This will be my last blog of the term and I'd like to thank the whole LSA community for your ongoing support, it has made a difficult job much more straightforward and has allowed all of us to focus on what is really important, improving the life chances of young people. I firmly believe that clarity is kindness, we have much to do to further improve the school and I will continue to be clear with you all as to how we will do this. LSA has undergone significant change since the pandemic lockdowns six years ago, the recovery period following the closures then the migration to a new school building inevitably put pressure on the school; these events were then followed by changes in leadership and academisation. There has been a lot of change. Change is often positive but in schools can bring problems, as systems bed down and new routines begin. It needs to be managed carefully and communicated at each phase.

We are at the end of the first phase of change. In my letter to you all in September I stated that my top priority was to stop internal truancy and begin to improve attendance. These issues were draining the human resources of the school and were compromising student safety. Young people need to be in school, in class and learning. We have a long way to go on attendance, but green shoots of recovery are clear to see. Next, we have tightened up on uniform guidance, normalising our uniform and making it more cost effective. This has meant making tough, long overdue decisions. We will soon be publishing guidance on communication, making it easier for parents and carers to contact the school and get to the right person in a prompt manner, I am aware that communication has not been good enough and this has affected the relationship with our community and wasted hours of staff time dealing with complaints that could have been resolved earlier. We will do better.   

Over the last half term, I have been visiting lessons across the school and seeing our young people learn. I know only too well the problems schools face in recruiting and retaining good quality teachers, LSA I am delighted to say is full of them. Our staff are great and our young people keen to learn. In the next phase of change we will be working on embedding great classroom routines and developing consistencies and approaches to teaching that help all young people achieve. This will take time, but the foundations are strong. Ultimately it is what happens in classrooms that does most to shape futures and improve lives. LSA is a great school with enormous capacity to improve further, the sky really is the limit. Thank you for your support so far, this is only the beginning but you have my assurance that we will be on this journey together, ensuring that we are all proud to be LSA.

Have a restful Easter break 

As part of LSA Lit Fest 2026, we were delighted to welcome back acclaimed author Julian Sedgwick for a full day of workshops and assemblies with our students.

Julian, whose works include the Carnegie Medal shortlisted Tsunami Girl and Orpheus Black, worked closely with our Geography students, sharing fascinating insights from his time living in Japan. His experiences brought a unique perspective to his writing, helping students to better understand the cultural and real-world influences behind his stories.

Throughout the day, students were fully engaged as Julian delivered a series of interactive sessions, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. A particular highlight was the opportunity for students to explore exclusive, never-before-seen content from his upcoming work, which generated real excitement and curiosity.

His manga-style novel Tokyo Ghost Café continues to be a firm favourite among LSA students, and it was fantastic to see such enthusiasm for his work during his visit.

We are incredibly grateful to Julian for returning to LSA and supporting this year’s Lit Fest. His visit has once again inspired our students to read widely, think creatively, and explore the world through literature.

As part of our ongoing support for Year 11 students in the lead-up to their GCSE examinations, we were pleased to welcome representatives from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to LSA.

Students attended an informative and engaging session focused on effective revision strategies for GCSE Biology. The session provided practical tips on how to revise more efficiently, structure learning, and retain key information, helping students to feel more confident and prepared ahead of their exams.

In addition to revision guidance, students also gained valuable insight into life beyond high school. The UCLan team shared their experiences of college and university, offering advice on pathways, expectations, and the opportunities available to students as they continue their educational journey.

The session was extremely well received, with students benefiting from both the academic support and the opportunity to start thinking about their next steps.

We would like to thank UCLan for taking the time to visit LSA and support our students during this important stage of their education.

Lytham St Annes High School is looking brighter than ever as daffodils planted by students earlier this term have now come into full bloom across the school grounds.

As part of a hands-on environmental initiative, students from Athena House worked together to plant bulbs in key areas around the site, with generous support and donations from Lytham in Bloom. The activity gave students the opportunity to contribute positively to their surroundings while learning the value of teamwork and community involvement.

Now, with the arrival of warmer weather and clear skies, those efforts are being rewarded. The daffodils have blossomed beautifully, adding a vibrant splash of colour and creating a welcoming, uplifting environment for students, staff, and visitors alike.

It has been fantastic to see the transformation and to reflect on the role students have played in enhancing the school grounds. Their willingness to get involved and take pride in their environment is a great example of the LSA spirit in action.

The school would like to extend its thanks to Lytham in Bloom for their continued support and guidance, and to Athena House for representing themselves and the school so positively.

This project is a wonderful reminder that small actions can have a lasting impact, and that when students work together, they can make a real difference to their community.

The last two weeks have shown clearly the potential of LSA. Last week kicked off the school's annual Lit Festival, our young people heard from visiting authors, two of whom were ex-students of the school. LSA continues to produce alumni who go on to make an indelibly positive impact on the world. We have two students, Oscar and Emilia campaigning for a place in the Lancashire Youth Parliament this week. We are the only school in Lancashire with two candidates, and I am inspired by their desire to be politically involved in the future of their community and country. Their futures will be bright, and we need young people involved in democracy, it is more important now than ever before. Next year we will be doing more work on developing representative democracy within the school, unlocking student voice and developing community cohesion. We all have a part to play in teaching our young people respect for democracy and tolerance.

Leaders and teachers across the country are reporting increasing intolerance amongst young people. Where the family, the community, the school and the church once defined the moral framework for young people they are now being increasingly shaped by algorithms and echo chambers. This is dangerous and has seen an increase in misogyny, unhealthy depictions of relationships and increasingly a 'pornification' of childhood. A relatively new technology, the internet is perverting the traditional moral frameworks that young people have grown up in. We should be very afraid because in an attention economy it is often those who depict the most morally repugnant vision of humanity, who get the most hits and who are most 'monetised'. Schools are at the front line of this and the decisions we are making at LSA to challenge this trend are clear. Of all the threats that I have seen in my 30 years as an educator the threat to tolerance and democracy is the most terrifying. I take my hats off to Emilia and Oscar, setting foot into a profession where they will be ultimately abused online, threatened and lambasted. Their commitment to public service is inspirational and I have nothing but admiration and empathy for them. As a community we need to teach our young people to support those who want to serve, it is through service that improvement is built. Thank you all for your continued support and well done to all those young people who make us proud to be LSA.  

Students in Hermes House were recently challenged to write a poem inspired by our school charity, Just Good Friends.

After reading the entries, Miss Dainty and Mrs Proctor invited Bev Sykes, founder of the charity, to help choose a winner. Bev shared that it was incredibly difficult to select just one poem, but one entry truly stood out.

Congratulations to Sophie (Year 10), whose powerful writing particularly captured the moment of “a man sitting on a bench on his own.” The imagery resonated strongly with the charity’s message. On the Just Good Friends website there is a photo of someone sitting alone on a bench, contrasted with another showing people supported and connected through the charity’s work.

To celebrate her thoughtful piece, Sophie received a gift bag of goodies from Miss Dainty and Mrs Proctor, and as a special surprise Bev also gifted her a large Easter egg, a pen, and a copy of the book Always Remember – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy.

A huge well done to Sophie and to all the Hermes students who took part in such a meaningful activity. ????

#MoreThanGrades #LSACommunity #HermesHouse

Earlier this week, we were delighted to contact the families of our new Year 7 students, who will be joining Lytham St Annes High School this September. We would like to offer our congratulations to all of the Year 6 pupils who have secured a place with us, and we look forward to welcoming you to our school community.

To help our new students and their families see what life at LSA is like, we are pleased to share a short video created by two of our current Year 7 students, Harriet and Luca.

In the video, Harriet and Luca take viewers through a typical day at LSA, from form time and lessons to lunchtime and the wide range of extracurricular activities available through our More Than Grades programme. Along the way, they share their experiences of starting secondary school and some of the opportunities that make life at LSA so varied and enjoyable.

The video highlights just a small part of what makes LSA such a vibrant and supportive school community, where students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop new skills and take part in a wide range of activities both inside and outside the classroom.

Families can also find further information about starting at LSA in our Guide for New Students, Parents and Carers, available here:
https://www.lythamhigh.lancs.sch.uk/joining-lsa

We look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students in September and supporting them as they begin their journey at Lytham St Annes High School.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-PTwzuAxIo

Our students recently took part in the prestigious UKMT Mathematical Challenge, a national competition designed to encourage mathematical thinking and problem solving among students across the UK.

The challenge, organised by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust, tests students’ ability to apply logic, reasoning, and creativity to a series of demanding mathematical problems. It is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading maths competitions and attracts participation from hundreds of thousands of students each year.

We are delighted to share that a large number of LSA students achieved Gold and Silver awards, an excellent accomplishment given the high standard of the competition. These awards place students among the strongest performers nationally and reflect both their mathematical ability and dedication.

The results are a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of our students, as well as the support and guidance provided by the mathematics department.

Congratulations to all students who took part in the challenge. Their success is another fantastic example of the academic excellence and curiosity that we celebrate at LSA.

It has been a great week at LSA. Our year 10s have spent the week on work experience, this is the first time in a number of years that we have been able to organise this and I have been delighted that so many of our young people have been getting an experience of the world of work. I'd like to thank all in the community for making this happen as I know how much organisation and dedication this process takes. The school has seemed quiet without our year 10s and this has really highlighted how much progress we have made this year in creating a safe, calm and predictable environment for our young people. The routines of work are no different to those of our school and I hope that our focus on implementing these routines will support our young people to step into the world, disciplined and successful. Work ethic is key to a successful life, I hope that our year 10s have discovered that this week.

The work experience week is a rite of passage for so many of our young people, one of the moments of growing up where they glimpse the future. Secondary schools share so many rites of passage moments with young people; it is one of the real privileges. The five-year journey at high school is a transformative one but it is also a painful one. Adults often forget how difficult growing up is and sometimes, I think it would do us no harm to go on a one-week teenager experience every so often. Growing up is painful, it's full of crisis and sometimes there are no answers, no magic bullets and no one to blame. Adults need to remember this and understand that boundaries, calm understanding and unconditional positive regard are the best guardrails in supporting our young people through the chaos of youth. Caring for young people is hard because it requires us to be the adults, to remain calm in the eye of the storm and remember that life is long and change constant. We will welcome our year 10s back to school on Monday, prouder than ever to be LSA.

Students at Lytham St Annes High School were delighted to welcome bestselling author Sarah Underwood as part of LSA Lit Fest 2026.

Sarah’s debut novel, Lies We Sing to the Sea, became an instant New York Times, indie and international bestseller, and students were given a fascinating insight into the journey behind the book and the world of professional writing.

