Another school year draws to a close and as I reflect on all that has been accomplished, I marvel at how busy a school is both in and outside the classroom. 

The term has been dominated by both public and internal exams and our students have responded with impeccable behaviour and a committed and resilient attitude. Year 11 Prom and Graduation were wonderful events filled with joy and laughter and Year 13 enjoyed a sophisticated evening of celebration at Hintlesham Hall. We wish them all every success in their future endeavours and thank our staff who have worked incredibly hard in ensuring that students were prepared for their exams and that the exams ran smoothly and efficiently. 

We now look forward to the many end of term events: the summer concert, sports awards evening, the performing arts exhibition, Race for Life, sports day, transition week and our end of term assembly. We are so fortunate to be part of a thriving and busy community which allows students to achieve their excellence both inside and outside the classroom. 

This is illustrated through our recent Arts Mark Platinum Award. We achieved this for the fourth time, and we are the only school in the country to do so. We have also been made a flagship school, the first secondary school in the East of England, for our continued commitment to inclusivity. The IQM report recognised that our motto ‘excellence for each for all’ is more than just words and we are incredibly proud of this.

To quote from the report: 

  • “Importantly, the drive for inclusion is not confined to one department or team. Staff across the schoolteachers, support staff, and leaders—are aligned in their commitment.
     
  • In practice, support for disadvantaged students at Thomas Gainsborough is holistic and responsive. Leaders and staff understand that practical barriers must be addressed before academic potential can be fully realised. 
     
  • Thomas Gainsborough School continues to go above and beyond in its mission to ensure no student is left behind.
     
  • One outstanding initiative that deserves recognition is the school’s promotion of a “Sense of Belonging.” This powerful approach aims to ensure that all students feel connected to the school community and recognised as individuals.
     
  • Thomas Gainsborough School continues to build on its strong foundations in SEND provision, placing the needs of all learners at the centre of its practice. The school’s commitment to inclusion is not merely theoretical—it is woven into daily interactions, curriculum design, and the strategic direction of the whole school community.”

This can only by achieved through a shared vision, commitment and hard work from all staff and governors. 

September 2025 will see the start of a new and exciting era at TGS. A few staff are leaving, and I wish to acknowledge and thank them for all their hard work. A particular mention to Alison Hunt (Student Services Manager) and Nicola Wilby (Assistant Headteacher and SENCo) who are retiring. They have both been instrumental to the school for over ten years and they have impacted on so many of our students and their families through their determination, empathy, and kindness. I would also like to congratulate Christian Appleford who has been appointed Head of school and the Ramsey Academy from September. I know that he will be an enormous success. He has had a significant impact on TGS, and I thank him for all that he has accomplished. All three colleagues will be missed but I know that under the leadership of our new Headteacher that the school will continue to thrive and achieve even more. 

On a personal note, I would like to put on the record that being part of the TGS community has been a privilege and an honour. When I arrived 12 years ago, I could not have foreseen the journey that the school was going to go on and I have been incredibly proud to have been part of it. TGS is a special place, and I thank the governors for their support throughout the years and for entrusting me to lead the school. Your support of our school is vital and makes such a difference. 

As I look forward to my retirement, I wish you all continued success and happiness and believe that the quote from the IQM report encapsulates our school and everything that I stand for. 

“From the moment you enter the school grounds, it is evident that TGS is a place where students and staff alike take immense pride in their environment. The school benefits from a spacious and welcoming physical setting, with well-maintained facilities that reflect the school’s ethos of care and high standards. Students are visibly proud of their school, and this pride is reflected in their conduct, their engagement in learning, and the way they interact with each other and visitors. There is a calm, purposeful atmosphere throughout the school, underpinned by respectful relationships and a shared commitment to collective success.
 

Inclusion is not treated as a separate policy or initiative at TGS; rather, it is fully embedded in every aspect of the school’s work. This begins with leadership, where senior leaders set a clear, values-driven direction that prioritises the holistic development of every child. The Headteacher and senior leadership team speak passionately about inclusion not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic driver of school improvement. The school’s leadership is visionary, empathetic, and responsive, ensuring that inclusive values are lived out daily across classrooms, corridors, and wider school life.” 

Best wishes 

Helen Yapp 

July 2025