Head’s Blog – The start of the summer term

Friday 01 May 2026 | By Samantha Hockney

Longer days and lots of sunshine has made for a glorious start to the summer term.

Welcome to new families – start of the summer term

Following a rather busy Easter break, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the staff members, families and children who joined us following the official opening of Riverbank Nursery at Teesside High School on Wednesday 8 April.

The nursery staff have worked exceptionally hard to provide a seamless start for their new starters and the babies and children have settled in wonderfully. It is lovely to see them wandering through the grounds, exploring their new setting with their new friends!

I must also add a welcome note to those new to the Prep and Senior Schools this term, too. It has been lovely to introduce additional pupils to a number of year groups.

Examination Season

Since our return after Easter, our focus at the top of the school has been around examination preparation. Year 11, 12 and 13 pupils are just days away from some of their most important exams and our priority is to ensure they are calm, collected and ready to shine. Our intervention sessions throughout the year have been extremely well-attended and students across these year groups have shown enormous dedication. I hope the examination period is kind to you all and you each have the chance to showcase your knowledge and talents.

As examination season arrives, we are marking the final days of Year 13 pupils’ time at THS and Year 11 students’ time in the Senior School with two celebratory assemblies. We also have plans for a Sixth Form Leavers event and Year 11 Good Luck party. Pupils in these year groups have made an incredible mark upon our school and their absence across the study leave period will definitely be felt. We could not have wished for two more outstanding year groups, and we know they are ready to approach their next steps with confidence.

Sports Days – dates for your diary

It is this term that our stunning grounds truly come to life and pupils have relished spending lots of their time outdoors, whether through aspects of their lessons, social time, enrichment in Forest School or sporting fixtures. As ever, the PE Department is making preparations for our annual Sports Days – occasions not to be missed! Please save the dates:

Friday 12 June (pm) – Prep School Sports Day, (wet weather alternative: Friday 19 June)
Monday 29 June (pm) – Senior School Sports Day, (wet weather alternative: Tuesday 30 June)

I hope you enjoy reading about the start of the summer term in our latest newsletter.

Mrs Mackenzie, Head