During her visit, Sarah delivered an engaging talk to Year 10 and Year 11 students, sharing how her love of mythology and storytelling developed into a career as a published author. She spoke about the creative process behind her novel, the challenges of writing and publishing, and the importance of perseverance when pursuing creative ambitions.

Selected Year 8 and Year 9 students also had the opportunity to take part in interactive writing workshops, where Sarah guided them through activities designed to spark creativity and develop their storytelling skills. Students explored ways to build characters, develop ideas, and think imaginatively about their own writing.

The visit was an inspiring experience for students across the school and a fantastic part of LSA Lit Fest 2026, which celebrates reading, creativity and the power of storytelling.

LSA Lit Fest 2026 began in style on World Book Day, as students welcomed back two former LSA students for a special day of talks and creative workshops.

Author Ella Peebles and illustrator Leah Bainbridge returned to school to speak to students about their collaborative book, Watch Us Begin.

During the visit, Ella shared her journey from studying at LSA to writing and self-publishing her own poetry anthology. Students gained a fascinating insight into the process of turning ideas into finished pieces of writing, as well as the determination and creativity involved in publishing a book.

Students from different year groups also took part in interactive creative writing workshops, where Ella guided them through activities designed to spark ideas and build confidence in their own writing. The sessions encouraged students to experiment with language, explore imagination, and see poetry as a powerful form of self-expression.

Alongside this, students learned about the role of illustration in storytelling through the work of Leah Bainbridge, whose artwork brings the poems in Watch Us Begin vividly to life. Leah spoke about her creative process and how illustration can enhance and deepen the meaning of written work.

Having two former LSA students return to share their achievements made the day particularly special and inspiring for current students, showing how creativity developed in school can grow into exciting real-world opportunities.

The visit marked a fantastic start to LSA Lit Fest 2026, with more authors and creative sessions still to come over the next few weeks as we celebrate reading, writing and storytelling across the school. 

This March, Lytham St Annes High School is celebrating the power of reading and storytelling with LSA Lit Fest 2026, a series of exciting events and workshops taking place throughout the month.

The festival began on World Book Day with a special visit from former LSA students Ella Peebles and Leah Bainbridge. The pair spoke to students about their collaborative poetry anthology Watch Us Begin and delivered creative writing workshops, giving students a chance to develop their own ideas and explore the process of creating and publishing a book.

On Friday 6th March, students will hear from bestselling author Sarah Underwood. Her debut novel Lies We Sing to the Sea became an instant New York Times, indie and international bestseller. Sarah will deliver a talk to Year 10 and Year 11 students, as well as running writing workshops with selected Year 8 and Year 9 students, helping them develop their storytelling and creative writing skills.

Later in the month, author Julian Sedgwick will visit the school on Thursday 19th March. Known for his Carnegie Medal shortlisted novel Tsunami Girl and his award-winning manga-style book 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café, Julian will be speaking to Geography students about his experiences living in Japan and how these experiences influence his writing.

The festival will conclude on Tuesday 24th March with a visit from Ruth E. Cockburn, a local comedian and writer who works with Showtown and HeadStart Blackpool. Ruth will be working with students involved in the Poetry By Heart competition, coaching the finalists and helping judge the event.

LSA Lit Fest 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with authors, explore creativity and see how a love of reading and writing can develop into exciting opportunities beyond school. ????✨

My first blog of this half term will confirm uniform arrangements for the 2026/27 academic year. As you know, I went to consultation with parents on our uniform before Christmas and I published the outcomes of the consultation to you all in January. I have since met with Governors and our uniform suppliers to confirm our arrangements for September 2026. 

The focus of this uniform review was as follows: 

• To meet the statutory government guidance that comes into force in September 2026 

• To make the uniform as cheap as possible for parents and carers, reducing branded items and offering cheaper high street alternatives where possible 

• To redress issues with the current uniform, ensuring that the future of the uniform at LSA supports high expectations and standards 

I have attached our revised guidance; the main changes are as follows: 

• There will now be only two branded items plus a tie. These items will be the blazer and our sports top. Our uniform manufacturers can provide these items as normal. Current additional branded items can continue to be worn until they are worn out or need replacing. 

• Branded skirts will stop being manufactured and all newly purchased skirts will be plain black, pleated and knee length. All skirts will be worn with black tights (60 denier or above) 

• During very hot weather the school will allow blazers to be removed and kept in bags. If young people find tights uncomfortable during these periods of hot weather, then they can wear plain black, loose fitting tailored trousers or black, tailored knee length shorts. 

We have given very careful consideration to cost, practicality and durability in our uniform guidance. Skirts and PE kit were the main points of contention that came through the consultation process. We were mindful to address these issues by finding practical solutions that would not incur extra cost to parents or the school. It is extremely costly to pay for staff time spent enforcing rules on skirt length, which is a perennial problem and an inefficient use of staff time. The introduction of tights is a practical, smart and sensible solution. 

I have attached the updated guidance for the 2026/27 Academic year. If there are any concerns or queries regarding this updated guidance, please contact us at this address LSA-Uniform@lsahigh.org . 

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout my first year at the school. 

Our Year 7 students have been developing their practical cooking techniques this term, putting their knife skills to the test while preparing fresh Greek salads in Food Technology.

As part of their current unit, students have been learning how to safely handle and use a range of kitchen knives. They focused on key techniques including the bridge hold and claw grip, helping them chop, slice and dice ingredients with precision and confidence.

The lesson saw classrooms filled with the vibrant colours and fresh aromas of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and peppers as students carefully prepared their ingredients. Not only were they practising important technical skills, but they were also learning about balanced diets and the nutritional value of fresh produce.

Greek salad was the perfect recipe to combine these new skills, encouraging students to work independently while following hygiene and safety procedures correctly. Staff were impressed with the focus, maturity and enthusiasm shown throughout the lesson.

Well done to all our Year 7 students for their excellent effort and growing confidence in the kitchen. We look forward to seeing their skills continue to develop over the year.

Seventy-seven of our Year 11 students recently took part in professional interviews with representatives from Preston College, hosted here in school.

The interviews form an important part of the post-16 transition process, giving students valuable experience of speaking with college staff about their chosen courses, career ambitions and next steps. For many, this was their first formal interview experience, and they approached the opportunity with confidence and maturity.

College representatives were highly complimentary about the standard of our students, praising their preparation, attitude and professionalism throughout the day. It was fantastic to see students articulating their strengths, interests and future goals so clearly.

These interviews not only support successful college applications but also help students build essential life skills such as communication, resilience and self-reflection.

A huge well done to all 77 students who took part and represented the school so positively. We look forward to supporting them as they take their next exciting steps beyond Year 11.

Our Year 11 students recently attended an informative assembly delivered by Blackpool and The Fylde College, focusing on how to access apprenticeship opportunities after school.

The session provided students with a clear understanding of what apprenticeships involve, how they differ from full-time college study, and the wide range of career pathways available across various industries. Representatives explained the application process, entry requirements and the importance of securing an employer alongside college training.

Students were also given practical advice on searching for vacancies, preparing strong applications and making a positive impression at interview. The assembly highlighted how apprenticeships allow young people to earn while they learn, gaining valuable qualifications and real-world experience at the same time.

It was a highly engaging and informative session, helping our Year 11 students feel more confident about the different routes available to them as they prepare for life beyond school.

A big thank you to Blackpool and The Fylde College for supporting our students and providing such valuable guidance.

I'd like to thank you all for your patience and understanding this week, it has been reassuring that you have shown trust in the leadership of the school while we try to address the issue that was shared with you all. We acted swiftly, worked with the police and the local authority and followed their advice. This sort of news is always unsettling and the whole LSA community has found this week hard. At the end of my first six months at LSA, I hope that you all see that the actions we have taken and the systems that we have established, are designed to make the school a safe and secure environment. These are the systems that successful schools establish to ensure the fundamentals of good behaviour and attendance. My first blog after half term will share uniform changes for next year and our policy on mobile phone use will follow by the end of the academic year.

On a brighter note, Wednesday saw the school's annual 'Lytham's Got Talent' evening and our annual year 11 mock interviews. Both events showcased the very best of our young people. They really are marvellous and the commitment of our staff, parents and the wider local community is so impressive. During a challenging week at the school to watch our young people perform with such energy, talent and vigour reminds all of us, what schools are for and what great schools do. LSA really does have talent, and I end my first six months at the school excited to see our school develop and grow. Stability is what makes young people successful and whilst the first six months have brought challenges, the foundations are in place for the school to truly flourish. Everyone wants the same thing, for our young people to be happy, healthy and successful; thank you again for your trust this week. I am prouder than ever to be LSA.

Year 11 Mock Interviews: A Morning of Confidence and Professionalism

This morning, our Year 11 students took part in our annual Mock Interview event, gaining valuable first-hand experience of the recruitment process as they prepare for life beyond school.

We were delighted to welcome over 35 professionals from 29 different companies and organisations, representing a wide range of industries. Their time, expertise and constructive feedback helped to create an authentic interview experience for every student.

Professionals in attendance included representatives from AFC Fylde, Dudley Industries, The Small Business Academy, TGM, Leafy Lytham, and Forbes Solicitors, among many others. The breadth of sectors represented gave students a real insight into the expectations of employers across the professional community.

Feedback from interviewers was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented on how confident, articulate and well prepared our Year 11 students were, highlighting their professionalism and positive attitudes throughout the morning. Students approached the experience with maturity and resilience, stepping outside of their comfort zones and embracing the opportunity to develop key employability skills.

Mock Interviews form an important part of our careers programme, helping students to refine their communication skills, practise interview techniques and receive personalised feedback that will support them in future college, apprenticeship and employment applications.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to every professional who gave up their time to support our students. Your contribution makes a lasting difference.

Finally, a special thank you to our dedicated Careers Team for organising such a successful and impactful event.

Lytham’s Got Talent 2026 Raises the Roof and Funds for Charity

Lytham’s Got Talent 2026 proved to be an unforgettable evening as students took to the stage in front of a packed audience, delivering a showcase of confidence, creativity and outstanding ability.

A total of 18 acts performed on the night, representing a fantastic range of talents from across the school. The audience was treated to powerful vocal performances, beautifully performed piano pieces, energetic dance routines, impressive gymnastics displays and live band sets that brought real atmosphere to the event. Each act demonstrated not only talent, but also courage and commitment in performing live on stage.

The standard was exceptionally high, making the judges’ task no easy one. After much deliberation, Melody was crowned this year’s winner, earning first place with a truly memorable performance. A huge well done to her and to every single student who stepped into the spotlight.

Beyond the entertainment, the evening also had an important charitable focus. Thanks to the generosity of those who attended, the event raised close to £500 for Cancer Research UK. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strong sense of community spirit shown throughout the night.

A full highlight reel, featuring a short clip from each of the 18 performances, will be released tomorrow morning so that everyone can relive the magic of the evening.

