, miscarriage and abortion as well as positive relationships and consent. We hope that our RSHE curriculum will help our students stay healthy and happy during and long after their exams. They will then spend some time refining their revision skills and independent organisational skills.
Should your child wish to seek support related to any of these topics or about anything else that is worrying them, please advise them to speak to their form tutor in the first instance or request some support from our Student Support Team by completing the Student Support form on the student area of the school website.
Year 11 Cashless Catering Balances
Have Your Say on School Food Standards
Harvey B 7AOR
Luke E 8HSN
Lucy B-Y 7DMS
Saifan A 7ILN
Congratulations to Peter B 10PSN, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
