Week 18
A warm welcome to this week’s update from us here at Watling Academy. We have had a busy and very successful week and some of our highlights are shared with you here – superb debating, future thinking, and sporting prowess amongst them. It has been a pleasure to deliver assemblies over these last few weeks to all year groups, and I continue to be impressed by these wonderful young people. I look forward to getting to know our community and am committed to our work together to ensure the best possible opportunities for all at Watling Academy.
It was also lovely to meet parents at this week’s Friends of Watling Academy meeting. A huge thank you to them for the time they give for the benefit of our academy. Look out for some fun fundraising events happening very soon (further details below).
ESU MACE Debate Competition Success
We’re proud to share that our debaters are now Regional Finalists in the English-Speaking Union Mace, one of the most prestigious school debating competitions in the country. They faced tough competition from schools across the region and showed outstanding confidence, clear thinking, and excellent teamwork.
Shreya, Eniola and Janelle’s performance has gone above and beyond expectations, reflecting their hard work, resilience, and commitment to this competition.
A huge well done to the whole team, especially those working behind the scenes, Yaseen, Jotham, Mahmoud, Zaina, Delishaa and David, you’ve made Watling Academy incredibly proud. Bring on the Regional Final!
Year 11 Careers Fair
It was a pleasure to welcome the Milton Keynes College Group to Watling Academy this week for an engaging and informative careers fair. Students had the chance to explore a wide range of post‑16 pathways, ask thoughtful questions, and gain clear guidance to help shape their next steps.
The Yellow Bus proved especially popular, providing hands‑on support with applications as well as valuable advice on personal development and future planning. This guidance helped students deepen their understanding of their options and feel more confident about the choices ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to all staff involved for their enthusiasm, expertise, and dedication to supporting our students’ aspirations.
Year 9 options
Our Year 9 students received their options booklets this morning which contain key information about the process of choosing their courses for Key Stage 4 as well as descriptions of all courses available. This is a really exciting time for students and the first step in the next stage of their education. Please support your child in this process by making sure they have read the booklet ahead of the Year 9 Options Evening next week and prepare any questions they would like to ask on the evening to help them make their decision.
FOWA Doughnut Sale
As you will be aware, Friends of Watling Academy (FOWA) are holding a doughnut sale on Friday 13th February to raise funds to support the school and students. Pre-orders are now live on ParentMail for boxes of 12 original glazed doughnuts, until 12pm on Wednesday 4th February. Students will also be able to purchase single original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts for £1.50 cash on the day. Plus, as an extra Valentine’s treat, find a heart in your doughnut box or bag to win a small prize! Thank you in advance for your support.
Sports Results
Well done to our Year 7 Girls Basketball team (pictured below), who played brilliantly in their tournament this week! Although they didn’t come away with a win, they demonstrated fantastic teamwork, resilience, and determination throughout. A great effort from everyone involved.
A big shout‑out to our U16 Girls Football team, who faced Royal Latin in the County Cup quarter-finals this week and earned a well‑deserved place in the semi-final with an impressive 4–2 win. Congratulations to the whole squad on a fantastic performance!
- Year 7/8 MK School Basketball tournament – 6th place
- Year 9 Netball v Oakgrove – WON 12-2
- Year 8 Netball v Oakgrove – LOST 10-9
- Year 11 Basketball v St Paul’s – WON 26-25
- Year 9 Basketball v St Paul’s – WON 30-28
- Year 11 Boys Football v Radcliffe – LOST 2-1
- Year 10 Basketball v Walton High – Postponed by WH
- U16 Girls County Cup v Royal Latin – WON 4-2
- Year 9 Boys Football v Glebe – WON 10 – 0
Take care and have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Reminders
Sixth Form Applications
There is one week left to apply for Sixth Form entry in September 2026 – don’t miss out! Students have all received a unique application link via email, please use this to complete your application by midnight on 31st January.
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 26th January – Week A
- Year 12 Progress Week all week
- Tuesday 27th January –
- Year 9 Holocaust Survivor talk
- Wednesday 28th January –
- Year 11 Food & Nutrition Practical Mocks
- Thursday 29th January –
- Year 11 & 12 DofE Silver Award Classroom Training
- Year 9 Options Evening
- Friday 30th January –
- Year 11 Food & Nutrition Practical Mocks
- Year 11 & 12 DofE Silver Award Classroom Training
Sports Fixtures
- Tuesday 27th January –
- Year 7 Boys Football Vs Stantonbury AWAY
- Year 9 Boys Football Vs Kents Hill Park HOME
- Year 7 Netball Vs Glebe Farm HOME
- Wednesday 28th January –
- Year 8 Boys Football Vs Shenley Brook End AWAY
- Year 10 Boys Football Vs Radcliffe HOME
- Thursday 28th January –
- Year 10 County Cup Football Vs Holmer Green AWAY