Well done to all performers, staff and supporters who made Lytham’s Got Talent 2026 such a special and successful event. 

As part of Safer Internet Day and Children’s Mental Health Week, our Online Safety Ambassadors took centre stage in the main hall to deliver an engaging and interactive event for students across all year groups.

Throughout the day, students took part in a range of activities designed to raise awareness about staying safe online. One of the most popular challenges was the “Guess the Number” activity, where students had to estimate how many people are affected by online scams. The closest guesses won prizes, sparking important conversations about the scale and impact of online fraud.

Students also tested their knowledge in a fast-paced True or False challenge, aiming to get ten correct answers in a row about online safety, privacy, and digital responsibility. The activity encouraged critical thinking and helped students separate fact from fiction when navigating the online world.

Our ambassadors organised the event themselves, prepared resources, spoke confidently to their peers, and ensured the hall ran smoothly throughout the day. Their teamwork, professionalism, and enthusiasm were clear to see.

A huge well done to our Online Safety Ambassadors for leading such an impactful event and helping to promote a safer, more informed digital community within school.

It is interesting that our politicians no longer talk about the impact that the Covid pandemic had on our society, it is as if it never existed. To an extent I understand this well, we shouldn't use an event that happened almost six years ago to excuse low expectations. Of all the crises I have dealt with in my career the pandemic lockdowns were the most significant. I was leading a school that already faced significant challenges and the idea that school would not be a physical part of the lives of young people for an extended period of time was devastatingly distressing. It is safe to say that the inquest into the decision to shut schools has not yet been written. When it has been, I feel that it will reveal that this period of time devalued the importance of schools to society, relegated them behind the need for commerce and breached that most important agreement that individuals have with the state, the social contract.

The pandemic largely removed school from the lives of young people for almost an academic year, it also largely removed social care as the information that schools picked up about young people couldn't be effectively shared. The institutions that are in place to keep young people safe were rendered impotent and the pressure was piled on parents to pick up the slack. The certainty of schooling to the lives of young people and families was removed and it is still taking time to recover. AT LSA the tail of the Covid lockdowns has been particularly long, compounded by a major building project and changes to leadership. The contract between the school and its community is not yet fully in place. 

The most obvious symptom of this is attendance, our attendance prior to the lockdowns was at the national average, now it is in the bottom 10% of similar schools. We are 2 years behind the recovery seen by most schools. Schools rely on certainty, stability and clear boundaries; on these pillars good attendance is built. This is especially true for our most vulnerable young people. Our work since September has been to reestablish these norms but we need your support. Although attendance has improved this year, every day 60 fewer students attend school than they did 6 years ago. The social contract which once bound parents and school together is mending, but we have a way to go. We need your support and, if our young people are to be resilient and successful in future life, they need to be at school. You can be assured that although we will not always get it right, we will be trying our best to make this school a place that we can all be proud to send our children to.

Year 11 students recently took part in an informative and inspiring assembly delivered by the Lancashire WBL Forum, focused on apprenticeships and the routes available after GCSEs.

The session gave students a clear overview of what apprenticeships are, how to find them, and the application process involved. A key focus was on how competitive apprenticeships have become, with students encouraged to think carefully about how they can stand out from the crowd.

Students were given practical advice on strengthening their CVs, developing employability skills, and what employers are really looking for. The importance of aiming to be in the top 10% of applicants was highlighted, with tips on gaining relevant experience, showing commitment, and presenting themselves confidently.

It was a valuable session that helped students understand the reality of the apprenticeship market and gave them clear guidance on the steps they can take now to improve their chances of success.

Year 7 Geography students have been getting hands on with their learning as part of a unit exploring weather tools and how they are used to measure different weather conditions.

As part of the project, students designed and built their own weather instruments, including rain gauges, wind vanes and anemometers. Alongside this, they created informative posters explaining what each tool measures and why it is important in understanding the weather.

The project encouraged creativity, problem solving and scientific thinking, with students taking great pride in both the construction of their models and the quality of their written work. The finished tools and posters were proudly presented in class, showcasing the excellent effort and enthusiasm shown by the group.

Well done to all Year 7 students involved for their fantastic work and engagement in Geography lessons.

Students across Key Stage 3 recently took part in The 1% Club, a Maths Department House event designed to test problem-solving, logic and reasoning skills.

The competition was split into two events, one for Year 7 and one combining Years 8 and 9, with students answering a series of increasingly challenging questions. Teams worked their way through the rounds, aiming to score as many points as possible for their House Teams.

The event encouraged students to think carefully, work under pressure and apply their mathematical reasoning in a fun and competitive environment. Engagement was high throughout, with pupils showing great focus, teamwork and determination.

Year 7 Results

1st – Artemis
2nd – Athena
3rd – Apollo
4th – Demeter
5th – Prometheus
6th – Hermes

Years 8 and 9 Results

1st – Prometheus
2nd – Artemis
3rd – Athena
4th – Demeter
5th – Apollo
6th – Hermes

Well done to all students who took part and represented their Houses so positively. Events like The 1% Club are a great way to challenge thinking skills and show that maths can be both engaging and competitive.

House points have now been awarded, with the overall House standings continuing to take shape.

Parents may have seen on the news that the Government is tightening its guidance on school suspensions. The logic is clear, sending young people home is not an effective punishment for minor offences and should be avoided if possible. Most parents work full time and sending children home to screen time and computer games is not productive. Most schools have a form of internal exclusion; in our case it is called Reflection. This is an effective way of putting in place a clear sanction whilst keeping students in school and making them productive. For most young people, most of the time, detentions and the occasional internal exclusion are all we need to effectively sanction. 

Suspensions however are still an important legal sanction that schools employ. It passes the legal responsibility for that young person from the school, back to the parents. I really only use suspension for two reasons. The first reason is that a student has demonstrated a behaviour that would be illegal in the adult world, such as physical assault, verbal abuse or anti-social behaviour. These incidents are relatively unusual at LSA, although they do of course happen. The second reason why I suspend is when a young person refuses to accept our sanctions or we can't keep them safe. This might be the refusal of Reflection or persistent truancy. On this occasion suspension is important because it gives authority back to the parent. The second reason for suspension is most common but as schools improve, these suspensions lessen. Suspensions are an imperfect form of sanction, but they are an important one. Thank you all for your continued support, the school is improving rapidly. I am proud to be LSA

This week’s assemblies focused on Holocaust Memorial Day, providing students with time to reflect on the devastating impact of genocide, both past and present.

Mr Corbett delivered a powerful and thought-provoking message exploring the 10 stages of genocide, helping students understand how such atrocities develop and why early warning signs must never be ignored. The assemblies examined the events of World War Two and the Holocaust, while also drawing attention to ongoing genocides and humanitarian crises in parts of Africa today.

By linking historical events with current global issues, students were encouraged to reflect on the importance of remembrance, education, and standing up against discrimination and injustice in all its forms.

Yesterday’s Showcase Tuesday saw students from all year groups getting involved, with a fantastic range of work shared and celebrated across the school.

The showcase highlighted the variety of talents and achievements within our community, from handmade crochet avocados and certificates recognising bell ringing achievements, to students proudly wearing their new Team Deutsch t-shirts following German Week.

Alongside this, a wide mix of classwork from different subjects was on display, reflecting the creativity, effort and high standards of learning taking place across the curriculum.

Showcase Tuesday continues to be a great opportunity to recognise student success and celebrate the many ways our students engage with school life beyond the classroom.

Year 7 students have been getting hands on in Geography lessons by creating their own “cloud plates” to help them understand different types of clouds and what they reveal about the weather.

As part of the lesson, pupils divided a paper plate into four sections, with each quarter representing a different cloud type such as stratus, cumulus and cirrus. Using cotton wool, colouring and labels, students modelled the appearance and position of each cloud, linking their designs to weather conditions and cloud formation.

The practical activity helped bring learning to life, allowing students to visualise abstract concepts and apply their knowledge in a creative way. Alongside the models, pupils also recorded key facts in their books to reinforce their understanding.

The lesson encouraged creativity, teamwork and curiosity, while supporting core geographical knowledge about weather and climate. A great example of active learning in action within the Geography department.

Last week I attended an information evening at Lytham Hall Park Primary School that was led by volunteers for a charity called smartphonefreechildhood. The aims of this movement are quite simple, that parents don't buy their children a smartphone until the age of 14 and they have no access to social media before the age of 16. The evidence of the damage of smartphones on children is overwhelming, and it is no surprise to me that the founders of the social media giants in Silicon Valley do not allow unfettered access to smartphones for their children. I have signed the school up to the network and we will be supporting parents to make these tough decisions on the transition to LSA in the next academic year. This is a true grass roots movement and has been adopted by a number of our local primary schools, I recommend it to you all. 

As many of you know Australia has banned social media access for its under 16s and yesterday support was given by the House of Lords for a ban on social media for under 16s in the UK. At its best social media connects communities, sharing ideas, events and celebrating achievements; it is for these reasons that social media companies were originally formed. At its worst social media posters publish untruths and half-truths, packaging them under the veneer of journalism. This form of social media is dangerous because it is unaccountable, it threatens the safety of vulnerable individuals and instigates witch hunts based on rumour and gossip. This is not journalism, it is clickbait, it has no concern for the public good or holding the powerful to account. It requires no training and has no ethical code. It may originate on the internet, but its effect is profound in the real world. As schools and governments around the world wrestle with the control of this incipient technology, we need to remember that a code of moral decency should sit behind all of our communication. Thank you all for your continued support, I am proud to be LSA.

Lytham St Annes High School took on AKS Lytham in a fiercely contested Lancashire Cup derby, producing a thrilling afternoon of school rugby.

LSA made a strong start and went into the break in front after an impressive first-half performance. AKS responded well in the second half, edging back into the game and eventually securing a narrow 22–19 victory.

It was a closely fought match from start to finish, played in great spirit by both teams. Well done to all players involved in a cracking game of rugby. ????

Students in the Science Department have recently completed a creative and research-based project focused on endangered species and global conservation issues.

As part of their studies on biodiversity, students produced detailed, hand-drawn fact files highlighting a range of threatened animals from around the world, including sea turtles, whale sharks, orangutans, Amur leopards, red pandas, dugongs and Sumatran elephants. Each piece explores key scientific information such as habitat, population size, conservation status, and the human and environmental factors contributing to species decline.

The project encouraged students to combine scientific research with creativity, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of biodiversity and the role conservation plays in protecting ecosystems. Students also considered practical ways individuals and organisations can help support endangered species.

The standard of work produced was extremely high, demonstrating strong subject knowledge, careful research, and pride in presentation. Projects like this reflect the Science Department’s commitment to engaging students with real-world issues and encouraging them to think critically about their impact on the planet.

Well done to all students involved for their hard work and thoughtful approach to this important topic.

We are proud to introduce our Wellbeing Ambassadors, a dedicated group of students who play an important role in supporting mental health and wellbeing across the school community.

The Wellbeing Ambassadors work closely with staff to help promote positive mental health, raise awareness of wellbeing initiatives, and support a culture where students feel safe, supported, and able to talk openly about how they are feeling. They contribute to assemblies, awareness events, campaigns, and activities that encourage healthy coping strategies, resilience, and kindness.

A key part of the role is acting as a visible and approachable presence around school. Wellbeing Ambassadors can be easily recognised by their green ties, which help students know who they can speak to if they need support or guidance.

Through their involvement, Wellbeing Ambassadors help ensure that mental health and wellbeing remain a priority, reinforcing the message that looking after mental health is just as important as physical health. Their work supports the school’s wider commitment to safeguarding, student voice, and creating a positive and inclusive environment for all.

We would like to thank our Wellbeing Ambassadors for their commitment, responsibility, and compassion, and for the positive impact they continue to make within our school.

I have included in this week's blog a summary of the outcome of the uniform consultation that we launched before Christmas. I started the consultation with parents because I know that it is parents who bear the brunt of decisions that schools make around uniform. From September the government have set statutory guidance that schools have no more than three compulsory uniform items, plus a tie. They have also asked schools to consider the affordability of their uniform, keeping cost to a minimum and ensuring easy access to second hand alternatives. Uniform policies should also comply with the Equality Act and accommodate religious, cultural or gender related requirements. We should make reasonable adjustments for SEND students and should avoid discrimination and gender stereotypes. With all this in mind, this represents an important opportunity to review our uniform offer.

Our parent survey revealed some interesting data on how parents felt about our current uniform requirements. The majority felt that our uniform was practical and appropriate, but the comments revealed some interesting opinions on our uniform and on skirts and branded PE items in particular. I will make a commitment to reduce the number of compulsory items for PE to the bare minimum. I will also work with manufacturers to reduce cost and improve the availability of these items. Skirts were the other item of our uniform that proved contentious amongst parents. Many parents felt that having to buy branded skirts was unfair, given that trousers can be bought on the high street. Many parents also felt that our skirts were too short. I agree with both sentiments, and I will be working on resolving these issues in our new guidance. Unfortunately, the design of our logoed skirts is too short, certainly they couldn't be considered knee length. This has left us with skirts that are unacceptably short, especially in our older year groups. Our skirts become shorter as our students become older. This will have to be addressed and will need to add no more overall cost to parents.

The most important data that came out of the consultation however, was cost. Nearly 50% of respondents expressed worry at meeting the cost of our uniform with a sizable minority having to go into debt to afford it. Making uniform cheaper and more accessible therefore becomes the primary driver for a change in uniform policy. This doesn't only require the school to change policy it also requires parents to hold the line with their children. If we offer unbranded items but our young people then pressurise parents into buying expensive fashion items, this will have been in vain, and uniform could become more expensive. It will also put undue pressure on parents to keep up, spending money that could be used more usefully elsewhere. This will require us all to be brave. 

We will now go to the next stage of our consultation and will publish our guidance in Spring. Thank you all for your support and for your contributions, I am proud to be a member of this community and proud to be LSA. 

The results of the consultation are pictured below. There are forward and back arrows if you wish to navigate the images.

A group of students recently visited the BAE Systems Samlesbury Learning Centre to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities and careers within the organisation.

During the visit, students had the chance to speak directly with current apprentices, gaining an honest insight into their journeys, day-to-day roles, and how they made the transition from school into the workplace. They also met members of the HR team, who explained the different routes into apprenticeships and the wide range of roles available.

The day included interactive workshops focused on what BAE Systems looks for in candidates, covering employability skills, attitudes to learning, and how students can stand out during the application process. Students were encouraged to ask questions and think about how their interests and strengths could align with future career options.

It was a valuable and inspiring experience that helped students better understand apprenticeships as a realistic and exciting pathway beyond school.

This week marked the first Showcase Tuesday of the year at LSA, celebrating the wide range of talents, achievements, and efforts taking place across the school community.

Showcase Tuesday is all about recognising the things our students do beyond lessons, from creative projects and performances to sporting achievements, leadership roles, and personal successes. It provides a chance to shine a spotlight on the dedication and enthusiasm shown by students across all year groups.

The first Showcase Tuesday of the year was a fantastic reminder of just how much happens at LSA every day. It was great to see students’ hard work acknowledged and shared, and to kick off the year by celebrating what makes our school such a vibrant and supportive place to be.

A big well done to everyone who took part and contributed. We are looking forward to many more Showcase Tuesdays throughout the year.

Crochet Club has quickly become one of our most popular More Than Grades clubs and is now completely full, highlighting just how much students value creative and relaxing opportunities beyond the classroom.

The club has attracted a wide mix of students who are enjoying learning new skills, sharing ideas, and taking time to unwind at the end of the school day. From complete beginners to those with more experience, Crochet Club has created a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can get involved.

Its popularity is a great example of how More Than Grades clubs support students’ wellbeing, creativity, and confidence, while giving them the chance to explore interests that may stay with them well beyond school.

A big well done to everyone involved in making Crochet Club such a success.

I'd like to wish the whole LSA community a happy new year and thank you all again for your ongoing support. The term has started very well indeed, following December's flu outbreak our young people have returned to school ready to learn and attendance has picked up well. We have certainly been fortunate that the extreme weather conditions that have hit most parts of the UK have bypassed the Fylde coast, we have been an ocean of calm amongst the tumult. This has been mirrored by the atmosphere within the school, where our work on routines and punctuality has created a settled, quiet and ordered environment. When I told you all that I was an old fashioned headteacher on the first week this is what I meant, schools, like good parenting rely on predictable, simple and easy to understand routines. Our young people have responded incredibly well and make us all proud to be LSA.

I'd like to thank parents and carers for their responses to our uniform consultation. We had nearly 600 returns, demonstrating the amazing level of engagement that we enjoy in this community. I will publish the findings next week and summarise the general approach before we go to the next stage of consultation. Our approach will be defined by simplicity and clarity, something I know you will all appreciate. I am by nature an optimist, so I am excited to see us continue to improve LSA in 2026. This community deserves a first-rate school and our young people have shown us what they are capable of, I am, as ever, proud to be LSA.

The House leaderboard for Term One has now been finalised, following a busy and successful start to the academic year.

Students across all Houses have earned points through lessons, enrichment activities, competitions and events, showing great teamwork, effort and commitment.

We are pleased to congratulate Artemis and Hermes, who finished joint first at the top of the leaderboard after Term One. A fantastic achievement from both houses and a great example of consistent participation.

With Prometheus, Athena, Demeter and Apollo all close behind, the competition remains wide open as we move into the next half term.

There are plenty of opportunities coming up for students to earn more House points, including the Maths 1% Club, Maths Escape Rooms, the Spirited Arts competition and Science Week, which will feature classroom activities and House challenges.

Well done to all students who have contributed so far. We look forward to seeing continued enthusiasm and House spirit as the year progresses.

We hope everyone had a great New Year. Our students have wasted no time getting back into learning, with Year 10 Food students starting the term with an engaging and hands-on practical lesson.

The focus of the session was learning how to butcher a whole chicken, an important skill that supports both real-world cooking knowledge and GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition requirements. The lesson began with a clear demonstration from Mrs Gittings, who talked students through each stage of the process before they had the opportunity to practise the techniques themselves.

Students showed great focus and confidence as they applied what they had learned, developing knife skills, food preparation techniques, and a deeper understanding of how food is prepared from source to plate. These skills will play an important role in their upcoming practical GCSE assessments, as well as giving them valuable knowledge they can use beyond the classroom.

It was a brilliant, practical way to start the new term and a great example of our commitment to preparing students with skills that are useful both academically and in everyday life.

We are saying a heartfelt goodbye to our much-loved lollipop lady, Bettina Magee, who is retiring from her role after an incredible 20 years of service.

Known affectionately to many as Bee, Bettina has been a familiar, friendly and reassuring presence on the corner of Albany Road and Worsley Road, standing out in all weathers to help keep our students safe on increasingly busy roads. Her positivity, patience and ability to remember so many children by name has made her a much-valued part of daily life for families over the years.

Bettina has crossed generations of LSA students, including children who have attended Lytham St Annes High School themselves. While she is retiring from her role with us, she will continue working at Clifton, and we wish her every success as she begins this next chapter.

On behalf of the whole school community, we would like to thank Bettina for her dedication, kindness and commitment over the past two decades. She will be greatly missed.

As this is our final news post of the term, we would also like to wish all our students, families and staff a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year.

This will be my final blog of this term, so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a restful break with your families. The past fortnight has seen a sustained outbreak of flu across the school, this strain seems to be particularly virulent and schools throughout the country are suffering, with some closing due to the number of infections. We look forward to school attendance returning to normal but more importantly our young people being healthy and active again. Please take extra care over Christmas, especially if you are spending time with elderly relatives.

I'd like to thank parents for responding to our uniform consultation. I will share the findings with you all early in the new year. I am committed to reducing the cost of uniform for parents and also addressing the more visible problems with our current arrangements. I will give parents at least 6 month's notice of any changes that we will put in place for September 2026. This is to be fair to you and to ensure that you are aware of the cost implications early.

Finally, after Christmas, we will be having a big push on punctuality to class. As you all know we have been taking swift action on the internal truancy that had developed since the pandemic lockdowns. After Christmas we will be focusing on punctuality to lessons. This may mean that parents get messages about their children being late for class. If you could support our work by following up with conversations at home, it will help us enormously. Our young people only get one chance at a public education so every second counts. Thank you all for your continued support.

Keeping with the Christmas spirit, our Year 10 students have been busy in Food Technology this week producing their own Christmas cupcakes.

Students worked through the full process, from baking to decorating, and the attention to detail on their designs really stood out. From careful piping to festive colours and toppings, each cupcake showed real thought and creativity.

It was a great way to bring some seasonal cheer into the department and a nice follow-on from our Christmas tree going up in the hall earlier this week.

Well done to everyone involved. The cakes looked fantastic.

A huge congratulations to our Under 16s badminton team, who finished an impressive second overall in the Fylde and Wyre competition. The team’s hard work in lessons and training really showed on the court, and it was fantastic to watch their effort and teamwork throughout the event.

A special well done to Henry R, who was our standout performer on the night with a brilliant display of skill and determination.

We’d also like to mention our Year 11 players, who showed real commitment by revising for their PE mock exam on the bus ride home — a great example of balancing sport and study.

Well done to the whole team and thank you for all your hard work. We’re incredibly proud of you!

On Monday I discovered that the word phrase 'rage bait' was the Oxford university Press's word of the year. Now before I send this week's blog, I can assure you it is not meant to be rage bait, I have no desire to deliberately agitate the LSA community, I discovered in my first week that I had inadvertently become rage bait myself. Who knew that laying down ground rules that the vast majority of schools had been applying for over a decade would make so many people so rageful. We are all just a little bit rageful these days and are sometimes guilty, I think, of not stopping to truly think why something is being done before our rage vein starts pulsating.

 Next week I will be sending out my end of term letter to parents. We will be having an early closure (I am not yet the Grinch that killed Christmas) however we will not be having a non-uniform day. Although Lytham St Annes gives the veneer of affluence there are within our school community those for whom non-school uniform days are a massive hurdle to their self-esteem and attendance to school. School uniform is one the great democratising forces of British education. You can look at students in uniform and be none the wiser who are the 'haves' and who are the 'have nots', once the non-school uniform day comes into force it becomes apparent and many parents get put under pressure to buy clothes they can't really afford, for one day where their children try to keep up. Christmas for many of us is already stressful enough. I am paid to do what is right, not what is popular. I hope that you all understand.

Finally, I would like to thank all those who supported the school in petitioning against the installation of a large phone mast next to the bus stop, directly outside the school. I am delighted to say that the planning permission was rejected. Thank you all, this made me immensely proud to be LSA and is a testament to our strong and united community spirit.

Students in the Art department have been taking part in an observational drawing session this week, using a collection of plants and natural forms as their inspiration. The classroom was filled with quiet focus as students explored shape, texture and detail through a range of drawing techniques.

Observational work is an important part of the GCSE course, helping students strengthen their accuracy, confidence and understanding of form. This session gave them the chance to slow down, look closely and build the skills that underpin successful creative work.

It was fantastic to see such concentration and care from everyone involved. The Art department looks forward to seeing how these studies develop into more refined pieces over the coming weeks.

We wrapped up our final Showcase Tuesday of the year with another brilliant celebration of student talent and achievement across the school. Each week, Showcase Tuesday has given us the chance to shine a light on the hard work, creativity and commitment shown by our students in every area of school life.

This week’s showcase highlighted a wide range of successes, from outstanding classroom work and creative projects to impressive sporting performances and acts of kindness within the school community. It’s been amazing to see students consistently stepping up, trying new things and taking pride in what they do.

Showcase Tuesday has become a real favourite for staff and students alike, and this final edition of the year reflects just how much there is to celebrate at LSA. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, shared their achievements or supported others throughout the year.

We look forward to bringing Showcase Tuesday back in the new year with even more moments to celebrate.

I try to use these blogs to express all that is positive about life at LSA. There is so much to be proud of, and we have so many benefits that we should be grateful for. In my long career I have often had to run schools where it is incredibly challenging to recruit and retain quality staff, this is not the case at LSA, our staff stay at the school for a long time and are dedicated to the school community. I have also had to lead schools where deep rooted problems have caused tensions and division between the school and the community it serves. This is not the case here. Our facilities and school buildings offer a high-quality environment for our young people to learn in. There is much to be proud of.

What we can't be proud of however is the attendance of our children to school. While the school punches above its weight in so many ways the attendance of our young people is a blot on the landscape. Too often our students take days off where they could get themselves into school. This really has to change because if we want productive futures for our young people then the resilience to turn up to school every day is the backbone of future success. Prior to the pandemic LSA's attendance was better than the national average, since then it has lagged consistently behind. We have to face some difficult truths about what this means. Allowing our young people to not attend school is to teach them that duty, hard work and learning are less important than comfort. This needs to change and all of us need to accept responsibility, if we do not then we are consigning many of our young people to less than prosperous futures. I remain proud, as ever, to be LSA. 

Lytham St Annes High School is proud to announce that we have been named Secondary School of the Year at this year’s Fylde Community Sports Awards.

The award comes at a perfect moment for our school. Over recent months, LSA teams have delivered an outstanding run of results across football, hockey, netball, cricket and more. From tournament wins to regional finals and stand-out individual achievements, our students have shown ambition, resilience and teamwork in every fixture they’ve played. It feels only fitting that this commitment and success have been recognised at a borough-wide level.

The award celebrates schools that consistently champion sport, encourage participation and support young people to develop both their skills and character. At LSA, this is made possible by the hard work of our dedicated PE staff, coaches and volunteers, as well as the enthusiasm of our students who represent the school with pride week after week.

Headteacher and staff representatives attended the awards evening to receive the trophy, with judges praising the depth and breadth of sporting opportunities at LSA.

This is an achievement for our whole school community and a moment that reflects the passion, effort and belief shown by so many people.

A huge well done to every student who trains, competes, supports others and contributes to the brilliant sporting culture we have at LSA. We look forward to building on this success throughout the year.

I think that because I am a comprehensive schoolboy, with a chip on my shoulder about the unfairness of the English education system, I always assume that fee-paying schools are going to have advantages that those in the state system are always going to struggle to overcome. At LSA, I have found a school that is challenging this assumption. Increasingly our school is competing with, and beating, fee paying schools in a range of sports. Not only in football, which has traditionally been the sport of the state school, but in hockey, rugby and netball, sports that have often been bossed by the 7%.  We have been nominated for the Fylde Sports School of the Year and I hope that, given our continued excellence, we will bring home another much deserved trophy.

The fact is that, regardless of our success in sports, the fee-paying sector still supercharges success in life chances for young people. I have spent my life and career challenging this and LSA is a school with the potential to use its size, resources and experienced staff to give its young people the very same advantages garnered by those who pay. What is often missed in the debate on school inequality is that the best fee-paying schools instil discipline, routine and ambition in their students from the minute they enter the school. These expectations permeate the school's culture and make success an inevitable destination, not an uphill struggle. All young people deserve these opportunities and although there are reasons for state school often lagging behind, as our sporting success shows, there are no excuses. It is only when we all share the highest expectations of what our young people can achieve that these lofty ambitions can be met. Our sports teams have thrown down the gauntlet; we must all raise the bar.

Have a good weekend

A group of LSA students took part in an exciting MEGA digital skills event this week, where they explored cutting-edge technologies and took on a series of hands-on challenges in coding, robotics and problem solving.

Hosted by Blackpool and Fylde College, the MEGA event is part of Lancashire County Council’s wider initiative to boost digital skills and open career pathways in areas such as AI, cyber security, robotics and machine learning. The programme aims to inspire young people across the county through immersive, industry-informed activities designed by IN4 Group and leading technology partners.

During the event, students worked with block-code robotics, cracked digital puzzles, and collaborated in teams to complete STEM-based challenges. The experience gave them a taste of the fast-moving world of future technology — and a chance to see how these skills connect to real careers in the digital sector.

LSA students showed outstanding teamwork, creativity and resilience throughout the day, and we are delighted to share that one of our groups won the overall competition, proudly collecting their medals on stage in front of all participating schools.

The event was described by students as “exciting”, “a great challenge”, and “inspiring”, with many saying that trying new technologies has opened their eyes to potential career opportunities they had never considered before.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Blackpool and Fylde College for hosting such a fantastic day, and to the Lancashire MEGA initiative for providing these opportunities to young people across the region.

LSA is proud to continue giving students access to innovative enrichment activities that help build confidence, digital literacy and aspirations for the future.

LSA celebrated another brilliant Showcase Tuesday, highlighting the wide range of skills, passions and achievements across our school community.

Each week, Showcase Tuesday gives students and staff the chance to share something they’re proud of—whether it’s academic excellence, creative work, sporting success, leadership, or personal milestones. This week was no different, with a fantastic mix of stories that truly reflect our More Than Grades ethos.

From impressive pieces of classwork and outstanding homework projects, to sporting achievements and creative talents, students across all year groups were recognised for going above and beyond. Staff once again praised the positivity, effort and ambition shown by our young people.

Deputy Headteacher Mrs Donnelly said:
"Showcase Tuesday is one of the highlights of our week. It’s inspiring to see students taking pride in their achievements and celebrating the successes of others. Weeks like this remind us just how special our school community is."

Well done to everyone featured this week—and to all students continuing to work hard, challenge themselves and embrace every opportunity at LSA.

Our Year 9 students have taken an important step towards developing real-world life skills after successfully completing their Food Safety Certificates this week.

The qualification, delivered through their Food Technology lessons, teaches students essential knowledge about hygiene, safe food preparation, preventing contamination, and understanding how to store and handle food correctly. These are vital skills not only for achieving their GCSEs, but also for future part-time jobs, hospitality roles, and everyday life at home.

Teachers were extremely impressed with the maturity and effort shown throughout the course. Students demonstrated a strong understanding of the importance of food safety and worked hard to apply this knowledge in practical lessons.

A huge well done to all students involved. We’re proud to see our young people gaining valuable qualifications that set them up for success beyond the classroom.

 November is a particularly demanding month in schools. Mock exams, darkening evenings, illness and fatigue combine to make this month the annual marathon. This is also the month where tempers fray and the fragilities of the relationships between adults and the young people whom they serve sometimes become apparent. The lead up to Christmas brings some relief and by the time the end of the term comes November disappears under a deluge of mince pies and turkey. It is routine that gets you through November and we are working hard at developing those routines here. It is very much the focus of our work this year.

On Wednesday this week we had an unannounced fire drill. I am pleased to inform you all that it was excellent, our young people were silent, respectful and calm. To get 1700 young people and staff silent on a field while we practiced our procedures for emergency is no mean feat, and to see it done so well was a reassuring moment for me. We have come a long way in a short time, and I felt proud as I surveyed the field and watched our students walk silently and in single file back to their classrooms. In November, you take the small victories. I was proud to be LSA.

We’re incredibly proud to share that Amelia Kislitsyn has achieved an outstanding 1st place finish at the British Ice Skating Qualifier for Ice Dance and Solo Dance, held from 3rd to 5th November 2025.

Competing in the Advanced Novice Solo Ice Dance (Free Dance) category, Amelia represented Blackburn Ice Skating Club and delivered a superb performance, earning a total of 43.87 points to secure the top spot.

The event, hosted by British Ice Skating, brought together talented young skaters from across the country. Amelia’s performance stood out for its technical precision, artistry, and composure under pressure — a true testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport.

Her success highlights the incredible achievements of our students beyond the classroom, demonstrating what can be accomplished through commitment and determination.

Congratulations, Amelia, on this fantastic national success — we’re all so proud of you!

A huge congratulations to Henry R on an incredible achievement! ????

After a fantastic season representing Lancashire Cricket U15s, Henry has been awarded the prestigious title of Lancashire Boys Talent Pathway Player of the Year 2025. ????

This award recognises Henry’s outstanding performances, dedication, and continued development throughout the season. His hard work, attitude, and commitment to improvement have clearly impressed coaches and teammates alike.

We’re all extremely proud of Henry’s success and can’t wait to see what he achieves next as he continues his cricketing journey.

Well done, Henry — keep up the brilliant work!

Our brilliant LSA U16 Hockey team represented Fylde at the North West U16 Regional Tournament Finals in Manchester — and what a performance it was!

The tournament brought together county-winning teams from across the North West, all competing for the regional title. Despite facing tough opposition, our LSA team played with incredible skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the day.

After a series of fantastic matches, the team secured a well-deserved 3rd place finish ????, showcasing their talent and spirit on a regional stage.

A huge well done to everyone who took part — your effort, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm made us all proud.

And finally, a special mention for Player of the Tournament: Everyone! 

What an achievement, LSA! ????

I am going to use this blog to celebrate some of the wonderful achievements of the school in our first half term. Buoyed by GCSE examination results which placed us in the top 25% of schools nationally for attainment (a wonderful achievement for a non-selective comprehensive school) we have hit the ground running. The wonderful thing about life at LSA is that we celebrate and promote activities and achievements that go beyond the narrow confines of the National Curriculum or examination preparation. The PTFA have funded a new school stage that we will use to showcase the marvellous music and drama which we support so fully at the school. It will also, of course be the new stage for our annual LSA's Got Talent contest in the next half term. Our sporting teams continue to excel and in the last half term we hosted the Fylde and Wyre netball tournament. In early October we hosted a magnificent careers fair with over 25 employers represented. Finally, our 'More than Grades' offer continues to grow, with many clubs bursting at the seams. Our chess and crochet clubs continue to be amongst our most oversubscribed activities, proving the enduring allure of traditional games and crafts. Schools should be joyous places, and I am proud that LSA continues to promote activities that give students joy.

In the first term we have been tightening our expectations around student behaviour, uniform and truancy; this work will continue as these basic expectations help the learning of all students and ensure that young people are properly prepared for life beyond school. I'd like to thank the entire school community for their support. I'd also like to ask for all of your support with improving attendance this term. As the nights draw in and darkness envelopes us, it is easy to allow our young people the odd day off school. A day's learning missed is a day that cannot be replaced, so can we please keep pushing to continue our much-improved attendance through to Christmas. 

Our EAL students have been busy in the kitchen this week, creating some truly fabulous desserts! They made delicious chocolate mousses, topped with plenty of chocolate buttons for that extra touch of sweetness.

Everyone had a fantastic time mixing, tasting, and decorating their creations — and of course, enjoying the results afterwards! A big well done to all involved for their amazing teamwork and creativity. 

Lytham St Annes High School was proud to host this year’s Year 7 Wyre and Fylde Netball Tournament, welcoming 25 teams from 10 different schools across the region. The event was split into three divisions, providing plenty of competitive matches and giving every team the chance to shine.

The afternoon was filled with energy, teamwork, and great sportsmanship as players gave their all on the courts. Spectators were treated to some brilliant performances, with matches often decided by just a few goals — a real testament to the skill and determination of all involved.

Staff and organisers praised the students for their positive attitude and teamwork throughout the day. It was fantastic to see so many young people representing their schools and enjoying competitive sport in such a supportive environment.

A huge thank you goes to all participating schools, staff, and volunteers who helped make the tournament a success. Events like these highlight the importance of sport in bringing students together and celebrating effort, resilience, and fair play.

very week, Showcase Tuesday gives our students the chance to share something they’re truly proud of. During lunchtime, students take a few minutes (after enjoying their lunch first, of course!) to visit staff and show off a piece of work they’ve put real effort into.

It’s a simple but brilliant idea that celebrates hard work, creativity, and pride in learning. Each student who takes part receives a Freddo, a sticker on their work, and the option to have their photo featured on our social media pages – a lovely way to recognise their efforts.

Teachers always look forward to seeing the range of fantastic work students bring along, from thoughtful writing and impressive artwork to excellent problem-solving and class projects.

A huge well done to all the students who took part this week, and thank you to the staff who make Showcase Tuesday one of the highlights of our week at LSA!

This week I have been leading assemblies on Dignity with our students. I have been telling the remarkable story of Viktor Frankl, the Holocaust survivor who withstood horrendous traumas and emerged convinced that happiness and fulfilment could be found, even in the most traumatic circumstances, through service and purpose. Stories like Frankl's remind young people that regardless of their circumstances in life, the choice of path is their own, they can choose their own attitude and define their own success. What Frankl learnt in the concentration camps, I have observed in 30 years in education.

Being a teenager has always been a traumatic time. I brought up two teenagers and remember the frustrations and conflicts as they pushed up against the boundaries of adult life. Teenagers have an uncanny ability to invent their own versions of the truth, their brains are still plasticine, their emotions still regulating. They are often expert at trying to manipulate their environment, they should be doing this as they are also asserting their independence. I know from my experience of struggling with my teenage children that this was the period where our boundaries were challenged on a daily basis. Running a secondary school is much easier than being a parent.

 As we move forward through this academic year, we will be strengthening our boundaries at LSA, this will mean that our young people will test them, and we will need your support. A great secondary school educates and socialises, ensuring that its young people are knowledgeable, disciplined and ready for the harsh realities of the adult world. This is our service to them. Thank you all for your support during my first term, I hope that you understand that by setting boundaries at LSA I am helping you to withstand the challenges of bringing up teenagers. 

We’re delighted to introduce our new cohort of Wellbeing Ambassadors!

This week, they met for the first time to collect their stunning green ties, a symbol of their commitment to promoting mental health and wellbeing across our school community.

A huge well done to everyone who has signed up — we’re excited to see the positive impact they’ll make throughout this academic year. ????

Lytham St Annes High School was proud to host this year’s Year 8 Fylde & Wyre Netball Tournament, welcoming 11 teams from schools across the Fylde and Wyre area. The turnout was fantastic, with several schools even entering two teams — a brilliant sign of how popular and competitive school netball has become!

The tournament showcased outstanding levels of teamwork, determination and sportsmanship from every team involved. Matches were closely contested throughout, with players giving their all in a great display of local talent.

A huge thank you goes to all the schools who took part, the staff who supported and organised the event, and everyone who came along to cheer on the players.

Events like this continue to highlight the strength of school sport across our community — and the enthusiasm and passion our students bring to every competition.

This week’s Showcase Tuesday was our biggest yet, with over 160 students taking part! From music and drama to art, design, and sport, the event was a fantastic celebration of student talent, creativity, and confidence across all year groups.

A huge thank you to everyone who performed, presented, or helped make the afternoon such a success — your hard work and enthusiasm continue to make Showcase Tuesday one of the highlights of the week at LSA! 

On Tuesday we had a traffic accident next to the bus stop, at the front of the school. I can confirm to all at LSA that the young person, apart from some bumps and bruises is fine. Car accidents are every parent's worst nightmare, the feeling of dread that hits you in the pit of your stomach when you hear that your child might be hurt is truly sickening. This was my first crisis since starting at LSA and I was astounded by the inspiring way that staff, parents and the local community responded. You learn a lot about a school when something goes wrong, and what I learned is that we should all be proud to be LSA. I'd like to offer my thanks to staff, to parents and to bystanders, all of whom responded calmly, sensibly and compassionately. Our young people also did themselves proud, quickly dispersing and following instructions so that we could give care to the victim. Finally, I'd like to thank the emergency services who responded swiftly and professionally to a challenging context. Watching a helicopter land next to the school gave me great faith in the ability of our emergency services to do everything they can to save lives. 

We are made to believe by the media or on online forums that Britain is broken, that its communities are divided and that its public services don't work. Tuesday afternoon's incident shows you the truth; that communities come together, that our public services still work and that people are kind and good. 

Can I ask parents to not park in the yellow box area outside the school, this is designed for taxis only and for access in emergency, please also don't park on double yellow lines. Can I also ask parents not to drop students off in the school car park, this is often where accidents occur in schools. If you could pick up your children further away from the school building then, although a little less convenient, it minimises the chance of Tuesday ever happening again.

Last night, Lytham St Annes High School welcomed students, parents, and carers to our annual Careers Fair, an event designed to open doors to future opportunities and inspire the next generation of learners.

Over 25 Further and Higher Education providers, training organisations, and local employers joined us in the Sports Hall to share their expertise, advice, and insight into the world beyond school.

From universities and colleges to apprenticeship providers and local businesses, students were able to explore a diverse range of career pathways. Representatives from sectors including healthcare, childcare, engineering, law, business, and creative industries were on hand to answer questions and guide students towards exciting next steps.

There was a fantastic buzz throughout the evening as students engaged in conversations about their future ambitions and discovered new routes they may not have considered before.

Miss Gibbons, Careers Lead at LSA, said:

“It was brilliant to see so many of our students taking the time to explore their options and ask such thoughtful questions. Events like this really help them make informed decisions about their futures.”

We’d like to thank all the organisations who supported the event, including Preston College, Myerscough College, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, Victrex, Dudley Industries, Fylde Council, Lancaster University Management School, PGL, and many more, as well as our staff and student helpers who made the evening such a success.

At LSA, we’re committed to ensuring every student is future ready, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and ambition to take their next step — wherever it leads.

Artemis House have created a fantastic new noticeboard that truly celebrates everything they’ve achieved so far this year. The display is packed full of achievements, charity work, competitions and proud moments that reflect the incredible effort and enthusiasm of students across the house.

Highlights include raising over £1,580 for charities, donating 76 shoeboxes to those in need, and taking part in the Santa Dash for Cancer Research, which alone raised an impressive £1,067. Artemis students also organised an Easter Egg Hunt in support of the Neurosurgery Department at Royal Preston Hospital, raising an additional £342.50.

Beyond charity work, the board celebrates participation in sports competitions, Rocket League tournaments, and even Lytham’s Got Talent, showing the variety of ways Artemis students are getting involved in school life.

With the new academic year well underway and House Competitions beginning to heat up, Artemis have set the bar high for the rest of the houses. Their teamwork, creativity and commitment to the school’s values of Aspiration, Endeavour, Integrity and Respect are clear for all to see.

Well done, Artemis — a truly inspiring start to the year! ????????

Get ready for one of the biggest events of the school year — Lytham’s Got Talent 2026 is back!
Students from all six houses will take to the stage to showcase their incredible talents in singing, dancing, comedy, magic, and more.

Auditions will take place across two weeks, with each house holding its own competition to find the most talented performers to represent them in the Grand Final.

Audition Dates:

• Apollo: Monday 24th November

• Artemis: Tuesday 25th November

• Athena: Thursday 27th November

• Demeter: Monday 1st December

• Hermes: Tuesday 2nd December

• Prometheus: Thursday 4th December

The excitement will all build towards the Grand Final on Wednesday 11th February at 7pm, where the best acts from each house will compete for the ultimate title — Lytham’s Got Talent Champion 2026!

Who will steal the show this year? We can’t wait to find out! ????

Last night was our Year 6 Information Evening, which followed our full open evening in summer. It was a delight to see so many families in our school. There is so much to be proud of and so much for us to celebrate. In my first 5 weeks at the school, I have been amazed by the dedication of the staff here, at all levels their care for our young people is inspiring. It gave me great pride to talk about the huge array of trips, visits and extra-curricular activities that go on here; the opportunities that our young people get are unrivalled and this happens, not because our parents pay fees for education, but because our staff are so committed to offering the best. Behind every school are its unsung heroes and heroines: the cleaners who present the school so well, the welfare and catering staff that make lunch and break times work so effectively and the wide array of support staff who ensure that the LSA show happens. I'd like to offer you all my personal thanks and gratitude.

There is so much to be proud of, and I have been awed by how quickly our young people have responded to the challenge that I set them this term: uniform has improved immeasurably, corridors are an ocean of calm, and the beginnings of lessons are purposeful and structured. These are the building blocks of great schools and whilst some young people are still struggling to break bad habits, the vast majority have responded with aplomb. We will carry on working on basic standards because without them we are letting our school community down. After Christmas we will be driving punctuality to lessons, ensuring that no learning time is wasted; I have no doubt that the school will respond again to the challenge. Thank you all for your continued support, I am, more than ever, proud to be LSA!

LSA’s very own Mr Crompton is proving that talent, dedication and passion for sport last a lifetime. Just two weeks ago, he competed at the British Masters Championships in Derby, bringing home a bronze medal in the High Jump in his age group.

His achievements didn’t stop there – he also secured 5th place in the Pole Vault and came close to 4th place in the Discus, showing his all-round ability and determination to keep pushing himself at the highest level.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr Crompton shared how his love of high jump first began here at LSA. With the encouragement and support of former PE teacher Mr Story, he trained in the school gym and was inspired to compete. That guidance helped him go on to take part in three English Schools Championships, setting the foundations for a lifelong passion for athletics.

Mr Crompton’s story is a brilliant reminder of the lasting impact that teachers can have, and a true inspiration for our students today.

This week saw the start of our House Assemblies at LSA, where students gathered to hear about the exciting year ahead. Each assembly will focus on upcoming house events and remind students of the importance of representing their house through our core values of Aspiration, Endeavour, Integrity and Respect.

The first assembly was led by Apollo House, last year’s winners of the prestigious House Cup. House Leaders Mrs Gittings and Mr Lannigan took to the stage alongside the Apollo Senior Prefects, who proudly displayed the cup they worked so hard to win.

The assembly celebrated Apollo’s achievements from last year and encouraged students to look ahead with pride and determination. It also set the tone for the year, with all houses eager to make their mark in competitions, events, and daily school life.

Well done to Apollo for a fantastic start – we can’t wait to see how all the houses rise to the challenge this year!

As part of our More Than Grades initiative, this week we are celebrating the incredible success of Crochet Club. The club has quickly become one of the most popular extra-curricular activities at LSA, with so many students eager to get involved that it is now full until after the Christmas holidays.

It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and support our students have shown for this creative and relaxing activity. Crochet Club not only allows students to learn a new skill, but also provides a chance to spend time together in a calm and friendly environment.

A huge thank you goes to Mrs Cahill for her time and dedication in running the club and inspiring so many of our young people to give crochet a try.

Crochet Club is a fantastic example of how life at LSA extends well beyond the classroom, giving students opportunities to develop new skills, explore their creativity and be part of something special.

Every time I look in the mirror I am reminded, by the scar on my nose, of the car that knocked me off my bike when I was a teenager. My BMX Burner was left mangled on the curb, and I was left with a broken nose and two black eyes. There was a silver lining as when I arrived battered and bruised at college, I met my wife, who 33 years later is still taking pity on me.

I share this story to warn of the dangers of e-scooters, if 33 years ago I had been on one of them I fear that I may never have had the charmed life that I have enjoyed. Increasingly young people are using e-scooters as a form of transport in the local community and to and from school. I have had to ban their use as they are illegal In the UK, you can only ride a privately owned e-scooter on private land with the landowner's permission; it is illegal to use them on public roads, pavements, or in other public spaces as they are classed as motor vehicles but cannot currently be insured or registered. If we become aware of their use by our students, we will pass their details on to the Police. Can I thank you all for your support in this matter, as always, safety comes first. 

Grim Tales Challenge: 100 Words of Creativity

As part of this term’s enrichment opportunities, some of our students took on a special writing challenge: to create their very own Grim Tale in just 100 words.

The brief pushed their imaginations in new directions — exploring alternative endings to classic fairy tales, inventing anti-heroes, and crafting original stories with darker twists. The real test was condensing those big ideas into such a short format, which required focus, precision, and plenty of resilience.

Students worked on their stories both in school and in their own time at home, showing fantastic creativity and commitment. The results were gripping, thoughtful, and highly original.

A huge well done to everyone who took part — we are really proud of you!

Proud to be LSA.

This week marked the first Showcase Tuesday of the year – and what a start it was! We were blown away by the incredible response from our students, with over 300 submissions of work they were proud to share.

From creative writing and artwork to science projects and sporting achievements, the variety and quality of entries truly highlighted the talent, dedication and pride of our LSA community.

Showcase Tuesday isn’t just about recognition – it’s about celebrating the hard work and creativity of our students, giving them the chance to shine and inspire others. Each submission is a reminder of the ambition and spirit that make us proud to be LSA.

We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings as more students take the opportunity to showcase their achievements. A huge well done to everyone who took part this week!

Proud to be LSA.

This term, our students have begun their Form Time Reading sessions, setting aside dedicated time each day to enjoy a book together as a form group.

The initiative not only develops reading fluency and comprehension but also helps build a culture of shared learning across the school. Students are already engaging with a wide range of texts, sparking discussions, expanding vocabulary, and discovering new stories and ideas.

It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and focus during these sessions. Form Time Reading is becoming a valuable part of daily life at LSA, reminding us all of the importance and enjoyment of reading.

Proud to be LSA.

As I come to the end of my third week at LSA, I have found myself overwhelmed by the support of staff, students and the local community. The young people at LSA are the politest I have met in my career. This is a community that cherishes and nurtures a core British value: good manners. This really is a defining characteristic of the school and the community, and having grown up south of Watford I appreciate it fully. Communication on the tube trains and buses of London was usually a grunt or a tut, and if you smiled at people, you feared that pepper spray was only seconds from hitting your eyes.

One of the contradictions of modern Britain is that the politeness and gentility of our good manners are often starkly at odds with the reactive crudity of our online communication. I admit to being a social media Luddite, probably the last of a generation of people who wrote emails, letters and memos. I am well used to being the target of online debate (and indeed abuse) and I am largely impervious to it, being old and offline; young people, however, are not. What we, as adults, post, we model, and what we model becomes culture. If our online communications matched the good manners of our Northern hospitality, then the world could only be a better place.

The Online Safety Bill came into law nearly two years ago now, with the aim to protect children from the devastating impact of uncensored access to the internet's darkest recesses. Whatever the debates on free speech, it is up to us, as the adults in the room, to support our young people to be safe, remain safe and try to enjoy childhood. I remain proud, as ever, to be at LSA.

We were delighted to welcome representatives from Blackpool Sixth into school this week to speak with our Year 11 students about the exciting opportunities available at their Sixth Form.

Students gained valuable insights into the courses, enrichment activities and pathways on offer, helping them to make informed choices about their next steps after LSA.

A big thank you to Blackpool Sixth for taking the time to visit us and support our students as they prepare for this important stage in their education.

Our new Year 7 students have been settling brilliantly into life at LSA, taking part in their very first English lessons this week. It has been fantastic to see them engaging so positively with their reading and exploring new books in class.

The enthusiasm hasn’t stopped there — the library has been buzzing with eager readers making the most of our wide selection of books. It’s wonderful to see so many of our new students already developing a real love for reading.

Lytham St Annes High School is hosting a Year 6 Information Evening on Thursday 2nd October 2025 from 4:30pm until 6:30pm.

Building on the success of the school’s full Open Evening in June, this event is aimed specifically at current Year 6 families. It will provide another opportunity for parents and carers to find out more about life at LSA High School.

The Information Evening is open to those who were unable to attend in June, as well as families who would like to gain further insight before making decisions about secondary school.

The school looks forward to welcoming Year 6 pupils and their families to explore what LSA has to offer.

???? Albany Rd, Lytham Saint Annes, FY8 4GD

Last week I spoke to students about the importance of good attendance and punctuality to school. I remember well the feeling I had in March 2020 when the government announced national school lockdowns. After the initial drive to organise staff and students I was left with a profound feeling of doom and anxiety. For 25 years I had been part of a period of sharp improvement in British education, attendance had improved across the system and targeted funding, and support had done much to reduce achievement and attainment gaps between the haves and the have nots. Tough though it had been, progress had been made. I knew that once we sent home our young people for a prolonged period of time the tear in the social fabric would affect those young people for whom school provided sanctuary and certainty. When the pubs reopened before the schools, my sense of despair was compounded.

This week a report from the Centre for Social Justice examines the profound effect on attendance that has followed the pandemic. Parental attitudes to schools and a general breach of the social contract have loosened the tight bonds that bound our society together. Schools are miraculous places, and British education has one of the best systems in the world. Imperfect though we always are, the best place for our children is at school. The routine, social norms and knowledge delivered in an effective school are life changing and build a better society. We need your support to change this decline in attendance and to support us to improve lives and to rebuild the contract between schools and parents. We will not always get it right, but we will learn together how to reestablish the norms that make a better world. Thank you all for your support in my first two weeks at the school.

Have a great weekend!

The first Chess Club of the year took place this week, with a strong turnout from new Year 7 students eager to get involved.

The club runs every Thursday in the ACC and welcomes students from all year groups.

Staff thanked everyone who attended and encouraged any students interested to come along next week.

#MoreThanGrades

A brand-new stage has been installed in the school hall, providing a fantastic space for performances and events.

The stage was funded by our brilliant PTFA, whose continued support helps us to improve opportunities and experiences for our students.

We look forward to seeing the stage in use at upcoming performances.

Our Year 7 students have been busy learning how to use the school library system.

As part of their introduction, they explored how to find books, borrow them, and make the most of the wide range of resources on offer.

This induction will help students feel confident using the library throughout their time at LSA.

In the spirit of improved communication, I will write a headteacher's blog every week this year to help you all get an insight into school life at LSA. I'd like to thank staff, students and parents for their support during my first week at school. It has been excellent. Being a headteacher is not for the faint hearted and you have to have the hide of a rhinoceros, nerves of steel and not let anything distract you from the job of school improvement.

Being a headteacher is a balancing act, you are continually weighing the needs of the individual up against the needs of the school community. When your school community consists of 1800 staff and students this is indeed a perilous balancing act. Every decision I make is informed by experience and common sense and you will have to believe me when I say that there was widespread misuse of school toilets, leading to internal truancy and regular vandalism. My job is to create safety, security and to ensure that young people arrive at their lessons on time and stay for their duration. We of course understand that there are individuals for whom concessions should be made, we will make these concessions. 

As for uniform, young people will often say that uniform doesn't affect their education, this is an understandable sentiment but doesn't really express what uniform is for. Excellent uniform ensures that the unfair divisions of income, upbringing and social class that plague British society remain hidden. There is uniformity. It is also an expression of school pride, excellent schools have excellent uniform standards, it is as simple as that. If parents need any support with uniform, contact us and we will help. Rest assured that everything that I aim to do will be for the long-term benefit of this school. I am a public servant and therefore I am always bound to do what is right, please trust me.

I am proud to be LSA and grateful to be part of this community.

Have a great weekend.

Today we were delighted to welcome our new Year 7 students for their very first day at LSA. The start of secondary school is always such an exciting milestone, and it has been wonderful to see how quickly this year group has settled in.

Here are just some of the things they have been up to today: they had their school photos taken, met their form tutors, listened to a welcome talk from our Headteacher, and were introduced to our library team. Most importantly, they have already started making new friends and becoming part of our school community.

We are really looking forward to the next five years of guiding, supporting and celebrating this amazing group of students as they grow and flourish at LSA.

We are celebrating an incredible set of results for our Class of 2025, who have achieved the best grades and attainment in our school’s history.

This year’s outcomes have surpassed pre-Covid 2019 figures, with more students than ever before securing grade 7 and above in their examinations.

We are especially proud of the significant progress made in core subjects. We saw a 12% increase in students achieving grade 4+ in both English and maths, and the same percentage increase for those achieving grade 5+ in both English and maths.

We are so proud of our students for their dedication and determination, and it has been a privilege to see them rewarded for all their hard work.

As our Class of 2025 move on to their next steps in further education, apprenticeships and new opportunities, we wish them every success. You will be missed!

We’re excited to reveal our brand new house flags at Lytham St Annes High School – designed by our very own students!

Earlier this term, students were invited to take part in a "Design Your House Flag" competition. The winning designs have now been turned into full-size flags and will represent Athena, Demeter, Hermes, Poseidon, Prometheus and Zeus at school events like Sports Day and inter-house competitions.

The flags were proudly flown for the first time during Sports Day, bringing a fresh sense of identity and pride to each race. They reflect the creativity, effort and individuality of our students – and they look fantastic!

A huge thank you to everyone who entered the competition, and congratulations to the winning designers. Your artwork will now be a lasting part of LSA.

Flags can be seen below:

This year’s Sports Day was one to remember at Lytham St Annes High School – full of energy, determination and house pride from start to finish.

Students from all year groups gave it their all across a packed schedule of events, from sprint races and relays to long jump and javelin. The new house flags were on full display, flying proudly throughout the day and adding even more colour and spirit to the competition.

There were some standout performances, including a lightning-fast 100m sprint from a Year 7 student, clocking an incredible 12.7 seconds! The day ended in dramatic style, with the overall winner decided in the final relay – a photo finish that saw Demeter House take the crown.

A huge well done to every student who took part, cheered from the sidelines, or supported their team. And a massive thank you to all the staff who made the day possible, especially our incredible PE department and house leaders.

Our Year 11 students celebrated the end of their time at Lytham St Annes High School in style at this year’s prom – a night filled with laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories.

Held at the beautiful Village Hotel, in Blackpool. The evening was a chance for students to dress up, celebrate their journey, and enjoy one final evening together before moving on to their next chapter. From smart suits and elegant dresses to creative arrivals and a packed dancefloor, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish.

There were plenty of photo opportunities, heartfelt speeches, and even a few emotional goodbyes – all marking the end of an incredible five-year journey.

We’re so proud of the Class of 2025. You’ve shown resilience, kindness and character throughout your time at LSA – and we can’t wait to see what you do next.

Thank you to all the staff who helped make the evening so special. Prom 2025 – you did not disappoint!

This week marked an important milestone for our current Year 10 students as they officially stepped into their new roles as the senior year group at LSA.

With our current Year 11s finishing their time at LSA, the Year 10s were presented with their burgundy ties — a symbol of leadership, responsibility, and the journey ahead as they prepare to lead the school in their final year.

We also proudly announced our new Head Prefects, Deputy Head Prefects, and House Prefects for each of our school houses. These students were chosen for their leadership potential, positive attitude, and commitment to the values of our school community.

We’re incredibly proud of everyone who applied and put themselves forward. The standard of applications and interviews was outstanding, and it was fantastic to see so many students willing to take on a leadership role.

A huge congratulations to all those selected — we trust you to make a real difference across the school and help shape the year ahead with energy, integrity and ambition.

You can view photos of each of the newly appointed prefect teams from our six school houses below.

On the last day of the school year, just after the emotional and inspiring leavers assembly, our Year 11 Art students took part in a very special Art Gallery Day in Manchester. This trip was a celebration of creativity and an opportunity for our students to explore the city’s vibrant art and design scene firsthand.

Our journey began at the Whitworth Art Gallery, where students took part in a drawing workshop and explored a wide variety of exhibitions showcasing both traditional and contemporary works. It was a great chance for them to reflect on different styles, cultures, and artistic expressions, sparking new ideas and perspectives.

Next, we visited the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University. This was a real highlight for many of our aspiring artists and digital creatives. The students were given insight into modern media production, animation, gaming, and film. Seeing how creative industries work at a professional level inspired conversations about future careers and university pathways.

We ended the day at the Manchester Art Gallery, where students had the chance to explore an incredible collection of historical and modern art. They particularly enjoyed the interactive exhibits and the opportunity to engage with the gallery spaces independently, applying what they’ve learned in class to the artworks around them.

This trip was more than just a day out – it was a meaningful and enriching experience. It gave our students a deeper appreciation of the arts and a glimpse into how creativity can shape their futures. We’re proud of how they represented the school and excited to see where their talents will take them next.

Well done, Year 11 – what a fantastic way to end your time with us at LSA! 

Today marked the final day in school for our incredible Year 11 students, and we celebrated the occasion with the much-loved tradition of shirt signing.

The atmosphere was filled with emotion as students spent their last moments together writing messages, sharing memories, and saying their goodbyes. Shirts were covered in signatures, well-wishes, and the names of friends and teachers who have been part of their journey at LSA.

It was a joyful yet reflective moment — a chance to look back on their time at school, celebrate their achievements, and look ahead to the bright futures that await them.

We’re proud of everything this year group has accomplished and how they’ve grown into mature, kind, and driven young people.

To all of our Year 11s: thank you for the energy and personality you’ve brought to LSA. We wish you all the very best in the next chapter of your lives.

We welcomed another great turnout for Showcase Friday this week, with plenty of visitors coming along to see the brilliant work happening across school. Students once again had the opportunity to share what they’ve been learning and working on, with displays and activities set up in various departments.

Showcase Friday continues to be a fantastic opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills, talents and progress to both staff and visitors. A huge well done to all the students and staff involved for helping make it another successful and busy event!

We are planning on taking LSA students on a visit to The Wimbledon Tennis Championships in July 2026. This visit will give your child the opportunity to experience this historic and prestigious grand slam tennis tournament as well as taking in some of the sights of our Capital City, London. The visit is open to all students in current y7-y9, however places are limited and are given on a first come first serve basis, students behaviour record will be taken into consideration before the deposit is accepted. The arrangements for this visit are in the letter attached:

We’re delighted to share that tickets for the Year 11 Prom are now available to purchase via ParentPay for £39.

This year’s prom will take place on Monday 1st July and promises to be a fantastic evening of celebration, marking the end of an incredible journey for our Year 11 students. It’s a chance for students to dress up, dance, and make lasting memories with friends and staff.

Tickets are on sale now, and we are asking for final numbers as soon as possible to help with planning. If your child wishes to attend, please make sure their ticket is purchased promptly.

Parents and carers are also reminded to regularly check Synergy for updates and additional information regarding the event.

We can’t wait to celebrate with our wonderful Year 11s and give them the send-off they truly deserve!

This week, our entire Year 10 cohort took part in an important Personal Development morning focused on alcohol safety, drug awareness, and violence prevention. The event forms part of our statutory PSHE curriculum and is designed to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices as they move through their teenage years.

Throughout the morning, students rotated through three impactful sessions delivered by external specialists:

• Alcohol Awareness
  This session explored what a unit of alcohol is, the potential risks of drinking, and how to stay safe in social settings. A simulated nightclub experience helped students understand how to manage peer pressure and look after themselves and others when out in public.

• Every Action Has Consequences
  A powerful and emotional session centred on the ripple effects of violence, encouraging students to consider the long-term impact of their actions and adopt a mindset rooted in respect and non-violence.

• Amy Winehouse Foundation
  This workshop focused on drug abuse, addiction, and recovery. Delivered with honesty and compassion, it encouraged students to consider the importance of mental health, making positive choices, and living a healthy lifestyle.

At LSA, we believe it’s vital to have open, age-appropriate conversations about these real-life issues before students are likely to encounter them. By addressing these topics early in a safe and supportive environment, we aim to help students make thoughtful, informed decisions and develop lifelong resilience.

The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are proud of the maturity and respect they showed during the sessions.

We would like to thank the Amy Winehouse Foundation, Every Action Has Consequences, and Talk About Trust for delivering such powerful and engaging sessions — and to our staff for supporting this important morning.

Students from Lytham St Annes High School have successfully completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition – and returned with more than just new skills and memories.

Over the course of several days, students trekked across the stunning Yorkshire Dales, carrying full packs, navigating routes, pitching tents, and cooking meals as part of the nationally recognised DofE Award. But it wasn’t just their performance during the challenge that stood out – it was their character.

While out walking near Linton and Malham, the students were spotted by a retired Headteacher, Ofsted Inspector and Department for Education Advisor, who was so impressed by their conduct that he took the time to write to the school.

In his message, he described how both the boys' and girls' groups approached with politeness, warmth and respectful greetings, and demonstrated clear teamwork and mutual support. He praised them as “a credit to your school,” commenting on how they fully engaged in the challenge and represented LSA in the best possible way.

This heartfelt feedback has filled the school community with pride. Our students showed resilience, maturity and kindness – setting a shining example of what it means to be part of Team LSA.

Congratulations to everyone involved!